Thanks for the advice. The only thing is I have to buy a car as I do not have one. I did not have one throughout college and the one I was driving in high school (91 Accord) crapped out and was sold for around 400. I need a car for work. I was thinking of getting a used vehicle but I am weary on parts breaking, etc. and not knowing what you are getting. I don't want to buy a vehicle and end up putting money into it when I could have bought new in the first place. I was thinking of getting an '08 or '09 certified vehicle but I figured I would rather spend a few extra thousand to get a new one and something that I absolutely want.
I also thought about leasing but in Illinois you pay sales tax (yes, on a lease) and it didn't make sense for me to go that route when I would be paying upwards of $2200 just on tax when I would not even own it. I also may have to travel for work (I will be moving every 9-12 months for the program) and the leasing mileage would not work out for me.
I am in the position to afford a vehicle but not having the money right now for a down payment is not helping me with the financing. Parents cannot help with the down payment either unfortunately.
