i have a 02 rio to drive to/from work. bought it with 44k miles 2 years ago for like $3400. the only thing ive had to do to it was replace the flex pipe in the exhaust ($35 and about an hour of work), new front rotors/pads ($80), and i had to replace the rear drums last winter ($225 for parts, $75 to rob for labor)...it needs a wheel bearing now, but ive been too lazy to get it done. otherwise, $350 in repairs in 2.5 years, i dont think thats horrible.
im not saying its a fantastic car, i actually despise it...i only picked it up because i needed something soon when someone decided to pull in front of me when i was doing 45mph. no a/c, no power anything, 5 speed...i just have a hard time getting rid of it though because theres nothing really wrong with it, and it gets mid 30's in the city...i made it to my buddys place in pittsburgh (it was like 168 miles) on under 4.5 gallons.
but you could get an 01-03 elantra for <$3500. i had 2 03's that were good cars for what they were.