I currently make ~$12k a year as a student. Bought my first car, a 2013 Scion FR-S almost a year ago for $4k. Had about 150k miles on it. I do oil changes myself, twice a year, for $50 a pop. It's a reliable car, and I haven't needed to do any big repairs. I'm planning to take it to 250k, or further.
Bottom line: find a reliable used car. Don't take out a loan you can't afford. E.g. Toyota Camry/Corolla, Honda Civic. For about the price of a typical down payment, you get a functional vehicle that will cost you <$500 in maintenance a year.
Bottom line: find a reliable used car. Don't take out a loan you can't afford. E.g. Toyota Camry/Corolla, Honda Civic. For about the price of a typical down payment, you get a functional vehicle that will cost you <$500 in maintenance a year.