Keep asking around. I forgot it is a method I use when on the hunt. I found it funny that it is so ingrained in me I that forgot to mention it.

Also post some notices on the board of the grocery stores you frequent. Nothing ventured nothing gained type of thing.

For under 1G it's no longer really a question of a particular model that has decent qualities. You have reached the level of pure luck/crap shoot to find anything that will actually be usable and you'd have to take whatever you can find. However for around 1.5 to 2G's at least around here there do seem to be quite a lot of decent Panther platform vehicles that could fit the bill at least for basic transportation.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Not to throw out a commercial here but the Pick-n-Pull chain of salvage yards sells used cars. They buy cars at abandoned car auctions, like all salvage yards do, and some of them run. So they sell them.

And they sell them at low prices. They will also tell you what they know to be wrong with them if they know at all. It's not like they take them on a long road test or anything.

And their inventory of these cars is on their web site.

But they will be very up front with you about how it is best that you have some rather strong mechanical skills because if you buy a car from them you are likely going to need them. But then, if you didn't have such skills you would not be shopping at their yard to begin with.