I don't have a car. I'm graduating from college this December. When I
do graduate, I'll need a car, and I think I'll be making 60 to 80K. I
was thinking of taking a summer job in Virginia, and it sounds like
having a car over the summer would really make my life a lot easier. I
don't have very much money in the bank right now, but I'll be making
about $10,000 over the course of the summer. What do you think would
be the most financially sensible way to get my hands on a car starting
in June, given that I won't have any money until I get my first
paycheck at the end of June, and I won't have very much money until my
real job starts January?

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 11 Mar 2003 12:52 PST

It's difficult to buy or lease a car with no money down. Do you have a
good credit rating? Do you know anyone who would co-sign a loan with
you?

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Clarification of Question by gremlin-ga on 11 Mar 2003 20:45 PST

I might be able to scrape together a few hundred dollars. Not sure how
large a down payment would need to be.

As for my credit rating, I don't know the number, but I can tell you
that I've been paying my bills on time since I got to college. I have
a credit card, which I've used off an on. But I also do have a
substantial amount of debt in the form of college loans. I think that
may drag down my credit rating a bit.

Really good old cars are available in the UK from £50 upwards.

One of my daughters just bought one.

Of course, you don't live in the UK but there must be bargains around
where you live .... Why not advertise for one?

Having just bought a car (a Toyota Prius, their hybrid, which I very
highly recommend), I actually disagree with pinkfreud... In the
current economy, a good credit rating (more importantly, a FICO score
at or over 700) can make it very possible to buy a new car with little
or no money down.  You might want to keep your eye out for special 'no
money down' deals and special financing rates in your area.  Just my 2
cents.

Good luck! rebeccam-ga

are doing between December's Graduation and the end of May?

Why don't you get a job early, I can even imagine a fry jockey at
McDonald's making enough to pay for a car and insurance(please use
insurance) and still going to high school on the side.

You are going to be making 60K a year? Find a relative that will float
you the money for 3 months or enough for the INSURANCE and payments on
a car.

You have discovered this place (internet), why not use that education
of yours and write an ebook that will make you a couple thousand to
pay for a cheap car and INSURANCE?

Did you get good grades?

Did you gain the trust and affection of any teacher's(professor's)?
Have them float you a loan?

Consolidate your student loans and find a trusting banker to realize
your future payability demands access to an automobile.

Go door to door offering to clean homes or apartments for
approximately $20.00 per hour. Don't tell them that's your rate just
tell them you have looked at what they need done and you feel you can
do the job for ____ dollars.

Walk pets, wash cars, etc.