Mini Cooper s

Had three Gen 2 MINIs, one 07 Cooper (143,000 miles), one 09 Cooper S (156,000 miles), and one 09 JCW (current - 89,000 miles).  The Cooper N12 engine is tough if maintained.  The Cooper S engine has some weaknesses that were fixed with the 2011 models....which are much better for reliability, but share the bad reputation of the earlier cars.  They are a blast to drive....even the Cooper.  If I were shopping now, I'd be looking for a 2013 JCW....good combination of fun and affordability.

Mazdaspeed 3 is what I’d be looking at. 

Or a Cadillac CTS, Pontiac G8 or GTO or infinity G35 or one of the sporty Lexus whose model number I forget. All rwd and available with manual trans or decent auto. 

Also the Lexus ISF has depreciated nicely. 

Heck, I’d even do a masarati quattroporte over a Mini. No idea if it’s more reliable but that car is pretty special