$3000 Hmmm.
I did a quick search on autotrader for sedans and wagons in your area. Not much there. Check out craigslist daily.
Check out a couple of local car auctions that are open to the public:
Nevada Public Auto Auction
Your cash will go further there. You'll usually pay 25-50% under retail, but you need a good eye for condition. Hondas and Toyotas ALWAYS cost more than other brands, even in poor condition. You should be able to get into a decent 2000-2002 small sedan for $3K. Also consider the smaller 5 passenger Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager for those years. I know 3 friends who consistently get 28-30 mpg on the highway with them, and talk about room.
***IMPORTANT***
A 30 day subscription to CARFAX ($29.95) is worth it's weight in gold!
I phoned in the VIN to my daughter sitting at the computer and she'd tell me the history. I avoided a couple of really nice LOOKING cars that had long expensive repair histories.
GOOD LUCK!!!