Ok folks, here’s what I seek:
A good starter car, between 12,000 and 20,000 dollars CDN, good fuel economy, 4 doors, reasonable safety rating, and without a reputation for requiring excessive service.
And…GO!
From personal experience, I recommend the Ford Focus 4-door hatchback with a 1.6 litre engine.
Excellent little car, good safety, good fuel economy, very reliable (that’s saying something for a Ford). mrs jjimm likes it because it’s practical, with a big trunk, and there’s great head-room in the back. I like it because it goes like shit off a shovel when you need it to.
I drove a Hyundai Elantra and a Saturn SL before deciding on a Toyota Tacoma Pickup. Both were fine cars, and well within the price range.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=112262
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=108480