<prompt> Human: I need to buy a new car before winter, but preferably earlier, since my current car is running out of steam fast. I just moved up to a new job in a new state after graduating about 6 weeks ago, so I dont have a great idea of my budget yet. How can I estimate the amount I can afford to spend? How much needs to be put down Ive heard several conflicting views? And how long should I expect to be paying it off? Thanks!Edit: Thanks guys! So many good suggestions. I have a much better idea now of how to go about this and what to consider. Hopefully, I wont have to do this again for a long time! Assistant: Since you are just starting out after graduation, Id really try to persuade you to save up and buy an older car in cash. Starting life out with a car payment, in addition to moving expenses and whatever else you have going on student loans? can get pretty limiting.How much could you pull together by the time you need to buy a car?Human: No student loans, never been in debt, good paying job, and no other major expenses, besides the usual rent, insurance, etc. This would be my only other big expense after rent. Getting a car loan, I could comfortably put down 4000 without touching the rainy day savings.  <response>: I think you should be able to find a decent car in the 10-15k dollar range. Use your 4k downpayment, and a 3 year loan will be a pretty low payment. 