need some help buying a used car

Well my '85 mighty max is finally showing its age so im looking at buying a used car and would appreciate some guidance.

right now what is important is...
around 10-15K
looks good on the outside
good balance of gas mileage and speed/acceleration
will last a while
manual transmission
im 6'2" so space may be an issue

also, ability to add mods to it isn't incredibly important but may be if i ever decide to experiment with modding cars.

thanks

by the way, the carmax we looked at had a blue nissan sentra and a while lancer that i was looking at, any comment on those two cars would be appreciated as well...i have also been looking at the '04 Mazda 3...any opinions on those?

I'd go for a 2001 Acura Integra GS-R. In good condition, it'll cost about $15,000, but you can get it a few years older for a few thousand less (it's been made since 1994). With 170 hp, 0-60 mph takes about 6.7 seconds, yet it has an EPA rating of 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, and it's one of the best in the business, as are most Honda transmissions. It's one of the most reliable, longest lasting cars on the road. Looks are subjective, so here's a link to some pictures from edmunds.com: http://www.edmunds.com/used/2001/acura/integra/100000487/photos.html?tid=edmunds.u.specs.leftsidenav..9.Acu ra*

check out http://beam.to/mots