The vast majority of accidents occur within 20 miles of home. While the mileage is very good, they're also very uncomfortable, and the extreme small size leaves them vulnerable.
I would pick a Ford Escort for cheap, reliable, economical transportation. They have no resale, are very durable, and the 1.9 and split port 2.0 get very good mileage.
The 1985-1989 version was the Chevrolet Sprint.
