If you are not planning off road excursions, and want the vehicle to be your daily driver also I would look at the small sedans that get upwards of 40 mpgs. I towed a 2002 Toyota Corolla to Alaska and other dirt roads in Canada and the lower 48 and would not buy a brand new tow car because of the stone chips. If you plan on staying in Fla or on highways a new car would be ok. Of the cars you mentioned the Focus and Cruse would be my choice. However I would look at the Versa, Elantra, and the Forte with the manual trans because I think they are a better value. You really have to think how you will use the car 90% of the time.