

By that interest rate I’m assuming they are paying gap insurance and had low or non existent down payment. if OP bought a used subcompact for $12k with the $3K down they would likely have a lower rate and a much lower monthly payment. Probably 25-30% lower. The current interest rates aren’t killing OP it’s their credit and down payment amount.
Start shopping for subcompacts sold by rental companies like Hertz. They have strict maintenance schedules. As long as you can trust yourself to inspect a car for abuse you should be able to get a good deal and lower your payment by quite a bit. That would give you headroom to save for repairs. They sell used Honda Fits. It would also lower your gas costs.