I see limited credit history all the time, normally 1 or 2 $500 limit credit cards. We can let op make a comment on what his actual history is if he wants, it would help to know where to refer him to.
Also yes the market might of taken a hit in 2007, but 2008 is when the major hit took effect. Also bankers have to change their lending guidlines. Which doesn't take effect right away so 2008 I watched slowely as everything tightned up. Savings accounts and checking accounts really aren't going to help you get an auto loan, maybe 5yrs ago, not in this day and age.
What we really need to know is what actual lines op has.
You're situation is differnt, every situation is different, that's why its a case by case scenario. and you're 4 years of credit history should of been pleanty to co-sign which is why you were able to.
Shit when i was 19 I got my mortage for 160k. Everyone situation is different. But if I'm assuming what op has and if im correct at that, he's going to need 1.) a co-signer or 2.) suck it up and pay a higher intrest rate.