I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish by selling your 6s. How much would you get for that, $10k? You are trying to repalce your car with a different one in the same price range? Financially, it doesn't make any sense unless you think your car will have big repairs soon. Either buy a <$3k car to save money or pay off your 6 and then buy soemthing nice.

Anway, skip the LS stick. It's a pig. I was prepared to buy a 2002 model, but was most dissapointed after a test drive. I had a 2002 IS300 so I'm biased, but I miss that thing. Acceleration isn't any better than an SVT contour or your 6s, but RWD + LSD meant way more fun IMO.

Mid 90's Saab's are pretty solid choices. Look at the Aero models, or a rare find Viggen. Volvo R models are hot and reliable too. A naturally aspirated 300ZX would be nice as I don't trust owners of 10yr old turbo cars despite the TT being one sweet thing. 3rd Gen RX-7s are dead sexy, but again rare to find an unmolested one being a turbo. Probably could find a high mileage WRX for $12k.