Are you on pace to get your license on your birthday? I wouldn't go after a brand new car for my first one, I drive my sisters (who's off to college) Honda Accord, drives fine.
I got my permit on my birthday, so I should get my license the same day. I know I probably shouldn't get a new car, so a couple year old one is ok. I'm still just looking at nice cars that I could get that are like $15k new or used. I know that means I could get a lot nicer car if it's used.
Get a Peugeot 306 1.9TD. xD
The engine was orignally for a bigger Peugeot model, but Peugeot tuned it down, so, with a little fiddle with the engine, you can get back the 31BHP.
Total of 123BHP, not bad for a smallish car...no extra parts neeeded.
That will pwn a standard '92 Civic EK.
Or, if you wanna get owned on insurance...
Get the Peugeot 306 GTI-6. Sex on wheels...
I know some good cheap cars . but i live in europe , so i don't think they have them over there in the us of a . a porsche 944 cost about 3000-100000 euro and in the same price range you have honda crx delsol ( comfortable ) . My brother is planning on buying a car like that