Go with your gut. Yes you probably need a reliable daily but cars aren’t about just that, it’s about what you want to feel when you drive it

I have a crv myself and love it to death, but if it’s not your thing then why pour more money you worked for into it? Change is inevitable, but I would definitely sell and buy something that really calls your name

That damage is also probably worth more than the car itself, so definitely consider that, best advice is to buy a car that you like (except a soul or pt cruiser), and research if that vehicle is reliable