Here's my story. I really want a Z. Really...

But, I just got out of college, didn't end up making quite as much as I would have liked, and got approved for a loan for 72 mos. and a ridiculous interest rate. And cars like a Corolla or Neon just aren't my style (not even the SRT-4). So right now I'm looking to spend ~ $22K or less (new or used). I'd like something somewhat fast and with a little class. Here's what I'm thinking about:

- 2000-02 Honda S2000
- 2000-02 Audi A4

I can't really think of much else...I'll be heartbroken if I don't get a Z but that's life. Any ideas are appreciated.

-- I would wait to save more for the down payment but I drive a '97 Dodge Avenger that runs on nightly prayers and a quart of transmission fluid every week.

 

I seriously recommend 1 of 2 options:

1. Buy a car you can AFFORD. Honestly, with the situation you're in, beggars really can't be choosers. And digging yourself into more debt that you can handle is a bad, bad way to go.

2. Hold off on buying a car and/or other nonessential items for now, and start saving some money. You haven't given us a lot of information about your absolute need for a car at this point in time, so I don't know how essential having your own car is.

If I were you, I'd go with option #2. But if you need a car to get around, then buy something cheap and reliable. Sorry that the cars in the 'cheap and reliable' category aren't your style, but you have a long way to go in your life and you'll have plenty of time for more luxurious items later on.

Have you considered that in addition to making car payments, you will also have to spend a substantial amount of money on gas, maintenance, AND insurance (and seeing as you're fresh out of college, insurance on something like an S2000, even used, is NOT cheap)? Factor these things in with rent, food, utilities, etc. and see how much you have left at the end of the month to put away and save.

Trust me. You don't want to shoulder this burden unless you're 100% absolutely, positively sure you can handle it financially. Otherwise you're going to screw yourself big time in the future when you're looking to start a family, buy a house, etc.

 

You can buy an extremely reliable car for around $3000. I know you're ready to show everyone how much class you have but there's nothing quite as classy as being able to afford what you ride around in.

There will be plenty of time for toys, believe me.

--Steve

 

ps

I got one! I know, I'm stubborn...

 

Hmmmmmmmmm, well if you want to be smart about it go and start from point A. Get a 13K-16K new car like a Civic, Protege, or Sentra, I know its not what you want to hear, but from there you can build your credit, and get whatever you want down the road.
If you want to be impulsive, impateint, and say F*** *T, borrow, beg, steel, and con your way to the Z. Or just get a 1995-97 BMW M3. If your a smart shopper you can get one relatively cheap and with the rest of the bucks mod it up and youll have a real classy, fast, and hopefully trouble free ride.

 

I posed the original msg a while back and just followed up to say I got the Z.

My situation wasn't as bad as it seemed, if I made it seem bad...thanks for the info though.

No regrets. I'm loving life now!

 

Buy a used BMW 3 series. you can't go wrong. Will give you style, class, and reliability. considering your budget I think that is a good move.

 

Thanks, I already got a Z though!

 

Congrats