I need wheels

I've been thinking about getting a car of my own for a while. I've been thinking about it a lot more since my mother's junker second car, which I sometimes borrowed, had to go to Car Heaven.

Does anyone know anyone with a decent but CHEAP car they're looking to sell? I don't care if it's old or ugly, I just want something in reasonably good condition and that isn't a total gas hog.

Any advice on buying a used car locally is also welcome.