Tips on Buying Cars: Best cars?, makes of cars, best cars

Question
Hello, there.  Can you offer some advise concerning different makes of cars?  Here is the deal.  
I haven't had a car going on two years.  I need a car.  I have little money to spend, so I plan to buy used.  I refuse to make payments, there is no way I could add an additional $200-$300 monthly bill to my already overwhelming expenses.  

So, here's my profile...
29 years old.
Live in Phoenix, Az.
Want own car to travel to and from work, store, and my mother's.
Favor a mid-size, 4 door,
Have a 4 year old daughter.
Have a measly $3000 to spend, although, I don't want to spend more than that.

What Cars do you recomend?  Year?  Model?  Milelage? Etc?

Thanks for your help!  I think you are all awsome for running this website.

P.S.  what's the deal with 1985-86 BMW?  Volvo's?  

Answer
Hi Lisa
I like your email its to the point...
First i will answer your PS...question RE...85-86 BMW-VOLVO...Old cars well made and very expensive when new...my only concern buying one of these would be maintenance factor should you have breakdowns it will put a huge dent in your wallet... Parts alone will most likely be twice as much as and average American car ...on a budget its a bad choice...
If i had a Max of $ 3000. i would be looking for something good on gas and with a fairly good track record...95-96 Sunfire-Cavalier...imports...Nissan-Toyota-Susuki...
Overall condition comes before Miles...I would like for you to go to my Website and learn some simple steps... follow them and make a wiser choice  www.usedvehiclefacts.ca   and click on...Test Drive...been in accident...take to mechanic...etc
Good Luck
  Ray