I've just rolled 24,000 miles on my '04 coupe and thus far the only major expense has been the new set of tires I put on yesterday-- I'd give my car top marks for reliability. I've got the auto, which shifts seamlessly and never "hunts" for a gear. Depending on how you drive, an automatic should be less expensive to service than a manual-- check out the cost of replacing the clutch before you make the final decision.

My '04 Limited (black with red interior) may be for sale in the next few weeks for something around $16,500, the top end of the market, but then the car is in excellent condition, has an extended warranty, new tires, factory luggage, factory car cover, factory cargo cover, and is always garaged.

In your price range you should be able to find a good car with 40-50,000 miles on the clock, cloth interior, and about 20-30% tread left on the tires. Look for a one owner car, a full service history, and avoid anything that's been raced, autocrossed, modified, or customized in any way, and that includes fitting non-stock wheels.

These are expensive cars to properly maintain, and you want to get one that was Grandpappy's pride and joy as opposed to the one Speed Racer is selling to make bail.

Good Luck!