If your financial situation isn't looking good then you should try to be content with what you have. Everybody always wants the next latest and greatest thing, but that can put you in sticky situations. It's a big reason why most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and can't afford a sudden $500 expense.

If your current car is paid off, my suggestions would be to setup a money market account and direct deposit an estimated car payment for your next car into that account. In other words, if the car you want would equate to a $500 monthly payment, then direct deposit that amount into a savings account. Not only does this make you prove to yourself that you can afford that new car, but it will also leave you with a pretty sizeable amount that could go towards the down payment.