feat: car-help web UI with browser view, search API, and buying guide
- FastAPI backend on port 8080 with noVNC proxy for same-origin iframe - Split-panel UI: live browser (55%) + search/guide/saved tabs (45%) - Car buying guide: target models, pre-purchase checklist, mechanics nearby, negotiation tips, budget breakdown - Scoring/ranking engine for listings (Toyota Prius = highest) - Docker container runs Xvfb + x11vnc + noVNC + FastAPI together - Accessible at browser.ampbox.io via cloudflared tunnel
This commit is contained in:
Ken
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"""
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Car buying guide for a 17-year-old in Woodinville WA.
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Budget: $8-10K for a reliable used hybrid.
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"""
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def get_guide() -> dict:
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return {
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"target_cars": [
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{
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"model": "Toyota Prius (2010-2015, 3rd gen)",
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"why": "Most reliable hybrid ever made. 50+ MPG. Huge parts supply. Battery lasts 150-200K miles. Dead-simple to maintain.",
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"mpg": "50+",
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"budget": "$6,500-$9,000",
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"score": 10,
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"notes": "The boring answer is the right answer. A 2012 Prius with 120K miles will run another 100K with basic maintenance.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Toyota Camry Hybrid (2012-2017)",
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"why": "More comfortable than Prius, very reliable. Bigger car, feels more solid. Great for a new driver.",
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"mpg": "38-40",
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"budget": "$7,000-$10,000",
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"score": 9,
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"notes": "Slightly harder to find in budget but worth it. More trunk space than Prius.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Honda Insight (2010-2014, 2nd gen)",
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"why": "Compact, reliable, good fuel economy. Honda build quality.",
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"mpg": "41-44",
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"budget": "$5,000-$7,500",
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"score": 8,
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"notes": "Less common than Prius but solid choice. IMA system is simpler than Toyota's.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Hyundai Ioniq (2017-2019)",
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"why": "Newer tech, excellent MPG, modern safety features. Good value depreciation curve.",
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"mpg": "55+",
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"budget": "$8,000-$10,000",
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"score": 8,
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"notes": "Best MPG in class. Newer so fewer miles typically. May be tight on budget.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Honda Civic Hybrid (2012-2015)",
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"why": "Good daily driver, Honda reliability. Watch battery health closely.",
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"mpg": "44",
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"budget": "$5,000-$8,000",
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"score": 7,
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"notes": "Only consider 2012+. Earlier models had IMA battery failures. Always get battery tested.",
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},
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],
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"avoid": [
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{
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"model": "Nissan Leaf",
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"reason": "Battery degrades badly in heat/cold. PNW winters + no active thermal management = range drops to 40-50 miles. Replacement battery costs $5,000+.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Honda Civic Hybrid pre-2012",
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"reason": "IMA battery failures are extremely common. Honda lost a class action over this. Replacement is $2,000-$3,000.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Nissan Altima Hybrid",
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"reason": "Rare, poor parts availability. Nissan's hybrid system was licensed from Toyota but support is minimal.",
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},
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{
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"model": "Ford Escape Hybrid pre-2010",
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"reason": "Aging hybrid system, expensive repairs. Brake actuator failures are common and cost $1,500+.",
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},
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],
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"pre_purchase_checklist": [
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{
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"item": "Bring an OBD2 scanner",
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"detail": "$20 on Amazon (BAFX or ELM327). Plug in, check for stored codes. Any hybrid-related codes (P0A80, P3000) = walk away.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check hybrid battery health",
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"detail": "Ask seller for a hybrid battery scan. Or bring the Dr. Prius app (Android) or HybridAssistant. Look for cell voltage imbalance.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Look for rust underneath",
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"detail": "PNW cars are generally good for this, but check wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage. Any structural rust = walk away.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check all electronics",
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"detail": "Lights, AC, heat, power windows, door locks, radio, backup camera. Electrical gremlins are expensive.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Test drive thoroughly",
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"detail": "Listen for unusual sounds. Test brakes hard. Feel for vibrations at highway speed. Test regenerative braking (should feel smooth). Drive at least 15 minutes.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check tire tread depth",
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"detail": "Penny test: insert penny head-first into tread. If you see all of Lincoln's head, tires need replacing ($400-$600).",
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},
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{
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"item": "Ask for maintenance records",
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"detail": "Oil changes, brake pads, coolant flushes, transmission fluid. No records = assume nothing was done.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check VIN for recalls",
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"detail": "Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter VIN. Open recalls should be fixed for free at dealer.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Run a vehicle history report",
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"detail": "Carfax or AutoCheck ($40, or ask dealer for a free one). Check for accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check 12V battery age",
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"detail": "Separate from the hybrid battery. Look for a date sticker on the battery. If 4+ years old, budget $150-$200 for replacement.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Check for catalytic converter",
