Hey everyone, I’m in my senior year studying engineering and planning to graduate in May 2025. I’ve got some job offers lined up with good starting pay, and I expect to get raises in the first few years after I get my professional engineer license.
I’ve been driving a 2006 Jeep Commander since I got my license, and it’s been great, but it’s hit 210k miles and is having some cooling system issues. I’m not sure how much longer it’ll last without expensive repairs.
I’m considering getting a Bronco as my next car once the Jeep gives out. It would be my daily driver, and my commute will be about 30 to 45 minutes each day. I’m interested in a 4-door model with the Lux trim and Sasquatch wheels if possible. I’ve heard recommendations for the Outer Banks trim with Lux and Sasquatch wheels for someone in my situation.
I’m hoping to keep the cost under $45k, so I’d mostly be looking at used ones. Do you think this is a good idea, or do you have other suggestions that might fit my situation better?
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Paying interest on something that loses value over time isn’t a good idea. You’re spending more than the car is worth, and when you sell it, you won’t get much back. It’s like getting ripped off twice.
Patricia said: Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Paying interest on something that loses value over time isn’t a good idea. You’re spending more than the car is worth, and when you sell it, you won’t get much back. It’s like getting ripped off twice.
Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Making car payments means paying interest, so you end up paying way more than the car’s value over the loan term.
Patricia said: Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Making car payments means paying interest, so you end up paying way more than the car’s value over the loan term.
Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Wealthy people don’t put $50k into a car that loses value. They invest that money and buy their dream car with cash later on. It’s about being smart with your money.
Patricia said: Zachary said: PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Can you explain that for someone who’s not well-off?
Wealthy people don’t put $50k into a car that loses value. They invest that money and buy their dream car with cash later on. It’s about being smart with your money.
PeterKennedy said:
I graduated with a computer science degree a year ago, and trust me, having little to no car payment is a game changer. You probably won’t get what you want for under $45k, though.
It’s best to avoid car payments if you can. Wealthy people don’t do car payments, and there’s a reason for that.
Wealthy people don’t worry about a small interest rate on a $40k loan. They gain or lose more than that in minutes. Many also lease vehicles through their businesses.
But to reach that level, you need to make your money work for you, not against you.
Speaking from experience as a 32-year-old who didn’t have a car for several years, it’s just as exciting to order my first new Bronco now as it would’ve been in my 20s. It’s a lot less stressful knowing I can truly afford it now.
AudreyHarper said:
Make sure you have a job secured first. Spending over $50k on something that loses value isn’t the best idea when you’re just starting out. Good luck.
AudreyHarper said:
Make sure you have a job secured first. Spending over $50k on something that loses value isn’t the best idea when you’re just starting out. Good luck.
Keep driving the Jeep for another year if you can. Set aside $1,000 each month. If you still want the Bronco after that, you’ll have $12k for a down payment, and you’ll know you can handle the payments because you’ve been saving that amount already.
Waiting can be tough, but it pays off in the long run.
Jason said:
Keep driving the Jeep for another year if you can. Set aside $1,000 each month. If you still want the Bronco after that, you’ll have $12k for a down payment, and you’ll know you can handle the payments because you’ve been saving that amount already.
Waiting can be tough, but it pays off in the long run.
Solid advice. I bought my Bronco a few weeks ago, and while it’s something I wanted, it fit into my budget. I’d suggest figuring out if this is a want or a need. Save up for a year, and see if you still really want it. You might even find a different vehicle during that time.
I’d wait until you actually start working. A lot can change before May, and the job market is unpredictable. If everything goes as planned, then go for the one you have in mind. It’s a nice choice.
Maybe focus on getting a house first? For a daily driver, you might skip the Sasquatch package. Go with a Big Bend or Outer Banks, and you’ll get better gas mileage.
LillyGrace said:
Maybe focus on getting a house first? For a daily driver, you might skip the Sasquatch package. Go with a Big Bend or Outer Banks, and you’ll get better gas mileage.
