From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I would choose a Kobo over one of the newer Sony devices any day. I got a great deal on a refurb Sony T1 for $50 about 3 months ago from London Drugs, but did NOT like how cheap and plastic it felt, plus the screens on those are very often not aligned properly, so it felt like I what I was reading was slowly creeping up off the page. I took it back straight away and have never regretted it. The build quality of my Kobo's just feels so much more robust. Granted, the software has had its issues, but I think after all of the updates they're finally starting to get them right!
If you are REALLY stuck on Sony, perhaps try and find a deal for a PRS-350 or PRS-650? Here's a
red PRS-650 at a Toronto based retailer:
https://www.topchoiceelectronics.com/PRS650RC
I bought my 650 from them last summer and had no complaints except for a small scuff on the front bezel (but I am a perfectionist).