I'm finally in a position to buy a car that's more then a beater, and wont put me in a bad spot financially.

I want a smallerish car for around 10k. I want good MPG, good reliability, ease of maintenance, low operating costs, and comfort. I also have a strong desire for a manual transmission, and keyless would be nice. Large trunk space, big doors, and some power would be nice.

I'm leaning HEAVILY onto a 08-11 ford focus, but they are HARD to find with a 5 speed. I rented one out west, and I "really" liked it, except it was an automatic.
I would not like a Cobalt because my GF has a caviler, and 2 of her roommates have Cobalts. I like them, but......
Never bought anything not a traditional domestic, nobody in my family has bought anything but a traditional domestic for a daily driver, and keeping it that way would be a good thing.


I understand the car would be subject to collage door dings, and some scratches. I want something useful.

Any suggestions or input would be appreciated. Got time to look around, few months possibly.
Thanks
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)