Im actually having this problem myself, buying a new car soon when i get my P's except i dunno wot my budget will be, but would probaly be around the 15k-25k mark. Im probaly gonna look for a Evo III, if not then ill get an impreza. The reason y i wanna get these cars are because they are 4 wheel drive which means it should handle well for my liking and with a little work they run pretty damn good. but since your not into jap cars i guess something like a monaro would be a good buy (im not sure about the prices / economy rate of these cars) but im sure if would fit most of your purposes. Getting something like a barina may be easier to drive and park since they are smaller but they have no power and driving to and from would be pain since its got hardly any power.