Think I could save up $5,000 by November 1st, and should I finance a car?

Hey everyone. Unfortunately, to make a long story short, my car had a serious malfunction and totaled itself. It wasn't worth more than $500 anyway and would be useless to repair. Now, I really need a new car. I have no money in savings. My birthday is Nov. 1, and what better way to celebrate than by getting a new car... Right? ;) I did some math, and without shorting myself, I would be able to earn $3,000 by November 1. Still $2,000 short... Now, my parents HAVE offered to make a down payment for me, no strings attached, I don't have to pay it back. I don't know how much it would be, but they mentioned they could spring $2,000. Let's say $1,000 to be conservative. So, $4,000 for sure. Any ideas on where I could scrounge up an extra $1,000 dollars over 4 months? I am aiming for a $10,000 car, would it also be unwise at my age to finance (take out a loan) for the other $5,000? I am remarkably debt-free for my age and only have a year's worth of student loans to pay when I am done with college in two years. To those who have been through this before... Is this realistic, and am I doing the right thing? Thanks!

5 months ago - 2 answers