Before purchasing my 4R i had a Mazda3 for its reliability, gas mileage and just an awesome fun car. I was doing 25k a year to work and the Mazda3 was perfect for it. It was also quite impressive in the snow as a front drive vehicle with Vredestein Snow tires on it. Now they make them in AWD.

I absolutely love my 4R, and since i am single ill accept the extra cost of gas because i love it so much, even the extra maintenance as it gets older. However i do really miss my Mazda and if i was in your shoes i would consider the better MPG as a logical cost thing, but don't overlook the love of a vehicle ether.

Consider a Mazda 3. Something about long drives to work everyday and having a fun vehicle to drive.