[icelancer]

I picked up a 1996 Honda Civic DX that needed a new clutch and master cylinder ($500 including labor) but was otherwise in great shape (maybe 1 year left on tires/brake pads) for $800.

Sure it had some irrelevant body flaws (bumper paint was flaking a bit and there were some dings on the panels, nothing larger than the size of a half-dollar) but for $1300 and 26-28mpg, not a bad deal at all!

Just scour Craigslist and local (physical) boards.