<prompt> Human: First time posting here, so thank you in advance for reading this. Its a decision thats been weighing heavily on my mind and Im still a beginner when it comes to thinking smart about my finances. I need to decide whether or not it is wise for me to invest in buying my first car. Heres the situationMe:-full-time college student, 21, about 13G in loans private and federal-Tuition is about 7,000year on financial aid-Will be working full time during summer at a job thats 15hour-Completely financially independent cut off from parents-The only bills I pay currently are my cell phone 50monthSummer housing situation: I saved up 2,000 so my rent for the summer will be taken care of. For the next school year, I will pay our of pocket or take out another loan for tuitionThis leaves me with a surplus of 2,000 left over from my taxes, plus the ability to save money freely during the summer--about 500month.Recently Ive been looking at used cars that are about 1000 or cheaper for a first car that would last me about 2-3 years until Im making real money after graduation hopefully. I estimate it will take another 300 or so to get it on the road, and insurance for me could be quite costly the quote estimates about 160month, but that could be a lot lower than reality.I would like a car because its hard to be independent when you rely on the bustrain constantly groceries, getting from point A to B in general, etc. You understand the convenience. Additionally any sales tax Im accountable for would be wiped out by my education credits next year.But there are always others things I could spend the money on: Paying off interest in my loans, or working my ass off to pay tuition so I have less debt in the end. I cant tell if I just want a car for a reward, or if its a healthy decision for me. I also cant really estimate the amount of future expenses it would cause me, either. And yet Im so tired of working for things that dont really gratify me. Any general advice?  <response>: First of all: A car is never an investment unless it directly helps you make money e.g. you have to drive your clients around, or youre delivering pizza.That said, you said youre in college. Can you get rides with someone who has cars to get groceries? Its not as convenient, but it would save you money.A 1000 car is going to need work on it sooner or later. You should budget for car maintenance repairs, tires, brakes, oil change, etc insurance which would be expensive if youre male and under 25 fuel parking. Figure out how much that is, over the 2 or 3 years that you plan to keep it. Then add on the 7 interest that you would be saving if you put it toward student loans. How much is that?Is it really worth that much more? How about per month? Id almost rather spend more on housing than on owning a car. Maybe you can live closer to the universitygrocery storewherever people are. 