How do you get around: The help shah pick a new chariot thread

I have survived the past 2 years without a vehicle of any sort. I've used the two forms of public transportation on hand here, both of which are free for me. But I've come to realize that perhaps I could afford a few conveniences for the next few years I'll be staying here. Initially I thought of getting a scooter for warmer days and enrolling for Zipcar (subsidized cost, I only would pay 35$ per annum plus the hourly/daily rate, no monthly fee) to use once a month or thereabouts during the cold season. This seemed like a perfect and economical solution until I started test riding and quickly realized that I would end life prematurely on anything with substantial acceleration and that a 50cc motor would probably be insufficient and incompatible with my personality. I also don't trust other drivers enough to ride a 2-wheeled vehicle. So that's basically out of the question. Now I could opt for a cheaper vehicle from car auctions in the southwest US but there would be shipping fees (or an unnecessarily long trans-continental drive) involved along with no warranty etc. I basically go 4-5 miles to get to my destination, parking is at a premium but I'm mostly considering this for evening use (back to destination after dinner at home) or weekends to run errands, small day trips, grocery shopping without carrying bags through heavy snow (which I don't mind other than it's just a waste of time), etc. So no need for a luxury 4-wheeler at this point as I'll likely sell within 3 to 4 years. So my top three picks, after speaking with an experienced salesman (wholeseller, not retail), are as follows, ordered by increasing cost: 1) Honda Fit. I have a neighbor who has this and it's minuscule but would be fine for my needs. I could pay this mostly cash up front, finance the rest for two years, and be done with it. 2) Scion tC, a 2-door coupe which comes with relatively nicer chrome wheels and seems like fun to drive. I could put a large down payment so my monthly would not be too great. 3) Toyota Prius. The best hybrid on the market in so far as its technology hasn't been matched by other manufacturers yet. I just had one for a day through Zipcar and I must say it was quite impressive. I drove a decent amount and I don't think the gas reading budged even one display unit. Interestingly, the value appreciates before it begins to depreciate on these--there is a large enough demand that most dealerships sell out and the queue leads people to seek out used ones for immediate purchase, driving up their resale value. I would pay a smaller percentage up front and finance the rest. But this is potentially one I would hold on to for a bit longer. I'm estimating gas and insurance to be about 150$ monthly, give or take 20%, but I have a relatively clean driving record and gas should be negligible with these efficient little vehicles--and obviously I'm not planning on long daily commutes. So my dear brothers, I ask your opinions, suggestions, thoughts, reviews if you have experiences with any. On what trusty steed does the new journey begin ? Or perhaps I should stick to public transport and Zipcar, after all ? Note: I see no reason, nor do I have a need, to invest in a luxury vehicle at this point. Perhaps later on I'll entertain the idea but then again I've never been interested in cars on anything more than a pragmatic level.

But the Toyota hybrid technology is far superior to anything else on the market. The first 4 properties, actually everything but the "better gas mileage" is irrelevant to me.

"young" is relative, I suppose, but let's assume so. Something fun = you vote Scion tC ? I don't really have fun with cars, they're fine for getting from point A to B and I don't mind long drives, they can be relaxing. But there's nothing enjoyable about driving or owning a car, for me. I'd rather put the money toward other, financial useful, endeavors or have fun in ways I can appreciate (ex. wardrobe experimentation).

I have to say, the corolla is very tempting, once lasted 13 years without requiring a single mech. job other than changing the timing belt and [required] service checks at the dealership. I didn't even realize msrp was just 800 more than the fit. how to tell if fit is too hip for me ? is there a test I can take i don't imbibe dat sauce nor do I have a need to chase them, if you know what I mean but the travelling and etc. I can get on board with indeed.