At the current price level, just build your own GT...
Buy an ES 5-speed with rebates, bolt on your own aftermarket 15" wheels/tires, and spend $1500 on some quality car audio. This is what I did and it's working out just fine.
Interesting note about the author of that article. If you read the comments, he's not a small individual...
I’m not small. 6’4″, 33″ inseam, 260 pounds or so.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 52.2 mpg (US) ... 22.2 km/L ... 4.5 L/100 km ... 62.6 mpg (Imp)