I am a fan of the Mazda 6 Hatch. Hard to find, you can tell them by the wiper on the back glass. Sedan styling with hatch functionality. The Mazda 6 wagon is a great choice too (already mentioned). The Saab 9-2X is a good choice if you like the WRX. Usually not as riced out at their subaru name plated brother (same car different styling) Check out NASIOC for more info on them. Sub's have their own list of issues. (Right rear wheel bearings, pistons, expensive parts, etc, owned two and experienced all of it.) I would own another one but you need to be aware of these issues before you purchase them.
A left field odd ball choice is the SX4. Not a horrible car, fast depriciation so you can get a newer less mileage car for the $8K price cap you are looking for.
If you really want funky find you a Mazda5 5speed. They handle well, are peppy, get great gas mileage and have great room. If you can get around the fact it is a "mini-van" (I don't think they are but the consensus at work is that sliding side doors = mini-van)
Avoid the Hyundai Kia little hatches not very safe. The new ones are exponentially better but the previous ones aren't.
Good Luck!
Would you believe I found a Mazda6 Wagon with the V6/5-Speed locally after reading that suggestion? It has the ugliest wheels ever made on it, but I will still go take a look. This combo could be the wienner...
The Saabaru has already been on my radar. Unfortunately none of the Volvo's will do, as they are all autotragics. Also they all seem to have leather, which I dislike heavily.
Great car and wheels are cheap. Have fun and good luck!
In reply to Javelin:
Pre-2009 Foresters are Impreza wagons, not SUVs. Those Foresters do not have the sudden maneuver rollover warning, and take regular Impreza parts with very little fuss. If you put the STI rear swaybar and springs on it, you're good to go.
Javelin wrote:
Would you believe I found a Mazda6 Wagon with the V6/5-Speed locally after reading that suggestion? It has the ugliest wheels ever made on it, but I will still go take a look. This combo could be the wienner...
It's a great car. I test drove one when I was shopping for my LGT and really liked it. Makes great sounds when driven in anger. Feels a bit heavy but more solid compared to the Legacy.
Javelin wrote:
Unfortunately none of the Volvo's will do, as they are all autotragics. Also they all seem to have leather, which I dislike heavily.
There are manuals out there, but yes, they are rare. My brother had a V50 T5 AWD with the six-speed, and that was a nice little wagon. Unfortunately, there is kind of a dead spot in your price range where the autoboxes are the rule.
Test drove a V6/Auto 6 Wagon today, it was nice! I found another 5-Speed in silver nearby...
Nada. I got a set of factory steelies and some Falken snow tires for the Miata 
Once again, no matter what the automotive question the answer is:
Miata
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