RS4 EVO
 

the RS4 is a great beginner car, its made for bashing and holds up well to crashes that you might get into when you learn to handle the speed, it goes about 45mph outta the box which is very fast when first starting off, it can be adjusted pretty good, aftermarket parts add to adjustability, and it can handle pretty good depending on how its set up, also the performance parts are endless, your budge is what dictates where it stops

i have heard of the T-15 engine on the evo having lots of problems though, have you considered the 18ss kit? you have to put it together but it will familiarize you with your car so you can maintain it and fix it easily, and the 18ss engine is actualyl rpetty powerful and fast, i own one and replaced it will an OS just for a change, the 18ss also comes with adjustable turnbuckles, heavy duty drivetrain, and red pinions