Car insurance and the stuff nobody tells you
When you examine your budget before you purchase the car, take note of what you will have to give up to fork over that cash. Should you be buying a cheaper car to save for a new roof, for example? Or should you forgo the car for a few more years until your kids are out of college? Most people do not set aside "car money" in a jar on top of the fridge for years to save up. Instead, they have to cash out an investment or pull the money out of an account that may have a penalty. Another consideration is simply that car dealerships are giving out some amazingly low rates on auto loans right now, which might mean your cash would pay better dividends invested elsewhere. But cash is simple.