I'm a teacher.
My parents were a working family too that couldn't pay for my college. I put myself through college. I worked nights and summers and I lived at home and used my parents' cars. That was their way of helping me. Free room and board and transportation. And when I got a job I still lived at home for another two years and saved my money so I could buy a car and pay for an apartment. I understand your situation, but you are going to have to be patient and you are going to have to do your homework. Which you have not done. At least not a thorough job.
Join your local educator's association. They have financial planners and may have other services that may even include buying a new or used car. I would suggest you see their financial planner about paying the student loans with money enough left over for normal expenses AND setting up a TSA (the special one for teachers) asap even if it's only $50 a month. As your career progresses you can increase the amount. You'll find if you start young and small you'll be able to retire at 58. I know you may not be thinking about it now, but take my advice and do it. You may also be able to join CostCo at a discount through your association. In some areas they have a car purchase agent to help you get discounts. If you do not have one already, plan on starting your master's degree in about four years. Don't get it in curriculum. Get it in administration, counseling or technology. Curriculum will only get you credit on the salary schedule, it won't actually lead to anything or help you advance. In the mean time take any classes offered by the district in which you can get credit. That will slowing move you up the salary schedule.
And talk to your credit union if you have one. If you don't, join the one that works with the association. If you're already a member and your district allows it....do direct deposit of your paycheck. They are more apt to approve a car loan if you have a contract (in other words, you're not a sub) and do direct deposit and arrange to pay the loan with automatic transfers. That way they're assured they'll get their money. Even if you're still probationary...you teach math...the district is not going to pink slip you, not even for budget cuts.
I would also suggest you do some internet searching for another dealer. Even if you have to drive a bit. Even if you have to drive down to San Diego (where I am) where the dealers will not rip you off. They do not charge above MSRP down here. Don't know about used Prii down here but I see them on eBay and they're a little more than half of the $31,000 you quote. Which BTW is outrageous. I don't know where you got that number but that is about $3,000 over the sticker on a package #6. Which you shouldn't be looking at. You should be looking at an package#1 basic model. And no leather, no other add on stuff. You can't afford it. The sticker on mine was about $22,000. If you can't afford to buy the car on your own, you certainly shouldn't be looking at a package #6, which BTW doesn't cost $31,000, not even with taxes and registration.
You're a teacher. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. I did. I started looking at cars and test driving in November 2004. I bought my Prius April 6, 2005. And I didn't buy all of the bells and whistles. I don't need all that stuff. I got a 2005 package #1, I paid sticker, and the salesman threw in a cargo tote. I wasn't on a waiting list. I just went (without an appointment), took a test drive and bought it off the lot. I'll get a few thousand for my Saturn when I sell it. I had already arranged my loan with my credit union in advance. But I didn't have to buy a car. In fact, I walked away from the first dealership before the test drive. I know you want a new car but you need to tell yourself you don't NEED a new car. Right now you have food, shelter, transportation and a steady job. You are way ahead of the game. If you don't buy this car you won't die and life will go on.
Don't buy the extended warranty at the dealer or anything else they try to sell you.
Consider a used Prius. You should be able to get a used Prius in the teens or about half the price you were quoted.
Again...do your homework. There's plenty of info on the net on how to buy a car and not get taken. You've chosen your car, now you need to learn how to put your plan in motion. Asking strangers for donations isn't going to do it. At the rate you're going, you're looking at a 2012 model. If you stay at home you could pay off your student loans and pay cash for the car long before then.
I don't think you've done your math.
And for anyone that wants to look it up, here's the salary schedule for Hayward Unified School District:
http://www.husd.k12.ca.us/salary_sched_cert.htm
You make $47,000 a year. If you live at home you should have your loans paid off in one year. You should be able to save for the car in another. You want a new Prius? You want all of the options? I suggest you look at a 2007 model. In the meantime, pay off your loans, save your money, wait patiently and thank your parents profusely for allowing you the luxury of room, board and I dare say probably free laundry services as well.
Kiss your mother.
Mow the lawn and help your Dad with the house. If you're lucky, it will be yours someday.
Set aside some money to compenate them for your free ride. Pay for the car insurance and keep the tank full.
You make twice what I did when I started teaching. The top of your salary schedule is higher than San Diego Unified School District and we're one of the least affordable cities in the nation. I'm afraid I can't work up much sympathy for your situation.
Refund the $12 that's been donated, thank everyone and tell them you're going to earn your Prius by working, saving and being patient.
