I like isuzu's they are cheap to buy and cheap to fix and built like a truck. no it doesnt get 40 mpg but it will be a great first car. They come in 4x4 and 2wd, large suv and small. auto and stick.
This thing has AC, and power everything. I know my first car didnt have ac or power nothing.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2584166960.html
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2615790206.html
These are the first ones i found and they do get cheaper if you wait and look a little. The sweet spot is about 1200 - 1500