If you NEED turbo: Get an AWD DSM. Great potential, VERY easy to work on; if you do things right it wont break. You can pick up a good early 90s GSX or Tsi for like $1500 if you look hard. Early 90s MR2 turbos can be had for about < $5k nowadays.
If you just want a car to bomb around in: 1.8L Eclipse. That is the car I used for my first beater. It will ALWAYS start for you. That was my biggest concern with a beater.