The Toyota Corolla starts out at just over $17,000 and fits four people comfortably. There's room in the back for a baby seat if you need it. The same is true for other cars in its class such as the Kia Forte which starts out at just under $16,000.

If transporting other people isn't a concern, or if you usually just have one passenger, a car like the Toyota Yaris starts at just under $15,000. See also the Kia Rio where you can get a five door hatch for around a similar price.

Need more space for kids and are willing to swallow your pride and not go full SUV? The Toyota Sienna can be had for just under $29,000, that's $5,000 below the price of the average car quoted in the article. Need a work truck? Even both the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra start under the price quoted in the article, though once you start tossing in features like 4wd, the price starts to climb. Though to be honest with you, most people who own trucks don't really use them as trucks. I'm amazed at the number of used car dealerships I've been in over the years that have truck after truck that don't have a single scratch in their bed, even at five or six years old.

All of these vehicles, and similar ones from companies like Chevrolet, Hyundai, and more can be had at reasonable prices and last you well into the 15 year and 250,000 mile range if they're well taken care of. Car companies like Lexus and Cadillac tip this price range and loaded out cars like SUVs and trucks also tip this price range, but affordable cars are out there.

As for the talk about financing? That's probably pretty spot on.