Help needed choosing winter beater

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by GTA_G20

Made a huge mistake selling my e90 bmw 325xi at the end of last winter and now im looking again.
I do live in canada so snow is a factor and fun is too. I don't wanna get a car i don't need so budget is 5k. I don't want a car older than 2006 nornor a rust bucket

Im currently considering :

1) 2006 bmw 330xi
2) 2007 audi a3 3.2 Quattro
3 ) 2007 mini cooper S(not and but so fun and tossable )

Those are not winter beaters.The rig I drive to abuse is a 96 Dakota V8 4wd. 251000 and runs and drives like it's barely broke in. I've even had it in the snow, pretty wonderful handling.