<prompt> Human: So Ive read through a ton of posts on this subject. I know everyone says that buying used is the way to go, etc., etc.Heres my situation: Upcoming college graduate in December Landed a job to start in January paying 62,500 pre taxes so estimating around 4,000 3,500 take home monthly, and will get a 1,500 relocation bonus Will have appx. 8,000 in savings leftover when I graduate No debtI estimate my expenses to be: I will be moving across the country for the new job, but have a place set up where I will have the first month free of rent and the next two months at 400 a month, after that, I plan to have rent at a new place for 800 per month Food - 200 Fun and miscellaneous- 300So basically, total expenses before car expenses would be 900 per month for the first 3 months and 1300 per month afterwards. I figure I plan to save around 1500-2000 per month. So by my calculations, I think I can afford 700-750 per month on car expenses: Car payment 350 Insurance- 100-150 Gas - 200 Emergency for car - 50If I put a down payment of 5,000 on a car and then do monthly payments of 300-350 for 48-60 months, then I think I can afford a 20-25k car. What do you guys think? I know I should probably get something cheaper for the time being, but I really wantneed to have something reliable since I am moving from southeastern US to the Midwest in the middle of January cough cough SNOW AND ICE and because I am a million miles away from my main source of support. Edit: Okay PF. Thank you for taking my rpf virginity. I have a lot to think about. Some people brought up health insurance. I didnt think this would be an issue, but obviously it is now. And I will reconsider my contributions to my 401k plan. Im new! So please be patient. I dont have any experience in this world and that is why I asked you fine souls. After hearing your harsh, but much needed recommendations... Ive determined Ill shoot for something around 15k, 3-4 years old and less than 50k miles. Still more than what a lot of you recommend, but thats what I feel I should pay for. Assistant: Honestly bro, I was in the same position as you. I bought a car at 23 with 10-12k down dont remember. Payment is around 265 a month for a 48 month loan. I dont necessarily regret it, but if I could go back I would have bought a car in cash and been done with it. Lower insurance, no debt, and only have to worry about maintenance. Just my opinion though.Human: Im a girl : And I dont have enough to put 10-12k down right now. But I see the general consensus is going used. I think Im going to try and get a 3-4 year old used car with less than 50,000 miles for about 15-20k. And plan to have it paid off in two years time.  <response>: Good plan. Here, I found you your car. Its a certified pre-owned with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It has stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, so it will be good in the winter. Its a hatch, so its practical. It has a leather wrapped wheel and push button start, so you can feel fancy. It has blind-spot monitoring and cross traffic backup warning, so youre less likely to get in accidents. Its also good looking and fun to drive, while getting great fuel economy and reliability.Talk them down to 12,500 and finance it for 48 months. 