Here's my personal experience of a month ago. I test drove a new SI with 12k on it for $14k. I liked it but not as much as my cousins base RSX when it was stock. I test drove a 99' GSX with 44k on it for $11k. It was absolutely awesome, but the interior really annoyed me. I test drove a V Spec with 8k on it and I absolutely loved it. A lot of room, real nice interior and just from the seat of my pants i can say that it would whoop the shit out of the SI. But neither the SI or the v spec held a candle to the GSX's performance. After those test drives, I gave up looking. I still can't decide whether I want a new car such as a WRX, GTI Turbo, RSX-S, or if I want low mileage used car. I have always had a sweet spot for the GSX, both gens and the GTI's. But for 10-15k you could get a sweet used car and have plenty to upgrade it. Hell, If I find a non-abused GSX with low miles I would have enough to make it a semi-serious car right of the bat. I think you are norrowing yourself too much. But the SI's interior is great too. Oh, and the rockford sytem with the sub in the Vspec kicks major ass. The SI's system sucks balls. I just don't see many modded V specs and Dropped SI's are coming out of the wood work. Also, I remember reading an article in Turbo about removing some balance shaft or something in the v spec and it gained quite a few free horespower.