I only mentioned the mx5 since I was literally in the exact same situation so it seemed like reasonable advice. I sold my sti because it was just too expensive to track and also keep as a daily driver, and bought the mx5 because it was cheap fun and i dont have to worry about breaking it. Its not actually any slower than my wrx on a track, more fun to drive, way cheaper parts, and much easier to work on. Engines are 1/5-1/10th the cost, gearboxes 1/4 etc etc.
But he said he needs something more practical so that rules them out. Mines practical enough in that I can fit all my tools needed, and bags to go to taupo playdays, but anything bigger than a fox terrier might have issues fitting in it...