RE: Do what I don't want to do
I have a Toyota Verso S.
Fulfills your criteria. Devoid of sex appeal. Reliable. Has a 1.3 litre engine that has a max power of 125 hp. Good for the city. But is good enough on the highway. Not a guzzler.
I hate guzzlers but considered a larger car. Thought long about buying a 10-yo Lexus RX 400h because it's an SUV and even more reliable than Toyotas. Because it's a hybrid, the kilometreage is great for a large vehicle. But came to my senses because there was no objective need for a large vehicle like that. The maintenance costs would've been not too high but changing the alternator would've cost €10,000 and it could've broken with very, very bad luck. Replacing the air suspension if necessary would've been bitch, too. There is a reason why a €85,000 car becomes a €15,000 car at 10 years of age.
I was looking at a Lexus hybrid sedan ronight, but it was still a bit out of price range.
Is the verso a hybrid?
No. But the engine is small enough not to need much fuel.