<prompt> Human: My 9 year old Cobalt has reached the point where the cost of maintenance is starting to be higher than the cost of a new car payment. Last month I spent 470 on repairs to pass inspection and was told Im very soon going to need new tires and new airlines or something. The service lady even phrased it as If you decide to keep it, youre going to need... The clear coat is starting to go, and yesterday the radio started doing some strange stuff as well. I love the old gal, but I think its time we say our goodbyes. It wasnt until about year 7 that I started having problems, but the maintenance is definitely outweighing the benefit of not having a car payment. Based on an Edmunds estimate, my Fair vehicle trade-in value is about 2,800. Ive already been pre-approved for an 18,000 loan, and my credit union currently has a 2.49 rate for 37-60 months, 2.99 for 61-84 months. Im looking to purchase a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze next, certified pre-owned. Right now I have 500 saved in a SmartyPig account. With payday tomorrow I can have at least a 750 deposit. Is it possible to talk a 17,000 price down to 13,000? To talk a dealer into a higher trade-in value on a car? This is the 6th car well have bought from this dealer, and I know my parents have talked them down before. They were paying cash though, and I wont be. I have a savings bond that is reaching maturity this month that will be around 1,100 when I cash it in. Should I cash in the savings bond and use it as part of the downpayment on a car? Should I put it into a CD instead? Use half for a deposit and put half into a cd?This is the first car Im buying entirely on my own, and Ill admit its a lot less intimidating when you know your dad is covering the downpayment...  <response>: If you want a new car thats going to last a long time, I would not recommend the Cruze. I looked into them myself, and asked many of my mechanic friends. They are built cheaply and are considered a throw away car. 