auto loan advice

My 2002 Ford explorer is just about to crap out...It needs new control arms and a new rear differential very soon. I'm tired of putting money into it...so I'm looking at a new car...my question is about an auto loan and to see if anybody has any pointers or advice...

I still owe about $4,400 on my explorer.

I am in college and work full time. I have income of about 2,000 a month with basically no other expenses other than a car...live at home...no CC debt etc...I have solid credit history and a average maybe above average credit score. Had a high debt to credit ratio at one point but never have missed a payment etc...

I am looking at about a $20,000 loan for a Kia Forte Koup. I would prob put about 2k down on it...and then there is the problem of my explorer. I got offered 2k as a trade in for it.

Any of you have similar experiences with similar income or any advice. Basically I'm trying to figure out if a 20k auto loan is a normal amount for somebody w/ income of about 24k a year. thanks in advance!!!

I believe the financial world suggest not using more than 20% of your monthly income on an auto loan. I would imagine with your income a 20K loan would be a little high. Your solid credit history should get you approved for any amount you want but I'm thinking buying a 20K car with a 24K income is probably not the best idea.