it's the battery, alternator, or starter. It is perfectly normal for these parts to wear out. I think you said you had a 2001, which is pretty quick for an alternator to wear out, but it can happen. None of these repairs should be too expensive, i.e. under $200. I know that's still a lot when you're broke, but it is certainly better than a $1500 engine rebuild.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by its not starting -- i.e. if you get nothing or if it just won't "catch", but it should be easy to check if the battery is dead. Turn the key 3/4 or so and it should be in battery mode -- try turning on the radio or heat/AC.
If it won't turn on, have someone jump the car. If you can't find anyone who can give you a jump, pop the hood and make sure the battery terminals look OK -- sometimes the terminals get pretty ucky and have to be replaced, but you can get by with a quick cleaning.
I'm so sorry about your spell of bad luck.  But don't immediately assume this is a catastrophe. Every car, no matter how reliable, has normal wear-and-tear and will inevitably need repairs. Even 9 days after being sold to a new owner. But, I would definitely talk to the dealer and see what he could do for you.
By the way, you have sounded very concerned about paying for this vehicle. Please keep in mind you don't have to spend a lot of money for reliability. My husband and I are very aggressive car shoppers and spend a lot of time researching cars and reading classifieds. We have had great luck with every car that we have owned -- I can't even remember the last time I've been stranded somewhere by a balky vehicle. I've been driving a 1997 Honda Civic for the last year and haven't had a single problem with it, though I do have some upcoming maintenance on it. We bought it for $5000 with 63,000 miles. The only disadvantage is that if you do get financing (we pay cash), the interest rates are higher for older cars. But, insurance will also be cheaper!
Good luck. I hope it works out for you. 
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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Usually when a car won't start
