<prompt> Human: Im a 24 year old college graduate looking to buy my first car. Im not looking for any advice on what to buy. Im a car enthusiast, so that much I can figure out myself. Im looking for advice on how much I can realistically afford to pay. Im extremely fortunate in that my college was paid for. I have no debt whatsoever. I reliable make 450 a week and have approximately 16k in savings. Although Im not making an impressive amount, for the purpose of this discussion, its safe to assume that my job is secure and that Ill continue making at least that much for the next year and a half. I say that because I do plan on attending graduate school which, fortunately, Ill once again have help with financially. I like to think Im fairly responsible with my money. I wont lie, Im not the most well versed in terms of how to make my money work for me, but I try not to spend frivolously. I go out with friends once a week, if that, and try to buy only what I need, so lets also assume for the purposes of this discussion that I save at least 75 of what I make with my biggest expenses being travel and food. I believe Im being conservative with that number, but Id rather be conservative. I drive about 17k miles a year and spend probably 40-50 a week to feed myself. As I said, Im looking to buy a car for myself. I cant use my parents car forever and Im lucky theyve let me use it this long. Im sure Im not giving anywhere near enough information for an answer to this question, but as this is my first car, Im a bit naive as to what information you need to determine how much this could cost in terms of insurance and the like. Id be happy to answer any questions necessary in order to help you all make a determination.Thank you for the help.  <response>: Im sure Im not giving anywhere near enough information for an answer to this question,I think you actually did give me enough information. I drive about 17k miles a year I reliably make 450 a week plan on attending graduate school So you drive a lot and your income is such that a car is a significant expense. And youre expecting to have less income a year from now. approximately 16k in savingsWhat this says is you can afford to buy a reliable used car outright.I think whats important for you is 1. not going into debt2. not draining your bank account too much.3. Low insurance payment.4. Low cost per mile1.You probably should buy a used car outright and spent total no more than half your current savings or 8k. So probably should look at cars between 5k and 7k. With an extra 1 going to taxes, registration, misc repairs, etc.1 1400 miles a month at 50 cents a mile is 700mo. 