[dnautics]

A quick google search indicates that the MSRPs for top-of-the-line Toyota Camrys and Chevy Malibus (just a couple of cars I thought might be well-suited to the task) are around $30,000, which, at 3% over 5 years, would require a monthly payment of about $540

The car you want to be driving for this task, if you are making a new purchase, is a used hybrid. A used honda insight goes for ~$16k, monthly payment on a five-year is $250/month with not very good credit, gets 34mpg while running, and you don't have to really worry too much about making payments in case you lose your job, your car, or both.