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Well, maybe you should start saving up and buying your own car. Your parents aren't going to be around forever. I'm not slamming you-I'm just being honest.

The problem with used cars is that more often than not-you're inheriting someone's problems. And of course-you get what you pay for. Buying a used car under $2000 is a bit risky. Buying a used car under $1000 is VERY risky.

And with the under-$1000 cars, you may end up having mechanics bills that end up being almost as much-if not more-than what you paid for the car. In particular, you have the following problems:

Engine: if it's not properly maintained (tune-ups, regular oil changes, keep track of the starter/alternator/battery), that can be a HUGE headache. The worst being a cracked engine block, and in that case, you have to junk the car.

Transmission: has it been abused? In automatics, how often is the transmission fluid checked? In the manual transmission cars-how's the clutch? Is the gearshift lever working properly?

Steering: any unusual noises, in particular with power-steering cars? Does the power steering pump work well? Is it leaky? Does it have enough fluid? Are the Bellows boots near the wheels cracked? Are the wheels balanced (front & back)?

Brakes: Is the master cylinder good? The brakelines? The emergency brake (in particular with a manual-transmission car)? Are the drums worn inside? The brakes themselves?

Lots to think about.

As far as I'm concerned, I ride a bike everywhere. Rain, snow, blizzard/ice storm, sub-zero cold with below-zero wind chill, broiling hot summer sun-I ride that bike all year around. No exceptions. Sure, I'd like to get a car, but I can't afford one now-for reasons I won't get into here. Until that time comes, I just have to suck it up and deal with it-like it or not.