OK, then check with the banks in your area to see what they'll give you. Two years at a job is good. You'll notice that the interest rates for new cars is lower than it is for used cars and, ironically, it's easier to get a loan for the cheapest new cars than it is for older used cars. The cheapest new cars are $10k and a bit over. Nissan, Hyundai, and Toyota all have good cheap cars but they don't come with A/C, ABS, or sometimes even a radio.
What I would do is look for used late model cheap cars with the extras you want and need and then compare the prices for your loan and see where the break-even point is on loan cost.
If you haven't been yet, go to Edmunds.com and research the hell out of all the used cars in your price range. You want a car where you can get reputable repair as well so ask people where you live what dealers they like. If you have friends who repair cars or know of independent repair shops which specialize in certain makes, ask people what their reputation is. Honest and reliable repair and service is essential and buying a great car only remains great if you can get it serviced nearby. Edmunds is a fantastic resource for all this. I highly recommend it.
I research the fuck out of every car I buy. I know the company, the models, the model version, and everything about the car from its resale value to engine displacement and wheelbase to chronic problems. I go into the dealer knowing what the dealer paid for the car and whether the dealer gets holdbacks from the manufacturer and what they are. I know the gas mileage, registration and insurance costs. Cars are the most expensive things you will ever buy that will never appreciate (save for a handful of collectible cars which neither you nor I can afford). That's why when you buy a car, you want to make every penny count. Usually that doesn't work when buying a new car but when new cars are so cheap that the market for used cars is next to nothing, then buying a new car might make sense if you really want to hold on to it for a long time and you buy a make with a great reputation for reliability. If you're just looking for a car to last you for a few years until you get a higher paying job, then stick with used. Another thing about buying cheap but reliable new cars, like the Yaris, is that they will depreciate less quickly than a higher-priced car so you can get a good price for it when you sell it later.
