Haha, I see everyone is going off topic about what you really wanted to know.
Here's my story.16 year old, dad gives me his daily driver; 98 Toyota Celica GT. Fricken loved it, but I wanted someone more.Worked at my dad's place, got some money, paid my dad for what he paid for the Celica, sold it myself got an extra 1500 from it.
Worked my ass off, Acura RSX-S 2004. Asked my parents to help with the down payment, and used the money I got from selling the Celica as an 'oh crap' investment, which was also used for monthly payments, insurance, gas and repairs when needed. Took me about half a year, paid my folks back in full amount.
Happy days with my dc5.
Sold my dc5 and now debating on the 2012 si or waiting for the 2013 si. or a s2000 cr, but then i'd just be waking up from my dream
Moral of the story; Like everyone else said, save up that chunk change and if your parents allow you to, trade-in the ex grab onto that SI. Or do what I did, asked my parent to hook their son up, and be good to your word. I mean at first it took me a while to convince them to help me out. Worked my ass off at my dad's shop and working at Foot Locker. Same problem, insurance and the car payment. Proved to them I had enough money to afford both the insurance and payments, and then they helped me out with the down payment with a promise of me paying them back, even though they were refusing the money, ended using it to buy them a cruise trip :wigglesmiley: And trust me, my parents spoiled the heck out of me, cause I'm the youngest, but I only take what I can repay.
Just realize, that there's some college students out there who rides the bus or walks a mile just to go to class, and they'd be happy with a 86 Corolla. And trust me man, I have a bunch of army buddies who had parents who did nothing for them, thus why they enlisted.
Personal experience, 9 months rucking up mountains and walking through fields of crap... makes you miss anything with wheels on there. 2 more months and I'm outttaaa Afghanistan woooooho. :eusa_dance:
But for reals, if need advice feel free to hit me up. I was in the same boat man.