Buy a cheap car. Sounds like your not planning to drive it long distance? That opens up a world of cheap options on low MPG vans, trucks, big cars; gas milage not being your priority.

Check Craigslist, Chicago has just about the biggest. Try and stay away from the buy here pay here lots.

BTW: Don't be tricked into a deal on a mini van, if it has 100K or more expect transmi$$ion trouble.