Thanks Ray. I appreciate your advice on how to respond after the test drive. I knew noone would be helpful if I told them I was researching for fit! I REALLY appreciate the info about airbags! I also found the car list you included and was going to use that as a starting place. I drive about 5K per year and mostly in town. I know that is bad on cars but those are the facts. I do care about MPG but since I log fewer miles than most people, fit and dependability matter more. I want to feel safe in rainy NW driving conditions w/occ snow. (I know tires are key.) I can't tell one sedan from another (not really a car person) so want to check out small hatchbacks. I'm looking for a dependable, low maintenance used car for 10K-14K. Sadly, I think I need to switch from manual to auto. Any additional tips? Thank you!!!

When you find the vehicle that is a fit and within your budget, don't sign any papers or leave deposit, send me a link, and I will check for value and red flags. Don't listen to any pitch the vehicle may not be there next day.

You are doing about 5K a year,,, and you care about gas mileage ??? you can afford to drive a Mac truck compared to other consumers,,,LOL