Here is a good idea, a commuter car, with air conditioning, stereo and electric windows for about a 1/3rd the cost and twice the gas mileage of an inexpensive 35-40 mpg.
Yeah, that's the price of a motorcycle with motorcycle like gas mileage, but this gives you a 5 star collision rating and keeps you out of the weather. 3 year 36 month warranty. Cheaper registration fees because of cheaper purchase price.
Pep Boys will be the service / warranty work network, not some rip off dealership.