New or used, the tC is dull, with a mediocre motor and confused design.
Already looks very dated IMO.

The Celica GT-S was ruined after the mid-model refresh and it wasn't the most reliable of models to begin with. And that TRD kit didn't help either. :ugh:

I'd second the new Cooper S (not the JCW GP shown above) if you can deal with the goofy interior.
Otherwise, I'd say used RSX-S and pocket some money in the process.