I live in the Netherlands, almost every place is accessible by either public transport of bike or (usually) a combination of both, no real need for a car. If you do really need it I'm sure parents are there, a small, ok car can be had for under 1000, right?

If you still live at home you can buy it from your first wage. Otherwise it may take a bit longer. Government advices people to have a buffer of at least 5000 so you can have you washing machine fixed or get a new furnace (the thing that heats your house) and fix other house related issues (or your car). Most people I know try to maintain that buffer.