Its a lot of car for the money, and if you want rear wheel drive, the best combination of power, handling, and ride. Big fan of Ford these days.

Finish your education, work hard and you will be able to afford any of these vehicles.

A rear wheel drive car is more expensive to build. That is why no one builds them anymore.

The Genesis is not powerful enough to compete with the Mustang and Camaro, but too heavy and not sharp enough handling to be considered a true sports car. It's not a bad car, just not as good as it could be.

I understand what you are saying but that Mustang is going to be 30k so the Focus RS or Golf R are not much more. Get the car you really want or you are going to regret it. Not that there is anything wrong with the Mustang either.

I can't remember when the WRX was ever truly good looking. Maybe, perhaps more interesting. This car has always been about flying under the radar stylistically. Still, I don't believe it's as hideous as everyone says. The BMW 2002 was kind of homely as well, and now it is an unquestioned classic.

Both are valid ways to go depending on your situation. As a professional owning a business with five to ten years left to practice I simply don't have the time for a project car. And don't kid yourself, any older exotic will be a project car for as long as you own it. And don't buy one without a reliable daily driver…

Not necessarily. My WRX was base model with no options except fog lights. Or find one optioned out you can get a deal on. It can be done, I have done both.

The RS is very tempting, but I am going to stay with what I have, both of which are on this list.

That is true of some of these cars. Others like the WRX/STi have not depreciated, much if at all.

Enjoy the FRS and forget the other two Fords until you can buy an RS. They are not more fun to drive, and you will learn to be a better driver with rear wheel drive. Try some auto cross or even a track day.

The current series WRX has a new engine and chassis with with very little carryover from the previous model. It is stiffer, handles better and gets great fuel economy. It is also a great value.

There are two: Subaru BRZ or Toyota FRS.

More like 500 lbs heavier (3275 vs 2776). They need to get that car at or under 3000. The new Camaro is only a couple hundred pounds heavier than the Nissan, and it has a backseat!

If I can't upgrade away from this kind of crap at the rental car counter in a few days I am going to be very depressed.

No, it probably would be reliable instead.

Here is the only likely scenario. Someone that would like a RAV 4 or CRV but can't afford one and walks in to a GM dealer who is willing to put cash on the hood or special lease rates to sell this crap.

Now the interior looks outdated by only ten years or so. Seriously, who would buy these things other than rental car fleets?

Be careful, you don’t want end up on another Youtube episode of “Idiots in a Mustang Leaving Cars and Coffee.”

I have a 2015 base model WRX that I bought for 10k less than the upper range you listed for it. Honestly, the only thing I miss as an option is heated seats when it gets cold, but that is not that big of a deal.