I grew up poor during my teen years. My mom got rid of her car that was constantly leaving her stranded even within the city. I didn't really learn how to drive as I was growing up. At 20 I got my permit and now it's expired and I still don't have my license and I can't get a job to afford having a car. Am I doomed to keep riding my $150 Schwinn bike from Target until my 30's? I'm always seeing people my age and younger with cars, some of them are new. It gets me down :(

Long term, if you live in a city (or in Europe), the key is to be close to transit and you'll never need a car. My ex didn't learn how to drive (until I taught her), she was from a dysfunctional family and they never helped her. A bunch of my friends are carless. One never wants to drive a car. Also, a friend who works at the coop just gave up his carbon emitting vehicular monstrosity and now walks to work or takes the bus.
Of course whenever we picnic, or to ski, or the beach they all want to ride with me :-)
If you don't live somewhere with good transit, I guess you better save up and get a clunker when you can afford it. With the car, gas title fees, insurance, and maintenance, its not cheap!