Well Ive officially started looking into a beater for my daily use. I have 2 months till I get my license but I think that the 2 months I have might help me pick the most reliable and fuel efficient car Possible.
I need some help though. What cars should I be looking into? I need at least 30 MPG in the city and something cheap to insure(even though it wont be cheap

) and some thing that can get hit by the morons at my school. Ive done some research and I have come up with a few cars.
1. Ford Festiva
2. Saturn sl
3. geo metro
What kind of cars should I be looking into? What should I look out for when searching for a "beater" they have to be cheap for some reason, but how can I find out if the car will be reliable. What are some things I should notice and immediately walk away from?
Please help me!!!!!!!!
-Matt