So I want to buy a stuffed animal of a thing from a video game (Pachimari from Overwatch) for a friend for her birthday next month. The best, most high-quality version I can find of it is from a store on Ebay based in China. Since it s an import, are there any additional taxes or customs procedures that I need to know about before buying? This is my first time buying something from outside the US.

Additional Info: it s 30 CM tall (about 1 foot) and costs $10.98. It also says that shipping is free and it s an "ePacket", whatever that is (is it important?)

Approval is unlikely. The rate doesn't go down but if you pay early you save interest at the end of the loan.

20k for an 06 Mustang is insane. So is $12k.

I look at it THIS way. If I'm happy with the staff, was treated with respect, and was given a good deal, I am happy to leave their name on my car, because I WANT them to have more customers.

Believe me, i KNOW when I'm getting a good deal, as I do a lot of research before buying.

When I walk onto a lot, I TAKE control of the conversation. I tell the sales person I don't want to hear any lies, or questions. Just answer any questions I ask, and we'll get along fine. You don't need to run my credit as I'll be paying for the car without financing.

Not a great choice but might be ok if the price is right and its in good mechanical shape.

You could probably get more for your money and better MPG with a car.

Realistically no.

As well as the car payments you also have fuel / insurance / registration and repairs / maintenance to pay for. If you finance a car, it has to have full insurance cover, not just the cheaper liability only. Any car you get is going to be older, and likely to need a few routine repairs.

The $500 down isn't a big problem, if you have the credit rating and income to qualify for the loan. As you have neither (and can't really afford a car anyway), it's not going to happen.

I've bought both. You can save big on a used car if you're able to pick a reliable car and you don't mind a car that's older. New cars are tricky but if you look at the right moments then you can actually come ahead of a slightly used car with all the options. Generally, after the New year is the Best time to look because sales are slow this time of year and the dealerships are eager to get rid of old stock.

If you drive a lot then a used car that's less than $6k is a better option provided that you get a gas sipper like a Corolla that's had 1 owner and has less than 130k miles. Also, the car has to be very reliable. You will have to buy one that's about 10 years old from a private seller. I've bought 2 Toyotas and 1 Honda this way. This is a game of chance. However, I read customer reviews about older cars to figure out which ones can consistently make it to 300k miles without transmission or engine failures. IMO, for the most part Toyota is the only company that can make a reliable car. Honda has fallen off the map. Nissan is ok. Don't expect to get a Chrysler Granny Cruiser and have it last for 200k miles.

The people who buy cars and trucks for vanity are the ones who are going to pay through the nose. Although I've done this and I may or may not do it again.

Cars and trucks aren't looked at as an investment. They are a necessity to some. That's like saying toilet paper and cigarettes is an investment. Does anyone buy a $1500 Macbook and expect to get their money back after 3 years? All you can do is be smart about what you buy to reduce the costs.