I didn't read everything else, but if you want to go budget as possible, get a corolla over the civic. The engine is much more modern and stronger. The corolla uses a timing chain, civic uses a belt. Save you a $500 job couple years down the line. I have driven both extensively.
If you don't mind paying a bit more, get an accord LX. Gas mileage is incredible for a car of this size, this is my current car and I get 28-30 in mixed driving, including stop and go traffic.
If you don't mind paying a bit more, get an accord LX. Gas mileage is incredible for a car of this size, this is my current car and I get 28-30 in mixed driving, including stop and go traffic.
