Test: Which New $20K Sporty Car?

It might sound boring, but I'd go with the 4 door Honda Civic. The Accord is over the price range.

 

The same one I chose, Corolla XRS. I got mine for $16,000 used with only 5k miles.

It has the Corolla GTS engine and 6-speed, 8200 rpm redline, and 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS. It will run 15s in the quarter, is limited to 135mph. I have gone past 100 and it was still pulling.

Plus it is a Toyota, so it will last.

 

Subaru WRX, Civic Si, Neon SRT4, maybe even a Miata or Solstice?

 

He wants 4 doors.

 

Check out the Mazda 3...or if you can find one used in the most recent itteration, a Mazda 6. My wife and I test drove the Mazda 6 a while back. It was the most fun I've ever had (driving ) in a four door automobile. This particular one had the 6 speed semi-auto transmission...what a hoot!

ETA: the only reason we didn't buy it was because at $28,000 it was a bit out of our price range.

 

The 3 is another choice, but the 6, unless it is the bare bones model, is out of his price range also.

I still think my XRS can take a 3 though

I am one of those guys that knows what he has (as in, no I don't think it can take a vette), but is willing to find out first hand. I am not too proud to loose. I keep wanting to race my buddies '00 Mustang GT, but he keeps making excuses.

There is a guy on Toyotanation that has an XRS with simple bolt-ons that is staying with RS-X Type Ses and regularly beats Sentra SE-R Spec Vs and SVT Focuses at the track. All that and he has 4 doors, roomy interior, a nice sized trunk, etc.

If you can test drive the XRS. That is what sold me. I went in to get a Scion tC and left with a Corolla XRS. The Corolla fits me better and gives me more room. Plus, I LOVE the six speed manual (VERY short throw for an OEM shifter). Once I dorve it, I had to have it.

One last thing. One downside is it takes premium gas only. IIRC it has around an 11:1 compression ratio. I only fill it up with Shell premium and only run Mobil 1 synthetic oil w/ a Mobil 1 filter.

 

Should be able to do an Accord for 20

 

With some of the deals Mazda is making on the RX-8 now, it should be getting close to 20K for a base model......

 

VOLKSWAGON JETTA TURBO

 

That or the TDI for the even better MPG.

My dad's friend has a TDI Jetta. He likes it so much he is planning on getting another one for his wife.

I hate to brag agian, but the XRS stays with the new Jetta GLI through the quarter.

I am a VW fan too though and wanted a Jetta GLI pretty bad.

 

I know you said NEW, but I've always purchased used cars with low mileage that are only a year or 2 old. I love my 2000 Nissan Maxima SE...4 door, V6 222hp, 5spd(or auto if you'd like), great styling and performance. 2000-01 have 3.0l v6 and 2002-03 have 3.5l v6. I'd get a 2003 if I were to get ride of my 2000. But if your looking for better gas mileage, my 2000 gets 27-30mpg highway, 24-26 city with A/C cranked.

 

Love my Toyota Matrix. Have had it over 3 years now. 1st car I could ever say that I plan to buy another one eventually.

 

I hope you aren't waiting for that thing to wear out. You may not be around to get another one.

 

Why is that?

 

I think he's insinuating that Toyotas are very durable and reliable automobiles, and that you're probably not gonna wear it out anytime soon.

 

That's kinda what I thought he meant - I realized it after my post

 

Sporty 4 door? How about a used Mitsubishi Evolution?The sound of the turbo hissing when you shift gears is very addicting.