You mention 3k to buy a car, but what budget do you have to look after it? You can buy a supercharged Jag, or an impreza, or a clio for that cash, but 6 months later, the clio will still only have cost 3k, the Jag will likely be substantially more.

Personally I'd vouch for the clios, great fun and fairly reliable and the electrics arent any worse than most others IMHO.