I research the brands/makes. 

Narrow it down to a few. Like Toyota, Mazda, Kia. Most Japanese, Korean, and German cars are good. 

Then big or small vehicle? Do you have a family? Are you a solo driver? This decides SUV vs Car vs Truck.

After that milage and specific cars in your area.  

 i'm looking at a mitsubishi galant man

i have some fond memories of that very car through grandparents, so thought it would make for a wonderful first car 

 Okay 🙂

Try to find few owners then?