Looking for a cash car. First time buying in Houston area.

Hey y’all. I have 3k saved and I don’t want a monthly payment. Since I’m a woman going to check out buying a car alone, I feel like they’re just going to get over on me. Any recommendations of actual places or people in the Houston area that anyone knows of? I’m by baybrook mall but can travel to see the car. I don’t care about the aesthetics of the car, I just need something reliable for around here until I graduate college.