I'm in the same situation as you are, with about the same budget. The Nissan Skyline R33 is a nice sporty car, but depending on what state you're in, they may be illegal. Victoria, NSW and Qld as I'm sure you'd know have a ban against V8s and turbocharged cars for L and P-platers.
So here's a list of some non-turbocharged 4 and 6-cylinders that will fit the bill nicely:
- Nissan Pulsar SSS (front-wheel-drive, 2.0L inline-4 [SR20DE], 140hp)
- Nissan Bluebird SSS (front-wheel-drive [optional all-wheel-drive], 2.4L inline-4 [KA24DE], 150hp)
- Nissan Skyline non-turbocharged R33 (rear-wheel-drive, 2.5L inline-6 [RB25DE], 190hp)
- Nissan 200SX S14 (rear-wheel-drive, 2.0L inline-4, 165hp)
- Toyota Supra Mark IV non-turbo (rear-wheel-drive, 3.0L inline-6 [2JZ-GE], 220hp)
- Ford Falcon XR6 (rear-wheel-drive, 4.0L V6, 350hp)
If you live anywhere else in Australia, then the whole motoring world is essentially at your disposal. The catch though is that while V8s and turbo/supercharged cars aren't illegal, they'll jack your insurance up quite a bit. If you can handle it, look into these:
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo
- Toyota Supra Mark IV [Twin-Turbo]
- Nissan Skyline R32/33 [Turbo]
- Toyota AE86 Corolla/Sprinter Trueno [Supercharged]
- Lexus SC400/Toyota Soarer GT Limited [4L V8]
- Toyota SC300 [twin-turbocharged]
As a personal opinion I'm choosing between an R33 Skyline and Subaru Impreza WRX.