Okay, say I get a GS-R. It'd leave me with money to spare, obviously. For say, 2000-2500 dollars, what kind of performance/handling modifications should/could I do? I don't want a loud exhaust since, obviously, I'd be choosing the GS-R for higher level of comfort and a loud exhaust would sorta impede that.

Argh, just when I was about to decide to get the Type R...I scuffed the nose on the 2003 Cooper S I'd borrowed from my father while he's on some trip. Didn't mean to, I was just cleaning it with a sponge and somehow it scuffed it. I was trying to make the car look nice before he got back . Anyhow, I'm taking it to the body shop tommorow for repair ($$$ ). Also, I think my insurance company just quoted me 3800/yr for insurance. Which seems a bit odd since I've no accidents, no tickets, and I get 3.5 GPA in college. I guess that's what I get for being 19 . Maybe it's because I work full time and that adds risk or something.