My first car (the first of many) was purchased shortly after I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. I needed a car that was inexpensive, reliable and one that was fuel efficient. After looking at the VW Fox, Nissan Sentra, AMC Encore, and Honda CR-X I chose the Chevrolet Spectrum sedan. I purchased the car from Kenny Ross Chevrolet in North Huntington, PA. I literally drove the car off the showroom floor. My spectrum was pretty basic: crank window, 5-speed manual transmission, no A/C, and an AM/FM radio. My Dad went with me to make sure that I got a good deal. When all was said and done, I paid just $7500. My monthly payment was $200 a month. Just about all I could afford.

Robert