1997 accord, 106,000 miles, auto, AC, $3600.... case closed.

 

I got a 1988 civic sedan 5spd as my daily. I normally get 37-39mpg city/highway mix. I'm determined to get better mileage so im getting a longer geared tranny for my tax returns. the downside is that is has no A/C or ps :/ heat works well though haha

I save a ton of money on gas too, since I drive 50-100 miles daily. and the thing will run on 87 + insurance is cheap also you dont have to do as many oil changes.

 

I agree with a couple of the other posters - Wouldn't spend more than $10k. Definitely not worth buying/leasing a new car since the amount of miles you'll be putting on the car it will depreciate quicker. Not sure what's more important the gas mileage or the comfort but a camry/accord would be more comfortable and quieter than a yaris/fit. You'll be spending a lot of time inside the car would recommend one with a nice interior along with a reliable drivetrain.

 

A newer Kia. Great mileage, low cost, and great warranty.

 

THIS.

Best daily driver I have ever owned. Gets 34mpg highway, has a good amount of power, and the interior cabin is super quiet.

If you're not interested in spending the 8-12k for one of those, try your hand at a base model Acura RSX, Subaru 2.5rs, something along those lines. I'd say a civic, but they pretty welll suck for DD, seats are terrible, noisy on the road etc etc.