Help! Options for used, reliable car $5k-$7k

Hi SDers,

I have taken my fun-driving '95 Volvo 850 Turbo (200,000+ mi) to a Volvo specialist and at the rate this car is going, they say I should be looking to buy another car in the near future. With that in mind, I figure you guys could help me think of some cars I could research in the meanwhile.

About me:

• Grad Student: AKA poor
• I drive about 30 miles a day max
• Live in SD, CA
• I like cars that don't look like your typical Toyota Camry or other "common" car
• I've got about $2.5 k saved up
• looking to spend $5-7K
• I drive automatic only

So what am I hoping for? Well, I'm aiming for a car that's somewhat similar to the spirit of my current car. It's not the flashiest thing, but it's a fun drive, safe, reliable, and allows me to pass up other cars. Hopefully my new used car will be a car that's not too difficult to work on (my boyfriend usually works on my Volvo) and doesn't have serious common problems. I am fond of the looks and reputation of Subaru cars (particularly eying the Outback) but it seems the Outbacks in my price range suffer from a common head gasket problem. So...any ideas for cars I should consider in my research quest?

Bonus features that I'm into are but aren't deal breakers: heated driver's seat, sun roof

Cars styles that I like the looks of: Honda CR-Z, Subarus, hatchback style cars, small SUVs, sedans