Used car advice please - can I get one under $2k to survive a coast to coast road trip?

I'm from the UK so not completely familiar with the cars here and the system in general. I would really appreciate your help and tips! I live in Vancouver, BC.

I am planning a big road trip next August-September. The rough plan is to go down the west coast, across the USA, then up the East coast and end up in Toronto.

I would like to buy my own car to do this and think I can spend around $2000 on a used car. I've looked into renting and it is just too much.

I mainly need advice on:

• Particular makes/models at this price range that would be reliable enough for a big trip like this
• Any particular issues I should look out for when buying
• Bonus advice: likely cost of insurance (I have 10 years' driving experience, but never had my own car so don't have any no claims bonus discount)