Thinking of buying an '01 Accent

Hi All,
 
I'm new here.  I am thinking of buying an '01 Accent 2 Door, GS, Automatic, standard options for $4,000 with 48K miles. 
 
I have a couple of questions.  Hopefully some people who know these cars can answer them.
 

1. Gas mileage.  What can I expect from this car?  I've heard anywhere from 27MPG to close to 40 MPG.  My commute is all highway every day.
   
2. What kind of reliability  and / or issues can I expect from this particular car.
   
3. Is the 1.6L engine an interference engine?  That is, will the valves, etc. be trashed if the timing belt breaks.
   
4. Any points I need to look at when I'm inspecting the car?
   
5. This car is CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.  Inside and out.  I think it's worth around $4K, but what do you think?
   
6. Are there reliability issues with the automatic transmission?

Thanks for all your input!
 
 

Hi,
I've got a 2001 with the 5 speed and 1.5 engine with 95,000km's.
 
Good points
 
Easy to work on
Most replacement parts are cheap
Economical compared to other vehicles. I'm getting 37-40. I expected 45-50
Engines are quite durable, though not as refined as Honda Toyota
 
Bad points
 
Questionable track record for the automatic
Fuel economy could be better for a small engined car
Check engine light often comes on.
 
Good luck, if purchased as a commuter car you should be happy with it