Cars:
Look for Honda, or Toyota. Kia, or any other Korean maker (Daewoo, etc.) is not the best idea. They do run forever, they also get good gas milage, but the Koreans do things differently, and it'll cost you more to fix.

That five year bullshit only applies to American cars which, since about 1973, have sucked. If you can find an early to mid 90's Honda Accord or Civic, or similar years Toyota Celica, Camry or Corolla, it'll last forever. You may pay a bit more, but you'll get your money's worth.
This is, however, MY opinion, based on what I've seen these cars do, and the kind of abuse they take, and how well they take it. If the price to newness ratio is what you want, Kia or Daewoo isn't a bad car, and certainly better than almost anything American, but their motors don't hold a candle to Honda, or even Toyota. Honda makes the best engine you will find in an everyday car. Nissan and Mazda are also good.
I think that maybe your father's assesment of $9000 is realistic. Look in the $6-8k range. You'll get more bang for your buck buying a car in that range. Be sure to have someone mechanically inclined look at any car before you buy it. The pre-purchase inspection is your friend. Take the car to Kimbal's (body and alignment shop) and have them check the unibody and/or suspension. They do this for either free or very little. If they charge you (probably will), oh well. It's worth it. Remember, once you've bought a car, you have 72 hours to change you mind.



Insurance:
You, like myself or any other single male under age 25, are going to get severely ass-fucked by the isurance companies. I mean like dry corn-holed. Get the picture?
Hondas are going to get you the worst. It seems single males under age 25 have a history of doing stupid shit with Hondas. Once you figure out a few different cars you like, call around, find out a few company's rate for the different models you are looking at.

Good luck.


Later