I supose I failed a bit by not explaining budget - I prefer new but wouldn't rule out a cherry used car. I'd like to stay near or below 20 large but would consider up to 23. I can live quite alright without a lot of convenience glitz but prefer 'look' and performance over lux and cutesy gimmicks. The Mazda 3 is high on my list, as is VW. The new Corolla is interesting - but it seems more show than go. There's somethin' about that Mini that make my juices flow. That "go cart with a radio" statement really hits the mark.
As for used - I'd love an older Z3, but you can't find one for a fair price or its a dog. I recently missed a Honda S2000, by being iffy - It was sweat, low miles, AND owned by some car loving old guy (not unlike myself - HA!). I moved too slow. That would have been nice...
