My dream car for many years, although not currently:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/images...1091990003.JPG

I really think the 05 tiburon is an attractive car, and fairly reliable.

opt for the v-6 6 spd and you'll have a fun little car.

im not sure if there ahve been issues with the 5spd tranny or not. search www.newtiburon.com

I think that as a college student, you'll want something that is reliable and under warranty, unless you dont ever plan on having money issues, or are great at repairing cars.

I'm biased, but 6 months ago I picked up a '02 Nissan Maxima SE with a 6 speed manual transmission. The 2002 model has 265 hp (or is it 255?), does 0-60 in 6.3 secs (according to consumer reports). And I got mine for $14,000 in perfect condition and with 42,000 miles. It's fully loaded, black leather, in dash 6 disc cd changer, sunroof, power everything, bose sound system, premium wheels. Furthermore, I think the 2002 model looks way better than the new body style.

Something to consider since you're in college, this sedan is a nice mix between luxury and sporty. The rear seats are comfortable and have lots more leg room than alot of other cars, so if you ever drive friends around they'll be crooning to go in your car.

The AC cools down quickly, the sound system is nice, it goes fast, it drives nice, it's comfortable, it gets 30MPG highway (but takes premium gas), I LOVE the interior. I also like the exterior ALOT, unfortunately when you drive past someone it doesn't get the same head turning factor as bmw, or a mercedes. But to its credit, it's beautiful on the inside, your date would be impressed with the interior. It gets good safety ratings, and repairs/maintenance aren't a problem with nissans in my limited experience.

Go to a dealer's lot and test drive a 2002 nissan maxima SE (preferably a manual). This car grows on you fast. Luxury+sport for the win.

I don't know much about after market mods, but I'm told that if you're interested there is alot you can do to a maxima.

Uhm, I think you're a bit off topic (forgive me mods), but that looks like a Fiat Uno without the Fiat badge on the hood/grill.

i havne't had a chance to go through and read these, but i'd honestly recommend a 1991-1995 mr2 turbo, more storage space than the 2000 model, more power, extremely reliable and extremely upgradeable.

just my suggestion

2006 Honda Civic Coupe.....
 

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...ery/large7.jpg
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...ery/large1.jpg
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...ery/large9.jpg http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...ery/large3.jpg

Sweeeeettt..... and the Si version is running at 200hp this year....

The Civic really has grown up over the years, a huge improvement over the last generation, imho...

And still no torque...

congrats on the Spyder, cool little cars......as for the Tiburon, I have a 2004, and the build quality is amazing for the price. plus, if you do the Tuscani badges, most people won't know what it is. most people think it's italian.

Another vote for the SRT4- so far nothing posted on here can touch it's bang for the buck. Mine's running 250HP and will blow the doors off pretty much everything.