For a budget car you might look at a Neon. I paid $2850 for mine (DOHC ACR), fully prepped and ready to race. I have run it all season so far (8 or 9 race weekends, including two enduros) and the only thing I have had to spend money on is tires & brake pads. They are super reliable and parts are abundant and, most importantly, CHEAP! Like a sewing machine she just runs and runs and doesn't complain.
It is a mid-pack car with me driving (first season) but there are a couple guys who run near the front in their Neons (Daryl Pritchett and Mark Montero). Both of theirs are SOHC engines though, so they run 200lbs lighter than I do.
The platform is not the best, so we will probably never be able to compete fully with the Acura Integras and some of the better built ITA Miatas, but we get out there and have fun. Best finish in class this season was third though in an enduro so you never know...
