Car Advice: Help

[Take2]

Car enthusiasts often make a lot of sacrifices to drive the cars that they do. For me to drive my mini I have to make a lot of compromises. Anyway I think it is time for me to move on. I love my mini, it still makes me smile but it's just not the right car for me right now.



I want something that is more practical and reliable. Unfortunately boring keeps coming to mind ...

I am looking for a reliable, practical, fun daily driver that I can find in decent shape for 6-7 grand. But I am completely lost

I've been looking at:
B6 A4
Volvo S60r/V70r(I'm actually really interested is one of these but reliability is a huge factor)
Infinite g35
Honda Accord

If I didn't have a budget I would be looking at wrxs brz S4 M3 Pontiac G8s used cts-vs jeeps etc.....

Everyone loves to play the what would I buy game so any help and guidance would be awesome

[glnr13]

mazda3?

[Take2]

That's a good option I like the hatchback. I kind of forgot about those cars. I couldn't get into a speed 3 with that money though right?

[Porthos]

Mazda Mx-5?

[Take2]

Miata isn't practical enough. I've been doing reading and I basically want a 3 series with better reliability and less maintenance costs. That has led me to think about an lexus IS300. I am under the the impression that they would be plenty sporty reliable and a great daily. They unmolested examples draw a pretty penny though and I'd only go for a 5 speed. There just are t a lot of them in my market.