If you're only driving 8,000 miles a year, having a ~30 mpg car will only save you ~$350 a year in gas vs a ~20 mpg car (assuming $3 / gallon).
Assuming the cars are of similar reliability, it doesn't seem worthwhile to spring for the $10,000 Japanese car.
I think the 3rd option that you didn't mention is to get a $5,000 Japanese car. You can get an early 2000's Honda Civic for well under $5,000, for example.