Where do I look now

one problem is that your parameters are too narrow. you specifically stated that you wanted cars from particular years and models within a set budget and precise options.

which, fine, it's your money and you're entitled to want what you want.

this leads to problem #2, and that's when you've been presented with possible leads you've coolly panned each and every one of them for ticky-tacky reasons: i don't like the headliner, it's green, it's too far away i'd have to stay in a hotel, the wheels make me feel funny in my no-no zone.

which leaves us with problem C- you have in your mind that this perfect car you want exists and because you have an amount of money that it should just materialize for you. well, dan, it doesn't. i'm sorry to break it to you cinderella, but your glass slipper doesn't exist.

you need to understand the realities of the situation: rust free cars don't exist (at least not at your price point); the perfect car doesn't exist, you will have to make compromises.

also, i'm gonna be straight up: you lack imagination. you need to think of possibilities instead of particulars. a roll cage can be cut out of a car, a 4spd can become an automatic, AC can be added, a green car should really stay green but you can always paint it if you want.

so where from here? stack more dough and get into a better tier of cars, widen your search area, loosen your parameters on cars and options, accept compromise. or go buy a ford.