I think you need to revisit your initial assumptions. "I'm driving a leased car that was new and is still pretty new, so I need to replace it with something new or almost new."
You live in Florida and live 2 miles from work and 8 miles from school. I wish I was in that position, as I would use my bike a lot more! You don't need a car that can handle high miles (i.e. a very new car with few miles on it.) You just need a car. Something 4-8 years old (at least 4, lean towards 8) would likely suit you really well.