Even though you have a short daily commute (about like mine). These cars are cheap now, but extremely durable if they've received regular oil changes. Even though they don't have airbags, the construction of these cars is EXTREMELY protective of occupants in any kind of collision...as past posts on this forum will attest. One downside...in Chicago winters, I think you'd need a block heater for dependable cold weather starting.

Maybe you could meet up with someone from the Chicago area who has one of these cars, buy him or her a cup of coffee, and try a test drive?