Car Purchasing help!!!!?

Im looking for a used car from a private owner and i plan on getting one with in the next 1-2 months.

I just have a few questions to make me a better buyer.

1.What types of cars should i avoid like name brand.
2.What cars would give me the best value if they have high milage (Honda Civic) <-example
3.i want to spend a max of 3500 is that enough to get me a decent car?
i would like to buy a car years between 1998-present

Depends on how well the car is maintained. I owned a 05 honda civic ex-se and own a 05 Hyundai Elantra GT. The civic had one annoying problem after another-sold it. Still have the Hyundai-90,000+problem free miles. Reliability on the Hyundai has improved but since the resale value is still terrible you will be able to get one cheaper than a honda or toyota.