i say go with the srt-4 too they're faster and have a lot of potential, if you don't like it than go with the rsx type-s, it has very good mileage and no lag

 

i say wrx...if u want a evo and can't get one...wrx is in some way is pretty similar to the evo...4 door, AWD, turbo and lots of potential. SRT-4 is nice too, lots of modding potential except...is not AWD.If u just want a car that's reliable and look good...RSX-S

 

yep, I agree about the AWD.....I love my SRT but the FWD is the only drawback. It's super quick in stock form and you can mod the hell out of it (with factory mods....rock!) but FWD wheel hop on launches still bites.....once you're rolling though it pulls like a *****. I'm hoping to get an EVO or a 350z in a few months because of just that issue.

Also, for whoever said Mini Cooper S......I have to say YES!!! I love those little cars and probably would have bought one instead of the SRT but the nearest dealer is an hour and a half away.....getting service would suck big time

 

Integra Type R Like Zerofrost Said

 

the wrx fits you best since there's snow in your area...the only drawback is that you'll be rolling in a dog crap...btw, the wrx and the evo are in two different worlds...don't even compare them.

 

I read that the Mini is gonna be coming out with a 240 HP version. The mini is expensive the the john works pack for the present one gives 200 hp and its goes for about 26k. Lil over your range. Id go with the SRT-4 (don't call it a neon makes it look bad ) Best bang for the buck. 23k for the stage 2 = 260 hp 280 ft lbs I have never seen a car with such high stock numbers for that price. New ones comes with a differential. Other than that id take the WRX. Choose wisely

 

The Cooper S has a tendency to cause "Option Fever". It's possible to spec out a $30,000+ Cooper. The JCW package is nice. The stock S tends to peter out towards redline, and the JCW package ensures it pulls hard all the way to the end. However, some changes are being made to the '05 to make the car breathe easier, as well as add a few ponies. Problems with the car so far have been few and far between, and the residual value has been absolutely unheard of.

To boot, the car handles ridiculously well. Mini Mania I know offers a suspension package that'd let the Mini hang with an Evo or a Gallardo in a slalom, for a reasonable price. They'll also bring your stock S to 250HP if you'd like, but with that money you're approaching Evo dollars.

I fell in love with the damn thing. I will eventually get a "daily driver" and the Cooper S has my top pick.

 

The Cooper S is ridiculously fun to drive. Never thought I'd have so much fun driving a front wheel drive car. Forget being a daily driver, I'd get one for the track as well.

 

Integra Type R is overall a better car than all the above mentioned. The Tranny is bulletproof and the motor is a beast. I regret trading in my Integra Type R for the EVO 8 sometimes. ITR all the way, they last forever and beat them to **** and they keep asking for more. Best reliable car on the market, thats why they are still asking like 24k for them, they do not lose value. And they are already 3-4 years old.

 

it lags till it hits vtec

 

To boot, the car handles ridiculously well. Mini Mania I know offers a suspension package that'd let the Mini hang with an Evo or a Gallardo in a slalom, for a reasonable price. They'll also bring your stock S to 250HP if you'd like, but with that money you're approaching Evo dollars.
Cooper S has my top pick.[/QUOTE]

Gallardo slaloms at 46mph, evo at around 74, mini at about 69...i have the magazine on my desk right now

Go with the Integra Type R

 

I had a RSx-s, nice car, just nothing to it. I would go with the WRX or the ITR. They are awesome, but it is hard to find one that hasnt been beaten to death. I would go WRX new, ITR used

 

supra tt rx7 tt thats what I am talkin about! 18-25k

 

used s2000 is another good option. If its between wrx or srt-4. All I can say is americans make crappy small engine econoboxes (leave it to the pros----> the japanese) Americans make things big and powerful i.e.american trucks are awesome. wrx all the way it has AWD too.

 

used to own an rsx s before i got my evo... it is slooooooow compared to the evo, but if you want leather seats, i-vtec and good gas mileage , go for the rsx. and if you do decide to get an rsx, i got mugen mf10's for sale