Back in September, had my 2006 Ford Tarus with 120,000 miles breakdown into anti-theft system likely due to the compute dying.

Dream would be to buy a 2004 Ford Ranger with 100,000k miles for $3-4000. Unfortunately those cars are going for double.

Since I'm likely going to have to finance, would it be better to wait out the winter in hopes of a better deal or should I buy now?

Context:

23 years old, no debt. Work fulltime making 20 an hour at a warehouse. Taking school part time, but likely won't continue due to cost. Have about 3-4000 saved but have no credit to my name but recently signed up with a local credit union.

Live with my Grandmother paying about 360 every month. about another 100 a month on other expenses.

I really don't like the idea of buying a new car (in 6 months its just another possession and I spend a lot of time getting dirty hiking.) And I really only care about incurring the least amount of financial risk I can.

Advice?