[abowers]

My previous cars were all used, and paid cash up front. My car right now we bought new. I plan on driving it until it dies. I think it came to $17,800 after taxes, etc. Then a $1000 rebate, and a $3000 down payment. This amount was financed over 5 years at a 4.9% APR, for a monthly payment of $262.

This is A-OK with me after my last car was totalled (not my fault). The timing was bad, I didn't want to buy another used car right before moving 340 miles from my parents and the garage where I took my car before (a good friend of my dad's). Unfortunately everything was working well (due to some expensive repairs I made) on the used 95 Ford Contour with something like 80k miles, in May of 2005. I would have felt comfortable taking that car, but not starting over with another used car.

Doing well with this car, and I've got a warranty for the next 3-5 years (depending on what part of the car). In 3 years I'll have money for repairs if the car needs it. (I don't so much have lots of spare cash for that right now).

Anyway, this is my first new car, I love it, and I will drive it until it stops working or until the bills for repairs are no longer worth it.