My sister just picked up a '94 Mercury Tracer for $400, and the thing is clean. Local police and other government auctions are ok. Ex-cop cars are pretty cheap, but they've usually been abused. Dealer auctions, where my sis went, are where a LOT of car dealers go to trade and exchange their inventories with other dealers. I know that you need a "dealer's" license to go to one. My dad knew someone around here that had one, and that's how they went. Other than that I don't know how you'd contact someone willing to take you. Maybe, try the DMV for info. Not sure if any of this will help, but anyway!