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Before my high school graduation, I noticed students were already driving. A few seniors had their keys dangling near their pockets, or talked about the surround sound system in their cars.

I didn’t receive my driver’s license until I was 18, since I knew I was not going to get a car at the time and did not rush to get a license or beg my parents for a car.

What helped me get to school was the spare change I found on the kitchen table that my mom had left me that morning. After relying on bus transportation for more than two years, I took a look at my savings account and noticed it was time to buy my first car.

Don’t get me wrong—bus transportation has served me well. The bus schedule forced me to wake up early and prepare my things the night before. But now that I have saved enough to buy a decent, reliable car, I have the freedom to go places whenever I want and most of all, not having to worry about paying off auto loans.

I could have been stubborn and immediately secured a car loan, but for what?

Sure, some students do need to take out a car loan, but while attending a community college and about to transfer to a university, it may be a bad idea.

The state of California is facing a critical time with the increase in tuition and budget cuts.

An article I read in the Washington Post this February stated that the average American borrows $28,000 to buy a car, according to the Federal Reserve data. Most of the amount goes to things other than the car, too, or doesn’t get used at all. Borrowing more money than you need for a car can lead to a high interest rate and huge debt.

It is a relief not having to worry about a monthly car payment.

There is nothing wrong with buying a used car. Most first car purchases won’t be the best. Patience was the key to getting my car. Forget new tinted windows or a new car stereo. What’s more important is having reliable transportation.

So, to those students out there without a car, keep saving! If you put your mind to it, the car of your dreams will be in your driveway before you know it.