Jesse if you are going to spend $2500 or even $2000, I'd recommend a 914. Mid-engine feel, will do 120mph easy and handle's extremely well. Much cooler than an 02 if you ask me and if you plan on keeping it for awhile a Subaru 2.5 swap would be quite fun.
Keep in mind anything you buy is going to go up in value if you fix it up or just take care of it. If someone is offering you a trade for your blowed up car, and it's a running 02', DO IT. With a proper paint job those things are going for a good bit these days and old guys with there M6's and what not will pay for some nostalgia.