What are some car-buying tips you have?

I really need a new car.
My parents are trying to help me decide.
They are trying to talk me into ugly cars that I do not like.
They made me get the ugly car that I have now, back when I was a teen. I got ripped off because I went to a place my dad told me to go. A place he's been getting cars.

It's many years later. I do not want to be ripped off again.
I know that I'd need to put a good amount down, in order to have cheap car payments....
I really don't want to finance a car, because I think paying interest is stupid.
I know that if I pay the car off quickly, I'd pay less in interest.

I have thought about getting a cheaper cash car, but then that would come with more miles, which most likely means more car problems. Problems that I most likely won't have if I buy a newer car, around $10k , which is still alot to me, but I want a good car with no car problems for at least a few years. So sick of having car problems. My current car is 15 years old and will not pass inspection (unless I get x,y and z fixed)..

🤦🏾‍♀️😖🚗

*oh, and i do have a trusted, personal mechanic whom I will consult before purchasing anything.

SW-User

You can likely find a decent car for 10k if you're will to make some payments afterwards. It could be worth it. I want to make suggestions, but it's all based on many things. In general, a Hyundai is gonna be a solid car, and not too expensive to maintain.
Don't get a car that was previously a rental car. Speaking as someone who rents cars, we don't give a fuck what happens to that car. Time to play 😈
A dealership will charge more, and is not so often more reliable than private dealers. They're snakes really. If you can haggle, it can work for you.
More stuff maybe 🤔 but I just got high..