What DD Vehicle??

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

AW11.

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

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.  

^ 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.

1000's of aurions to pick from in that price range!

The Aurions don't use much less fuel than a IS300 which is IMO a MUCH more appealing car.  Other than that there isn't much I like more than the IS other than I've got a nice engine I may use one day, but not likely.  And the $$ aren't enough less to make it worthwhile.