hogdoctor - you have a good point, and I did consider a few newer Vibes in the 140 - 150 thousand mile range. The negative is the higher mileage, the positives are more safety features and four fewer winters with exposure to road salt. I live in the Midwest, where the roads are white with salt 4 to 5 months out of the year.
andrewclaus - by exterior cowling are you referring to the cladding on the door? As shown in the two photos below? If so, can you tell me what kind of clips are needed? I need to reseat the cladding on the passenger door. Note: I have not done a search yet of the forum for this issue, I am betting someone has probably already shared the fix for this issue.
Besides a Vibe, I was considering the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza. When you research cars that are several years old, there is a lot of information out there about the problems people have had with those cars - and that can lead to analysis paralysis: you never make a decision because you overwhelm yourself with information, and are afraid you will make the wrong choice. The 2005 seemed to be well cared for and in good shape, so hopefully that will translate into it being a reliable vehicle.