[higherBuyer]

I've basically narrowed my search down to two cars. Which would you choose? Assume good tires and nothing more than basic maintenance needed on either of them. Both automatics.

2008 Hyundai Accent: $6600, 48k miles
-24/33 gas mileage.
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. All green Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars (3 stars for side impact) -- IIHS Average/poor/poor for front/side/rear
-Note: the Accent recently had its transmission replaced. The transmission shifts smoothly, has 3,000 miles on it. The seller got the car at an auction I believe. He fixes up and sells cars like this as a side-job. I have good reason to believe that the seller is honest, so assume he is. My personal mechanic has looked at the car and has no concerns about the transmission or any other major issues.

2003 Toyota Corolla: $7500, 60k miles
-25/34 gas mileage
-Reliability: good Consumer Reports marks. A few mild blips on Edmunds marks.
-Safety: NHTSA 4-5 stars -- IIHS good/poor/acceptible for front/side/rear
-Mechanic says the car is in good shape. No red flags.

The Accent is cheaper, newer, and has less miles, but has lower gas mileage and some low safety marks.
The Corolla is older, but still has low miles, is safe, and Toyotas are very solid cars.
I really just want a reliable and economic car for commuting. Some 2-3 hour highway trips every 2 weeks or so.

What's your opinion?