Need a new car! Thinking of e36 M3!

[Crono0001]

So! My WRX has left my hands to another in the family. My 986 is about to head up to Cali for a few months for some engine surgery, and I need a new car to drive me around while she is there! I do not plan on financing any car, and would rather just use what I've saved up to buy a car outright. I'm looking for something a bit more practical (4 seats, maybe 4 doors), fast-ish (not necessary, but still important), and cheap to maintain (relatively). I've been looking around and considering all options... Even the occasional Honda Civic... Budget of about 10k, but I'd like to spend less than 6k. I'm still young, single with no kids (known), good savings and investments, so I really would like to avoid trucks/SUVs. Really, just another daily driver to replace the WRX alongside my 986.

I've found some really cheap E36 M3s around my area (as low as 4k!) and test drove some. They feel really promising. A lot of power and great driving feel, not unlike the 986.

My questions are as follows:

Anyone ever own E36 M3s? How were they? Reliable? Cheaper to maintain than a Porsche?

Anyone have any other suggestions for a 4 seater that's fun to drive?