Max, you get an A+ for asking all the right questions. Problem is, you
have asked too many questions in one post. Why not remember the old adage:
"you get what you pay for"(some of the time anyway). Why not consider a 6
to 8 year old Honda Civic in the $5 to $7k price range. Why not buy it
from a Honda dealer with a warranty? It will cost you more in the short
run but will likely save you money in the long run. You will likely have
improved reliability and lower maintenance costs. Good luck.