Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

For great purposes I start my first BS thread in hopes of finding a car. I have a real hard time finding good opinions from unbiased sources, everything is either **** or the next coming of Christ.

General needs:
1.) Near or under $20k
2.) Low enough miles / New enough that I won't have to worry about it at all
3.) 4 usable seats.

Wants:
1.) performance.

Thesis: I want the Hellcat of the $20k range.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Any chance you'll keep this car no BS or just lightly tuned so you have more funds and thrills in the miata? Messing a ton with your daily seems like asking for trouble... or really expensive if done totally right.

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

I can only contribute to general needs.

Why not the Scion/Toyota iA for about 16k NEW.

1) 6 speed
2) Few options available from dealer
3) Fits miata wheels
4) 1.5L mazda skyactive (OV Tune available)
5) Mazda3 like interior, radio/dash hacks available for more options.

Cons: Looks like a mazda2 catfish sedan.

Some gloss black vinyl on the chrome trims would make it look a hellava lot better. Other than that, A-B car with 4 seats, decent mileage.

It will be most likely my next daily car if I plan on continuing with my mazdaspeed as the toy project.

If not that, a 2013 mazdaspeed 3 for around 20k or so if I can find one that hasn't been abused.

z31maniac

Performance just meaning not painfully slow merging into traffic?

Find the nicest/newest V6 Accord or Camry that you can. Both have near 300hp V6s like basically everything else nowadays.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

I would be doing "a tune" as about the most in terms of tuning.

I honestly haven't looked into a iA, might be a good compact if I decide to go that way.

To help, I am coming from a 2012 Maxima, which, isn't the best car ever, but the VQ was nice. That torque of driving with traffic under 2k rpm is nice.

MS3 is nice. My dad has a Mazda3 of same generation and it has held up pretty well. Drives well though even if limits are really low.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

Basically, if I can fit some good feeling steering and mechanical grip into there I'd be happy. I was honestly looking at the V6 Accords since they are a good place to be and stll say they get 34 on the highway.

rleete

iTrader: (21)

Camry is mind numbingly boring. It's completely devoid of any personality. Try a Ford Fusion. Having driven both, it's much better from a driving perspective, if you can get past the silly infotainment system.

Having never driven an Accord, I can't say how it compares.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

I'd rather have some kind of driver involvement honestly. MK7 GTI I have seen dip under $20k for an Auto/PP (DSG/LSD). That's a real nice place to be and drives well. Won't hold its value like a Toyota with another ~50k miles on it but still.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Start pricing out used GTI's with low miles that are unmolested?

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

That's kind of what I am doing. The lady likes the GTI interior as well, which is a plus. The fact I can put a stage1 GIAC tune into it and run with the bigger cars for a little bit is nice too. I like the way Fiesta ST drives but it gets a bit buzzy/cheap when just doing daily duties. And at ~190lbs 6'2", it feels cramped but $75 a month cheaper.

yossi126

iTrader: (6)

+1 for the GTI. A downpipe and a tune really makes a difference.

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

You guys might be onto something... I just priced some MK6 cars locally for around 14k~20k, holy crap. And most look untouched with mods, why is dis lemons?

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

They just drop out of the radar I think. Not so much "hype" like a MS3 or WRX. They don't look special or with big wings, even the $40k Golf R looks like a Golf. I like that subtly but to each their own.

MK7 cars are well worth the price over MK6, btw. Generally just better everything and the gen3 EA888 motor...

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

Big price jump looking at those, motor differences? Just more reliable?

z31maniac

They drop under the radar because no one wants to own a VW out of warranty, just like a BMW/Audi.

"I don't want to worry about having problems with a DD"

"Yes, I'll consider a modern, German turbocharged car."

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

Gen3 tends to just do everything better and smoother to boot. A torque machine.

@z31, you really think it'll fall apart? I mean, the majority of the cars I am looking at are around 20k miles.

OneTwo

iTrader: (2)

Mk7 owner checking in. 30k miles on mine now with nothing but oil changes (knocks on wood).

Freaking love the car. Interior is plush. It's fast enough. It steers great. My wife loves it. Can't say enough good things about mine.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

I mean, if you drive a ton, it might be best to apply KISS logic.

stefanst

iTrader: (1)

My daily is a Taurus SHO and I quite like it. It's not a sports car by a long shot, but offers all the creature comforts, has AWD which is useful in areas with snow (probably not so important for a CA-dweller) and even though its FWD-based, it feels a bit more lifely than FWD-only cars. The 365hp Ecoboost engine does perform rather nicely too. I'd rather have an M3, but....

18-22mpg depending on how late I am to work.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Apparently there are some huge rebates on Focus STs right now. Should be able to get a brand new ST for right around $20k. Redlands ford has quite a few in stock.

Aside from that, there are a ton of options. I'll be looking for a similar car next year, and will probably end up with a late model GTI as well, for the following reasons:

1. Super comfy, practical, good mileage, fun to drive.
2. Girlfriend needs an automatic, and the GTI has the best automatic for the money by far.

Always playing roulette with VW reliability though. Might be great, might not.