04dolphin

used: IS300 new: wrx

CVT_A4

Used S2000

CadenceX

that would tempt me too

ScottJ

What's it for and what do you want?

Looking for a sports car? Luxurious daily driver? Toy?

mcpath

i almost got one before my a4 for $24k used in 02.

BlownHeadlight

sports car. daily also

ScottJ

Cost $19,900 before taking a bath on the GT I traded (stupidity knows no bounds for the true car nut).

I compromise some luxury & sophistication for raw performance (opposite of what I did back when I bought an Integra GS-R).

I've thought about what it would take to equal the lux of the A4 with the visceral punch of a V8 Mustang. All I could come up with was a 911 Carrera 4 (or Turbo).

For you I will echo the E36 M3. Shop wisely and you can get quite a bargain. I was after one before buying my GT but it sold before I talked myself into buying.

WRX was also on the list but I found myself sensitive to its minimal turbo lag. I still might pick up a cheap wagon as a foul weather car once the Cobra and A4 are paid for.

So, for you my rambling point is M3 or WRX if it's to be your sole car.

If it isn't then go roadster:
S2000, Boxster, Z3 2.8L. You can even find a few C5 Corvettes in that price range.

Chekm8

or a used wrx would work...

JR15

Mazda6