I got a work study job in high school and saved up for several months. I paid it off in around 3 payments. I would recommend getting a car that will have manageable car note payments, if any. I don't know if you are in school but it might be a better use of your time to focus on your studies than working a time-consuming job to pay a car note. My sister tried to grow up fast and worked a full time job (even though she didn't have to) through college and her grades suffered horribly. Now she should like to go to grad school and is having a hard time. If you are still in college just remember that that time is short lived and you have the rest of your life to style and profile so you may consider getting something with little or no car note. Just my thoughts.
Back to the car ....It was a 1984 Mitsubishi Cordia. It was a red sports car that was about 6 or 7 years old at the time - it looked good but it had an engine problem (that my Dad told me about before I bought it) and it would run hot after driving it about one mile. LOL.
It was fly though. LOLOL. I would drive down the street with smoke coming out of the hood while drivers were trying to get my attention to see if everything was alright. I learned how to keep looking straight. LOL.
I gave it up after about 8 months or so and got a decent (albeit more expensive car) from a reputable dealer.
I still don't regret it. My Dad wanted me to get a station wagon (b/c it was more reliable) instead of the little sports car. He was tripping. I was only 16 or so and had to be cute.
In hindsight, I would say to consider whether the car will be safe and the level of risk that you are willing to take. I could have been stranded any day that I drove that car.
SC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mz_Doc
About three weeks ago, my mother had an accident with my car. Thankfully, she was alright but my car was totaled. The insurance is just about finished with all of their paperwork and I've decided that I would like a Nissan Altima, either a 02, 03, or 04. I have decided that I would like to pay for this car on my own instead of my mom paying for it, being that becoming financially independent is one of my goals for the new year. My question to everyone is, What or how did you go about saving for your first car? Do you have any advice or things you wish you had known when you got your first car? Thanks!
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