Buying a car is often emotional. I encourage you, particular students that are about to graduate and get their first full time job, to attenuate the emotion, read the NPR article, and follow the advice.

In particular, I highly encourage becoming a member of a credit union and getting pre-approved for a loan there as step 1. Or, just save up and by a cheap car cash. The article quotes a couple That paid $2,400 for a 2004 accord. That is an an option to consider. However, being human, note that I said “attenuate the emotion.” :). May you find the middle way.

-Dr. Moore

https://www.npr.org/2020/02/14/806073375/how-to-buy-a-car-without-being-taken-for-a-ride