Thundra,
Since almost everybody I know, even on very low salary, can
buy a low end car, not cash, but credit exists for a reason,
a totally disagree on the fact that its unaffordable to most.
Of course, on minimum wage, banks will not lend you 16K, ever.
But, the working poor, with a higher salary (minimum wage is not working poor, its below subsistence poor, it is a US embarassement); if they take care of their credit, they can get a 16K loan much quicker than 10 years.
My best friend had a salary of 25K (his wife didn't work and he's got a 5 year old child) and he financed a 20K car. He already owed 10K in student loans and had a 5K line of credit open, and they still gave him the money. He always pays his bills on time and has a very tight budget; to save, and keep your credit, you need to budget.