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QUOTE (richee3 @ Oct 4, 2010 - 1:16 AM)

>Rotary engines aren't known for stellar reliability. I looked into the RX8 myself for a while on the same budget you have, but I ruled the RX8 out simply because I never saw one for sale with more than 75,000 miles. Makes me question what happens to that rotary engine after 75,000 miles.
Nissan 300ZX- Great looking cars, fun. But they're aged. Reliability could be an issue with those. Not to mention that you're paying the same price for what is definitely an older car than the rest. Plus the 300ZX isn't the greatest platform for a decent build. They aren't bad, but you can get a better base.
WRX- Nice cars. Fun. Decent reliability if treated well in their past life. Practicality of 4 doors, a full back seat, and a usable trunk.
Toyota MR2- First gen- No.
Second gen- Older cars, reliability could once again be an issue. Fun though.
Third gen- If you can get over the flamboyant styling, they have nice interiors and they're a fun car.
My suggestions- Lexus IS 300- not the car most people think it is, but it's classy and reliability is proven. Aftermarket support is endless. Cons include intrusive stability control and high insurance premiums.
BMW 3 Series- Try to go for a 330. Anything under a 330 is a little underpowered. But they're a proper car with a BMW badge, so reliability isn't a question. Plenty of fun. Very classy. Cons might be repair expenses.
Honda S2000- Very fun car, insane reliability, decent gas mileage, and it's a roadster. Good marks for Honda there. Cons are that it's a roadster, so safety is an issue, and it wouldn't make a good winter car.
Nissan 350Z- Quick, plenty of fun, and they look great. Expensive insurance though.
Acura RSX- Don't get hung up on that whole "It's a Honda" thing. The RSX is a very fun car, great reliability, aftermarket support, and it looks good. Cons.. Well, I haven't driven enough RSX's to find any real cons. I'm sure it's flawed somehow.
If you've got $10,000 cash, you can buy a mkIV Supra. Older car, of course, so unknown reliability. But it's a mkIV Supra. Need I say more?
I'll support what this guy said, with the added statement of I'm disappoint that he didn't mention a Miata. Try to look for a 2nd gen Mazdaspeed model, they are beasts.