Want a new car, buy Janpanese car that does not depreciate much after a few years; Want a used car, buy american car that is much cheaper than Japanese used car. Particularly if you don't have driving experience, buy an inexpensive car so you don't care much in case you get a little bit damage here and there. for $5K, you may consider Ford Taurus, GM Malibu, etc. They are midium size family car.