Need to find a reliable, inexpensive car

Alright, so I have approx $3000 to spend on a car. I need it to be reliable enough, and have decent milage. I'd prefer it to be a smaller car, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference. What cars would you suggest to buy that are reknowned for reliability and under my price range? I'm looking at both dealerships and private parties who are selling their cars.

PS. Please don't give me any replies like, "my 1934 xxxxx has 400000 miles n ive nevar had 2 change the oil evar."

Honda Civic.

Hondas and Toyotas.

Subaru can be added to the list. you can find some early 90s subie wagons around that price range or you could try financing (saw your other post) for one. I don't think reliability is AS good as Honda/Toyota but it's very close. i dunno what your definition of "decent mileage" is but it's not a bad thing to have a lot, you're still very young and it's your first vehicle (assumption).

By mileage I don't mean the number of miles racked up on the car, I mean mpg. This isn't my first car, and I'm going to be communting and using this as a daily driver, so the mileage of the car is a factor.

Honda Civic.I Agree

Toyota > Honda for durability. I would recommend getting a stick shift as well. You can get a better deal on it because nobody knows how to drive it, no torque convertor to sap power, better mpg, a little faster, and more fun to drive. And a new clutch is cheaper than a new tranny.