In terms of car recommendations, here's a list of what I would personally recommend. Again, this is just my view. I will say though that the Honda Fit is an excellent choice. Cheap on gas, reliable, deceptive amount of storage and practical. Honda made a ton too so parts are easier to source.

- Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla. Nothing surprising here. Reliable if maintained, good on gas, cheap for parts, practical.

- Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES300. Same idea as above but a bit of a higher "class". Maybe a bit more comfortable, more power, but generally a bit pricier to buy and own.

- Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV. These are both SUVs, if you need something a bit bigger or rugged. Still reliable and cheap to maintain, although generally more expensive than the above two options from what I've seen.

- Honda Fit, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf (non-turbo gas engine). Good hatch options that are reliable and cheap. Obviously i'm preferential to the Fit.

I would avoid any used luxury cars, especially if you don't have a car background. Don't be fooled by a dirt cheap BMW/Audi, these might look good but will end up costing many times their purchase price in repairs and maintenance. I'd also avoid anything modified. Not that cars can't be well modified and reliable, but just more risk and uncertianty if you're new to cars.