Personal Finance

What is wrong with your current car? Why does it need to be replaced? If it does need to be replaced, why does it have to a 2023 model?

Imo, if you're not financially independent (i.e. not relying on your parents, own a home, emergency fund in place, retirement and pensions sorted) then you don't need need to buy a car that new. It's fiscally irresponsible. But I realise most of the US is trying to keep up with the Jones and feel the need to have a new car because it's a new car and everyone else has a new car.

Whether that's a good deal or not is easy to check with used car platforms and dealerships in your area, that can vary by state and even city.

On the question whether you can afford it or not it's getting a bit tricky.

Do you want to buy cash? You can afford it, assuming your net worth is liquid (i.e. not invested in assets you can't easily sell, or in pension funds and whatnot you can't withdraw from). Whether you should spend almost all your money on the car when you're about to move out soon is another question.

Do you want to finance it? Then we'd need a more detailed budget, including future rent and expenses when you no longer live with your parents, plus the anticipated loan installment for the car. As of today I'm sure you can finance the car regardless, but if you live in an area with sky high rents, that may change drastically. Half a year isn't all that far away.

Edit: Must have overlooked the part that you want to pay cash. Then really have a look at future expenses once you start to pay rent, and consider everything it takes to furnish a new place. Car loans are usually cheaper than random cash loans since you can collateralize a car, but not random furniture. I guess the smart way would be to finance about half to leave you some wiggle room.

Not much to go off of but according to KBB the value is somewhere between $25,597-$26,796

At 26 you should focus on building more your net worth in investing in appreciating instruments, not the other way around.

If there is nothing wrong with your current car, I would say give this a pass and continue investing in ETFs, etc.

Seems like a nice deal for that vehicle. I have an older model. What kind of condition is your Ford focus in? Would it be able to last you for several more years? Also consider what difference you might be paying in insurance premiums. You would want to have collision insurance on a newer vehicle and that could raise your cost considerably.