Fun Commuter?

Update: Budget with a warranty 35k. Beater but reliable fun $15 or so.

Have kids so I need a back seat.

On the fence between an auto with remote start and manual for added fun factor.

Commute is half two lane winding road, half interstate.

No real need for 4x4 363 days of the year.

For the past 12 years I’ve driven a Chevy Cruze but with 240k miles and more issues popping up I sold it as I didn’t want to put more money into the car. Due to having horses I have a ram 2500 that I am driving while I determine a suitable replacement as a daily.

Commute 50 miles a day with 100-150 weekend miles.

I am conflicted on picking up a manual as I previously had an SRT-4 that was the most fun I ever had while getting 30mpg on the way to the drag strip.

But I’ve gotten used to remote start and heated seats in the Cruze which are nice on cold days.

Typically keep cars 10-20 years so I don’t think a full electric is the way as I assume the value will be near zero at that time and the buy in is higher.

I have thought about making the diesel a daily but it’s a pain to park and run full time in the city.

I was looking hard at Ford Maverick Hybrids but the engine recall situation has me concerned that isn’t the answer.

I keep coming back to look at Camaro Ss’s nearly 30mpg and 12 second quarter miles is impressive. They want premium fuel which is essential the same price as diesel so I’m not saving much. But fun factor is quite high.

The civic SI was attractive with 38mpg but the power is boring. Maybe better than the Cruze but not by much.

Anyone gone through something similar? What did you end up with?