Choosing a new car...

[jedi_sol]

Anyways...back on topic.

Original poster,

I found some used 4 door honda civic si's for sale in your area that's within your budget

Honda Civics for Sale in Calera, AL 35040: cars under 13000 - AutoTrader.com

[redpoint5]

I wouldn't buy another car with a timing belt.

Go with the Corolla because it has a timing chain, gets good mpg, is very reliable, and has a very low overall cost of ownership.

Here is a list of all Toyota vehicles showing which have timing belts, and which have chains.

Any car can tow 1000 lbs. Heck, with how heavy the average American is, they probably routinely tow 1000 lbs.

[Thenorm]

what a bout a Ford Focus.

anything from 2005 to 2011 have a very reliable engine. timing chain.
manual transmission is solid.

can get 35mpg hwy.

if you could find a 2012 Focus with MT, u can get over 40mpg. however i think that is outside of your price range. the 2012 have solid engine and manual. avoid the automatic for 2012+

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Any car can tow 1000 lbs. Heck, with how heavy the average American is, they probably routinely tow 1000 lbs.

I wouldn't be so confident to tow with some compact cars, mostly due to concerns regarding the automatic transmission eventually overheating. But with manuals it's not that bad, a Corolla can safely tow 1500lbs if the trailer has brakes.