Good Car for $12K?

Hi, I'm looking into getting a sportier car. As of right now my budget is $12,000 firm. I have been looking at an 07-09 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but am not sure of what to get.
A few req for it:

Must be "zippy" -Not really top speed fast, but more like quick acceleration, etc.
i4 or V6-Small engine=better gas mileage and lower insurance
Small/sleek body -One thing I like above the newer Eclipses' are the "curves" of the car, the hatchback fits nicely with it.
Newer -Looking for a car to drive, not a project car.
Also: It will be mostly a summer car, not really a winter car, but still, mustangs are out of budget (insurance will kill me).

Some other cars I've been interested in, but haven't researched a whole lot:
Mazda 3
Mazda 6
Mitsubishi Lancer
Chrysler Crossfire

 

Friend of mine just got a 2011 or 2010 Lancer. Just so you know his insurance is about $250+ a month.

 

You can't just straight up think of the total overall cost of the car.
You have to input, like rsplayer31 said, insurance.
As well as gas.
Mpg.
Damages (Sportier car makes you do stupid things that will damage/ruin your car)

Buy a Honda fit.
It's a sporty sexy MPG machine.

 

Gas isn't too big of a problem, I live in the country, so most of my driving is highway, the Eclipse gets anywhere from 25-29mpg highway, it also is a 4cylinder so the insurance won't be as high as compared to a v6 or v8. I am taking into account insurance, safety ratings and gas mileage.

 

Mitsubishi Lancer

Comeonnow

 

One of my friends has a Crossfire and its a head turner so thats what i would get. Nice looking car man.

 

I'd say get the Eclipse. The car is hot.

 

You could get a used Audi. Those are NICE! Also, quite cheap used.

 

Of those, get the Eclipse.
Btw, ain't the crossfire too expensive?
A used one where i live is around 70-80000$

 

I would probably get the eclipse outt of the choices you have picked so far.

 

get a 240

 

A crossfire for 70-80 thousand? No way. You're probably getting it confused with a different car.

OT: Look into a used Honda Accord. Around the 2002-2005 era they look pretty sporty and have some "zip." Also get great gas mileage. Anywhere from $9,000 - $15,000, depending on the amount of features.

 

LOL :laugh:

buy a Mitsubishi Lancer :idea:

 

what about a Cobalt SS

 

Get a 2002 Camaro.

 

$10K and it's yours ;]

Lol, I don't really have a say in this at all; I'm a strict Mopar guy, So whatever the cars these days get in MPG; I wouldn't have the slightest clue. I've ridden in cars that get 20-25ish, which were Ford Taurus' and Toyota Camry's and such.

And to the OP: These aren't as bad as you think, keep them well maintained and you'd be surprised.

Current MPG on all of mine: Anywhere from 18 street to 23 highway.

 

Decent choices for that price, however you could get something with a lot more kick and quality if you buy something older. Ideally something pre 75 so no need for smog checks (if you live in the US). You could get a 70 something Porsche 916/6 for around that price. It is sporty and has a straight 6 cylinder. My neighbor's friend has one and it hauls ass.

 

Mazda Rx-7
Mitsubushi Lancer Evo

 

Reliant Robin's are good

 

Acura RSX,
Honda Civic SI,
04+ Acura TL,

You could probably also get a nice Infiniti for $12k, you should look in to those.