This is my go-the-cheap-route option. I've thought of getting a VX or CRX but those cars are already as old as mine, or older. The other option I was considering was picking up a used 1st gen Insight. That way I at least get a car less than 10 years old with less than 100k miles on it. Been seeing them for sale in the $6-9k range. But the whole battery thing worries me. But something like this;
Cars for Sale: 2002 Honda Insight Hybrid in La Puente, CA 91744: Hatchback Details - 290173215 - AutoTrader.com
or this;
Cars for Sale: 2002 Honda Insight Hybrid in Whittier, CA 90605: Hatchback Details - 284627160 - AutoTrader.com