IMO you have to stay practical, but keep it fun.
Stay away from the SUV's/Trucks ect. These are not practical and the gas mileage will get very expensive. Too big and bulky too.
You don't need to buy something unique, you need to buy something you can make unique yourself.
Stay away from German vehicles, (accept maybe newer VW Golf, Rabbit, Jetta ect) unless you got the big $$$ to fix them, and pay exorbitant prices in customizing them, they are not practical.
You gotta think to the future here a little bit too, can't just think in the now. You gotta think well if I am not living at home in the next couple of years because I want to get out of that small ass town you are in, you will prob be thinking about living in the Seattle/Eastside area. Just something practical in case you are doing a lot of driving, something thats good on gas mileage ect and a quality vehicle.
I say stay with a Honda (Acura) Toyota or Nissan. These are are readily available to find used, they are quality car makers, they are relatively cheap to fix (vs that monstrosity that was the Mercedes) and they will get good gas mileage. Plus aftermarket parts are very easy to get for these type of cars.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/285260563.html
Good car but it has a VTEC and high mileage. The VTEC is a very sought after engine in the tuner world, it might be a high theft car. Plus the asking price is high because it is a VTEC.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/285589686.html
IMO I like these cars. It doesn't say if its a Corolla S or not. The Corolla S have factory spoiler and body kit. I like these and the price is in your area somewhat.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/280862078.html
NO
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/277009496.html
Dream on, thats almost double what you want to pay, I am sure Dad will budge on the price a little bit, but not that much.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/271516842.html
YES YES YES now you are talking.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/car/272034416.html
WAYYYY too many miles, you can do better
How about
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/295206112.html
Thats a Spec V limited edition, it has a 5 speed manual, custom wheels and spoiler. Good gas mileage and are great cars for customizing.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/car/295430688.html
Corolla S but a little pricey
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/295647175.html
Nice Acura but the miles are high.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/292830659.html
This is an interesting car, it has a rebuilt title, that means in was previously stolen, which isn't bad, its been keyed, that sucks but can be fixed, and the engine light is on, thats easy to fix.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/295678058.html
This could work too
