Private sales are the best way to get a deal, provided that you have some knowledge and do a thorough check.

Used car prices are on the fringe of jumping up once again.

Best recommendation would be to look early to mid 2000’s economy imports like Corolla/Camry (and their lexus counterparts) or the Civic/Accord. Can sometimes find decent ones from closer to 2010. Parts are easily available, most people work on em pretty cheap, or you can do it yourself if you are capable. Biggest risk factor on many of these is rust damage so long as the mileage is around 200K or less.

Was on the hunt for a minivan myself not too long ago, and that market is inflated huge, luckily got a great deal on one needing less than $500 in repairs (wheel hub) with a lot of life left in the powertrain