Turquoisesea, you're way ahead of where I was when I bought my first car (when I was 19). I had no family mechanic to take it to and only trusted the seller because it was a professor from my university. I needed it--like you--to get a job, and the freedom was amazing! One thing that helps me deal with car fears/frustrations is looking back on all the times I had to bum rides from other people and being happy about giving rides to others now instead. The ability to help others never grows old.