G'day, looking for some opinions on a DD.
I've been using an EP91 starlet as my DD for almost 5 years now.  It has about 342xxxkms on it and I've been thinking about upgrading for a while now.  This has been a great car and I've got my monies worth out of it but its time for something better.
 
About 5 months ago a bought an EVO8 as the replacement however I think I've made a mistake.  First up I drive 100kms a day for work and its 98% highway so the evo is pretty well wasted for these duties.  In the time I've owned it I've only really been able to 'enjoy' it once.  Compounding that I'm really just not 'feeling it' (i know I should love it) so it's going up for sale.
 
At this stage I'm going to reduce my budget to max 10K.  One of my other hobbies is audio so I want something that is somewhat quiet to ride in.  I also Mountain bike so something with either a decent cargo area or option for a towbar.  Something comfortable and more refined than my old starlet too.  Obviously I enjoy driving so something that is not totally boring to drive would be good.
 
I have thought of a few different cars, a 2005 Peugoet 307 Turbo Diesel for example is great on fuel but ridden with small faults I can't get past.  A late model 20 series camry wagon too but boring to drive.
 
So my short list ATM is a 2001ish IS300 Lexus.  These have some balls, comfortable, reported to handle well, look to be good for an audio upgrade and can take a towbar.  Although they are a little thirsty,  no more so than the evo and they have virtually no common faults.  Spares and upgrades are plentiful being a 2J.
 
What do you guys think?  Anything I should consider?
 
Thanks

Subaru liberty or toyota caldina could be a good option. I have a liberty myself and they're a great car :)

AW11.

SW20
 

I've always thought an Aurion would be ok for a daily plod.
 
Then, when you get sick of it you have a 2gr...

Sorry should've mentioned needs four seats. Got one child seat with another on the horizon.

I thought about an aurion but I find the interiors very plasticy and cheap.

Caldina maybe, might look into that.

Yeah, thats the biggest turn off about the Aurion. I reckon they look ok on the outside, obviously reliable, but so bland and yuck on the inside. Such an awful centre console and radio surround. Even the TRD is blergh.  

I'd highly recommend a Golf,
My DD is a 2005 2L Turbo Diesel VW Golf, Leather interior, heated seats etc. Paid $5500
Most comfortable small car i've driven on the road, and quiet. I'll upgrade the audio soon.
I got the 6 speed manual as the autos of that gen have a bad rep, but its worked out well as its great fun to drive when needed, plenty of power, and uses 5.5L/100km.
I drive an hour on country roads to get to work.
I put a tow bar on it and tow 2 dirtbikes around, I fit all the tools and gear I need in the hatch, also regular trailer loads of rubbish to the tip. It's been the best all rounder for me. surprisingly the inside is quite spacious.
 The have wagon models also if the hatch is to small. Worth a look, I'll be keeping mine for a while

^ Yeah the VW turbo diesel is a good motor. I drove a Passat wagon around for about a year, bit bigger than the golf wagon. Really impressive power and economy is great. Would still rate Toyota higher for long term reliability.

Yes I've considered one of those.  If I could find one for that price I'd be on it, that's a good deal you got there.