Brother is looking for a car, need your opinions Options

[mjmsoccer]

So my brother and I have been debating what kind off car he should get for his first car. He was looking for something in the 5-7000 range. I've told him to look at celicas, integras, and 240 SXs. Do you guys have any other suggestions? A couple of his friends suggested a stealth or a neon, do any of you have any experience with them? Thanks in advance for your help.

[mark_426]

Well, I'm the brother in question.

Current list:
TDI Jetta
Stealth (over 3000gt)
Celica
Neon RT (having qualms about this)

Right now, I'm giving a Stealth RT serious thought. Its got a decent amount of power, looks good IMO. Its a little heavy at 3164, but not any worse than a 300zx or an eclipse. The NA Eclipses definetally are something I dont desire. Example

After discussing it with my friend, a 300zx is pretty much out of the picture, as is nearly any turbo or RWD. (Turbo, cost, running; RWD, winters here).

A TDI Jetta is pretty much out of my price range. I would only really want a 99 or newer.

Features I'm definetally looking at:
-Under 7500 or so, max.
-Not convertible
-at least 20mpg
-decent amount of power/speed (acceleration is huge to me)
-driveable in snow
-decent handling
-reliable -> take care of it, takes care of me.

Features I want, but not decisive:
-Easy to work on or has good parts (Stereo, headlights, tails, gauges, filters)
-Decent pricing for parts (timing belt, ISC motor, headers, brakes, stuff like that)
-Decent room
-not extremely riced out/stereotyped (civic, integra, prelude)

Preferences:
-not extremely common (unlike integra, civic)
-Relatively streamline/not boxy (aesthetically pleasing unlike prelude/old jettas)
-sunroof would be nice (feels bigger)
-2 Door (probably hatchback, flows better with design)
-honda =
-Gray/black Leather would be nice