What Car in Columbus, OH

My nephew who is in his mid-20's and living in Columbus, OH is shopping for a new car. His 2009 Civic Si 4 door was recently totaled. He came away from the accident well both physically and financially. I have lent him my '87 325is to drive while he is without a car. He is really liking the e30 and can not believe that i paid $1,800 for it.

In this process he has admitted that the Si payment was killing him financially and with that I am trying to teach him the ways of bargain automotive purchases. It seems that all the good deals come your way when you do not need a car but in times like now when you have to buy one they are harder to find.
So, lend me a hand and help me get back my e30 which though I own as an extra and fun car, has not been MY fun lately, rather his for nearly a month.

My nephew is only mildly mechanically inclined so nothing that needs an engine swap or a fresh head gasket, please. Looking for some fun with economy and a manual trans is preferred but some hp can make up for an automatic. Low purchase price can help make up for poor mpg.

Do you know of any clean, well priced examples?
Search includes but not limited to:
BMW
Volvo
Maxima
Saab
He likes the utility of 5 door hatchbacks or wagons and does not see them as uncool.
Miata is likely not the answer here - he can and has borrowed mine as needed.

Price limit is likely $3,000 down and willing to finance as little as possible so maybe a $5 -$7,000 cap.for a car that represents the right value. Ready to buy now not just future planning.

Turbo Saab - $4k
5-speed volvo wagon - $1k
1.8T Jetta - $5k
Turbo volvo brick < $3k
A5 Audi - $3k

I like http://www.craiglook.com - if hes interested in a mustang, looks like theyre a dime a dozen up your way...

Kia Spectra 5 they are inexpensive.

99 9-3 Turbo

With very little money this thing will roast the front tires and get over 30 mpg. On a side note the window thig is an easy fix.

I know enough to be dangerous but i would be willing to look at a couple of vehicals with him if he needs help.

Here a few more:

2003 Nissan Maxima 1994 Acura Integra LS 4-door 1997 Volkswagon Jetta GT 2002 Infiniti I35 91 Acura integra LS 1997 Subaru Legacy Wagon

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1837937632.html
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1900017070.html
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1893767011.html

1998 e36 sedan $5,500, has the correct amount of pedals and doors... color is a bit much.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1905152227.html

Sorry, gotta plug it:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/fs-85-vw-gti/24326/page1/

The Columbus craigslist it hoppin', I'm sure something will pop up.

Ep3 Civic si: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1895273079.html

Updating my own story.

Today my nephew informed me that he bought this.

1989 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon
2.3 litre 4-cylinder engine
Less than 137,000 original miles
Automatic transmission
ABS
Rust free body - clean inside & out
Leather interior in very good condition
Power sunroof
Power windows, locks & mirrors
AM-FM/cassette
New exhaust including catalytic converter
New starter, water pump & tune-up.
Purchase of $1500 down from an asking price of $2,200

I am pretty happy. Mostly about being able to influence him to stay out of major debit like his '09 Civic Si was causing. Here's to hoping I was right and my advise will play through.

Saw that one on Craigslist, nice score!

Very cool, those are some of the last tough Volvos, it should treat him well.