I'm not sure where everyone is finding these cheap used Hondas and Toyotas. I'm glad that JHZR2 mentioned this on the Jetta thread too - there's not a worse automotive value out there than a used Honda or Toyota.
If you buy the Aveo new for $9k now and sell it for $4500 in three years/36k miles when the warranty expires, you'll have lost $1500/year on it. Not too bad for a car with a warranty and zero maintenance for the whole time you own it. Keep it a year longer and you're even better off.
For $9k you're looking at a 5 or 6 year old Civic with 75k+ miles on it. Odds of this car requiring something major in the next 3 years are not in your favor: struts, brakes, timing belt, CV, AC, tires. You may be able to sell it for $4500 three years from now, but you will have to put money into it (and walk) at some point in the interim.
Finally, consider the benefits to financing a new car, and from a financial perspective, the Aveo's your best bet.
It's not cool, and it's not as good a car as a Civic, but the Aveo will cost less and provide fewer headaches than a used Honda/Toyota.
Korean cars in general aren't as efficient as Japanese cars, but do take into consideration that EPA estimates for all cars were revised downwards starting in 2008.
