Zack225

I still do not understand why people ask the same question on here. If you want a car save and buy it. You will always have someone say you shouldn't buy an S2000 becuase of your age. Do what I did and just go drive one and buy it lol.

Apex1.0

OP, when I was looking for an AP1, I had to have an 02-03, because of all the "upgrades". My budget was 20k, but I didn't want a beater and clean 02-03 cars seemed hard to find.

There was an 00 on Craigslist for some time, with horrible pictures and an uninformative ad. We happened to be traveling in the area of the car, and my wife convinced me to contact the owner and take a look. The owner was a college professor, and the car was an "in the wrapper" 19k mile example. It had every factory upgrade, the condition was perfect in and out. The owner threw me the keys and said I wont expect you back for at least an 1/2 hour. The car drove like I can only assume a brand new S2k would in 2000. It was perfect. I bought it immediately and have addressed or forgotten about all the "upgrades" that I previously had to have.

Advice, don't discount the 00-01 cars, especially if you are on a budget. I would scrape together 8k and find a high mile but not abused example. These cars handle mileage well. Good Luck.

jeffbrig

My only advice is don't saddle yourself with too much car loan. You don't want to be stuck living with mom and dad because you can't afford rent.

And don't be shocked when you find a good set of tires can set you back nearly $1k. Make sure you put something aside for maintenance on a 12+ year old car. Yeah, they're reliable cars overall, but little things will go here and there and need to be addressed.

Magnificent_one

Shit i'm getting old, already doing 4 and 5

Jdrum1

Nothing wrong with that! I love owning my own home, and I'll gladly save now so I don't have to work for the rest of my life!

HondaTN

Speaking from experience, I wanted a 300ZX as a 19 year old, begged my parents and they said it was fine if I could pay cash (I had 2500 saved, so no way and they knew that.) I'm now 34, have no debt but my house and finally purchased an S2000 with cash. The advantage in cash is that it gives you options, you could sell it tomorrow if things got tight, plus you're not blowing hard earned dollars on interest. Cars are a depreciating purchase, best way to buy is used and with cash...hopefully on the backside of the vehicles depreciation curve.

Unless you are making great money, credit won't matter because you'll be too broke with the car to get an apartment or home. I'd buy a reasonable used car and build up to this when you have the funds. Shoot, if I was your age, I'd put $5-7k into buying a Prelude or Integra and wait for the S when you have the money to enjoy it and it not be a financial burden.

jeffbrig

6 is a lot more fun!