Should I get a 2012 Ford Focus Hatch ($12,200 25,000 miles) or a 2011 Jeep Patriot FWD ($13,500 48,000 miles)?

I know that one is a compact hatch, and the other is a small SUV but based on what I need it for what do you think I should get? Both have heated seats, heated mirrors, and all weather mats.

(test drove both cars, can't decide)

This is what I want in my car-

(1) good reliability, I'm planning on going 150,000 miles and up. Went 220,000 in my Honda civic only with regular maintenance.
(2) good gas mileage, I know the focus is better but if the reliability or interior of the patriot is better then I would get that.

Added (1). I fish, have a german shepherd, ski, mountain bike, road bike, so i need a vehicle with a hatch.

Tips for buying my first car?

I started working part time yesterday. I'm a junior in high school (16 years old) but this time next year I will be attending a local community college and transportation is going to be a major issue. Not only that, but a car would be extremely beneficial to me and my family for many reasons. I would like to spend no more than $3000 on my first car and I'm not expecting too much out of it. I need some tips on how to go about buying one, some cars I can get for cheap (and affordable insurance) I have been thinking about a Honda Civic and a Chevy Cavalier.

Is my exhausted/muffler bad?

I replaced the end part of my muffler a few months ago due to a crack. Recently it started to make a loud noise like it did when it had the crack. Its only been a few months, how could it have broke that fast!
Plus, on and off for over a year now my cause has been over heating problems. Its summer in miami and it is extremely hot. My car has been over heating so much! Especially if i'm on the expressway going fast. Its so annoying! I've checked the radiator a billion times and it doesn't have a leak.
Could i have a bad exhausted thats making my car over heat?
I have a '98 honda civic
Saving up for a new car now.

What D series engine do I have?

I have an automatic trans 1995 Honda civic ex sedan, you would think that it would be easy to look up but I'm having issues, maybe I'm just incompetent

97 Honda Civic is burning oil or leaking oil from this bolt?

It has oil building up around the bolt, not a lot but enough that you notice it right at first glance the others are dry what should i do? Unscrew and check the O ring or what? I'm not a car guy unfortunately. It has been burning oil recently it probably burns a quart every 3-6 weeks min or 5-9weeks max. Unless its just leaking somewhere, and this little bolt guy is my first suspect.97 Honda Civic is burning oil or leaking oil from this bolt - 1

Can I drive my 2013 Honda Civic on 0% oil life?

0% oil life warning came on today on my 2013 honda civic. I won't be able to do another oil change until late next week (around Friday). Will my car like die down if I don't get my oil changed?

How long can I drive my car for on 0% oil? This won't be my first time doing an oil change but my second.

Added (1). Forgot to mention current mileage is around 23000 miles.