Used car headaches

So we are currently looking for a car for Bryce. Due to a little fender bender about a month ago, his car is now sitting in some junk yard and we have been making due with only our Trooper. Although to most it would seem that with one car the main inconveinence in this situation would be me stuck at home with the kids (at least I know that's what I thought), but it has turned into something much bigger! GAS PRICES! To those who don't know, Bryce travels a lot and has a huge territory that he has to cover. Some weeks are busier than others but over all he usually averages about $250 or so a month in gas. And for me who drives nowhere about $120 a month or less. However, ever since we have been down to one car and that car has been used for all of Bryce's driving (not to mention the lovely raise in gas prices) I have just figured that we are now spending an average of $600 a month on gas. Last week alone was over $200 and, oh yes, we are ready for another fill up. So pardon me while I start freaking out....

Anyway, we are on the hunt for a car. I love looking for the perfect car on a strict budget, don't you? He has always had a V6 and now with gas the way it is we are in the market for a good old 4 cylinder that gets decent gas mileage (at least 26 city and 30 highway). Anyone have any favorites they care to suggest? As of right now we are mainly looking at a 2002 or 2003 Nissan Altima. Having just come off of a Maxima that we had incredible succes with, Nissan has left a good taste in our mouth. We considered a Honda Civic, but come on, don't they really just look like a high school girl's car? But if push comes to shove, who knows.