eco-drive puts me in overdrive

So, D and I are currently considering the purchase of a newish vehicle (newish for us being one hovering around or below 6 grand). We also want one that is super fuel efficient, and one where we can banish the dog to the back of the car, which would indicate a preference for a hatchback.

We seem to be looking at a choice of a Subaru Impreza, Honda Civic, or VW Golf, all in mid- to late-90s models. These are all fine choices, but I wish we just didn't have to buy a car at all.

I really wish we could just join City Carshare instead. However, since we work at the bar, this makes this choice a very undistinct possibility.

See, City Carshare could totally fulfill our needs pertaining to show going, major-errand running, dog hauling, etc. But it can't help us when we need to drive back across the bay at 3 a.m. If it could, I would drive back across the bay in this little number:





Though this one is more environmentally proper and also lives at the Macarthur BART near our home:




We currently drive an aging Volvo 240 stationwagon that has lots of delightful quirks such as:
*seatbelts that do not work in the back
*one door that doesn't open
*two windows that are missing handles
*no radio
*broken turning signal covers

However, it gets decent gas mileage (mid-20s) and is supersafe and keeps the dog a respectable distance from our faces.

I'd really love to hear suggestions on the car that you folks recommend, or solutions to our wee problem. Let me know!