Mid engined awesomeness, for chump change. Maintenance costs can be high tho, as with any mid engined car.
Toyota Mk2 MR2 (SW20)
Toyota Mk1 MR2 (AW11) Getting on a bit now, harder to find ones that don't require work. Better driving experience (if a bit slower in a straight line as standard) than a mk2
Toyota Levin AE111 - Late 90's FWD, Reliable 1.6L 4 Cyl motor (4A-GE + 4AGZE) It's FWD, but they look awesome, and handle pretty well. Easy to work on, 4A-GE/GZE are fairly bullet proof, providing you change fluids regularily.
Mazda MX5 - Balance and poise that can't be beat for the price. Pretty reliable from what i have seen too.
Mazda FC RX7 - The good - Quick, nimble, sound awesome, look retro. The bad - Thirsty, usually thrashed/modified.
Mitsubishi Evo - Amazing bang for buck. AWD/engine maintenance can be expensive as they get older.
Nissan Skyline GTS-T R33 - Dunno how many are on the ground where you are, but again, amazing bang for buck, quicker than a standard GTR. Even quicker if you upgrade stuff. R32 GTS-T's are a bit lacking in torque, but still good car, but the RB20 is a bit small.
Don't know much about the European stuff, so i won't comment on it.
To be honest, i'd be looking for something more standard, with a good power to weight ratio, and a reputation for reliability, if that's what you need at this point in your life. Performance cars aren't made for low budget's, or good fuel use, or affordable maintenance + upkeep for students, and it only gets worse as they get older (and more abused)