What about the Saab 9-3?
 

Not the current one--the prior generation.

In looking for a car to replace the WRX, I'm considering going the cheapie route and picking up a used car that I could easily pay cash for (say, 15K upper limit). Buying the WRX is one solution, but I'm looking for other options.

First, the selection criteria: F or AWD, four doors, preferably hatchback or wagon, good power, stick shift, comfortable to drive around town and for occasional winter highway trips, decent gas mileage.

One that occurred to me is the older Saab 9-3 SE. These seem to be plentiful in hatchback/stick form, and asking prices for 01s are in the 12K range. I need to drive one, but does anyone have any thoughts on these?

Another option is the 9-5 Aero wagon. If only I knew someone that had one...

Be careful with the engines on those cars. I've gotten hurt on every Saab that I've taken in trade lately, and a few of them were because the engines were on the way out quite prematurely. Take it for a good test drive and be sure to listen very carefully for unusually noises in the engine compartment.