I have an '03 MSP with about 8k miles on it. A few thousand miles ago, I was thinking about trading it in for a Z/Sti/Evo. I couldn't find a dealer that would give me a dime over 11 grand for a trade in! Now obviously, in a way, we're comparing apples to oranges here. But to me, $11,900 for an MP3 with 39,000 miles is kind've a rip. I realize it's from a dealer and they're throwing in a lifetime supply of carwashes and oil changes but still. All I know is... at 17 I was driving an '84 Dodge Colt with only 2 out of the 4 gears actually working (max speed was like 45mph) along with an absolute shitload of bondo to go along with the house speakers thrown in the back wired up to a freakin home receiver. (I wish I was kidding!) Point is... at your age, ANYTHING is gonna rock. I mean hell, I talk smack about the Colt now but damn... I loved that thing! Even with that being said, you still wanna get the best bang for your buck. If you're willing to put down 12 grand, why not just throw in another 4-5 grand and get a brand new Speed? I mean... the kids at school are already gonna hate you for havin a sweet ass ride so why not just pull out ALL the stops and go new? : ) just kidding man... wish you the best of luck. Just remember, money can buy a lot of things... but it can't buy one of the primary building blocks to success: character. My advice: Don't spend every dime you have on a ride... I know, I know!! Easier said than done... but trust me on this one. Instead, drop it down a peg... instead of a 2001... get a '99. Instead of the 17" inch... get th 16". you get the idea. Put the 5 grand or so you save into some type of equity fund, roth IRA, etc. (whatever you do, don't put it into the BANK - CD's or Savings... might as well just throw it down the toilette) Anyway... by the time you're my age (25) -trust me, you'll be there before you even know it... that 5 grand might double!! Hell, it'll definitely be worth a lot more than the MP3 you bought 8 years ago!!! LOL You won't listen to my advice... I know this because I wouldn't have either. But ya never know... either way, good luck! hope this car gets you lots of chicks! L8R