[xray]

I currently share a car with my mom, but I'll be needing my own car by summer 2018. I'm very, very fortunate because my parents said they would buy me a car up to $30k as long as I got a really good scholarship to college. I did get that scholarship. However, I don't need a car for another year and a half, like I said above. I've been planning on getting a used 6th gen Camaro 2SS because the cars should depreciate enough by then that I can get one for under $30k or a bit over with some extra money I have saved up.

However, I'm worried at the thought of getting my dream car and then bringing it on a college campus. I can just see all the dings and scratches adding up from careless or disrespectful people. My alternate plan is to get an old used Honda Civic that I can learn manual on and that will last me a few years until I finish college, then get the Camaro in the summer of 2020 when I graduate.

I'm conflicted though. I don't really know if I should spend 2 years of my life continuing to wait and drool over the Camaro when I could get it 2 years earlier. Life is short, and I don't know that I'll even be alive in 2 years. (I know I most likely will be, but this lady I know is dying from cancer and one of the things she said is that people need to stop waiting to do things in life. It's kinda been stuck in my head lately.) I also will be spending $3-5k on a car I don't really want to last me only 2-3 years, which seems wasteful to me. Finally, I've seen lots of expensive new cars around campus (Mercedes, BMW (even an i8), Audi, Cadillac, Maserati). I don't know if they're actually parking on campus, but if they are, it seems like maybe I shouldn't be too concerned with my Camaro getting beat up.

I just don't know what to do. I desperately want to hear your advice. Also, money is not an issue for insurance, gas, etc. so please don't worry about that. Thank you so much in advance.

[Dub9]

I don't know what campus, but when I went to school, freshmen had to park in the furthest lot, poor lighting, and nobody cared about damage. Then consider if you wanted to go someplace with a few friends, your car is either crammed full or not used.

I would certainly do the beater car for 4 years. Put that 39k into an account and have $34k when you are done.

[vet757]

Im 30 and I was in a similar situation at your age. Got a scholarship, my parents offered me a similar deal....to maintain my GPA and theyll take care of my car, insurance and cell they wanted me to focus on school.

The following advice is what Ive learned from experience. Those expensive cars you see in the university are from kids that made the huge mistake in getting into massive car payments or even worse they use student loans to buy those cars...youll see them trying to get rid of it at some point, others their parents had tons of money but since life changes their parents go into financial hardships and they lost their Maserati (some had ferraris).

Once you get to the senior year things get scary, job hunting time (hopefully you picked a good major and kept your GPA above 3.30). We all know good internships are important(some pay little) most dont pay and take up time. Your last two years if you played your cards right youll be very busy with school and internships. Once you graduate thankfully you wont have a student loan to worry about therefore giving you flexibility. The camaro is reliable but you gotta think of replacing tires, the possibility of something random going wrong like a transmission issue.

If I was you I would get something more affordable on gas, insurance, and maintenance. I chose the Civic Si back then and it kept me headache free. You should enjoy school and the experience. Once you land a sweet career youll be in a great financial position. Life changes, it throws you curve balls prepare for that. I personally can afford any car I want at this point in my life and I still played it safe with the 2LT RS(maybe too safe lol).

Good luck... congrats on your school acceptance, enjoy it and most importantly stay out of trouble.

[BlackbeastSS2]

I would buy both, use the old crap car for school and drive your gen6 SS when able and comfortable with area for parking. Dings and mad people can happen anywhere. Life

[jarhead420]

I didn't go to college, but went into the Marines after a semester of college. I purchased a used car after high school in 1984 and I still have it. It's cool to have a first car that you can have a long term relationship with. Get the car you really want and you'll enjoy it for a long time.

[glenB]

I got a DD-214, so I can't relate, in either case

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

I'm 27. I had a 335i back in college. Always park with one side protected. Not a single scratch in 4 years. Enjoy what you can, life is short.

If you don't mine getting to campus 30 mins early to find a good spot, V8 MPG, insurance, etc. Get the Camaro.

If you do get the Civic, please... don't rice with it

[Alex-A]

I'd say go for it. As you said, life is short enough as it is. Looks like your parents are willing to help you pay for the car in full. That way you wont have the added stress of car payments. On top of that if things go south and you have low income for a month or two, nothings stopping you from taking the bus to work/school. You'll still have your baby sitting in the garage waiting for you when you're ready to take her for a drive again.

I wouldn't worry about parking too much, as long as you take the time to lay the odd's of the best/worst parking spots, you should be fine. It takes me a good 5 minutes to park my car now, when it took me 10 seconds to park my previous car. I drive around the entire lot searching for the best parking spot with the lowest chance of risk of damage. I usually park at the end stalls, so only one car is beside mine instead of two. After that I will usually park over the line to the end of the stall, as far away as I can be from the other cars door. Either way, a little extra time in your parking will save your car those scratches and dings you're talking about. Don't park at the front where all the late students park who quickly rush in, kick their door open and run inside the campus.

[Diggitydog]

I'm 42 and have gone through lots of cars. I'd see if your parents will park that money for you until you graduate and use a small amount for a beater car. When you graduate treat yourself with the nice car. Your parents will appreciate that you are planning ahead and you'll appreciate that car on graduation.

We are all using the life is short justification myself included but it's a slippery slope. Use it wisely.

[pullthatwigback]

Buy a cheap miata. You'll have fun, reliability, and no worry. When you get out of school, buy whatever you want. Miata is always the answer.

[Bosun68]

My youngest son has the same deal going with us. We pay for his car (insurance/minor upkeep) and his cell as long as he maintains his grades. He chose a 2009 Malibu with low miles and he's happy with his decision. Though he hit me up recently to let him take my car out on a date with his girlfriend.
Save your money (and your parents) and enjoy your reward after college. You've got your whole life ahead of you to worry about a Camaro.

[16Panther]

Most colleges are setup so you don't need a car.

If you really have to have one I'd go to the opposite end of the spectrum and get a used Prius. Everything about them is cheap and they offer a ton of utility with the hatchback and folding rear seat for moving to and from college every year.

[Casalino]

I just posted in the other thread. But my 4runner would be the perfect car as well. You can do the same thing I did. To fill you in, I got it for 4k and used it throughout college. I finished college last year, waited and got my 1LE. Now what I have is the 4runner to use everyday and beat up. And I got my baby for the weekend. Maybe you would want to follow that plan, I can't complain about it. It's a reliable truck that has only had oil changes done. Maybe your budget is a little less, but this truck or a similar vehicle will last you past college and give you that beater to use instead of the camaro

[TopHatPlus]

Sounds like you have already given yourself an answer...