* Salary: Teacher salaries vary widely by location, experience, and the type of school. A teacher in a high-cost-of-living area might struggle to afford a newer, more expensive car, while one in a lower-cost area might have more options.
* Debt: Student loan debt, mortgages, and other debts significantly impact a teacher's disposable income.
* Lifestyle: A teacher with a family might need a larger, more practical vehicle than a single teacher.
* Savings: Teachers with substantial savings can afford a more expensive car than those with little savings.
* Priorities: Some teachers might prioritize a reliable used car over a newer, flashier one.
Therefore, a teacher might afford anything from a reliable used compact car to a modestly priced newer sedan or SUV, or even a slightly older but well-maintained model. It's impossible to generalize beyond that.