I assume money is an issue?
First rule of thumb is to buy a
good car that
no one wants. This kinda rules out the Celica/Mustang sort - too popular. While malaise era cars like the Grand Am or Cavalier aren't wanted, it's tough to argue that they are good.
Second rule of thumb - a good deal is one that nets you a $0.10/mile capitol cost. Example, assume a car costs $5,000. Can you expect to go 50,000 more miles without significant repairs?
Practical example: I bought a 2006 Scion TC for my college-graduating son a year ago. 54,000 miles for $5,700. It's a small "sporty" coupe but with about zero fan base in the tuner crowd and even less in the married-with-kids crowd. The drivetrain is pure Camry. A 2006 Camry with low miles like this one would be 50% more expensive, cause everyone wants a cheap low-mile used Camry. Airbags and ABS included. Will it go another 57,000 miles without problems? Yup. Sold.