"USA imports" daily driver, whats good?

Look into 1st gen Scion xB, from 2003-2006 with a stick.

Timing chain motor, same slug as a prius, minus the BS battery and electric motor, so the engine stays warm and doesn't erode away into tiny gouges.

They get 40mpg avg, 45 or better hwy. and are based on the Japanese domestic market Toyota bB.

They got fatter in 2007 and changed for the western market. Dumb move, IMO, but the first generation models are good vehicles and easy to work on, according to a friend of mine, who works at a Toyota dealership and has done everything from the serpentine driven water pumps to clutches on them. According to him, you want the stick, though. Autos have probs. I might actually buy one.