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.

[karmakiller]

Just throwing this out there, but what's wrong with buying an used car? I think it'd be a little easier for your parents. Cars aren't investment. Once you drive off the lot, they depreciate quite a bit in value.

[manny-the-dino]

Just throwing this out there, but what's wrong with buying an used car? I think it'd be a little easier for your parents. Cars aren't investment. Once you drive off the lot, they depreciate quite a bit in value.

You know what? That didn't even cross my mind until you mentioned it, Dee.

I think getting a used car first would be better. Is this going to be your first car? How long have you been driving? Getting a teenager, who doesn't have that much experience driving, a new car isn't such a good idea. I know a lot of people who got new cars when they started to drive & they got into accidents & trashed the car. Maybe you should wait until you have a lot more experience. There's nothing wrong with a used car. As long as it works fine, right?

[anoniez]

You know what? That didn't even cross my mind until you mentioned it, Dee.

I think getting a used car first would be better. Is this going to be your first car? How long have you been driving? Getting a teenager, who doesn't have that much experience driving, a new car isn't such a good idea. I know a lot of people who got new cars when they started to drive & they got into accidents & trashed the car. Maybe you should wait until you have a lot more experience. There's nothing wrong with a used car. As long as it works fine, right?

Yes, great suggestion! I've actually wanted a used car and I was considering getting a used 2006 Audi A4; the VW R32 only comes out with 5000 cars once every 4 years so there aren't many current model used. However my dad especially is mega concerned with resale value so he tossed that out unfortunately, and said to get the new 2009 Audi or none at all.

I've been driving frequently for about 2 years now, though, and I have no tickets and no accidents (OK, one $10 parking ticket..) so I'm feeling pretty good about my chances. But it's a good thought to consider.