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There really isn't much available in Tassy. The best I can come up with is:
Honda Accord Euro (2003 - 2005 depending on the model). It produces 140kW and has a 6 speed transmission. My dad test drove one and liked it. It takes premium (95+ octane) unleaded and does 9.1L / 100km, which isn't ideal, as I don't have much money. I'd barely be able to afford the running costs. It is a bit of a luxury car and has great build quality. I can get it with a good deal, considering it used to cost over $42,000 6 - 8 years ago. Ford Fiesta XR4 (2008). Produces 110kW and has a 5 speed transmission. Reviews say it is a good driver's car for the money. Interior is a bit tacky, but it does have leather seats. Not much room in the back. Grips to corners and has a great power to weight ratio. It doesn't look as nice as the Euro, has less power, fewer features and less "prestige" but it has done 40,000km less than the Euro I have my eye on and takes regular unleaded, and sips it at a rate of 7.4L / 100km. Much less costly to run.So they are the main contenders. Both have similar safety features. There's a VW Polo TDI (faster than the petrol equivalent), but it ain't exactly sporty. There are many others as well, like the 2005 Ford Focus Zetec (Zetec just has racing stripes, a body kit and stiffer suspension), but none with the same power to weight ratio as the XR4, or high quality and feature count of the Euro.
I'm in a pickle
If I get one, I don't want to regret not getting the other. The XR4 would probably be the safe bet, but maybe I should take the plunge with the Euro, which I know to be a great car to drive.WHAT DO I DO
I also love driving cars, so there's that.
That said, every car is different and tomorrow the car could completely fall apart. It has only done ~135000km.
But yes, Japanese cars are generally very reliable (Toyota is another example).
The Accord Euro is a quality car, and I have no experience with the Fiesta (though my friend drives a focus XR5, they can't be that different - it's a really cool little car)
Have you also considered Mazda 6s? Another friend of mine has one of those with leather seats etc (one of the sports ones), and he only paid $11-$12k (AUD - I guess there might be more available in Qld than Tas though)