Looking for a fun car under 30K

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EvanD

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I have been looking for something fun to drive around town.

I am trying to decide between a mild off-roader or a sports car. Must be able to handle a little snow.

I have test driven so far

off-road
1= jeep I like it alot but looks like it will frustrate me. I have been reading about death wobble and chronic leaks. Really really slow and not so enjoyable on the free way.
2= ford raptor What a machine. Big fast FUN so much comfort. I love it. I am keeping my silverado SS so 2 big huge trucks are simply over-kill. Way to much in fuel costs. Plus it's a little to far away from my budget.

Sporty fun cars.

1= VW GTI What a great little car. Simply fun great handling. This is the current winner so far.

Looking into BMW 1 series, subaru , mazda speed 3

What else do you guys think fun young sporty?????
 
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I have a friend who just got his mother's Mazda Miata. She cant drive anymore, and even with its 4 cylinder engine it has a decent amount of pep.
He is thinking about converting it over to a corvette engine, they make kits for this sort of thing. Currently he is working on a another project, but I thought it would be cool.

Another fun car would be a Subaru, but I have no idea where they start at $$ wise. I had several friends in college who had them and I was impressed.
 
My BIL, who has the means to drive just about whatever he wants, and has had Mercedes, Bimmers, and a host of others, says hands down the most fun car he's had is the Mazda Miata, and number two is an Impreza.
 
Love the BWM 1 series but for the cost the GTI is hard to beat IMO. It is hard to find another car that is a "do everything" car. It is as fun to drive as my old boxster S everywhere except on the track. It is small and nimble to run around town and and easy to park. In 4 door trim you can haul people or an amazing amount of stuff inside almost like a small SUV. It's fuel efficient but no prius. It does do very well in the snow. I was able to get around in even deep snow. If it is like 14" however you will bottom out like any car/small suv without lots of clearance.

Negatives are the same with any european car. They need to be maintained and with any car one should be aware of weak spots and be proactive. For both the 1 series twin turbo and the markVI GTI, a weak spot is carbon buildup on the valves.

Forgot to mention that wheel/tire size make a big difference on how this car feels. With 18"s it is razor sharp and feedback is amazing. With smaller wheels it is more of a soft ride and not as sharp.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/volkswagen/golf-gti/verdict
 
A miata is a no way for me a tad too small for me.
Maybe a RX8 but the super small engine rotary looks like a headache no torque. This is a car I plan on keeping for the next 10 years. I have doubts with that engine and lifespan.

I would love a mustang GT but that is the last car I would want on a snowy day.

I also like the look of the civic SI on paper. I feel that it needs a test drive.
 
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Subaru Impreza wrx. 4cylinder 265HP Turbo engine, all wheel drive, 25MPG Highway, and has the same shape as a GTI. Cost is 25k
 
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Originally Posted By: bkbenjy
Subaru Impreza wrx. 4cylinder 265HP Turbo engine, all wheel drive, 25MPG Highway, and has the same shape as a GTI. Cost is 25k


+1
 
The Forester is great for what it is, but I don't think you can describe it as a "fun car".
Now, a turbo Imprezza is another matter.
 
Honda Accord Coupe V-6 (300 HP) 6-speed shift. Double wishbone suspension...front and rear suspension bars. Nice economy too.

Handles like a BMW 328i with the same Michelin's BMW uses and near the same tightness of suspension.

Comfortable...fast...unmatched reliability and longevity and resale value.

Essentially a Honda Prelude...go to a dealer and test drive one.


I have found a Mustang or Camero needs the V-8 to really light it up and the V-6's have lesser of a suspension too.


BMW's offer little "value"...you pay a lot for the name...same with Benz...both have overall rating in the low 90's...Lexus for example is in the high 90's. BMW and Benz once had their day in the sun.

Also, check out an Acura NSX...real fun car with paddle shifters.
 
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Originally Posted By: evandostert

I would love a mustang GT but that is the last car I would want on a snowy day.

As long as you have winter tires on it, I don't see a problem. I drive my 530i all year long and it does very well in the snow.

But going back to fun cars, GTI would be high on my list as well. I'm waiting to see what the new R32 will bring. I like the fact that R32 is AWD (although haldex only), but if it's no more powerful than a chipped GTI, then it's probably not worth it.
 
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
The Forester is great for what it is, but I don't think you can describe it as a "fun car".
Now, a turbo Imprezza is another matter.
Forester? Its great if you are a 74 year old grandma - thats about it. Not a "fun" car in the least. How bout a used Turbo Saturn - the solstice sibling? Most fun car Ive driven/owned was 1998 M-roadster BMW - MUCH MUCH better than a plain jane roadster, Tight cockpit though.
 
Isnt there a mid-line turbo Mitsu ralliArt now? Below the Evo? not sure if it got pig heavy like the subaru. I like the Syle of 'em.
 
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Originally Posted By: Pete591
Honda Accord Coupe V-6 (300 HP)



Acording to the Honda website the V6 accord coupe is 271HP
 
My friend just bought a 2006 M3 for $27,000. He got a very good deal on it. The owner lost his job and wanted to get rid of it quick
 
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