Although far from an SSR, about a month back I flipped a '94 Mitsu/Dodge Colt coupe to my oldest lad for his first car.. It was clean and tight also ran like a champ so I gave it a fresh round of brakes and a new gastank so should be reliable wheels for a while as he saves his dough for something better himself!.
Although nothing speedy, he couldn't be happier and seems more concerned w/ the CD player than power or speed!. One great thing too is being a 5-speed he had no choice but get onto it or walk...a few days later he was rowing like a champ!.
~ Pete