Why not consider a small older SUV such as a Honda CRV or Toyota Rav4. Older high mileage examples can be had for $8k or less. The reason I mention this is that my daughter has our old 2006 Nissan Xtrail(think small Nissan Pathfinder) and it sits higher off the ground and has more metal around her in event of crash protection.
My neighbor has had Corollas for many years. Puts a couple of hundred thousand miles on them and sells them. Highly reliable but boring.
I would avoid older VW's and Mazda's(yes I agree rust issues). Nissan Altima 2.5 has the same engine as our Xtrail. Reliable and a tad bit more fun to drive than a Toyota....
And when you have decided pics please..
