What is the best car with a manual transmission?

I am learning to drive a standard and I must say that driving a standard is way better than driving an automatic. The only problem is I am using my friend's car to practice and he needs his car back soon. I don't have a great deal of money, but I heard that if you buy a standard they cost less and get better gas mileage ( less weight). I am not sure what car I should get, I would prefer something I could find for under 15,000 or even 10,000. I don't care if it is a few years old or more, but I need some ideas on what models. I was looking at the mazda speed3, but don't know if that is the best option. What about a Mitstubishi or Pontiac do they make good cars? Any help would be great, thanks!