Responsible but fun toy

Wow, there's a lot of ways you could go here. Assuming you're serious about going the 4-5 seat coup route and dropping $30k you could get a Scion FR-S or Subaru BR-Z, or the Scion TC as a budget option. For raw power in a compact (thus good MPG) there are the Ford Focus/Fiesta ST's or a Mazdaspeed 3 or a Civic Si, although only the civic comes as a coupe. The Civic or TC will really be your most reliable options. Then there's luxury nameplates, but most of that is some combination of sedan or 2-seat or unreliable. Theres the Acura RSX from a few years back; way below your budget and older than your parameters, but they're nice reliable sporty cars. You could get a used Infinity G37, but they're kind of big/lower mpg. I'm ignoring all the european stuff here for reliablility concerns.

I am also looking for a Coupe that is sporty, yet practical (as much as a coupe can be practical) The previous post has some good suggestions, I especially like the Scion TC, it looks dynamic, it iis a hatch and has ample room for storage, the rear seats are more roomy than most Coups and has a 2.5 engin with 180 hp.

Unfortunately there is no information about reliability etcetera in the Consumers Report Used Car Buyers Guide, I think that not enough of their members drive one. I hear glowing reviews from people that owne one, but I like have the the stats before I buy.

I'm considering buying an Altima Coupe 2010-11, I like the way they look and they get pretty good rateings overall, although they don't have much trunk space, unless you fold the back seats down. The 2.5 is quick, the 3.5 is fast/powerful.

Thats my two cents worth ;)