You can get a better price on a Ford Crown Vic or Mercury Grand Marquis from the late 90’s
I did a quick check on Kelly Blue Book and they show 2001 Crown Vics in my area should go for around $3500 in private party sales. In town mileage will suck, but highway mileage is reported to be around 25MPG, so not too bad. The Crown Vics (Grand Marquis) are big cars with lots of room in the trunk to haul all your crap home for Summer breaks (or camping/skiing/whatever gear). They are generally owned by older folks who take good care of them. Ford has made that same basic car for more than 30 years and every mechanic in the country has probably worked on one and can easily find parts. It’s not a “cool” car if you want to project sporty image, but it will carry you and several friends in comfort on any road trips.