<prompt> Human: Hi Reddit! I have a question for PF. My parents have generously offered to help me with purchasing a car around 20k or pay off 20k student debt in monthly installments. If they helped me with student loans, I will have to take out a loan to purchase a car. Which one is the wiser option? Thank you! Update: Thank you everyone for your insightful answers. I am going to go with my gut feeling and have them help me with my student loans. I am still in school at the moment but maybe if the stars align I can ride my bike to work once I graduate in August.  <response>: Do you really need a 20k car? Probably not. Get one on the cheap, not too cheap but just cheap enough. Pay off the loan. 