$10k reliable colligate car reccomendations - to use for 4yrs

[Epoxx]

Hey community,

Looking for a solid reliable performer for my sister. This would be her FIRST car and she is in college. I know the usual suspects but I actually can't find many in our area for under $10k with less than 75,000 miles, despite all the hype from websites saying I can get an 05' Civic for that much. Anyway I choose 75k mile limit with hope that will yield a vehicle that can hang with her for 4 or 5 yrs -- until she graduates school -- then it's likely off to the recycler by then. Small is best I think for her.

My search currently includes:
- Honda Civic (2005yr & up was recommended by Edmunds)
- Honda Fit (none under $11k to be found)
- Toyota Corolla
- Hyundai Elantra
- Mazda Mazda3 (2005yr was recommended)


What would you all suggest? Our KPIs are:
* Safety & Reliability are paramount. No phone calls about "it won't start" or "its making loud noise" ... ever! (lol)
* Longevity (that 4-5yrs target)
* Don't want to buy something near the end of it's life (hence below 75k)
* Don't want to sink a lot of $$$ into something that may get banged up in student parking lots (hence desire to stay below $10k)

What am I missing here?

Any recommendations of any sort are appreciated.

[GenericUsername]

I'm assuming you're talking about 75K in city miles? 75K highway is nothing.

[Epoxx]

True but I may not know if it were either or if I am buying from a dealer who has no idea.

[SleepyHead98]

Toyota's or Honda's. Get low Miles if you can. If you get a toyota, make sure the trans fluid has been changed if it has world standard fluid--should be changed around 100k or sooner, some say 75k. Costs about 150-300 at the dealership (I really only recommend doing this at the dealership, do no try to do it yourself, takes special temp procedures). Toyota also runs dexcool, make sure this fluid is flushed and refilled, or replace the dex cool with another coolant. Walmart brand 8 bux. 150000 mile fluid. Honda's Known for serious reliability and longevity. If it was me, I would go honda.