is he a polisher or neglecter?
it makes me wonder why 'as new as possible' comes up - is he a plate snob? i'd rather a 15 year old cherished car than a 1 year old neglected one. for me mileage and condition are everything.
some leftfield thoughts, far better than a 2004 civic surely!
the e30 has a cult following and is regarded very highly by the larger car world too. the sport was the one to have, early ones have all but disappeared but the later ones look better in many people's eyes.... the alpinas on this one make it especially tasty but multi-spokes require dedicated cleaning to remain in condition.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221032647201?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 an often overlooked car the almera, but this is a positive if it's to be left in car parks and on city streets. well made, will always start and go where it's pointed and a pleasant place to be. cheap to run and insure, just don't expect it to set your pants on fire (despite the 'sport' badge)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Almera-1-8-Sport-5DR-ONLY-56181-MILES-/270943810087?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f15827227 these celicas go on forever and then do another 100k miles after that. used to be a common sight but becoming rarer every year now. the 2.0 is the one to have, more poke than the 1.8 but no turbos for the boys to blow up. this one is on a slush box so the engine hasn't been particualrly stressed for it's still low miles, but there's plenty left in the budget for a drive in / drive out manual conversion...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1994-TOYOTA-CELICA-GT-2-DOOR-COUPE-AUTOMATIC-/180899500531?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a1e7351f3 another over looked motor, the s40 sport is so well equipped it's untrue. it's a bit heavy to really fall into the 'sport' category with comfort, but comfort is what it delivers in spades! it'll make you feel like a millionaire inside without any looks from outside spoiling the drive, anonymous cheap luxury. a clean s40 still looks as good as anything on the road today:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-S40-SPORT-LUX-4-DOOR-2-0-PETROL-MANUAL-SALOON-/270936672898?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f15158a82 or if you must have the looks to go with the luxury there's this. it's unlikely you'll see another one while driving to work, exclusive!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-C70-2-4t-Coupe-2001-Full-Volvo-service-history-only-57000-miles-/160819981822?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25719e2dfe that's taken me long enough for now, i can come up with more if wanted.