Couple examples of my past cars, all of which were UNDER $5k and plenty of fun.
03 Focus ZX5...I added SVT suspension, wheels and seats.
http://rs159.pbsrc.com/albums/t124/BAM614_Cobra/2003%20Ford%20Focus%20ZX5/Photo0013.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip
05 Focus ZX3....I added SVT suspension and wheels and aftermarket rear sway bar.
95 Taurus SHO - 5spd....I don't remember what all I did, dropped it, etc though...
And what I've got now....14 Focus ST3, basically the best focus yet, lol. Is it worth the monthly payment....yes and no.
Your time for a fun/cool/whatever car will come, I've got a kid as well and as much as I wanted to blow a shitload of money when I was younger on a sweet ride I didn't because I knew I had to responsible for the kids sake, and now I've got a cool/fun/whatever ride and yeah I enjoy it....but I also sometimes miss those old cheap cars at the same time.