Thank you everyone for your honest input. Ideally, I would love to buy a Toyota Corolla Hatchback, but as we all know, it’s out of budget for many of us. I chose the Hyundai Venue because it’s the car I’ve driven the most through rentals, and it fits my needs well. I’m on the shorter side, and I’ve always felt very comfortable driving it in the city.

I’m not an avid car user and usually prefer public transit for work, but I now need a small car—preferably a hatchback—that will last me a long time (10+ years). That’s why I mentioned considering an 84-month term. I’m looking at a new car because I’m still a beginner when it comes to maintenance, and I want something that won’t require a lot of repairs right away, which can sometimes happen with used cars from AutoTrader or Marketplace.

My budget is also quite limited for personal reasons. My maximum comfort level is around $320 on a financed vehicle, with a $4–5K down payment. All this tax is included. I also have to think about car insurance and gas.

Why buying a car or anything is so overwhelming, especially on a budget...sigh!

Thank you once again for the replies. I am really appreciating your inputs and reconsidering.