<prompt> Human: 30 yo 11k savings 7k emergency fund 1.1k in checking 7k in Roth IRA I think Just accepted job offer, 47k salary. I probably wont start working for a month so minus one months expenses expected before 1st paycheck---Car was totaled while parked a few months ago, now sharing car with gf. New job in new city and the car-sharing probably wont work now. So.Rough Expenses Rent: 600 Student Loan payment: 500 30k debt Groceries Restaurants: 250 Health Insurance: 100 Utilities: 100 Gas: 50 split Credit Card: 150I was initially looking for a 2-3k beater car as I didnt think I would get any money after the wreck. However I ended up receiving 3k in restitution for my 2004 Civic. So I bumped my range up to around 4-5k. Nearly every single car I have seen in this range has been sketchy, and Im not sure if this is because I am inexperienced in buying used cars. But Im feeling like I might spend 6-7k to get a well-taken-care-of or CPO car to assuage my anxiety. I would probably finance 50 of this just to not kill my emergency fund in one purchase. Im just not sure if Im succumbing to lifestyle inflation in thinking that I can justify a 6-7k car, or if its a responsible purchase that is well within my means.If it helps, I have been looking at compact hatchbacks like a Toyota MatrixPriusYaris, Mazda3, Honda Fit, although Im leaning toward a Mazda3 as it seems like a more enjoyable ride 30 minute commute one way now.Any tips appreciated.Assistant: Given your numbers, I dont think it is unreasonable to buy a 7500 car, but please pay cash for it. Dont take out any more debt, you need to knock out those student loans ASAP. I bought a nine year old Nissan Versa with 75K miles on it for 5K at a big car dealership. You should be able to get a decent hatchback for 7500. Human: Not even if I get a good rate? I have pretty good credit.  <response>: Why pay interest? Plus you dont have title until it is all paid off. 