<prompt> Human: I have a profitable job, but I fucked up my credit a couple of years back when I was 19. Low 500s at the moment. Live and learn. I am going to need a new car and plan on getting one in a year. I decided that I am going to start saving now. I guess I am wondering, how much can I pay up front for, say, a new Nisssan Altima without having to finance? Or is it good to finance? Im not sure what the whole point of credit is unless I need to finance something and I dont want to do that if I can avoid it. It seems cheaper in the long run not to do, IMO. Am I correct in this assumption?  <response>: I guess I am wondering, how much can I pay up front for, say, a new Nisssan Altima without having to finance?The cost of the car? If you dont finance then you need to pay in cash. 