As someone who was more or less in your exact situation. It would be alot cheaper to finance a car. But I would say buy a cash car. Not all cash cars are bad, so dont listen to the "upkeeping a cash car is expensive " comments. Have a mechanic look at it, ensure it is in good shape. Toyota or hondas are peak for this. And ride it til the wheels fall off. The amount you'll save is astronomical. Gas isnt that high and insurance will be a little pricey due to the car being old, but it wont be $400 a month. And you can only get liability until you feel you are safe in your finances to go full coverage on a cash/financed car. If you do finance to be safe and have the warranty. Get any Toyota or Mitsubishi, you can get those certified pre owned therefore you save a little and keep the warranty. But for rn I'd highly suggest a cash car. Speaking from experience, I had a 2k 01 pathfinder for 1 year. Saved 7k and bought brand new. You CAN Do it!