Try to find...
a used Toyota anything. Corolla, Tercel, Camry, etc.
They can usually be found pretty cheap, there's enough of them, especially the Corollas and Camrys, that getting parts and service shouldn't be an issue.
If you're close to any colleges with live-in students, now is a great time of year to be looking for a car, students leaving for the summer or graduating have been known to sell their cars pretty cheap.
You're gonna be looking at a vehicle that's at least 10 years old in all likelihood, that means it's gonna need some service and maintenance. Budget a hundred or so dollars per month for repairs at a minimum.
Good luck.
If you want a Pontiac Minivan, I've got one for sale in CA and I'll let it go cheap, like under $3000 cheap.
John E.
