My suggestion would be to look for a nice HIGH mileage business or commuter car. You'll get it for cheap. It will be in better mechanical shape than a low miles car. Probably everything will work. Since you're not a mechanic, I'd suggest skipping the beaters. When you start adding up all the time, money, and frustration it will take to fix all the things that don't work on a beater, you're better off finding a nice unit in good shape. If you like working on cars as a hobby, then that's another story.

Good luck,
Peter

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