Quote Originally Posted by JohnMichael View Post
I have friends who both have Fits and really like them. How about the Nissan Versa. I think they come in two different engine sizes a 1.6 and a 1.8. Of course I would try one of their CVT transmissions. I used to drive standards all the time but have learned to enjoy an automatic.

My Toyota Echo which is now the Yaris has 107,000 miles and is 10 years old has been a great car. The engine uses a timing chain instead of the belt so no problems with belt replacements. New body style for the 2012 model year. Other than fluids and normal wear parts the only things the car has needed was a little exhaust work where the pipe bends over the rear axle and repair of the sway bars. The two repairs cost me $100 total. Now it is ready for the next 100,000.
My Suby has a CVT tranny. It gets better milage than the manual tranies of the same model. IMO they are worth looking into. Watch for reports on the model & mfg you are interested in. I know that Nisson had some problems with them a couple years ago. Don't know if they worked it out though.