what AWD cars can you get for 12k? a b5 s4/slightly newer a4? thats out of the question because it will explode in 15 minutes. you can get a decent subaru, a wrx, outback xt, legacy gt, are all pretty good options, but ive driven all of them, worked on all of them, and have not been impressed, an old audi or 325ix will rape a wrx in the snow, the audi in terms of all out grip, and ix in balance. depending on your elevation, the wrx has a shitty ass powerband, id much rather have 50 less hp than only like 2k in useable rev's. honestly, an e30 feels as fast or faster for 75% of the driving you will do, if your just dragging between stop lights, sure a wrx will be a bit faster.
the ix beats the wrx, xt, and gt in build quality, reliability, and especially in how it drives, even more so how it feels. the interior is nicer than a wrx. i just dont see what you would be missing, especially if you could get an amazing condition one for 7-10 grand. you have a car that drives much better, is more reliable, performs better in snow, looks better. all your missing out on is an extra 50hp for a small fraction of the rev range. and if powers your concern, with the money you'd be saving, you can easily get another 30hp out of it without doing anything drastic. plus all the wrx's out there have been beat on and neglected like crazy.
and for anyone looking for a first car, its a very very good idea to get something a couple grand cheaper than what you have, because that money WILL be needed later on.
ive seen so many kids make the mistake of setting their standards way too high, they think "ive got 6 grand, whats the fastest, nicest car i can get for that?" and they end up getting some would be nice car that would normally go for over 10, but they bought a neglected POS that will last a month because they had to have the BEST.
