I'm thinking about getting a new car but it's a pretty difficult decision. I want something that's fun to drive, somewhat practical and entertaining on the occasional track day that it'll see.

I was thinking about the Mazdaspeed 3, the GTI, the Mini and last night I test drove the RX-8. So far the Mazdaspeed 3 is standing out.

Are there any others that I should be looking at?

and tools. Just daily stuff, if I ever have to move big stuff I borrow my dad's truck

All very different, but all very fun in their own way...

We have a GTi, which my wife drives daily, nice car but fwd has it's limitations...It is pretty discrete and has a nice interior which is a plus.

The WRX, Mazdaspeed 3 all draw more attention to themselves. Mazdaspeed is a riot in a straight line...

Personally I'm biased to the RX-8 which is a great car, very balanced and fun and unique...
My daily is a 3rd gen Miata which is a joy to drive, but would not appear to be practical on your list :)

you could have an amazing e30 m3 for 25 grand, with plenty of mods, i drove one awhile back and you can tell why so many people think its one of the best sports cars ever made.

evo would be reliable, and very fast stock.

i know an elise doesnt hold 4 people, but from what ive heard they are pretty reliable, and you can find them used for around that price, if i had 25 grand id pick one up right away before anything else, even for a daily driver. but i might have to settle for a miata myself.

rx8 is an amazing car, its a pure sports car, very well ballanced, and very underrated.

if i were you and it had to have 4 seats, id go with an e30 m3, its an amazing car.
but if you want more reliability, id go with an rx8.

theres tons of other great cars you can find for 25 grand, but for you those are what i think would fit best.

the Elise would be fun but it's way too small and I would be a little scared taking that out in the snow with everyone else in their SUVs/tanks

My friend has an Evo and I love it but I'd be highly skeptical buying one used

Though I'd lean towards a SubarEvo or an RX8 myself. Let us know what you decide. I may be in the same boat in a couple of years.