(Photo Credit: dancomden)

 1984-1991 BMW 325ix

The Ultimate Driving Machine can thrive in the dirt if you let it. Often overlooked as a potential rally crosser, the 325ix offers 168 horsepower and all-wheel drive at about half of our $5000 price cap. Look hard enough and it’s even possible to find limited slip differential equipped vehicles, making a near-perfect amateur gravel racer.