Ideas on a car for a tight buget?

okay so ive been in the market for a new car but since im heading off to college i dont have much of a pocket. ive been looking for a nissan 240sx but thier a bit old and cant find any in good shape up in new england in my range. i guess im looking for 6-8k. looking for somthing dependable but has real potential. Hoping to do a little time attack once i can put in the wrench time. so what should i be looking at? again i love the s13/s14 but dont have the money nor time to restore one. honda civic, or integra type r, acura rsx? not really honda fan. the subaru impreza wrx is nice but just out of reach. mitsubishi eclipse but from what i know thier engines arent the best, girly too. then theres the evo or lancer but again bit too high. toyota mr or celica (girly cars)? lol supra might be nice? any ideas? and no, not lookin for some ricy car. thankyou