I am a welder, and I will be the first to admit that you get what you pay for when it comes to welders!. It is not a cheap thing to get into... If you are just welding every once in a while then the tig eastwood will be fine. I wouldn't go any cheaper than that (There prices are already pretty low for what you get)... If you want something that will run forever, perform well, and look good in your garage then I would suggest saving for a Miller Diversion 180 (The 165 doesn't come with a foot pedal).. It is perfect for aluminum and stainless, and it puts out just the right amount of amps and volts for automotive fabrication. Pick up a bottle of argon with this and start burning rods!.. but what was stated by Ginger is right though. If you get a cheaper machine it is a safe bet you will spend $200 or more upgrading all the cheap parts on it.

Double check all your coolant and oil lines....., before you take off and see a cloud of smoke behind you!