The question is, will you be doing the 'renewing' yourself...
If so, I'd reccommend you pick a domestic vehicle, specifically GM.
The repair parts for most imports (made here or elsewhere, makes little difference) are considerably more expensive than their domestic counterparts. Also, many of these cars are considerably harder to work on (due to the 'How much can I get out of a 1.0L-1.8L straight-4' mentality of (perticularly Japanese) import carmakers. Sometimes simplicity is a virtue...
Of course, we all have our preferences, but I'd reccommend a GM 'old fashioned' pushrod motor (pick your size, any size) over 'vtec' et al any day, IF you are going to fix it yourself...
Of course, if you're feeding the local mechanic, part prices are the least of your problems... Then just pick a car, any car, and don't buy a Ford or Toyota (I've seen Ford and Toyota motors (2 of my parents cars) blow (the Ford blew a head, the Toyota threw a rod) at the 6yr mark :(...).
Of course, my personal experience with GM is well out of the 30MPG range (Firebird, V8, 24mpg highway), but they're the one company I've heard (and had) the least amount of engine trouble with. As for which car, a Grand Am (mid) or Sunfire (compact). Of course, if you really want a Japanese car, get a Mitsu...