Do you think I can afford this car?

I'm thinking about buying a 2011 Ford Focus that has low miles for $7,500.

I work about 35 hours per week for $10/hour, but I'm about to have two jobs soon. I really need a car to get back and forth. I have a 700 credit score and $1,000 to put down on it.

The only problem is that I only worked 20 weeks this week and 15 last week because I needed to take time off for my dying grandfather. If they see those pay stubs, they might reject me.

Power Steering Leak? Not sure how to fix?

I have a 2009 Ford Focus, and one day my power steering got really tight, so I checked and it was low on fluid. So I filled it and a couple days late it was all gone. Then I found it: when I shut the engine off, all the fluid in the reservoir builds up and oozes out the cap. I'm certain I have the cap on all the way, and the o-ring looks to be in good shape. Is there anything I'm not thinking of? What are some remedies?

Transmission problems 2004 Ford Focus?

I own a 2004 Ford Focus, never given me problems before until recently the transmission light turned on and now when I start my car if I put it into reverse it jerks, once I put it into drive it has a minimal jerk getting out of first gear but after it drives fine. If I drive it for a good period of time and turn it off then back on the transmission light turns off and it drives completely fine no jerks, just like new. I'm wondering what is wrong with it. I've gone to my mechanic and they say it's serious, but I'm highly doubtful. I've heard it could be the solenoid or just my transmission fluid that needs to be changed, and I've also heard a whole new tranny.

2012 ford focus not starting?

I just got a 2012 ford focus just a few weeks ago and I love it! 60K miles on it runs fine everything! Well tonight I go start it and it will not start over. Dash board lights flicker, tail lights head lights flicker even when the key is In the ignition (not starting it). I pop open the hood and fuze location r12 (power relay: cooling fan) thumps i don't know if that's the problem. But as of now the car is completely dead now.

Fswerks Race Headers and Stealth Exhaust install for 2007 Ford Focus?

I'm looking to buy the fswerks race headers and stealth exhaust and have a couple of questions for it.
1.) Do I also need to buy the flex pipe for it?
2.) If I wanted to buy a high flow catalytic converter to keep it somewhat street legal, would I be able to install it along with the headers and exhaust?
Any advice and tips is greatly appreciated!

Should I buy one of these compact cars, or an Audi A3?

Hyundai Elantra
Honda Civic
Toyata Corrolla
Mazda3
Ford Focus
Chevy Cruze
Volkswagon Jetta

OR

Audi A3, either fwd or awd

Added (1). it would be about $10k-12k more, depending on the compact car I pick instead of the A3

Ford Focus mk1 tail light not working when brakes pressed?

So the problem is that when lights are ON and the brake pedal is pressed, the right taillight goes off. I already replaced the bulb and cleaned bulb connector and ground connection on the body. The left taillight is working fine. The connectors seems fine on both taillights. What could be the problem?

Which of these cars should I buy?

I live in a city with bad winters, if that matters. I'm considering:

Hyundai Elantra
Honda Civic
Toyata Corrolla
Mazda3
Ford Focus
Chevy Cruze
Volkswagon Jetta

What do you think would be best? Looking for something that is fun to drive and also reliable