Need to buy a car

After losing my SSI case, I was forced back into the working world. I was lucky enough to land a part-time job working for a department store. I’m working at most 3 days a week and making $8.50 an hour; on average, I’m bringing in about $500 a month or less. I’m blessed enough to still live at home and with a mother who doesn’t charge me rent, however, I do have a credit card and other expenses I pay. Saving up for a car on my pay alone is very impractical and would take possibly a year or more.  

I’m in desperate need of my own car so I can get my driver’s license and keep open availability at work. Having my own car would also grant me independence and freedom that I don’t currently have. I’m 27-years-old and am trying to get my life together after having depression and anxiety rule me for so long.    

It’s going to be cheaper and more practical to buy a used car from an owner instead of a dealership. I’m doing this to raise money for the car to do one of two things. I will either pay upfront for the car or take out a loan and use the funds raised here to pay it off. My goal is $4,000, but I’d ideally absolutely need $3,000; any money left over will go towards getting all the necessaries for the car (plates, tags, etc) and what’s left after that will go towards a professional cleaning and detailing. I’ve seen lots of nice cars within my year range and price point. We’ll have our mechanic take a look at the car before I buy, of course. I really need the car so I can practice and take my license test ASAP.

Any help, big or small, would be deeply and greatly appreciated. Thank you.