need the advice of the wise

hey everyone. i've posted a few threads before. thanks to those who sent me information about the AE86 i've learned quite abit about the car, engine, and other technical information. however, currently i'm in the process of looking for a car. i'm a college student...thus i'm a little strap for cash, but i've saved some money for the car. i wanted to know from you, the ones who drive, love, and have had the AE86 for some time, what the potentials of the AE86 are. why you like it. the pro's and con's of having one and the financial aspect of tuning, maintaining, etc. your AE86. i want to do autox and eventually learn how to drift. any feedback would be appreciated as it will help me in deciding what car to get. so far for my budget these are the following cars that i've thought about: AE86 (of course :iceslolan ) FC, S13, or the s14. i've chosen these cars because most of them can be purchased for about $3k and gives me some money to get it back into good running condition. also, because the parts are readily available. so once again, thanks for you help