i think for the money Joyce has to spend, she should go find a 1967-1975 Dodge Dart with a slant 6. i had a 1973 and the only thing i ever had to replace, aside from normal maintenance, was the windshield wiper motor. while there are no airbags, this car is all metal, it's small/cute and the lil six cylinder is good on gas. plus it will be easy to insure...no full coverage. i've seen some of these cars in excellent shape for around $3000 on E-Bay and other classic car sites. the classic Minis are cool, but i've looked at them as well, and they are pricey. not to mention trying to get parts for them.

My pick would be a 2004 Scion xA.

- Small
- Reliable (Toyota)
- Cute & hip (although that certainly is subjective). Certainly cuter than an Echo.

They go for around $7000 which bis above the 5000$ budget but then again she's on the list for a new Smart.

Some people just shouldn't drive a car.

I'll have to say the Civic for the dyslexic person, but I also like the Chauffer idea too. from

In my humble opinion, I'd say that "sinnister" has the correct answer, except for the wrong reason.

The reason to buy and drive a Dodge is simply that it is the only car manufacturer which places instructions for pedestrians right on the front of the hood, where they are easily seen: "D-O-D-G-E".