Get something as a temp car to hold you over for a year that's cheap, decent mileage for the age, and is running good. I think you can last for a year with a beater type car and it will save you a bit of money. If you can find a 1998 Ford Zx2, they go for pretty cheap. As long as you can find one with a good history and mileage. I just recommend that car because I have an '03 Zx2 and it's pretty much the same car, has good pickup for a 4 cyl.