BMW X1 2010Change

What do you define as not expensive?
A good starter car, price category is about $5000.
You can still get a similar Jetta for that price.
Somewhere along 1999 and 2000.
It's almost the same car but the one you would buy would have high kilometers and would totally drain your wallet with repairs.
Now, sticking to that price category, you have to decide what you want.
If you want something that is reliable and economical, buy a Honda Civic.
If you are a car lover, buy a 1993-1997 BMW 3 series.
Honda is reliable and economical, BMW is great to drive.
The jetta is awesome too.
Test drive those 3 cars.
The BMW 3 series,
The Honda Civic,
and the VW Jetta.
All old, the BMW and VW better to drive, but not so reliable.
The Civic being DULL but reliable.
Whatever you want, take your choice.
I hope I helped.