I'd subscribe to the Auto N/A Foz lacking. Drove one as a work car for a while.
In comparrison to the Euro it's rather lathargic.

Mid 2000's and it's pushing 10yo. So i'd be looking at well kept mainstream Jap cars.
Camry, Euro, Mazda 6....
Even the Mitsubish 380 Verada could be had for cheap, but agreed on the looks like crap.

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MY00 WRX. 89 Prelude. 99 CRV