[DonRotolo]

First focus needs to be on safety. A new-enough car with at least anti-lock brakes and airbags, and larger rather than smaller. Check the IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings. Also, remember that in a collision, mass wins.

Second needs to be reliability. Stranded is a bummer, but it can be dangerous as well (first point)

Then check the classifieds or eBay for what kind of car you can get for the money you have. Keep $1000 aside (for a $5000 car) for repairs; nobody sells a perfectly fine car, regardless of the story.

If you're not a car expert, pay a mechanic or dealer $250-300 for a pre-purchase inspection. Not only will this prevent a serious error, you'll know what to spend the remaining money of your $1000 on. Safety things first (tires, brakes, steering system, suspension), reliability next.

ANY car with ANY rust should be crossed off your list, unless you expect to keep the car for only a year or 2. Or really have very little money. If the car has all the maintenance records, that means someone cared about it.

The last thing to consider is maintenance costs. You can buy a 1988 Mercedes 300E in good condition for $4k (both safe & reliable), but remember it still costs like the $40k car it was to maintain. Learn the basic jobs, like oil & filter, fluids, tire pressure & rotation, maybe even brakes, to save a lot here.

I've been a car engineer for 25 years. Do this and you'll be satisfied.

Oh, and remember: A car can be painted any color for under $500.