New Car. . . What is the Best Bargain Performance Car for Tall Jalops?

"thedevilinside" (thedevilinside)
10/21/2013 at 22:41 • Filed to: None

Today I started my journey of looking at new cars. I am trying to stay open in what I want. I would like for it to have a sticker of $28,000 or less and the idea is fun to drive for the price. But I have one issue, I'm a little tall. Only 6'5", not too tall. This still rules some cars out. So far I didn't fit in the BRZ my number one choice. Nor the Civic Si, I didn't want one of them anyway I just tried because I was driving by the dealer. So I think I need somewhere around 39" of front headroom or so.

Cars I am considering:

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec:

Drove one today, drove well. I liked the interior roominess,but it did not have abundant power. The R-Spec doesn't have cruise control, how dumb is that?

Subaru Impreza WRX:

Haven't driven one even though my dad has one. He says it is a lot of fun (anything would be after a 4 cylinder Accord), but to be ready for the shifter. He has the factory short throw and says it isn't that short of a throw. Rode in a 2012 WRX at an autocross last week, the shifter was tall like a truck. Good thing is WRX's are proved to be awesome and I should fit fine.

Mazda Speed3:

I drove a base Mazda3 in 2009 and it drove well. The added power should be nice. Was thinking RWD, but we'll see after I drive one.

Ford Focus ST:

Never driven a Focus, so I don't know what to expect. I hear the new ones are better than previous generations but I'm thinking outside the box this car so I will look at one.

Ford Fiesta ST:

Not sure if I will fit? Or satisfy my needs of power? Or if I can even find one.

I ruled out the VW GTI and the Miata as well. No VW's or convertibles.

Edit: I would have pretty pictures but this is my first post and I haven't figured that out yet, got an error saving the post.

DISCUSSION (59)

B5A4Quattro > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:44

Why no VW?

CKeffer > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:44

I would suggest, of all things a mini cooper s. They have tons of head and leg room in the front, you may not be able to have anyone sit behind you, but you'll be surprisingly comfy. I would also suggest a short throw shifter for it. the shifter sits at a good height, but the throw is super long. Good news there is that they make short throw kits that reduce the throw without making the shifter shorter too, and they are fairly cheap.

pdthedeuce > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:46

I have a friend who is 6'5 ... wanted a Miata when they first came out ... he is still sad .

POD > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:46

With the exception of the Fiesta ST, that is almost my exact list when I was shopping.

twinturbobmw > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:46

V6 Mustang?

thedevilinside > B5A4Quattro
10/21/2013 at 22:47

Bad family experiences, and they just don't do it for me. No concrete reason.

thedevilinside > CKeffer
10/21/2013 at 22:48

Hadn't thought about a Mini, will look into them!

thedevilinside > twinturbobmw
10/21/2013 at 22:48

No muscle cars, I'm looking for something to toss around. The car will replace a GTO.

thedevilinside > pdthedeuce
10/21/2013 at 22:49

I would be more sad if there was a hardtop version and I didn't fit. I got to ride in one for the first time last week, it was fun. Worked on a Spec Miata this summer too. I have gained respect for them even though they will never work for me.

thedevilinside > POD
10/21/2013 at 22:50

What did you get?

Desu-San-Desu > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:52

WRX with aftermarket short-throw kit. There are dozens of them out there and they all bolt right in.

B5A4Quattro > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:52

Seems legit enough. I'm a VAG enthusiast, but I have to say that for taller people you'd be best off with the WRX or ST. They're taller than the Genesis, and I'm personally not a fan of the current MS3. I'm waiting for the next one to come. Would you consider a pre-owned MS3?

qwertt > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:53

You may wish to review this , from earlier today.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

dogisbadob > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:55

See if you can fit in the Fiesta and Focus ST's and go from there

The R-spec is the stripped down model, so no cruise control. I don't even use that shit anyway.

CKeffer > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:57

If you're going to want to mod it, you either need to get a 1st gen (06 & previous) or the first run of the 2nd gen (2007-2010), they changed the ecu on the S after 2010 and the flash tuners no longer work on them. JCW's are good for any year.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:57

You WILL be made fun of by non-car people. If you have thin skin, stay away. If you buy the clubman or the mini SUV thingy, you will be made fun of by basically everyone. Get a cooper S or don't bother at all.

thedevilinside > qwertt
10/21/2013 at 22:57

Hmmm, that is certainly not good. I'm skeptical I will fit in a Mini. Now I want to find out for fun if nothing else.

Agrajag > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 22:58

If your even considering a FWD you should at least test drive a GTI. My brother is a wide 6'5" with size 17 shoes and he fits fine in my 09' GTI.

I've driven the regular Focus and it was a little tighter but not by much. No experience with the others unfortunately.

thedevilinside > Desu-San-Desu
10/21/2013 at 22:58

Would likely do this or a factory one so they don't try to deny any warranty stuff.

thedevilinside > Agrajag
10/21/2013 at 23:00

Thanks for the advice, I will atleast go by a dealer for a look I guess. Trying to turn over every stone in my search for the right car for the next 8+ years

911e46z06 > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:01

I haven't driven a lot of 'bargain' performance cars, but in my vast experience as a tall dude, there is no more tall-dude-friendly brand than BMW. Especially if you have long legs. At the time I bought my e46 M3 I also took a look at a Cayenne Turbo, and the M3 was way more comfortable for a big dude. Maybe take a look at a 135 if you can find one in your price range. I've driven a couple. They're wonderful.

