help needed in buying a car - in USA

[lancerguy]

Hey ppl
I live in California, USA. I have to buy a car. My budget is $15,000.

my requirements are:
1) preferably a non american make
2) average(miles per gallon) of the car should be more than 25
3) the cost of the car shouldnt exceed $16,000(USD)
4) car with low maintenance..
5) new or used doesnt matter
6) preferably a manual car.
7) a car that would not give me a lot of trouble for 5 years
Kindly send me a list of 10 cars that you guys feel that i should buy. also my dad, who is in india, has prohibitted me from buying any sporty car. so let me know the cars accordingly.
thanks

[cheap_deal]

VW Jetta a 2000+ model shud be trouble free depending on what condition you get it.
then there is the usual honda civic which fit into that price range.
volvo s40
nissan sentra

thats all that comes to mind right now. but you do have quite a few options in that price range for used cars.
p.s why not anything a bit more sporty?

[lancerguy]

thanks..arent there any good mazda or acura cars available in that range...and how is toyota yaris. didnt get good reviews from friends. they say that the speedometer which is in the center and not above the steering wheel is very distracting. what are your views on that. well sporty car meaning cars like honda s2000. my dad thinks il be spoilt if he buys me a sporty car and anyways the maintenance would be high for the sportier car.

[lancerguy]

also, what are your views about scion cars?

[devarshi84]

go for the Scion sedan if its in your budget. Its a nice car.

others to look for would be used honda accords. coupes are nice too.