<prompt> Human: I recently graduated college and got an okay job making 52K a year Entry-Level approximately 2000 gross bi-weekly. The position is about 30 minutes away. I currently own a 99 Honda Civic that I bought when I was 18 and needless to say it is on its way out and I know my new commute wont help.I have no debt, about 10k in savings, I will be putting 10 of my salary to my 401k, and I still live home hoping to move out in a year or two.I am not sure how much car I can afford. After taxes and 401k, I am estimating I will have 1,300 take home pay. I was hoping to get a truck but they are way too expensive, so I am looking at SUVs now. So far, a Subaru Forester seems the likely candidate reliable, good mpg ect.The question is can I afford a 20,000 price tag with 5k down?I was hoping someone who has been in a similar position can give me a bit of advice.EDIT: Thanks everybody. This is the best subreddit on this site. I am going to ride the wheels off my car and save a bit more and try to buy something cash.Assistant: Buy a car cash for under 10k. I know Im not very fun. When you say your car is on the way out, how much have you spent on it in repairs in the last 3 yearsHuman: Replaced exhaust - 300, Wheel alignment new tires - 500, in the past 6 months, I also need motor mounts and a new radiator that I am holding off on. The car isnt worth more than 1000 at this point.Assistant: None of that stuff is a giant deal well, maybe the radiator and is regular maintenance. Its the kind of stuff you should expect to have to fix on an old car, not a sign of the car dying.Human: You really think so? Even if I am pumping in more money than it is worth?  <response>: Lets say you milk the car for another year, you could easily have another 5k in the bank. If it craps out then sell it as is for a few hundred and then buy your car. 