I was in the same position, I had $15k saved to spend on a car. My options were 2004-2006 Sportivo, 1999-2000 DC2 Integra Type R, 1999-2000 Civic EM1 & 2005-2006 SP23. My opinions: Sportivo- best option for me because great on fuel, 1.8L engine, comes with all luxuries such as leather seats, 6 stacker cd, body kit, alloy wheels & the whole lot. Plus has a fair bit of grunt because of the 2ZZGE VVTL-i engine. Servicing is great because toyota parts are cheap & affordable. DC2 Integra Type R- Was pretty keen on buying one because of the whole VTEC cross over & easily modifying options although it was 2 door. Couldn't really find a clean one with legit kms. Insurance pretty high as well for Under 25's. Honda maintennance works out pretty expensive when it comes to major servicing. Not really ideal for an everyday car. I found the recaros uncomfortable & the ride wasn't really soft because after all, the DC2 is a sports car. Civic EM1- Great car. suited everything of my wants & needs in an everyday car but the only thing pulling me down was the age. It's a 1999-2000 model. Which meant I'd have to give it more attention mechanically as so SP23- Has all the luxuries but the engine was a bit too big for everyday drive considering I'm a full time uni student & work 4 days a week. I needed something that's a 1.8L - 2.0L engine. Mechanically, mazda parts are affordable too. I ended up buying a 2005 sportivo mainly because I owned a Nissan Pulsar SSS while I was on my red p's & I loved the whole hatch body shape. When I looked into Sportivo's, I fell in love with them. The fact that it's a 6 speed manual pushing almost 150kws on the front wheels along with it's leather interior & nice trims just made me want it so much more! Also, it's a Toyota, you can never go wrong with Toyota! Insurance was decent on it. I don't mind racking up the kms driving from home to uni almost 4-5 days a week then driving from uni to work & back home 4 days a week also going out here & there for cruises & things. It's all worth it & I'm planning on keeping my sportivo for as long as I can. I'd suggest you sportivo mate! Great cars & real powerful for it's size if you know the correct way to drive it!