the fit just looks tiny, what about the matrix or something? I drive an 06 Mazda3s hatch and the girlfriend drives an 04 Matrix, the matrix is a helluva lot bigger inside and gets about 10mpg better. Sure its a cheaper interior, etc, but I'm sure it has the same, if not better resale and is in your price range.
I avg 25-28mpg on the hwy, about 300 miles to a tank, which is aroudn 11-12 gallons.
She gets 30+ in the city, damn near 40 on the hwy.
But I agree on the cash thing, I walked in on december 30th, 2005 to pay cash for my 06 Mazda3 and I got a good deal, but it wasn't to their benefit to take cash, well I put it on my credit card, but same thing basically. I paid $16,400 OTD for my 3.