What is the best place to buy a car? (please help)?

I never bought a car and have very little to spend. I just want something preferably within the last 10 years that doesnt have high mileage and isnt a stupid looking car like the ford taurus or one of those chrisler with the huge hood. i been using craigslist for months but everything that goes on there it taken before i get in contact with the seller. and whats not taken is overpriced. and then when i look in the local car paper most of the cars from the dealership are sold "as is" so i wouldnt trust buying a $1000 car if it has $3000 of work to be done on it, and of course i wouldnt know until after i bought it. and then i go on these sites like www.seizecars.com and they ask for money on ur credit card to get in to see where these places are where you get the extra cheap new cars. which to me sounds like some kind of scam. plus im canadian so i how can i buy a car in USA. so i dont know anymore about anything and im extremely frustrated....