xboy had the right idea - i think the mazda6 is a good car. according to drive.com.au, they start at $28,270 for the 2.3L manual. it goes all the way up to $43,250 for the top model!
but it depends if your dad wants a sporty car, does he need a big boot? how much driving does he do?
cos if i did a lot of driving and needed to carry stuff around, i'd prefer a medium auto sedan like the mazda6.
*edit: and if i was a hoon and wanted to guzzle petrol, i'd get a skyline.. oops too late!