@decryption had been considering an EV on a novated lease, but it'll make things tricky also getting a mortgage for a home around the same time so buying something cash would make more sense
ultimately just want a sub-$10k car that doesn't cost much to refuel or service that's fun to drive and isn't a pain on the highway! is that too much to ask!
Was thinking maybe an early 00's Corolla Sportivo with the 144kw engine that redlines at 8k that only came with a 6spd, but most of them have been modified heavily so that's a no go.
Looked at the Volt for a bit but servicing is a bit of a grey area and they're all $16k minimum so would need to really bank on saving money on fuel.
Maybe a used SP23 Mazda with the manual... but most examples are pretty worn out ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Idk, but whatever I do end up with it'll be very heavily researched lol