Help Me Afford a Reliable Used Car

I really hate to have to do this, but I need to buy a new (used) car and fix up my current one to get a good trade-in price on it as well as have enough money to make a down payment on one. This will make the purchase of another car affordable for me where right now, it’s out of my means. I would appreciate any help that friends can give me. I am beginning the car shopping process right now and I would be beyond grateful if any of you can help me out. Thank you so very much.