[pennywise]

You are so ahead of the game and I am very proud of you. I hope my dtr will be as good, I educate her all the time. My philosophy is buy the car new and drive it until it does not go anymore (actually the first repair because once they open it it never is the same). You should get 10-12 years on a car. I would buy the least expensive car (get the ego out of the finances, those with big houses and cars have to work to pay for them, no big bills gives a breather for unemployed periods). I would allocate $10,000 for the car including all fees. So when you go in tell them no hidden costs or you walk (they tack on fees at the dealership now). Buy one with great gas mileage (ancillary costs). Small cars require less insurance also. If you pay cash for the car you can put PLPD (the minimal insurance your state allows). Arguement on insurance I got for my 2 new paid for cars - we will not fix them and they are new - my response: I have been driving since age 16 and I have never used my insurance so I will save the money myself thank you. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay interest if you do not have to. The interest is what will prevent you from getting ahead. So think, now you will have a car for 10 years with no payments. That frees up a lot of capital for investments, especially once you graduate your income will go up. You are very smart and we all are proud of you.