I finally landed a full time position in my field which is amazing, but the drive is about 45 minutes each way on the highway. My car is a bit older and I am terrified of it breaking down and me not being able to afford the fix. I am living on a strict budget right now because I am paying off student loans, so I cannot just throw money at a mechanic every time something feels off. I have been trying to do my research on keeping it running smoothly without draining my bank account. It seems like finding affordable car servicing solutions is key when you are on an entry level salary. Things like comparing shop quotes online or looking for local mechanics who specialize in my car's make rather than the fancy dealerships. Does anyone have advice on balancing a long commute with keeping an older car healthy when you are just starting out financially?