Might wanna consider a TDI for that long of a commute. You're gonna kill whatever you end up driving those miles, but TDIs do tend to last a long while and give good mpg
98 volkswagon Jetta TDI 40+mpg
You didn't say what part of Illinois, but if you're in southern Illinois here's the ugliest Metro I may have ever seen.
1999 Chevrolet Metro
And a more normal one with a new motor
http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/4860563320.html