'It was an unlikely triumph'

A view of a used car lot in Midland, Texas.

For the 'driver who doesn't mind a little rust around the edges, there are affordable options'

(Image credit: Sergio Flores / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

published 28 July 2025

'I'll never have a car payment. Here's my secret.'

Khalil AlHajal at USA Today

During "lean financial times in my life, avoiding a monthly car payment was key," says Khalil AlHajal. Buying a "beater at auction or directly from another owner can be surprisingly smooth and quick." For the "driver who doesn't mind a little rust around the edges, there are affordable options out there." You "might just need to dig up and dust off that old cassette tape collection to keep the cruising music playing."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.