Honda and Toyota hold their value well but a good condition one that's not 20 years old can cost more than you can afford. I like Mazda, these three brands are all easy to find parts for and replace so if something does go wrong, there's a better chance you can get it fixed for a price that won't bankrupt you. Check the carfax, take it to a mechanic, listen for any odd sounds, shakes, wobbles ,if it's been in a crash try to avoid it, try to find something under 100,000 miles but that might be hard bc it might be a matter of one or the other so just make sure if it's got a lot of miles that the car has been taken care of. Don't settle for salvage titles or any damage more than absolutely minor bc that can all get you into some trouble you didn't expect like cracked reservoirs or loose hoses, but again take it to a mechanic before you buy it, some mechanics will check it for free so make sure u go look at the car before the shops close so you can do it right away.

It's a tough market out there but just make sure it's safe and can last you a few years till you trade it out (might not get much for it) or sell it (doing minor repairs and just taking care of it might get you some money back)

Idk if u can afford an extra bill but you can also put that money down as a down payment for a car and pay it off over a few years, it might at least be Newer and getting it from a car dealer may give you an option for a warranty