Just letting you know OP, most of the posters in this topic suggested cars that are way over 12k, even in subpar condition. He can't afford an R34, he can't afford a TT-S, and he can't afford a 600hp+ civic. OP, I suggest you go to your local dealers, see what "sporty" cars they have and test drive a variety so you have an idea of what your looking for. Don't jump for a car just because you automatically "like" it. If you want a sports car, you have to automatically "love" it. Even though it fits your style aesthetically, does not mean it will please you performance and comfort wise. All I'm saying is, don't decide which car you want from posters on this topic, let the suggestions be an idea for you. Do more research, as you said you're an amateur. Choose your car wisely.

WJL wrote

Voglia wrote With a budget of 10k, the possibilities are quite large. I'm currently at the 10k budget as well, but with the car i own now, I could increase the budget a little bit. So i'm in the same boat as you.

Though I do believe the RX-8's are nice to see "done up" correctly, and not by some "ricer". They wouldn't be my first pick of car. Seeing as though you didn't really classify your preferences on cars, i'm going to assume you want a car like the Mazda. My current suggestions with your price range would be SRT-4,Subaru Impreza, Scion tC, VW GTI.

1) Dodge Neon SRT-4:

Yes, it's a neon, and you'd expect it to be slow. This car looks like a neon but is remarkably faster with it being turbocharged. The horsepower output for this car is around 230hp. In my opinion it looks great with the front grille from a dodge stratus. These cars were only produced from 2003-2005, and are wide in range for aftermarket parts.

Note: These cars only come with Manual transmissions

2) Subaru Impreza WRX:

Though with your price range, an STi will be a little bit above it. The Subaru Impreza WRX is my favorite car, and if owned by the right person, can look so nice. This 4-Cylinder turbocharged engine has the ability to output about 230hp(bugeye model). The aftermarket parts are easy to come by, but with this car being made in Japan, the parts can be relatively expensive to obtain.

3) Scion tC:
This car looks great, and I only prefer them to be white in color. I feel as though the white mixed with the color black in other areas such as wheels, creates a slick looking car. Taking the 2006 tC specs, this car is slower than the others, with only 160hp output and 163 ft-lbs of torque. But my preference is not the speed, but more so the show of the car. Once again this car has many aftermarket parts, maybe not as many as above, but still plentiful.

4) Volkswagon GTI:

This car is a real beauty. I've driven two of them, and both are incredibly fun. They're appealing to look at, and look amazing when blacked out. Ive driven a 2000 GTI mkIV, and a 2009 GTI MKVI. GTIs are fast cars with 200hp, and a 2.0L turbo engine. Similar as the Subaru Impreza, these parts are made over seas (Germany), and are expensive to get a hold of.

Hopefully this little tid bit of information helps. and I hope the choice you pick, you're happy with.

P.S: If you decide to get a car from the list above or not, do the community a favor, and don't "Stance" the car you decide to get. I believe it looks ridiculous. It's ok to lower it a little bit, but please don't stance it unless you want to be the guy who bottoms out on a damn speedbump.

Good luck!

srt4 neons are crazy when they're turboed, this kid at my school has one and it's pretty *****, not gonna lie.

They're really fast, and slick looking too. The SRT-4 is what i'm leaning towards getting, just got to wait until i'm 18. Already have enough money saved up to put a nice down payment on it.

My plans:

1) Remove the arch spoiler
2) De-badge it (take back logos off)
3) Lower it a bit
4) Rims
5) Install gauges on the front dash (no gauges on column, I think it looks tacky)
6) Exhaust (Would love the catback exhaust, but I don't want all my money going to the state for tickets)
7) Etc.

I'm also looking for a first car, I looked at RX8s good car if you have the money, but not a good first car if you're on a budget.

RX8s have a 13B rotary engine, they use a lot of oil, also rotary engines tend to blow up when the apex seals go (they're a lot of maintenance). With oil and petrol it will cost you a fortune.

If you're looking for a great first car and a sports car for a budget I recommend a Toyota Supra JZA80 N/A (2JZ-GE engine). They're a little older then a RX8, but i assure you that it will cost much less in the long run.

The toyato supra. It's fast and sporty.

Pool wrote You say you're into sports cars? Yet, you're failing to even look at Audis and BMWs.

No offense but BMW's blow up and die a lot.
On a side note, how is the engine a 0-Cylinder. Does that mean its gone?

I would go with an e39 M3
If you like modding cars, you can also go the miata route. They are fun cars to drive

_l_ wrote I would go with an e39 M3
If you like modding cars, you can also go the miata route. They are fun cars to drive

I have to agree these are both reasonably priced cars and the mx-5 miata is a great car to modify, if you're not very good with mods check out Mighty Car Mods on youtube, one of them has recently gotten a mx-5 and they've done a few mods to it.