A VX is good if you mostly drive rural highways (as opposed to 70+ mph freeways). You need to be able to cruise extended distances at relatively low load to get the magical lean burn MPG benefit.
That fit your driving patterns?
Otherwise, a car I've seen a few users getting frankly shockingly good mileage from is the older Corolla 5-speeds with the 1.6L engine (like
deathtrain's 60+ mpg '94 Corolla). That would be in your price range.