Thanks for the opinions guys, I will be living at home so money wise I'll be okay and I've decided because this car will be mine for awhile I'd like something a little nicer. Price range has raised to 10,000 to 15,000 with the same requirements. Looking more at AWD as well because wisconsin winters suck. Are WRX really as good of an AWD car as they say? What else is out there? Evo? Audi?
id stay away from early 2000s audis. im in the market for a new car as well, with a10k budget. 350z is high on my list, but a 03-04 mustang or 98-02 camaro/firebird are on my list too. how about an 04-08 tl? stupid reliable and quick, same for 8g accords, and well within your price range