MidwestSolarpunk

Unfortunately many have to finance even for modestly priced vehicles. Saving just a few thousand dollars is unfeasible at lower incomes, depending on your situation. Right on for Toyota though, hard to find a more reliable car (maybe Honda).

Option two certainly is better, for those who can swing it! Being able to go carless and just use public transit/bike/walk everywhere is the new American dream honestly.

For real though, get your auto loans through credit unions. Checking and savings there too. And mortgages. Actually, just don’t use big banks.