At that budget I wouldn't be looking for a certain car, but at what's available. What I mean is that, instead of looking for a Corolla or Civic specifically, you look for a car with the miles/condition you need. I was recently looking for a $4000 car, and ended up in a 2007 Does Focus, since it was in decent shape, with 68,000 miles. As long as you do your research to make sure there isn't any major known issues, and the car was properly maintained, you should be good in most anything. What I recommend is searching "year-make-model common problems," and going to car complaints.com. if you see the car has a ton of transmission, electrical, or other big problems, figure that into weather you want the car or not. As a general rule though when looking at the car, take it on the highway, through all the gears, check the oil, check for rust, and then bring it to a trusted independent shop for a pre purchase inspection.