Who says the R/T is faster than the ES? I think the ES and the R/T are about equal, although the R/T will have a little bit more weight. I think most of the difference between the ES and R/T are mostly cosmetic. The ES looks more like the Base, and the R/T looks more like the R/T TT. I think the same is true for the Base and the SL 3KGT, the SL has a few more options, so it weights just a little more. If your just a HS student low on funds, I would put my money on an N/A, the TT will have a lot higher insurance, and possibly higher repair bills, simply because you are putting a higher strain on the engine. Also you might look for a 5spd if that's what you want. I think the automatic's go out more often than a manual. But maybe that's just a rumor. You might also look for a Stealth, Stealth's have been known to be lower in price than it's Mitsu counterpart. Simply because Dodge smacked there name on it. Just make sure all tune-ups and fluid changes have been done in time, that will make for break a 1st gen car. Anyone else have any opinions? good luck-