Need new green car...

Hello everyone! I think I need a little help finding a new car. Currently I drive a 1996 Nissan Altima. Frankly, its kind of lame. It's a good car, but it has nothing going for it other than that. If I'm going to drive a car that is simply a car, I could at least get decent gas mileage. Driving is basically my favorite thing to do-- I drive around for hours when i'm bored. I'm starting to feel bad about my carbon footprint. And I'm not a super-environment person... I just feel I could do better and I've come into some money so I feel like it's time for an upgrade.

My old car was a Toyota Echo and it was basically the car of my dreams. Definitely considering buying another one, but if there is something even better out there I would like it. Unfortunately, my Echo is no longer with us because it can't win when hit with a 80s GMC pickup.

So here's what I want:

MPG: 35 or better in the city
Automatic transmission
SAFE
Can handle Colorado winters (ice, snow, slush...my Echo handled like a dream, amazingly. The Altima does not)
Reliable (My echo had never had a problem at over 100k miles)

I don't care what it looks like. I don't care what can fit in it (I have a couple dogs, but they're tiny). I don't care how fast it goes as long as I won't get run over on the highway. I don't care how small it is. I just want to have good MPG and survive. I don't do motorcycles because I feel unsafe.

I can do about $15 grand. I like used cars better than new ones.

I like foreign cars, but if American car companies can provide me with something tolerable I'd consider (come on GM...bring your old electrics back on the market! You're not reaching your full capabilities with the Volt!)

Not a requirement...but I love things that look cool or interesting. I LOVE the look of bright yellow Smart cars...I'd give that up for a diesel, though.

I like the idea of Diesel cars a lot. I would love to have one, but I'm worrying about paying more for fixing a VW than saving on gas.

Cars I've considered: Toyota Echo, Toyota Prius, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic Hybrid, Smart For2, MINI Cooper, Honda Fit, VW Jetta TDI, VW Passat TDI

I would kill for an ancient Mercedes diesel...I think...how long do they last? All the ones I see have over 150k, but I figure thats low for a diesel...am I wrong? Would the upkeep suck?

I know this probably isn't anyone here's style, but tell me what you think! Thank you!

I think you've answered your own question - the Echo is the car of your dreams ! You had one and apparently loved it ! Don't have it anymore because of an accident . It handled the Colorado winters ( a requirement ) and was very reliable ! Admit to yourself that you want another Echo ! Problem solved ! You know what you have with the Echo ,with any other car you don't know ! Good luck ! :smile: