You don't have to sell your soul to get ahead. The answer is simple-live under your means. Who said you need the newest car? Why are you buying the newest fashions every season?
Do you know what it's like not to have the stress of debt? Life throws enough curve balls at us; we don't need to create additional problems. I've learned new cars are for the stupid and insecure, but somethings you need to learn on your own. So if you must buy that 1st new car(to say that you did), NEVER take out a loan for more than 4 years. If the payments are too high at 4 yrs, you can't AFFORD the car. Don't let some salesperson say they can get the payments lower, because that is code for actually paying more since you are paying longer.