Auto loan or pay cash for cheap car?

I lost my car last July due to the engine dying and I didn't think the cost to replace the engine was worth the money. (Repairs were more than car value). When I applied for an auto loan w/my credit union I was denied. I also went to a dealership, which resulted in 4 inquiries and were also denied. My credit score was 664 and is now 651. I have no one to co-sign on my behalf. I owe on 3 of my 4 credit cards. I have never missed nor been late on payments. I just started a 2nd so my income will be $2000/month. I'm trying to figure out should I work on improving my score so i can try for financing this July or use the money I saved to purchase a decent but cheap car. I really need something cheap but reliable, as I commute an hr away for school and I am using my mother's car but she is hinting that she won't for much longer. I don't want to rush and end up w/a lemon! Any suggestions are appreciated. Also, I do have my own place with my sis. I'm not on the lease though so it doesn't help the situation . I have 2 jobs both near my apt but not school. My mom lets me use the car since she doesn't work and school is an hour away. I also had my own place before but it's way cheaper sharing a place with my sis.

1) With the way that car loans seem difficult to get approved in this econonmy. The websites places are fast and I have heard the are easier to quailify sometimes. My friend recently used http://auto.deal4-you.com

2) How much do you have saved to buy a car in cash? You may want to post this in the cars (buying and selling) section of yahoo answers. Keep saving every penny you can while you're able to use mom's car. What happened to your last car? Did it get repossessed?



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