I've always found out that anytime we have to have car repairs done plan on $1000 just to get it back home. I don't have a car payment and what the monthly payments would be I put back each month just for these unexpected repairs. This is the way I was raised. I do this for five years(usually the time to finance a car loan)and if I'm lucky I can pay cash for a car. It may not always be a NEW car because of having to take money out for repairs, but a New "old" car for me. Car repair bills BITE!!