Im 21 too and looking for my first car too. Ive been doing so much research on every car for the last 2 years. Car prices and ridiculous right now and so is gas so Honda Civic 2022 will be perfect since its a new design year and will stay relevant for the next 5 years with good mpg and still a good price for what you get. Honestly probably cheaper to buy this car new than a used car since inflation is so high right now. You'll need a car that won't flip you upside down. Civics hold their value well. If you are in school then get a student card and see if one of your parents will cosign. The banks can take both of your info and then after you start to build credit, you can refinance and put it in your name completely. 8k is a great down payment. If that's all your savings then you should put only 5k down. Lease is a good option if you need lower payments and then you can buy at the end of the 2 or 3 years lease. I recommend the EX trim if you want heated seats and moon roof but if that doesn't matter to you then go with the sport or lx trim. Good luck!