$5k, fast, powerful and fun

Hey everyone

I'm getting a new car within a year, and I'd like a bit of help to narrow down what I want.

I'm looking for a car that is somewhat powerful, quick, handles well, and is nice to look at.
I was thinking a BMW - always liked them.

The price I can pay to buy the car would be about $5-8 thousand (US).
I'd be open to spending another $5k or so in the year or two afterwards to trick it out a little bit.

Any ideas?


EDIT: I'd prefer a manual rather than automatic.

BMW's are overpriced, and you're definately not going to be able to pick up a fast one for $5-$8k.

you lookin a for a 4/6/8cyl? rwd/fwd/awd? turbo'd/sc'd/naturally aspirated? import/domestic? coupe/sedan? narrow it down a lil' bit more.

rwd 4 door sedan.

If it were to be a BMW, then something like this:
http://www.venturaclassics.com/images/INVENTORY/INVENTORY133/Driver_small.jpg
or
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/4953-1989-BMW-325i.jpg

Not in terms of the exact model, just how it looks.

If those are too expensive then really any four or two door sedan.


I'd just like some general suggestions about what kind of car would be fast, powerful, and able to upgrade.

1995 BMW 540, 282 horsepower, i dont know how tuneable they are, but thats plenty of power considering its over 10 years old

Thats a bit out of my price range, I think.

Maybe a '99 Audi A4? Something around there?

Think about an Audi A4 with the 1.8 turbo. Stock internals are good for 600 horses or so. Or look at older Saabs with factory turbos. Good "sleeper brand" of cars. Both probably will require a good chunk of dough and/or "love" to run right.

How much do you mean?
Could you give me some prices on buying the car and tuning it?

I'm thinking probably a 99 a4.

Does anyone have any experience with one?