Pottering around town and being able to have some fun sounds alot like you need something with VTEC or VVTI. But of course I have the Corolla T Sport as mentioned by Morgey and I use it day to day. Insurance is reasonable for me 20 with 2 years no claims, tax is a bit more than a Jazz would be but paying it monthly makes it easy, If you are sensible enough you can get 30mpg or more, 34mpg on motorway trips, mines been a bit niggly but it's an old car that's done over 100K but it's never left me at the side of the road. And theres a big breaker who will be able to supply parts on the cheap. Not too much of a modifying scene however. Pre face lifts are very cheap and have less stiffening so probably more comfortable but i wouldn't go as far to say my face lift is uncomfortable or too bashy. The problem is trying to find a good one!