I wouldn't worry about utilization of the AWD. Just b/c it doesn't snow as much where you are it is still a very nice active safety feature. I always told people they wouldn't truly fall in love with thier Subie until they drove it in the rain. I am going to be really interested to see how the 3 is going to do on torque steer.
And as far as vDubs go, I was strongly considering a Rabbit and had put a down payment on one. A friend of mine who runs a shop specializing in euro cars told me about the specific issues they have been having on the 1.8 and 2.0t's. I pressed the vDub guy about it and he admitted there was an issue but they replaced them under warranty so what;s the big deal... uh huh. Anyway, he claimed the specific issues (sludge seisure and coil packs blowing the plugs out of socket) were addressed and no longer a problem. What stopped the whole deal was how easily the underbody (sills under the doors) are damaged. In fact, the one I was going to buy had been damaged and they tried to have it repaired without telling me until I pressed them on it. Turns out that since they use metal side sills they are prone to denting in when struck by a foot getting into the car. Too bad! I really don't understand why they made it (on the rabbit anyway) all one piece from the sills to the rear panels over the wheels.
Have you considered a WRX wagon?
www.hotsubarus.com look at what these guys do from the dealer.