Never ever buy a car that has a timing belt! That should always be the first criteria other than a manual transmission when shopping for a vehicle.
I chose the Mirage because of those reasons and the fact that it is the only car for sale in the USA with a three cylinder engine. I would have much rather owned a Ford but the three cylinder Fiesta is not available in the USA.
Edit: Looks like I was wrong. Ford seems to have introduced the three cylinder car into the USA after I purchased my Mirage and then abruptly discontinued it.