<prompt> Human: I like to worry about things way in advance, so Im starting to look into how Im going to get my first car by next May. Just figuring out what my buying options are is turning out to be more stressful than I thought, let alone what makes sense in my situation. I dont want to screw myself financially, so I want to go into the purchase as informed as possible. I included below all the relevant information I could think of, and let me know if anythings missing. So, what would you do if you were me? 23-year-old woman, located in Pittsburgh, PA shitty weather and roads NO drivers license yet, will get it by the end of the summer looking to buy the car in March or April 2016 FICO credit score of 755 according to Discover 2500 cash on hand saved for this purpose as of now income approx. 13,000year before taxes through working, mostly during the summer; live off loans, savings, and part-time work during school year health professional student going on rotations to finish degree starting in May; this is what I need the car for. I consider this vehicle an educational expense, so Im willing to use student loans to pay for part of it if necessary. I will graduate in May 2017 with around 130k student loans, almost entirely federal, having spent 7 years in school for a profession with around 90-100k expected earnings. no familial help available; mom could maybe cosign a loan, maybe add me to her auto insurance? I have no idea how that works primary concern for the vehicle is reliability-- it absolutely must haul my ass from A to B every day. I dont care about looks, style, status, fun, etc. I must show up for rotations in order to graduate. The drive could be up to 45 mins-1 hour each way, depending on where exactly I get placed. if I have to make payments, lower is obviously better, I guess under 200? I could take my money saved and split it up for payments. Same deal with insurance, but I know Ill probably get boned for being a new driver at any rate, and a financed car will carry higher insurance. I feel like Id rather buy outright, but Im worried that at my price point, Ill wind up with an unreliable money pit. I know very little about vehicle maintenance and will not be able to do much of it due to spacetools limitations. The less maintenance Im likely to need, the betterAssistant: Get a Toyota Corolla for 5,000. Human: I knew that if I only got one response, a Corolla recommendation would probably be it!Any particular reason you specifically said a 5000 Corolla? Assistant: 5000 is right about the lowest you will pay for a newer 2000 used car with a good mechanical history that doesnt need immediate repairs.Human: Any idea if I should buy from a private party or dealership at this price point?  <response>: Private party is almost always cheaper. 