I have driven a few older WRXs (2005ish), and those were also very good.

POD > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:01

I went with the Speed3. Lowest priced out the door of the ones I was looking at and the best dealership experience. I'm in Canada however so the pricing is a bit different here.

It is probably the least refined of the ones on your list. It is fun. Lots of fun. The boost hits pretty much all at once and a year later is still smile inducing. Mileage is on par with the Focus ST (around 35-37 freeway on an imperial gallon).

Lots and lots of aftermarket support as well. I wanted a car I could do some light tuning on and the Focus was too new at the time. The Hyundai's usually don't have that large of an aftermarket following so it was out. My local Subaru dealership provided me with my worst dealership experience I've ever had, so their products were off the list as well.

I've not regretted the purchase even once. Speed3 has been reliable, fun, made it through one very harsh winter and did well. It's done some light tuning so far that has made the car more fun, and once the warranty is up, I'll be doing even more.

thedevilinside > dogisbadob
10/21/2013 at 23:01

I do a lot of road trips, a 1000 mile round trip one 5-6 times per year and an additional 10-15 or so 700 mile round trips. Cruise control can be nice on them.

thedevilinside > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/21/2013 at 23:04

I don't care what others have to say about it, nor do I want a Clubman or their SUV deal. Just something fun, comfortable, affordable, and awesome.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:05

Have you considered a slightly used C-class or 3-series? 2011 was the last year for the manual C-class C300 but examples with around 20k or less on the odometer are common. It is basically the 3.5L V6 tuned down to 3.0L and around 210-220 hp so it is a nigh indestructable engine. Plus with the 6-speed manual you avoid the expensive automatic transmission repairs. Brakes, spark plugs, sensors, wires, etc are all easy to source since the C300 was a mid-range or higher model in the rest of the world so production #s are quite high. Lack of touchscreen navigation and the fancier electronic toys means there's little to go wrong. Just a good, comfortable seat, a solid sound system, a 6-speed manual, a stout little V6, and RWD. The 2008-2011 mercedes C300.

Barring that, get a new(er) BMW 320i with the 6-speed manual and the sport pack and nothing else. New prices are low 30s I believe. Again, skip the extra tech to keep price and complexity down and you should be fine. If you want more power, tuning either is available or will be available soon. Again you get a 6-speed manual, RWD, and around 200hp. Not much but definitely enough for a DD.

Personally, I'm leaning for the C300 since it is a benz but the manual in America will tell people you are serious about driving plus it makes it much cheaper to buy. But really either should be a good car to own for at least 4-5 years. Any more than that and I'd say ask yourself how much you love it because both will be expensive to maintain. Thankfully by buying the smaller, more widely distributed engines you have an easier time sourcing affordable parts. By skipping the excess toys you also limit what can go wrong and make electronic faults easier to diagnose if you keep them.

thedevilinside > 911e46z06
10/21/2013 at 23:06

Sadly I think BMW's are out for this car. Maybe on the next they'll be an option. Cost of ownership (and purchase) are a bit too high.

Leadbull > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:07

I don't see why a shifter would void your warranty. Just put the stock shifter back on if you ever take it in for transmission issues.

thedevilinside > POD
10/21/2013 at 23:07

Sounds like some of the thoughts I've been having. Curious to feel how much less polished the Speed3 is, I thought the base 3 was the most refined of the cars I test drove in '09. But they were all sub 20k

thedevilinside > Leadbull
10/21/2013 at 23:08

I don't either, haven't looked into it at all. Just my initial thoughts.

thedevilinside > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/21/2013 at 23:10

Hmmmm, maybe I will expand to used cars. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes seem to like to price stuff just out of my range for now.

dogisbadob > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/21/2013 at 23:12

Or even if not a Mercedes, CPO is often a great way to go

POD > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:13

More raw may be a better descriptor than less refined.

This review pretty much mirrored my thoughts on the Speed3 vs the ST.

POD > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:15

Weird how the US R-Spec does not have cruise. The Canadian 2.0 R-Spec is listed as having cruise.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:19

Is there a reason why you've ruled out the Mustang?
For $28k you could get a top of the line v6 model or a base GT.

