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model and price range for a car
I need a car, but my parents refuse to buy one for me (they can afford it, though, but they absolutely refuse).
If I were to get a car, I would have to pay for the car, the insurance, the gas... EVERYTHING.
I drive about 300 miles a week, most of it on freeways, so I need a car that has airbags, and is safe in general to drive, and has very good breaks.
I have two jobs, one of them my hours are scattered and unpredictable, the other its more predictable; I earn about 400 dollars a month, then some (it really just depends how much.. sometimes 20, sometimes 300, sometimes 0 at my other unpredictable job)
My question(s):
What type of car should I get, that doesn't eat too much gas, like what's a good model?
Any general advice on buying a used car? I know NOTHING about them.
I will be paying about 200 bucks for my car insurance a month, and gas here costs about 2.30 per gallon. Can I still afford to have a car? I mean I'll have to be making monthly payments and stuff when to pay off my car, right? Keep in mind I drive 300 miles per week.
So, in short, keeping in mind all the details, what car should I get for what price? Or if you don't know about what car, what should be my price range?
My parents aren't helping me at all in this, including estimating my price range.
Thank you so much, and I prefer adults answer this that have some experience in finance.
I'm turning 17 in March, by the way, and I'm a girl.
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Maybe give some free advice about: Cars?
Yes I agree with Nova, Id just like to add on. I second that you should not go to to a used car lot, buy it outright from a private seller. I just think that you should go for something a little more expensive, like 2000. I'm in the school of thought that buying a nicer car that will last longer is better than buying a piece of junk that will last less miles/years.
Nova is also right about that insurance number being high. See if you can get the car under one of your parents names, then simply add your name to their insurance plan as a primary driver on that car. It will cost way less that way.
2.30 a gallon!! Its frickin 3.15 were I am...Feel lucky. oh, and 300 miles a week isnt so bad if you get a car with good miles per gallon.
Speaking of cars with good MPG's that are reliable, I strongly recommend the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and then the Toyota Corolla. Any model Civic or Accord will do, but the hatchback Civics tend to get better mileage, and the EX model accord is less expensive.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
Good luck!
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I think your folks are probably trying to teach you a life lesson. But look at you, you are working on getting it done! First off if you plan on buying from a used car lot you probably wont get into a car with so little income. Besides all of that car lots are looking to turn a good profit and usually jack the prices up by 100% or more. Good idea is to save up at least 1500 dollars or more (more is always better) and buy a car out right. Save up 1500, buy a car for 1000 and with the left overs get it tagged and inspected and insurance. The left over can be saved for gas or any minor repairs the car may need or a tune up. Also, 200 per month is a lot for insurance. I'd see if your parents couldn't add you to their insurance and you pay the difference. You can find car ads by going to your local craigslist.org or searching the local classifieds of your paper. Good used cars are Hondas and Chevys.
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