Personally, I would get either an Eclipse or a Del Sol. Eclipses have good engines and can be built up good. There is a turbo AWD (GSX), turbo FWD (GST) or non turbo FWD (GS or RS). A GSX is usually around 10 grand, a GST you could get for around 7, and GS or RS's can be pretty cheap. If you dont want a DSM, I would go for a Del Sol with the b16a2. Its pretty fast for a 1.6 VTEC and it redlines at 8000 rpms. Also, I think 240sx's, Civics, and 6th gen Celicas are pretty cool too.