16yrs old, first car advise?!

As for the money thing. Cars aren't an investment look at new cars people buy $50,000 plus cars everyday an only in a couple of years worth a 3rd. At least your car will never go under a certain value $10,000 -20,000 for good A bodies. An over time slightly increase unlike newer cars.
If your were to lease a new car (throwing away money) it would cost 200-500 dollars a month so at least you get to put that money into car to make it more fun with a lot less loss over time.