If a XV20 Camry or 04 05 Corolla would fit your needs and expectations from a 2-3k car, I would say those would be a good car for the price if taken care of, most with under 200k miles.

I can find 2001-2003 Toyota Avalons with less than 170.000ml for the 2500-3500 price range in relatively good shape. That would be a very comfortable and reliable vehicle for the price and age. On the other hand, if you would save up a bit more you could step up a generation or two of vehicles. In my opinion, this is one of the most comfortable cars for that price range that would be reliable and cheap to maintain. (Keep in mind I am in California where prices are more sky high than in other parts of the country).

This is of course you really need to get a car. Prices on ALL cars are expensive and it is a sellers market so you would have a harder time than usual.

2002 Toyota Avalon

good cheap reliable vehicle around or under the price of $2500?

A $2500 car is a very cheap car. Too cheap.

Will it be good and reliable? It might get you home.

I suggest you save up another couple thousand. It will put you in a completely different league of car. Cars that you can actually keep for a few years. As Scotty said in today's video... it's not a buyer's market right now.

I would suggest to save more and get a newer camry or Corolla. 

They probably don't have the option to wait, and save.. you could get a decent honda or toyota for that price, or maybe mazda, there are plenty of different makes and models in that range

If you don’t care too much what the car looks like, you could look for a car that has cosmetic issues like faded paint, a few dents, or hail damage. Those sort of things can bring price down. Best of luck