That $1500 is an arbitrary number based on what i figured a reliable beater could be purchased for.
there are 62 cars/trucks advertised in the Hilton Head SC craigslist for $1500 and under.
I kinda like this one:
nissan maxima - $1500
2006 maxima
condition: excellent
cylinders: 6 cylinders
fuel: gas
paint color: white
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: sedan
2006 Nissan Maxima se,1 owner,0 accidents,clean title,new emission,miles 127k,no smoke,no pets,4 brand new tires
https://augusta.craigslist.org/cto/d/nissan-maxima/6235599223.html