<prompt> Human: So I just landed a job in computer programming, making 40k yeah!, started about three months ago and I just need some advice. Ive never bought a car, never taken out a loan, dont have much credit to speak of, not even sure what my actual monthly expenses are at this point.I am in the Air Force Reserves, have insurance for my 02 Corolla through USAA, and Ive heard they do financing, but I was turned down for the 20k I asked for. The dealership I talked to is eager to finance me for a 60 or 66 month loan, but they havent given me a quote on my interest rate yet. Will update when I hear back. They did say itll be around 350mo, more or less depending on what I put down. I kinda dont want to put anything down.Is there anything you guys wish you would have known before buying your first car? Im overwhelmed by this and I just want the best bang for my buck.Assistant: Buying a car that costs almost half your gross income in a year is a terrible idea. Financing for 60 or 66 months is a terrible idea.Human: Okay, pretty helpful. Do you have a more realistic price I should be looking for, or a ballpark for how long financing should last?Assistant: You should buy what you can afford to pay for in cash. Then if you can get a very low interest rate and prefer to finance, then consider it since you can pay in cash.If you absolutely insist on financing, 20104. Minimum 20 down payment, all car expenses payment, insurance, gas, maintenance should be less than 10 of your take home, finance for no more than 4 years.Why do you need a new car anyway?Human: To attract women, mainly. I have about a grand or two in the bank, so the most I could afford today would be... repairs on my beater.Doing the math here, youre saying I shouldnt buy anything that costs more than 4k? I could afford 800, the total cost would be about 10 of my pay, and I guess I could do a 4 yr payment plan.  <response>: This is a terrible reason to buy a new car. If your current car works, use it instead. Women like people who are financially responsible, not people who have a 16k car. 