BWAHAHAHAHA! Welcome to the dark side.

<1000$ is tough for a new 'bent, but used ones are not uncommon.
First, find a recumbent heavy LBS and go ride different types: long wheelbase (not likely to fit in your car), short wheel base (more likely to fit, but I'm not sure), etc. Give each a good ride and see what you think. It may take you a while to get used to the recumbent geometry--you use your body weight much less to balance, it's more about using the steering to keep you balanced.
Get an idea of the things you like then watch craigslist and your local bike classifieds.

RANS and Bachetta are the two most common makers. Sun makes lower end bents as well, but they tend to be heavy. There are many used bents out there from great makers that went out of business (Vision and BikE) that can be great deals.
The authoritative site is bentrideronline.com. They have a classifieds section as well.