i currently don't have a car and would really like to get one where ever i go, I don't think i can save enough money to buy a decent used car in full, so how do you deal with car payments? sep. loan? would be better to lease versus buy since i will be in one spot potentially for four years??? thanks!
Honestly my answer is if you can't afford to buy a used car then don't get a used car..
But since you asked...
1) Unless you are leasing certified used cars from a dealer, not really any chance to lease. If you are looking at certified used cars, then you probably are looking at an expensive car and don't need this advice so that leaves loans.
2) Do you have a great credit history? If not, then don't plan on getting a decent car or a decent rate. Do you even have a job? In this credit environment it is extremely difficult to get loans without a reliable source of income. If you have student loans that isn't going to help.
Fyi: I got turned down for a loan I had the cash on hand for with a credit score of around 800 because I had no source of income.
That really leaves dodgy companies with generally lousy rates. If you are careful you may find a local dealer who can get you into a car at decent rate but maybe not. Either way you will end up paying a lot more than car will be worth ultimately.
Don't forget, you are going to need insurance (CA rates suck), gas, and emergency fund for the inevitable auto repairs (like my 2 flat tires this week), and maybe parking.
My advice if you are deadset on a car, get a junker from a friend. Pay little and drive it till it breaks down and then abandon it.
