Single Mom get Reliable Transportation

Hello, my name is Hailey. I'm a single mom to three wonderful school age kids who give me purpose! We are leaving an unsafe situation with my ex partner and trying to establish a fresh start. My children and I will be sharing a bedroom in my sisters house (who I am so thankful for), my cats and plants are being fostered, ans most of my worldy posessions are being put in storage.

The biggest problem we have is that we don't have a working and reliable vehicle, and we have been dependent on my ex for everything. Now, I'm not really sure what's going to happen. How I'll get to work consistently, how I'll get groceries or appointments or just live a decent life. We have never had a reliable vehicle, and I'm in no position to take out a loan, so here I am. Asking for help so that I can have one major thing in my life sorted for my kids, something that won't break down in a year and leave us stranded in the same position.

My cousin is a mechanic and he has suggested getting a Honda CRV, he is knowledgeable and we have found a couple of great options but they range from 3500 to 5000+ and I just can't come up with that alone.

Thank you for any time and consideration, it means everything to me and my children! Thank you!