I've got a good , solid candidate for you Antonio . A second generation ("A2") Volkswagen Jetta /Golf , of '88-'92 vintage . What they lack in style points , they MORE than make up for with reliability , fuel mileage and "fun" points . You can buy them cheap , they run forever , parts are cheap , and there's a massive aftermarket to give 'em a custom touch (cheap too - an example is a short shifter , which is ~ $50 & a 5 minute job ) . You can easily find them in your price range in great shape , maybe you could even find one in GTI/GLI trim which will get you a 16-valve engine .
I can personally vouch for these cars , as I own two of them . One is a GL , which is what you generally see driving around and one is a Carat , which has more power creature comforts . We bought each of them for well under $2,000 and they reliably get near 30mpg through bumper to bumper traffic to/from work . They seem to get that no matter how you drive 'em .

Anyways , good cars , cheap price , reliable ... think about it . Follow the SVT link in my sig. for pics of our Jettas .

~~~~~~~ Phil Black & Tan 2000 SVT Contour #2137 of 2150 35,000 miles & counting !