I would recommend a sub $10,000 honda civic...
get something cheap, reliable, good on gas, and still fun to drive that you can pay off quick- then it can be your daily driver down the road when you re-buy an evo... or you could sell it and use the money for go-fast Evo parts

 

if i had to down grade i would get a Jeep XJ with a 6.5" lift and 35s. 3500 for the jeep, 3-4k in mods, no car payment and insurance at $80 a month..

 

i bought my 97 gsx first and modded it the way i liked it. then bought a house and then got a family car, then sold the gsx and got an evo. took a while but loving the car. don't even drive during snow unless i have to.

 

I would check out a used mustang, maybe an S2k, or maybe a gently used E46 3 series or an E36 M3. The M3 is a little risky though in terms of possible repair bills....but for only 240 or whatever hp, they are really fun. And finding one in mint cond it a little tough these days. You also might be able to find a used MS3 in the high teens, but thats not gonna help you much.

The problem with buying used though is financing.

 

Exactly! That's why I DD my GSXR-1000, weather permitting. The Evo is going to be a while for the build on when I will get it to what I actually want it to be setup as. Probably a GT40R. The bike is ***** fast from the dealership. On the bike I own pretty much anything out there, and you gotta love the wheelies!

 

I plan on picking up a 99-01 Impreza for a daily. You can pick up an L for a few grand.

Then do an STi drivetrain swap. That car will run 12's all day long without changing a thing!!

 

02-03 tl/cl-s or a 05-06 rsx-s you cant beat it either way you go

 

if i had to get another car i would get a toyota yaris. they have more room, more power and get very similar gas millage to a smart car

 

probably a b18 civic or sumthing