A friend of mine is looking to get a new car, he is currently driving an 06 Mazda6 3.0l and it is lacking the low end grunt and extra power that he really is looking for.

What do you guys suggest for the 20-25k price range? He prefers AWD/RWD and a manual transmission, and it has to be 2004+, and atleast the size fo the Mazda6

so far whats on the list for him to look into further:
WRX/STI
Charger
CTS

lets get some ideas so me and him can go out test driving cars all weekend!

i would look at a cts but thats just me. Its got alot of power and looks good. the newer wrx'* are yukk!

Mini Cooper * = hella fun time

WAY too small...

also, i have another friend that used to own a cooper * and had LOTS of problems with it, and it was uber expensive to fix when it broke, nevermind having to drive 40min to the nearest dealer for service

Wasn't saying it was practical, just saying it'* a fun car to test drive (no salesmen riding along )

Aaron:
the CTS ia a nice choice. Watch out for the rear end as it is a problem with the first 3 years of the CTS.

A CTSV would be a nice ride but more than 25K.

With those requirements, I would go for the Charger myself.

Ford Mustang GT, but that'* pushing the budget there.

GTI 4 door? How about the AWD R32?

DSG is a nice *** transmission, and they are damn quick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MAD19BFVw

Actually, there is something way under $20-25k..... -Merlin 91/97'* 1997 SSEi. Runs 13'*, very solidly, and with the extra cash he could probably come up with a full intercooler, S2 or S3 cam, S3 ported heads, and he'd have himself a solid low 13/high 12 second Bonneville.

If that doesn't fit the bill, then I'd suggest a Charger or waiting for the Challenger.