Pretty big gearhead here. My most important requirements: price < $20,000, weight < 3500 lbs, go > 200 hp / torque, rear or four wheel drive, fully independent

Pretty big gearhead here. My most important requirements: price < $20,000, weight < 3500 lbs, go > 200 hp / torque, rear or four wheel drive, fully independent suspension, limited slip differential, manual transmission available, four seats The reasonable contenders: 2000-2004 Audi S4 (even though it's too heavy) 96-99 BMW M3 1999-2004 BMW 3-series (non M) 2002-2005 Lexus IS300 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X (WRX in disguise) 2002-2005 Subaru Impreza WRX 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32 2005-2006 Volvo S40 T5-AWD Out of all of those, the old M3 is my personal favorite... followed closely by the IS300. For the price range, I can't recommend anything not on this list. My personal experience is relatively frequent hobbyist track racing & autocross, lots of test driving, and loads of greasemonkeying.