Used Car advice

[Dr.Purist]

I would like your insight on car purchase around 5000 euros.

I am PhD student, resident of Germany and really into driver focused and hardcore cars. Therefore i like something understated, fast and don't care about comfort much, although i would appreciate some reasonable space. Typical examples i have thought are:

Renault Clio Rs MK2 or MK3
Golf Gti
Mx 5 NA
Audi S3(too expensive)
Fiesta ST

etc.

Given that criteria, Clio rs seems a good fit. Do you have any thoughts?

[Saudade]

EP3 Civic type r - has loads of space, fun, good driving experience and reliable to boot, though they are getting old so may not be the most reliable.

Not sure on the price in Germany though.

I've been looking for similar for a while in the UK and decided to wait until I can up my budget, 5k doesn't really get you a great deal of car imo.

Impreza WRX as well maybe?

[Dr.Purist]

Could go north of 5000 if i wait a bit longer. Not really sure about WRX's especially in Germany, there seem to be expensive in general.

Clio 182 is somewhat close to 5k whereas Clio 197 can go around 7k.

Seems a lot of car for the money and i wonder why they are so cheap.