Leo started with the only thing he had: a high-end espresso machine he'd won in a raffle but never used. He didn't sell it for cash; he traded it for a vintage road bike. Two weeks later, he swapped the bike for a riding lawnmower that "just needed a spark plug." By the end of the month, that mower was traded for a 2005 sedan with high mileage but a clean title. The "Zero-Down" Gamble
: Look for dealerships offering $0 down, but use an auto loan calculator to ensure you can handle the monthly payments. What to Do If You Need a Car But Can't Afford One how to buy a car without money
Leo stared at his empty wallet, then at the "Help Wanted" sign three towns over. He needed a car, but his bank account was a zero-sum game. Here is the story of how he turned a lack of cash into a set of keys. The Trade-Up Leo started with the only thing he had: