Originally Posted by Aspect

The used car fear is really overexaggerated. Simply do your due diligence and research every single car and find one without or with the least problems, get the carproof reports, maintenance records, and get a pre purchase inspection . Buying "old cars" is why I have my 2007 IS250 AWD - paid $12k CAD in cash - no transmission issues, no carbon build up, minimal aesthetic damage, 100,000km, came with wheels and tires for both summer(Enkei RSF5 with Michelin PSS) and winters(OEM on Michelin X-Ice 3s) basically brand new. The only major mechanical fix I had to do were the rear brake calipers and that's it. The G35/G37 powertrain is solid and can last 200,000 miles. The number of G35s on the road to this day is numerous. Only problem with older Nissans are the electrical aspects like windows, locks, cd players, etc. You should expect to fix a thing here and there with all used cars.

I don't know the OPs financial situation aside from the $5k cash on hand but regardless on an almost 10 year old car I definitely wouldn't finance. I say if you can't pay for it in cash fully out the door it's not worth it. Given that he's 19 there could be other expenses such as post secondary education, living expenses, etc. The extra he pays for interest isn't economical and can be saved for other things. You shouldn't put yourself in a situation that all you're doing is car payments( not saying the OP is doing so but what if). Pick up a part time job here and there and save. You could make the $8k in a year or so. By that time the prices can or will be better and you have the bargaining chip of cash(although not as powerful as in the past, still works). You could possibly even get a 2011/2012 refresh model possibly.

If the OP is in the desperate need of transportation I would suggest a beater. Good things come to people who wait.