I co-developed the Long-Term Quality Index, buy a heaping load of late model vehicles at 48 Hours And A Used Car, and when I get really bored... I buy a Y2K beater and make it whole again.
You already have all the right answers. The XV70 Camry is an exceptional vehicle. The four-cylinder has all the power you will ever need.
The VW is great with a stick. The automatic is a bit meh. I loved the 1.4 Liter and the 1.5 is really just a very mild update. Excellent torquey engine.
I'm not enamored with the current crop of Honda Accords. A Honda Insight would be a much better value. But I have to weigh in the fact that you're already trying to get rid of a Honda Accord with low miles. A new solid paint job would definitely cost less than $1000. I get them done for $450 but as a dealer in the Southern USA, I tend to paint anything that has clearcoat fade and paint burn.
My top off the beaten path choice for you? Mazda 6. More fun to drive than any of the others I mentioned, and one with a leather interior is absolutely drop dead gorgeous. Mazda really has become the better Toyota if you look at their product line. A sportier car with comparable quality. You have to buy it used but the 6 is definitely a class leader.
Good luck!