In that situation, I'd be looking to be getting a 2 or 3 year old F-150 AND a 1-2 year old commuter car - something that will get on the order of 30 to 40 mpg.

If you're a Ford guy, there should be some used 2010 Fusions coming on the market.

Me? I like the reliability of 2007+ Nissan Altimas. And the fact they are made in USA, unlike the Ford.