wow its an interesting fact to know. well giving a lustrous look to a car is that big a process starnge. well one thing is for sure paints give a definitely personal feel to the owner as it reflects his/her own personality.
My favorite car that I can afford, is my F250 pickup. One that I can not afford, and probably never will, is the 1967 Shelby GT500. I have been in love with that car, since my early childhood.
I would look at old supras and other Japanese cars if i where you most old unmodded ones go with 2k to 5k. a lot of older camareo's fall within your price range. others to check out would be the MR2,dodge stealth, turbo honda etc. if you what to drift you are problay going to what limited slip diff.