Eric,
If you are looking at 1-2 cups a day, I would suggest you get a french press and a bean grinder and forget about a drip coffee maker. Then you can buy whole beans (which keep fresh much longer than ground coffee) and just grind enough each time you want a cup.
A small Braun coffee grinder should go for $20 or less (mne has lasted for years).
As for coffee, that is all personal taste. I hate Starbucks coffee, as I find it to be overbrewed and bitter. If you want to splurge on some great coffee, buy some 100% pure Kona coffee...very expensive but very nice.
If you keep up your habit, you will find that the amount of sugar and cream will decrease over time, and you will be addicted to the coffee flavour alone!