Cars are important, I don't let my total invested in gear go past 20% of what I have invested in cars. I collect classic cars and drive newer German cars so my perspective may not be that of your average person. Regardless get a respectable car before spending a dime on more gear or your life isn't going to be balanced. People who can really afford to own nice gear don't need to sell it when times get hard, you should be able to afford to own your house, cars and gear. If you buy a nice lp now in life I am willing to bet it will be on the block in short order to make up for some shortage, car expense, school expense etc, that is just the way life is when you are that age unless your folks are loaded. A bit later in life when the money starts rolling in you will be able to buy what you want and will be able to afford to keep it:thu:.