Fun commuter car? Suggestions?

I want to get rid of my 4runner for something more fun to commute in.
Looking for better gas milage (which shouldnt be hard),prefferably a 5 or 6 speed manual and reliability. Budget is about $6k
Open to any suggestions

Thanks!

Toy Mr2 handles like a go cart. You can run the crap out of them . Mine has 250k. been totaled twice. Still kicks A.Wheelman