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"detail": "Theft is extremely common on Prius (contains palladium). Look under the car -- if you see a fresh weld or aftermarket cat, ask questions.",
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},
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],
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"mechanics_nearby": [
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{
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"name": "Totem Lake Automotive",
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"address": "12720 NE 124th St, Kirkland, WA",
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"notes": "Good reviews, does hybrid inspections. Close to Woodinville.",
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"distance": "~10 min",
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},
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{
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"name": "Eastside Automotive",
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"address": "12011 NE 12th St, Bellevue, WA",
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"notes": "AAA approved shop. Thorough pre-purchase inspections.",
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"distance": "~20 min",
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},
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{
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"name": "Priusly Hybrid Service",
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"address": "Seattle, WA",
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"notes": "Prius and hybrid specialists. Worth the drive if buying a Prius. They know every failure mode.",
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"distance": "~30 min",
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},
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{
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"name": "Mastracci's Automotive",
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"address": "14510 NE 91st St, Redmond, WA",
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"notes": "Longstanding local shop with solid reputation.",
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"distance": "~15 min",
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},
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],
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"mechanics_note": "Budget $100-$175 for a pre-purchase inspection. NEVER skip this. Even a $5,000 car can have $3,000 in hidden problems. The $150 you spend here is the best money in the entire process.",
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"mechanic_red_flags": {
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"good_signs": [
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"ASE certified technicians",
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"Will let you watch the inspection",
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"Explains findings clearly, shows you the actual parts",
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"Has hybrid-specific diagnostic tools",
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"Gives you a written report",
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"Doesn't push you to buy or not buy -- just gives facts",
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],
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"red_flags": [
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"Won't let you be present during inspection",
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"Quotes repairs before finishing the inspection",
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"Pressures you to buy the car (they might know the seller)",
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"No hybrid experience or tools",
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"Rushes through it in under 30 minutes",
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"Only does a visual inspection (no scanner, no lift)",
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],
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"key_question": 'Ask: "Do you have a hybrid battery health scanner?" If no, find a mechanic who does. This is the single most expensive component.',
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},
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"negotiation_tips": [
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"Know the KBB private party value BEFORE you go (kbb.com). This is your anchor price.",
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"Point out any issues found in the pre-purchase inspection to justify a lower offer.",
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"Start 15-20% below asking price. Expect to meet somewhere in the middle.",
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"Be willing to walk away. There are always more cars. The moment you fall in love with a specific car, you lose negotiating power.",
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"Don't mention you're paying cash until the price is agreed. Cash removes the seller's uncertainty but also removes your leverage.",
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'At a dealer: the "doc fee" is negotiable in WA. State law caps it at ~$200 but dealers routinely charge $500+. Push back.',
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"Private party is usually $1,000-$2,000 cheaper than dealer for the same car, but no warranty.",
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"For a 17-year-old's first car: reliable > pretty. A boring Prius with 120K miles beats a cool-looking car with problems. Every time.",
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"Budget $500-$1,000 on top of purchase price for registration, insurance setup, and immediate maintenance.",
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],
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"budget_breakdown": [
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{
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"item": "Car purchase",
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"range": "$7,000-$9,000",
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"note": "Leave room for the extras below",
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},
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{
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"item": "Pre-purchase inspection",
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"range": "$150",
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"note": "Non-negotiable. Do this for every car you're serious about.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Title transfer + registration (WA)",
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"range": "$150-$300",
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"note": "Depends on vehicle weight and county.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Insurance (17-year-old, liability only)",
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"range": "$150-$250/month",
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"note": "On a used car, liability-only makes sense. Full coverage would be $300+/month.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Immediate maintenance",
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"range": "$100-$200",
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"note": "Oil change, air filter, cabin filter, wipers. Do this day one regardless.",
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},
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{
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"item": "Emergency fund",
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"range": "$500",
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"note": "Something will break or need attention in the first 3 months. Always does.",
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},
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],
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"budget_total": "$8,000-$10,500 total needed to be fully set up and driving",
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}
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