You might get in to a 1st gen Honda Insight for your budget, and if you're driving 600 miles a day, it might be worth it. I don't know if they come with A/C, though.
While the Geo Metro is cheap to own and in fuel, I'd probably not want to drive 120 miles of presumably highway with it's 3-cylinder and poor crash rating.
The Echo/Yaris sounds like a good choice to me. Big enough engine and solid enough vehicle for all that driving.
I've seen 2nd gen Prius' within your budget, if you need a larger, more comfortable vehicle. They can last forever.
Probably out of your budget, but there's also the Honda Fit to consider. And maybe the Mitsubishi Mirage. Again, price will be the issue.
Or you can find a 92+ Civic with the lean burn engine, if you can find a low-mileage one any more.
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