Not to go off on a big tangent, but it sounds like Toyota's "problems" have been really overblown. That's what I've heard too. Driver error was cited in every incident that they've investigated so far. Don't let that influence your decision. As for the original question, I guess it depends if your spending the 6K or 10k. If your spending 6, you'll probably be getting something in the 2001 - 2002 range. The Corollas from that period are prone to start burning oil before the even hit 100,000 miles (Same for its twin, Chevy Prism). Go with a Civic if your looking at those type of models. The 2003-2007 body style Corollas do not burn oil. You should be fine with one of those. If your spending close to your max price, I don't think there's a wrong answer. Civic seems a little bit more modern to me, so that's what I'd personally go with. A lot of CE or LE pkg Corollas and DX or LX Civics don't come with ABS. That's pretty crucial for midwest winters.