I have about 10-12k to spend. This is my first car, but I'm responsible and have some skill driving. It needs to be manual, look good stock, reliable and somewhat fuel efficient (20-30).

I'm planning on modding it for better mpg and emissions, but I also want it to be fast- not max speed, but acceleration. It also needs to handle well. I wil most likely put a new air intake on it, and some other things which I need advice on. Upgrades I am looking at are the turbonator (turbonator.com), a hydogen fuel cell (http://www.hydrogen-boost.com/)-these seem iffy and I need some advice. I want it to be a sleeper.

Cars I'm looking at are the Scion Tc, Subaru Impeza wrx,and the Acura Rsx.

Any input would be a great help.  

first off the turbonator doesn't work.  Second hydrogen boost doesn't work.  3rd go with wrx or the rsx, just choose which one you fall more in love with.  4th if you are serious about trying to save considerable gas mileage go with a civic hybrid.  

If these two products were so ingenious and great then don't you think companies would be implementing these and trying to sell them to you to make a lot of money.  

But it's alright if you wanna use the tried but untrue ignorant "the oil companies have us by the balls"  Conspiracy ehh, ignorant morons.  Physics and economics, both which i know pretty damn well.  2nd law of thermodynamics dictates alot.  

or are you an under cover spammer?  

Lol, no, I've just been looking up ways to save gas and I came across those, which did seem too good and a little sketchy.

Thanks for you help, but I have another question, what are some essential modifaications for a 2004 RSX or 2002 WRX?

I'm new at this, I'm sure you can tell, but I want a quick, good looking daily driver.

Or, I might get a cheap, 2-4k car, and put about 3k into it. What would be a good platform?  

RSX and Scion tC - FWD, N/A

WRX - AWD, Turbocharged

the choice is simple

as far as mods go, all you need is a turboback exhaust and engine management (ecu tuning) and your making 40 more at the wheels (give or take)

intake exhaust etc bolt-on mods for the RSX and tC will get you no where near the same gains as a factory turbocharged car.  WRX ftw  

My choice would be the tC, for better mileage and cheaper insurance. Plus, there is a good aftermarket support from TRD that maintains the driveability and reliability.  

Thanks alot everyone for the help, I dont want to close this thread with this thankk you, more input would be great, but thanks alot.  

are you talking about the rsx type s or the base  

The type-s for sure  

If you want to go the cheap car route, I would go for a B13 SE-R, DSM or Starion. The SE-R is the sensible choice (cheaper to run), but I love the Starion for the uniqueness and looks. A DSM is the ultimate of the three due to the AWD and turbocharging. It may require more wrenching, though, if you're okay with that. And you can't go wrong with a good Honda (well, maybe you can), though you may want The Club for it if you live in the barrio like me.  

I don't like the B13 or the Starion, but tell me more about the DSM, these cars are before my time. Currently I was looking at a 240sx or a Impreza 2.5rs for around 3-5k. AWD is important to me because I live in CHicago and the DSM sounds interesting, but the info pull up on google is vague- it says its an eagle/mistsubishi eclipse model thing, so if you could tell me more about it. Also, is spending the extra money on a WRX over a 2.5rs worth it, bedcause all the wrxs are about 6-10k as opposed to 2-4k of the 2.5rs. Also, I would be okay to put in a little extra money/work for the DSM,if it's worth itover the subaru, but would it be reliable to get it, and what would I have to replace since it's old?  

for that price, i would look at picking up a 02-03 WRX.  best bang for your buck.  awd, turbo, tuning potential.  but of course im a little biased  

the suby is the best choice for tunability and speed.  But if you are looking for something cleaner, that had lower emissions and better gas mileage the type s would be a better choice  

Look on Wikipedia for Eagle Talon, there is a nifty chart on there to show which model to choose. It also goes into some depth about the tech stuff.  

Thanks alot for the input. I've found an afforadable 2000 impreza 2.5rs, it has 132k miles. It comes with a aem intake , apex-i cat-back and sports clutch. I'm wondering what I should replace and add. I have about 3-4k to spend. I would like to buy new wheels and a radar detector immediately, I also might paint it immediately too. I need advice on what wheels I should get (I'm looking at Enkei 18') and anything else to clean it up. I havent bought it yet, but I'm seriously looking at it.