Lots of great advice in here. I find that many people aim for very old vehicles because the cost is attractive.
A 2013 model year car is over 14 years old. You’re just inviting serious issues at that point and shop labor is not cheap. Not to mention the safety improvements that are made year after year.
The sweet spot for value is quite young, around 2-5 years so you have plenty of lifespan left but the depreciation hit is done.
Try to keep in mind cost of ownership. A/C compressor goes, $2.5k down the drain. Brake rebuild, there goes $800. Tire condition, another $1k for a full set. Power train issues, you’re fucked lol. Electrical, good luck.
The used car market is kind of garbage right now. Just remember, those Hyundais are cheap for a reason. Stick to Japanese.
Well first you apply for unemployment benefits. Then, enjoy a day or two of freedom. Let loose, fuck it all.
Then you make a plan. Did you get any severance payout? Do you have an emergency savings fund? How long will it last you? Form a budget and a timeline. What is your backup plan if that time runs out? Can gig work fill the gap or extend that line?
Then you apply for jobs like your life depends on it. Leverage your professional connections you’ve made along the way.
These are all rhetorical questions for yourself to figure out the next steps. But eventually it will end, and you’ll be an employed drone again.
Layoffs happen. Don’t take it personally, because it will be no help now anyway. What’s important is the future and getting a new job.