>>28447853 (OP)$10k can get you into a 500hp V8, not a 100hp hairdresser's car. Hell, you could always just buy a $5k 335i/135i and slap a tune on it until it blows like most people do nowadays. Early 5th gen, manual V8 Camaros are under $10k as well. These
>>28448114 and 350Zs can be found in clapped, but running condition for $5k. A MINI Cooper S can be found for $5k, turbo or supercharged. An Abarth 500, as well.
Whatever flavor of car you prefer, It's amazing the kind of deals you can get when you stop pretending we're still living in the 2010 world, and it's amazing the kinds of excuses people will make to put on blinders and pretend those deals don't exist. The mid '90s are now 30 years ago, after all, not 10-15. Those ~2010 era cars are now at the bottom of their depreciation curve.