It all comes down to this. Most people think their jobs are secure but anything can happen. In the event it does a "small" car loan can turn into a financially crippling bill. Financially it's preferable to keep yourself as lean and flexible as possible meaning avoid unnecessary debt cause if something does happen that's one less major bill to deal with. If I got a $10,000 emergency fund it's gonna go further if I don't have to make car payments while finding another job.
To me a small car loan is something you can pay off in 6 months to a year and you actually have enough money in the bank to wipe out on the spot if shyt hits the fan.
Driving a beater any paying yourself isn't the most pleasant thing but it beats the hell out of suffering a financial catastrophe and being stuck with a car note. When you drive the beater and pay yourself the money is there for whatever you can take a portion of it and buy a car or take it all and buy one or in the event of an emergency convert it to an emergency fund. When you have a car note and a financial catastrophe hits either you're making those payments or taking a repo and having the lien holder come after you.
People always underestimate the value of an emergency fund. At least 3 months, 6 months if you got a family. I actually keep about 9 months at any given time (i know a lil too much) but that peace of mind

no debt

I hope people educate themselves, in this age you can find info everywhere on the Internet. Dave Ramsey does a free podcast every weekday, streams his show on YT free, does a free budgeting app, no excuse not to learn to be better off financially. Chris Hogan does a free podcast now too on how to retire properly.
Clark Howard is another one, free podcast every weekday, offers tons of good info and tips on saving money, being smart while still enjoying life. I've liked Clark Howard since his msnbc shows.