Either help me to the right thing, or tell me how great the wrong thing would be

Ok, it's time for another DD. Here's what I need: reliable, more or less. Somewhere between a Camry and an old diesel benz would be fine. Decent fuel economy. 30 or so would be nice.

Here's what I want:
Fun to drive. Reliable.
$5K limit

So, I've been searching and I know the sensible thing would be to buy some boring appliance that'll get 30 mpg all day long (or typically much higher) and be comfortable. But the thought of driving a Camry or an Accord just feels soo, boring.
Here's what I've been looking at:
SVX cuz they are different and sexy
Wrangler because I have been addicted to Jeeps since my teens. I've been without one for a while now and am jonesing for one
Subie-sumthing or other. maybe 2.5RS
Miata cuz this is GRM I've tried looking at something like a Maxima or an Accord.

Here's my problem. I found a really good deal on a Wrangler. I think it's priced $1500 under what he could be asking. Southern Jeep, no rust, 4 banger. I REALLY want a Jeep. My 6-year old REALLY wants daddy to get a Jeep. I think my wife wants me to get a boring car, just don't know if I can do that. I'm thinking, I'll buy the Jeep and drive it 'till fall. Then, either do a diesel swap and run veggie oil or sell it at a profit and hope I got Jeeps outta my blood.

So, do I do the sensible, grown-up thing or the fun thing?
BTW, I'd be more than happy to hear your suggestions because I'm sure there are fun, sensible cars that aren't on that short list.

a jeep can be a sensible thing.. if it is reliable

I like the 2.5RS idea the most, but if you're looking for additional options I'd also look at the Mazda3. Early ones are approaching your price range. I almost bought a sweet looking red hatchback before we found a Mazda5 (wife wanted the room).

DrBoost wrote: My 6-year old REALLY wants daddy to get a Jeep.

I'm still slightly mad at my dad for not buying that forward control Jeep when I was ten...

There are few enough things in this world that bring enjoyment to a commute on a daily basis. Buy the Jeep. Screw being grown up, it's overrated.

Toyota Corolla GTS? MR2? Starlet?

+1 for Jeep. You'll hear a nagging sound reminiscent of a pterodactyl when it leaves you stranded, but berkeley it, if it isn't the jeep, she find something else to squawk about. DO IT!

*Disclaimer: I am evil and should never be trusted.

Jeep! Commuting in a little truck is fun, and the top goes down!

Integra. Quite possible to find a GSR for <$5k

I enjoy puttering around town in jeeps, other people's jeeps, that I don't buy gas for.

You do realize that NONE of the vehicles you list are going to get 30 mpg.

I'd say half of that is going to be a good target for the Jeep.

Buy the Jeep and screw fuel econ.

Duke wrote: You do realize that NONE of the vehicles you list are going to get 30 mpg.

Yeah, that's my problem. The only thing that I can think of that's worth driving that gets 30 is the miata. I was able to get 30 in mine, on the highway when I drove like a sedated old man. Even when I was having fun, I still topped 25 easy.
And yeah, the Jeep will only return 15. Going from the greasecar getting 225 mpg to a 15 mpg Jeep is gonna HURT!

Duke wrote: You do realize that NONE of the vehicles you list are going to get 30 mpg.

Good point. Another point for "berkeley it. Buy a jeep."

Miata on a Jeep frame. Problem solved.

I wonder how much better my fuel economy would be if I wore a full-face helmet and removed the top and dropped the windshield?

Ima vote for da Wrangler, screw the gas mileage!

Well at least you won't be in danger of getting any speeding tickets in a 4 cyl Jeep.

Duke wrote: You do realize that NONE of the vehicles you list are going to get 30 mpg.

But 2 of them together could.

Buy the jeep and make yourself smile. There's nothing better than getting in a car you truly like after a long day at work. Conversely, there's nothing worse than working a long day and then having to walk out to a car you hate. Buy jeep. Take top off. Buckle your son in and have a good time. You can be a grown up when you're old.

Your six year old will be 26 before you know it, buy the Jeep.

Buy the Jeep and look like all the other mid-life crisis guys.

My dad had a Jeep when I was about six years old and I have lots of fond memories of rather ordinary trips just because they were taken in the Jeep with the top off. Of course, half of those memories end soaked to the bone heading for home in a pop-up thunderstorm, but they are still happy memories. That said, be sure you actually enjoy driving a Jeep. They ride rough, handle with all the agility of a bread truck, are loud, cold and, as mentioned, get horrible mileage. I was all set to buy one about 10 years ago when, fortunately, the owner let me borrow it for a few hours. I quickly realized it wasn't going to generate happy memories as a driver. IMO, my Miata has everything a Jeep has in the plus column (wasn't ever into off roading) without most of the negatives.

Given your knack for forging your own path (ala greasecar) I would recommend a super sensible Honda Insight Hybrid 2 seater, 5 speed manual that will return 50 mpg to handle the commute.
I would also add a Wrangler to the fleet to handle the need for an occasional car that has more seating.
See how that makes a Jeep look sensible, after all, it's for the good of the children.

minimac wrote: Buy the Jeep and look like all the other mid-life crisis guys.

I don't understand. "Buy the Jeep and drive in the mud" or "Buy the Jeep and look like a New England lesbian" sure... but who's mid-life crisis involves Jeeps?

This is what a mid-life crisis looks like: