2s are not common. Like sized cars are. I drive a 5. That is about the size I'd stick with. The passenger car fatalities I have witnessed were generally in vehicles hit from the side and lower to the ground than the opposing vehicle.
However, driving a fun car is what life is for on some days.
I'm 6'3 and test drive a Miata once. It was fun. They're not fast but they're so small they feel fast. But I could barely get in it, my legs were all shoved into the door panel and console, and I could barely get out of it. I felt awkward!
4k above budget but most non-appliance stuff on Craigslist for 6 grand is going to be either filled with crystal meth or bodily fluids and often both. Small fun and unique. How about a JDM Rover mini?