I'd go with a E30 with a manual gearbox, they are bulletproof, and fun to drive. Just make sure the M20 timing belt has been changed every 50K. You can pick up nice one for less than 5K. Look for a plastic bumper version (89-91), they look so much better than the early ones with diving board bumpers. A good choice is a 91 318is with the M42 motor (16V DOHC), it is a poor man's E30 M3. The M42 motor was only available one year in the E30 (91) except for the 318i conv which continued production into 92. The M42 motor comes alive after 3500 RPM, a great motor and a fun package combined with the sport options in the 318is, a fun car. The 91 318is is the modern day 2002tii.
G-Man