[VR43000GT]

Originally Posted by 6Cobalt

you have to remember, it costs money to tune a car. So, if you go and buy a cheap car, and drop 6g under the hood to make it real fast and repair/paint it, you could have bought a car that cost 6g more.
I know that sometimes that doesn't work- but honestly, it's better if you can stick it out and buy the more expensive car. unless this is your first car, in which case you just need wheels!

I'd say, if you can spring for higher cost: Cobalt SS, Scion TC, newer Civics

if you need cheap-ass wheels: Civic hatch, early 90's Eclipses, 240sx, 95-96 Mustang GT, Talons

the mustang actually fits into your range, but it's expensive to tune. however, it is pretty fast stock, so what you lack in quantity, you make up for in quality (not many parts, but just one part makes the car pretty solid)
kay- i'm done here.

If you are looking for cheap speed better than the TC, Cobalt or Civic a SRT-4 is the best way to go. Fastest speed for the price for newer cars. Faster than each one you mentioned plus it has a lot of aftermarket, and is more reliable than a DSM.