$ 1500 - $ 2000 - range ???While its buyers beware its possible to get valid value, the Internet or Auto trader is not the places to look for vehicles in this price range.Shop you local community newspaper along with supermarket billboards you may just get lucky someone just having posted a vehicle in excellent condition that's no longer needed.Buying from a dealer in this price range the odds are against you, you must have patience and when you find a car that you think fits the bill make sure you navigate to the Test Drive on this website http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html

1) If you belong to a credit union, ask if they have a car brokerage service. Many credit unions will negotiate a price for you on a particular car.AAA & Costco also offer car buying services.2) Use Consumer Reports magazine or consumerreports.org to research cars w/ regards to price, features and reliability.3) Read "Don't Get Taken Every Time" by Remar Sutton; it gives the ins & outs of how to buy a car without getting ripped off. His website: http://www.dontgettakeneverytime.com/4) www.cartalk.org has tools to help you choose the right car & calculate your loan payments. Here's the link to these features: http://cartalk.com/menus/info.html5) Compare the cost of insuring the cars you are considering so you can save money on insurance too.

The car is likely to be a few years old, so I'd get a popular make and model such as a Ford Fiesta. That means you'll have lots of choice, and can be picky. They are also cheap and easy to maintain.Look at a few cars, to compare them. Ideally, you'll get one with a low mileage, just one owner (ideally an older driver, female), so it will be less likely to have been abused.Make sure you get an HPI check or similar, to verify it's history. An AA or RAC inspection is also a good idea, money well spent.

when you see it kick a tyre with your hands in your pocket and then pull a strange face , that should do it !

Find a car for sale that is cheap and buy it

Beware! Don't forget, a cheap first car could also be a cheap last car.