[Deschodt]

I am putting too many miles on the (2 seater) Porsche of late, and need a backseat for expanded kid duties ;-)

I need to find me a beater <$20K that satisfies the following:

- Rear wheel drive or AWD (i.e not a soul killer)
- decent reliability (not honda-like, but "decent") something without a bad reputation
- Reasonably fun and pretty, German preferred
- Stick shift or at least reliable Auto tranny

I'm stuck... The initial thought was of Bimmers (but I'm finding either high miles on E46s, and 2007+ are not something I'd want to own outside of warranty) was replaced with one of a 2006-2007 Audi A4 quattro, but they are also not super well regarded in terms of reliability. Not sure why, the 2.0T is a great motor... maybe the CVT is crap, I've heard that... but i'd want stick !

Honestly if VW made an 08-09 GTI RWD, I'd get that. But I am sick of FWD..

What am I forgetting ? The subies are decent cars but scream "flimsy" and not all that nice to look at... I need something that motivates me to get out of bed and commute.... I am back on the A4 quattro, even saw a used 2005 S4 (old body, 4.2 V8) for $17K, but high miles ! Ideas ?