If you plan on getting a nice amount of cash for graduation and you think you can have some money saved while still paying for the car, go for it...also, why not make the loan a year longer, lower the payment some so it's not as much of a burden if something happens, but still try to make bigger payments and pay it off quicker? Also, if your parents are financially capable, it would be nice to have them there to back you up in case something did happen, a wreck, large repair, etc and you didnt have the cash. I can understand your eagerness to get a car, I'm 19 and I dont know what I'd do if I didnt have my own vehicle...good luck to you