Suggestions for a vehicle?

I've always been a bicyclist, but I think it's about time I got myself a vehicle... Problem is, since I've been biking all my life I know jack-crap about cars and such. So hey, why not ask here and see what you guys think?

I'm trying to find something fairly cheap. I'm a 20 year old guy, living alone so no help from parents or such. I do work full-time, but I don't make terribly much. I figure insurance will probably be a pretty big problem considering my age and gender, but don't really know how bad it'll be. I don't plan to drive very much, I'd still like to bike as often as possible, but it's a little tough to run (most) errands, give people a ride, etc. on a bicycle.

So, I've been thinking a bit about it, and I'm pretty much debating between a motorcycle or a car. I figure I'd enjoy a motorcycle from all my experience biking, and motorcycles are usually cheaper than cars, not to mention lower insurance and higher gas mileage. They're a little less pleasant in poor weather and winter, but hey, it's not much of a change from a bicycle. Problem, though, is that an accident can seriously screw me and/or my passenger over. I'd like to think I'm fairly alert from years of riding a bicycle, but it's still a very real threat. Also, unless I get a sidecart of some kind, a motorcycle won't have terribly much more carrying capacity than my bike does.

A car will easily solve the carrying problem, and it's quite a bit safer than a motorcycle, but it would cost much more. Between the car itself, gas, and insurance, I worry if I'll be able to afford it.

So what do you guys think? Should I take a hit to the wallet to go the safer, surer route with a car, or do you think I could manage with only a motorcycle? I really don't need a vehicle for much, mostly just being able to get around beyond my bicycling range, give my girlfriend a ride instead of her always driving me around (I'm hoping to get it in time for our anniversary) and simple things like shopping, laundry, that kind of stuff.

Also, what kind of brands/makes/models/whatever would you recommend for either? Any experiences you think would be handy for a first-time buyer?

And while you're at it, can always prolong the topic by talking about your first vehicle. At the very least it'll give me an idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Right, that probably would help, hm? I live in New Mexico, for the most part really clear, not much rain, and gets plenty hot but doesn't get too cold. Wind can be a pain sometimes, though.

Like I said, I don't mind the poor weather too much because I'd be braving the elements regardless on a bicycle, y'know?

My work's only about 5 miles away since I moved closer recently, I'll usually catch a bus up there and bike home. So that's not much of an issue. But I live downtown and there's not much for groceries, or general household stuff very close by, so it'd be handy to have a vehicle for that and other typical errands, or for getting to family gatherings or such on the other side of town. I've been getting by on a bicycle alone for years, and I probably still could, but I figure it's about time I get something of my own instead of bumming a ride when I need one.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Hm, I could be wrong, but I've always heard motorcycle insurance is cheaper than cars simply because there's not as much to a motorcycle. I'll have to take a look into that. As for a scooter, while it could -potentially- be an option, I figure it has even less carrying capacity than a motorcycle. Not to mention a 6'5" guy on a scooter just doesn't seem right to me.

As for my budget, the lower the better.... I'm still figuring out my exact monthly savings since I just moved. But I've got a couple thousand to my name, no debt, and I'm in the green each month by at least a few hundred, so it's doable.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Yeesh, I'm a bit late to reply, just been reading what everyone's saying... Thanks for the advice, everyone.

To Meth: I live in Albuquerque, downtown. Yeah, snow like that would definitely be a problem on a motorcycle... But that's when I just hop on the Rapid Ride anyway. Hell, I probably would even with a car if we get that much again. (Note to others: 3-4 inches in NM is what we consider bad snow)

To Zeph: Thanks for pointing that out for me. While I surely don't mind learning, I have next to no mechanical skills. I figure I can start learning hands-on once I actually have something, but in the meantime I'm pretty clueless and not too driven to read up on it all.

Well, been looking around. I figured my troubles may be possibly solved, a co-worker offered to sell me a 1994 Ford Taurus for $900. Sounded good, had cosmetic issues but I don't really care about that. Then I found out today the thing's been sitting for 6 years and, to my knowledge, that's not a very good thing for a car... So I'll still check it out, but not too much hope there.

I'm keeping an eye out for just about any cheap used cars, but considering the risks of repairs and such (Especially the cheaper I go) I might end up going with a motorcycle. If I go with a new one I've been eyeing the '08 Honda Rebel, nice little 250cc motorcycle to start out with, only $3000 brand new. I'm sure I could find even better stuff used, haven't really looked there just yet.

I'm still not entirely sure on whether to get a car or motorcycle... I like bikes and all, but a car would be alot more convenient. Just also more expensive. So for now I'm just looking out for any bargains.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I mentioned it earlier, I -could- get a scooter/moped, but that's even less carrying capacity than a motorcycle, and that's part of the issue. I want to at least be able to carry one passenger, y'know? (And I know at least some scooters can, but I assume those ones go higher in price... Haven't looked much into them)

And Zephyrin, that's what I figured. What do you suggest for a motorcycle? From what I've heard it's alot better to start with lower cc's so I don't kill myself on it (As easily, at least).

I was speaking idiomatically.