Originally Posted by JGordon
If you wanted an Ep3 but couldn't find one, would you consider the base RSX? With the manual they're basically the same car, but it should be easier to find an unmodified one and they sold more base RSXs than ep3s.
Also maybe a Scion tC? Good price range and definitely the main competitor to the Civic Si/RSX. Carollas are nice cars too, but the regular ones are slow, and the XRS has a retuned 1.8L out of the Celica with 170hp, but that engine is a little peaky for use around town. Below 5000 rpm it doesn't feel any faster than a regular Corolla.
Edit-- ooh, I forgot the Mazda 3 5-door. Those are great, and would probably fill the bill for everything you're looking for. Might be a little slow, though.
I like the RSX but if it were down to that or finding an EP3, id wait it out and find the EP3 :happysad:
the mazda 3 5 door seems to be a popular choice but it seems to me that they are a little "too new" and its hard to find one slightly used (at least around here)