CARS CARS CARS, Help me choose! Options

[anoniez]

My criteria:
AWD (parents insist), sporty, small, cute looking, not absurdly expensive.
Here are 3 I came up with that my parents are fine with. If you guys have any suggestions please do tell me!

1) 08 Volkswagen R32, sport coupe/hatchback.
3.2L V6 250hp engine and AWD drivetrain.
$32k.
pro: I REALLY want a coupe. & resale value is very good due to rarity.
~20mpg (con)
con: expensive-r :(
con: will this car be too much for an 18 year old (somewhat inexperienced) driver to handle?



2) 2009 Audi A4 2.0T
sedan
2.0L 200hp turbo-4 AWD
$32k(?)
~25 mpg
con: a bit bigger than I was looking for


3) 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
2.5L 170hp 4-cylinder AWD
~25 mpg
$20k
pro: hella cheap
con: It's so ugly and bland that I might cry every time I see it in the parking lot.
con: inside is pretty bargain-bin


Edit/Update
Changed the prices of VW&Audi bc apparently they don't know what the 09 price will be, only that it's more expensive. So I'm assuming same price.

I test drove the VW and the Audi today! The Audi was a 2008 and it was a pretty cushy ride. Engine performance was pretty good, overall it felt extremely relaxing driving it, like floating on a cloud or something. Very comfortable, good for long commutes. The salespeople at Audi were definitely nicer and more forward, the VW guy barely made an effort and no one came out to help us.

But then I tried the R32.. and I think I'm in love. Honest to God. I never saw myself as a "performance car" person, I've never tried one, but oh god, it was so good! The handling was tight, shifting was clean, acceleration was so quick, the car was so responsive! Interior not nearly as nice as the Audi - everything was more "sporty" and a little sparse/macho plus some ugly aluminum trim- but the performance completely made up for it. I spent so much time in the Audi looking at the inside but in the R32 I just enjoyed the driving experience. Truly fun to drive, I can't even describe it. Now I know why it's so expensive. Definitely a performance car. There wasn't even a comparison. It begged to be driven fast, which kind of scares me actually. I'm a safe driver, but I don't know if I can resist temptation like that..
Definitely leaning toward the VW now unfortunately.. still unsure about the mileage though -- and you can barely hear the turn signals which throws me off.

[lojay]

Just comparing them... they both take premium gas it seems... That kind of sucks but it's good at the same time. But the R32 is a lot more roomy, whereas the Audi seems to be more of a luxary. However the Audi also seems better on gas, which is pretty important.

In my opinion, I like the 08 Volkswagen R32.

You can compare all the cars you are looking at easily. Just google car comparison and you can compare anything you are looking at. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ seemed pretty good. However, the Audi may be a bit too new for any good information.

Most FWDs are <$35k. Most AWDs are >$35k.
See what I mean? With AWD if you don't like the cars at the lower prices, you suck it up and move up a price bracket, there aren't 88 other alternatives. If I'd had my way I would've gotten the scion tC at $17k but I couldn't so I'm finding a car I like that my parents are fine paying for.
I'll be paying for my own gas.

I have an '07 Scion tC and I love it. I actually got it used for like 14k with only 7000 miles and never been in an accident off someone's lawn. Perfect condition. So I agree, used cars aren't bad, I got a good deal.