<prompt> Human: Im 23 and live with my parents. Over a year ago I totaled our one family car. Losing the car has been a huge strain on the family. We live in an area where its possible to get by without a car but its still a strain. We spend a lot of time and money on busses and cabs. I recently got a job and want to put all my income into saving up for a car. During this time my parents will continue to support me financially so I can save up, spending only a bit to get to and from work and to attend a few social engagements i.e have a life on a budget. Notes: 1 my parents are in their mid 60s and their income comes from dad working and mom getting Social Security. My dad is retiring next year. They were terrible with finances in the past and are trying to file for bankruptcy. They probably qualify but still need to finish paying the lawyer. 2 Im 35,000 in student loan and credit card debt. My mom pays the payments for now.Is a budget of 5,000 a good idea? Ideally the car would last us 7-10 years.How do I know the car will be alright and not a flood or recall car? Do I need a mechanic to inspect it? I have no idea what Im doing. Is this even a good idea?  <response>: Dont buy a car from a dealership. Buy it from a private owner. Youll get a better deal. Give up on the idea of an honest salesperson or reputable used car lot. If its not warranties plan on a large repair in the first year. If you really want a good deal do what I do put an add in craigslist and be willing to field about a dozen calls from people with Junkers over the next 3 days. Ask the probing questions that you need to and feel free to add 100 or 200 to your offer price over what others are promising in your area. You dont need to get them as desperately cheap as the guys who are flippingjunking them. Youre looking for a car where everything else works but the transmission is blown or some other repair needs to be done. NOT the engine. THE ENGINE NEEDS TO WORK. If the engine works you can test the other systems all the bellsand whistles does the trunk pop AC heat does the hood latch dashboard dials and such etc.etc. If the motor and battery are good you can tell a lot about the car. Cars with good everything that would otherwise sell for 2500-8000 regularly go for 300-1000 if the transmission is out because the owner cannot afford the repair. Unfortunate on their part but capitalizing on this misfortune will pay off cause you are unlikely to remember their faces or names but will get a great deal on a car with a good used transmission. Notes: you will spend more on the parts and labor for the repair than on the car itself. This feels weird to some people. Its better if you talk to a mechanic beforehand to get an idea what his labor will be and what is available at your local junk lot. Be aware that common cars are a better option its a lot easier to find a transmission for an accord then a Peugeot. I have never made a payment on a car and Ive never had full coverage either everyday I risk 2-5000 in equity on both my cars but in 14 years have not been in an accident so its paying off for sure. 