<prompt> Human: Graduating from grad school in August and signed offer with large public accounting firm to start in September and my Salary is 52,000. I need a car for my job. Is it unreasonable to spend 20,000 on a Japanese certified pre-owned car with about 25,000 miles? I plan to keep the car for about 7-8 years. I have no college debt and have 7k in savings account and 16.5k in mutual funds. Am I making a financial mistake? Assistant: I know I always preach this, but a used Honda Civic or Accord for 5k to 10k can easily last well over 300k miles on basic maintenance. My DD is a 10 Civic with 228k miles and still drives like new.Human: Cannot get a Honda Civic or Accord because AWD is a must. Live up north and get lake effect snow. Any other suggestions? Edit Also from south so I am not familiar with driving in snow.  <response>: The AWD is a false sense of security. 4 wheel drive can help a bit.Heres the deal. You have 23,500 in savings including the mutual funds.You can put 1,000 into a emergency fund, and have 22,500 in cash to buy this car.Would you want to pay 22,500 in cash.. at once.. for this car.If the answer is no. Why the hell would you do a loan where you will pay more?I would probably chop that 23,500 in half, and use the 11,000 left over to buy a car in cash.Id really really consider a cheaper car especially if you arent used to snow, shoveling, blizzards, having your car buried in drifts, etc. Youll be a little mad if your 11,000 car got stuck. Youd be ticked if your 23,000 car got stuck.Aim at a lower car. 