Sporty upgradeable used car under $15k

[Trizzle]

Ok, i'm SO ready for my 2nd car. I've had a 93 ford escort for 7 years. Can't complain too much really, it's been super useful and reliable, but leaves much to be desired in the excitement department. Typically i've relied on motorcycles to fulfill that need, but i've decided to try goin fast on 4 wheels. I'm selling my bike and giving the car to younger sister who is turning 16. My dad will help me to some extent to purchase something new since i'm giving up the escort to my sister.

What i've been considering so far is: '95 on (S14) 240SX, '97 on (gen5) Prelude, '00 on (mkIV) Jetta 1.8T, lexus SC300 (old ones can be found cheap)

I want something that is relatively sporty to start with and has reasonable potential for increased power without spending too much money (under $5k). It doesn't have to be too practical, I'm young and have no responsibilities but it wouldn't hurt either to be able to haul my friends around and whatnot, and have something comfortable. Oh yeah, and absolutely must have manual transmission.

I'm looking at a max price of probably $15,000 and preferably around 13'ish maybe. What do you all think of the cars i've mentioned? Any other suggestions? What other cars are there that come factory turbo or super charged? Those seem to be much easier to get more power from. The WRX is the only other thing that comes to mind for me, but those are still runnin more than $15k used.

Thanks
Troy

[YogsVR4]

If you can get a well cared for SC300 then thats the one I'd go after from that list. Solid car with an engine that can handle mods quite well and wont suffer from the added hp.