In a message dated 1/22/03 2:24:53 PM Central Standard Time, treehouse2000us@xxxx writes: > I'm 19 years old, steady income and have saved $8300 towards this > purchase. I plan on spending about 14 grand this summer, then > another 2-3 at Grady's place on making sure everything is ship > shape. I want to do this right the first time. Tom, you are in a better position that most. i was 18 with only $1000 saved up when i bought my car. i had a hard time finding a loan until i started going to some credit unions. they are more flexible than a state bank, i have found. i pay about 9.25% (i think, something like that, maybe a little less). and i took a loan out for about $15,500. try every single credit union in your area - you will probably have to close your current accounts and switch over to a different bank in order for them to help you out. make sure you have LOTS of documentation about the exact car when you go in - know every detail, good and bad. have pictures. this will help sway them that you are serious. the single biggest thing i can tell you is this - when you walk in there, walk in with confidence, have your shxt together, dress professionally, and talk with the loan officer in a courteous way - be polite! if you walk in with jeans and tshirt and look nervous, would you give yourself money? probably not. BE CONFIDENT and you will get what you want! remember - you are in a better position than most young people because you have a significant downpayment available. good luck! Andy Soma576@xxxx 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 VIN#11596 Fargo, ND 58102 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]