Thread: Purchasing First Car

Hello L4P,

I'm currently employed overseas for 9 months and will be back in the states for 3-4 months after until I return. I'm 22 and fresh out of college. I have not purchased a car before but I'm now earning a good salary around 45k out of college and my employer provides me with an apt, a car and also two meals a day while im abroad. It is highly possible that I could come back with about 20-30k cash. Outside of my normal living expenses for 3-4 months and renting somewhere to stay what would you guys think a good price range for a car would be. And perhaps if I should sell when I leave or keep as a toy and tune while im abroad.

I chose to ask you guys for your opinion because I know my situation is not ordinary because I do not spend much during the year but I will come back with a good amount of cash. I would love a little insight if possible. Thx

put that cash into a bank account!

Originally Posted by Seven11

put that cash into a bank account!

+1

Originally Posted by Seven11

put that cash into a bank account!

Ha when I meant cash I meant money quickly attainable by me. Ha not physical cash but money I would have outside of bills and expenses. Basically living money for the summer

You can get an e46 M3 or an e39 M5 in the mid to high teens and those are some wonderful cars. A nice set of wheels, a drop, and an eisenmann exhaust and you'll have a monster to drive all for roughly $22k

The cheapest car that will get you from point A to point B with the least amount of maintenance. An older civic or something along those lines. $5k or less. Save the rest.

Originally Posted by Scott D

The cheapest car that will get you from point A to point B with the least amount of maintenance. An older civic or something along those lines. $5k or less. Save the rest.

Agreed. I bought an 05 accord coupe when I was 18. Almost 21 now and have driven nearly 50,000 miles in those 3 years without a single problem. The amount of money I've saved/gained is crazy.

I agree with the cheap car purchase, but hey if he wants to go all out on a car I have to give him the best option on that too. I wouldn't worry about an expensive car yet I would save save save if I were in your position because you are in the perfect situation to do so

No doubt Imola.

My advice comes from personal mistakes. I bought a $30k truck when I was 19 and lost my ass on it and never had extra cash.

Originally Posted by Scott D

No doubt Imola.

My advice comes from personal mistakes. I bought a $30k truck when I was 19 and lost my ass on it and never had extra cash.

Didn't you have an X5? Is that the one you're talking about? Live and learn my friend, I wouldn't buy a car unless I have enough money saved up to buy 3 more because you never know when the rainy days may come