Judging by your original post, you're looking at a midsize car. Personally, I won't drive a car unless it's European. A Volkswagen Jetta or Passat would be my recommendation. A Jetta GLI with the DSG transmission is affordable, drives great, is good on fuel, and can be easily autocrossed (important for me
) If you need a bigger backseat, then a Passat would be the way to go.
What do I drive?
2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara (daily)
2001 Chev Tahoe Z71 (wife's)
1997 BMW 328i Cabrio (summer toy/track bitch)
1996 Chev 3500 2wd dualie crew cab (used maybe once a month, strictly for towing)