Congratulations on stopping smoking! Whether you splurge or save is obviously your choice. Maybe you could do the salon dye and see if it's worth it. And then find other little ways to save if you want. It is important to get a good quality car and that does cost! And remember the cost for gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and car payments, too.

I shop at thrift stores, usually buy store brands, don't own an I-pod or that fancy computer phone, no flat screen TV or the latest in other gizmos. I'm sure you might think of other things.

Note: I was able to buy a new car 4 years ago--I mean a brand new one. But I hope to keep it ten years to get my value out of it. Otherwise, used cars are the way to go, and I have owned them, too.

You sound like you are a smart, responsible person. Happy car hunting in awhile.