OK my friend had this game way back when but neither of us remember the name.

The game started you off in a shuttle and you had to do missions for various people to get money. There were pirates and a Navy and such. You could upgrade your ship with money and such throughout the game. Also you could visit various planets.

The game was from a top view with your ship in the middle of the screen.

This game reminds me of a old version of Freelancer (which I have).

Also, he didnt own the game I dont think becuase a animated guy in a ship would fly across the screen saying to buy it. It always said something about a captain which makes me think Captain is in the name of the game. This makes me think it was shareware.

Ok thats all I remember. I hope you guys can help.

THANKS!

Maybe Elite?

There is a game extremely similar to what you describe, but its not the same game...however, I'm sure you would enjoy it...

Star Control II. Still is one of my favorite games...

Alright it sounds like you were playing one of my favorite old space shooters: Escape Velocity.

There were 3 versions of this game:
Escape Velocity <- the one you are likely thinking of
Escape Velocity: Override
Escape Velocity: Nova

Nova is the latest incarnation, all three are made by Ambrosia Software, and only the latest: Nova was ported to PC

the person flying around in a shuttle that was reminding you to pay for the game was "Captain Hector" he was the mascot of the company, an african gray parrot.

anyway, here is a link to the nova site. I was a tester for this and my name is even in the credits (it's one of my favorite achievements)

http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/