[dcarrb]

I'm really not qualified to address most of your questions, but wanted to offer greetings and wish you well on your search.

1) My personal preference would be a well-maintained, high-mileage car.

5) Neither of my cars exhibits any sign of rust perforation. Seams, fasteners, and sheet metal inside the doors and quarter panels are spotless. (That said, the rear strut mounts in one came out looking like marine salvage.) In this regard, road salt is the kiss of death. If your prospective car comes from an area where salt is used on icy roadways, beware.

6) I've lowered the back seat and hauled 8-foot lumber with the trunk closed, so I imagine you could carry skis if your outing were limited to two passengers.

dcb