I'm looking for suggestions on what car to get next.

So, if you guys had around $26,000 to spend on a used car, what would you get? So far I'm thinking about an 02 m3 with ~45,000 miles or an 06 sti with ~25,000 miles. I'm leaning twards the STI right now because it's newer and I can get one with less miles. Can an 06+ STI owner tell me how the stock stereo sounds? Ive only heard older wrx stereos and know they suck, I'm hoping the new STI is a little better.

Let me know if I am overlooking any good cars in this price range. Jap and Ger cars only.