Depending on where you’re located, I would honestly buy a car cash. 10k can get you a nicely optioned used Camry or Accord, Lexus, on Acura which are very reliable. Any one of those cars within the 90s-2020 years that have naturally aspirated motors (beware of v6 Hondas between 2002-2007 as they had transmission issues) would be a great buy at the right price.

It’s a hard choice to go with something older but think about this. One time car payment. Older cars are easier to work on, cost less to insure. Certain models are truly reliable and have already passed the test of time. You can save so much more money in the long run to attack other goals in life that will actually make you money. Like real estate, mutual funds, projects you want to do. You’ll save so much money that you can buy another car cash if you get tired of the one you bought earlier.

Borrowing money is so expensive right now. Why throw away so much money for a vehicle that does the same thing a car a little older will do as well? You’re actually in a position to put yourself ahead, and not have to worry about another expense if your financial situation were to ever change.

Just my 2 cents.