I bought a 1984 Mercedes 280CE at a police auction (which was a mistake) and also bought a 1993 Ford Escort (which was not a mistake). The Escort was purchased only because no one was interested in it and I did a quick CARFAX from my phone and it turned out to be 2 owner, 93000 miles, good title, etc. So I got it cleaned up, registered, smogged, etc. Good to go. It's good enough that I would sell it to a friend or relative. Basically anyone looking for a cheap car that actually has a good history and cold A/C. $1500 obo. Here's a CL ad if the link works:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/3068307342.htmlScott