Budget an extra 10% of the purchase price for DMV fees and sales tax.
Calculate your weekly commute cost. A "cheap" truck might cost you $300/month in gas. buying a used car on minimum wage
When your budget is tight, reliability is the only feature that matters. Budget an extra 10% of the purchase price
Take the car to an independent mechanic before signing. it could cost you $2
Don't skip the inspection to save $100; it could cost you $2,000 later.
Dark, burnt-smelling oil or cloudy coolant are major red flags.
These dealers often have predatory interest rates (20%+).
