It all depends what you're willing to settle for.
If you want a warranty and are okay with an econobox, or even a mid sized car, there sure are plenty of great options for much better prices.
But if you want to suddenly know why Cadillacs are so much more expensive than their Chevrolet counterparts, you clearly haven't been paying much attention to the car market.
I would love to have a barebones car with a manual, V8 and cable throttle. But it just isn't going to happen anymore. Once upon a time, that was considered a sports car. Now that's considered a classic car, a car to take to car shows, not to drive.
It's like offering someone into days cell phone market a first gen sat phone. No one would want it except for those who just wanted to be able to call anywhere, and didn't need the ability to check their emails, facebook, twitter, the weather, the latest gossip, their bank account, play some music, watch a video etc.
People want technology. Car enthusiasts seem to be happy with electronic fuel injection and ignition. Anything past that, isn't worth the hassle.
On the topic of the BRZ, it's very inexpensive sure, but the power simply isn't there. Don't say turbo kit. The point is, with a full manufacturer's warranty, as delivered from the factory. If you want to play that game, the ATS 2.0T RWD, manual cars are what you want. Throw the Pfadt turbo kit at it and enjoy.
