Need advice on getting a new car!

Hi all.

I am stuck in need of a new car asap but not financially ready.

My car is a piece of crap – 200,000 miles and needs a whole new exhaust system. It’s paid off and I’m done throwing money into it. I got scammed with the car to begin with when I was 19 and desperately needed a car.

I can get atleast 500-800 for it but I’d like to atleast put 3k down for a nice, reliable used car. I cannot pull together 3k fast right now with bills – it would take me months and I can’t go that long without a car. I’m borrowing my partners car right now and it’s really difficult with both our jobs.

Should I take out a personal loan for the down payment or pull from my retirement fund? I know both aren’t the best options, but I don’t know what else to do and I don’t want to jip myself getting a cheap crappy car again.

I can afford a car payment and I can afford to pay towards a personal loan every month.

Please help!