16 and sadly broke: What car would work?

Hi! 16F here, and it has been my dream to drive my own car. I got my permit the day I turned 16 and I am eligible to get my license in two months. My parents know how much driving means to me but are acting weird about it... I'm taking it as I will be the one to pay my Insurance and my car. I started worked at 14 to.... you guessed it.. save for a car. I currently have a few thousand under my name and I just picked up a second job.

I have SO many questions:

• How many miles is too much?
• When is a car too old?
• Are German brands that bad?
• What's better AWL or front only?
• What are some affordable cars that won't break down on me?
• And why are cars so expensive???

I live near Norristown, PA if that helps. I'm scared of sedans because I've never driven one since both of my parents own SUVS. I'm in love with my Dad's 2015 Mazda CX5 but I think that's out of my price range.

Seriously, any advice helps. I'd drive anything. My insurance would be ~300ish dollars a month. Maybe I could negotiate with parents or not. I'm looking to stay cheap, budget would be $7000 (Hopefully less). My parents will not allow me to buy a car from Facebook Marketplace.

Thank you!!