So I have about 12k saved up in a HYSA, of the which I plan on using 8k to either buy a car or finance it. The only issue is I need something reliable that will give me very minimal issues yet nothing too old. I understand that buying a new car may be more reliable but it comes with debt and increased insurance costs, yet buying an older car may be cheaper it is less reliable in my experience. I am 22 employed part time searching for a job since I am graduating with a Undegrad degree in 3 weeks. So this car needs to come ASAP so I can use it to get to my place of employment when I find FT employment. If I do finance I am looking at used vehicles with less than 50k miles on them under 22k and preferably newer than 2018. What should I do? Is financing off the table for me?
Additional Details: I have a 4 year credit history with no missed payments and 3 CC's on rotation.
TLDR:I have $12k saved and plan to use about $8k for a car. I need something reliable ASAP as I transition into full-time work after graduating. I’m weighing a newer car with financing (more reliable but adds debt and higher insurance) vs. an older car (cheaper but potentially less reliable), and I’m unsure if financing makes sense given my current part-time income.