If you could stretch your budget a little you could look at the 370z which is $30k. Nissian is offering 0% financing for 60 months right now.

thedevilinside > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
10/21/2013 at 23:21

Not looking at muscle cars currently, the new car will replace one. ('06 GTO) I did think about the 370z, but I think it may be too much of a stretch. If nothing in the budget I have given myself now is what I want, I will revisit the 370z.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:22

The WRX is indeed the most awesome/best performing car I have driven. It's what I would suggest if you don't mind a terrible interior.

thedevilinside > BrownMiataDieselWagon
10/21/2013 at 23:23

I never noticed my dad's as having a terrible interior. But I don't spend a lot of time in "nice" cars either. Recently I've been riding in a 335i a lot and it is changing my opinion on interiors. The seats in the 335i are really uncomfortable though.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:23

Keep the Gto. Honestly its probably your best option. Everything else is going to feel slow afterwords anyways.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:29

BMW interiors are nice.
The WRX seats are not for everyone either. Some people complain about lack of lower back support. In my opinion, they're okay.

Birddog > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:42

Manuél Ferrari > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:52

You should definitely consider used cars.

A brand new WRX is coming within the next year or two. I wouldn't buy a new reasonably priced performance car until it comes out. You at least want to drive the new one before deciding which new car to sink money into.

JasonStern911 > thedevilinside
10/21/2013 at 23:56

I know you ruled out a Miata, but since this is oppositelock and the answer is always Miata...

A Miata with a hole cut in the soft top, similar to:

Kinja'd!!!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > dogisbadob
10/22/2013 at 00:11

Definitely this for non-turbo cars. 20-30k on a naturally aspirated motor is nothing these days. The problem with turbo cars is the extra pipes and hoses used to regulate boost pressure as well as additional hardware for cooling and the electronics that can have sensors and rubber bits go wrong. But things like an S2000? An S2000 with 25k miles, even if tracked or autoX'd is "broken in". That merc C300 with the V6? I'll bet that V6 is a 150k mile engine before major services (possibly timing belt at 75k or 100k, not sure). I know you don't want a muscle car, but the mustang, camaro, and challenger will all have a low cost of ownership because of these same properties and a V6 mustang with the track pack for beefier suspension and brakes is not at all a slouch. The camaro and challenger weigh too much to be serious at the 6 cylinder level but the mustang can pull it off. 300+ hp and some abuse-ready parts means it will be a solid choice. I know of more than one enthusiast friend who has one.

Another car to consider - chevrolet caprice/pontiac G8 GT. Yes they are automatic. They are also fast as all hell while seating 5 in comfort and have infinite aftermarket support.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > thedevilinside
10/22/2013 at 00:17

I don't think you're going to fit in the Z, either. Stick with the Goat or get a G8.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Agrajag
10/22/2013 at 00:18

I can't stand how uncomfortable VW's are. Not only that, but they're an arm and a leg to maintain. My friend's dad is a parts manager at a local dealer, and his take on them is they're a good car until you have to repair them.

911e46z06 > thedevilinside
10/22/2013 at 00:25

Fair enough. I'd go WRX then. Or get a 1 series with a good warranty. Or get something a few years old.

stuttgartobsessed > thedevilinside
10/22/2013 at 01:15

I just wrote this same comment on another post, but holy hell are the 2014 Mazda 3 seats comfortable (I'm 6'3"). I'm not sure if they are the same or a related design on the older model years but I'd get one for how comfortable the seat was and the fun, even though its FWD.

JEM > CKeffer
10/22/2013 at 08:56

I'll second the Mini suggestion. My roomate is like 6'3" and 250 and he fit fine in the one he had.

Also, Mustang? Even the V6 one is pretty potent.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > thedevilinside
10/22/2013 at 09:05

I was very disappointed in my test drive of the WRX (shifter and interior) - both were a downgrade from my old Mazda 3s hatch. Hopefully the new one is much better.

I'd go with the Speed3 or the Focus ST, and before you buy, do yourself a favor and at least drive a new GTI with the Performance Package (are they available yet?).

Also, I'd seriously consider buying used. $28k can get you a lot of car on the used market...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > thedevilinside
10/22/2013 at 09:15

I kind of have the same feelings toward Mustangs and Camaros.

Driving one may change you mind, though. The Mk7 with the Perf. Pack sounds especially good. We just got back from a long driving weekend on the back roads of northern Arkansas, and a friend's GTI was able to hang with the rest of us in most situations (and we had 400, 450, 500 and 700 horsepower, respectively). The little engine that could...

JJJenningsIII > thedevilinside
10/31/2013 at 17:30

Why buy new? You could easily get a VERY nice e30 for $6-7k that would require no work, and have another $20ish for a diesel golf to commute in.

MountainCommand > thedevilinside
10/31/2013 at 22:29

Have you looked into the Z cars. 350z or 370z? Though i dont know if a new 370 is that cheap.

Im surprised even at 6'5'' you dont fit in a brz, or si. My buddy is 6'5'' and he fits in my prelude. And he fit in his 1st gen miata. Are you sure you adjusted the seats alllllll the way?

thedevilinside > JJJenningsIII
10/31/2013 at 23:17

I got tired of repairs on a used car. e30 would require work and down time too often. It is a big issue when my car is down.

thedevilinside > MountainCommand
10/31/2013 at 23:19

I fit in the STi, Si was too small. BRZ was too small as well. It came down to a WRX and a Focus ST, and I will be getting a ST next week.

thedevilinside > MountainCommand
10/31/2013 at 23:19

370Z was a tad pricey.

MountainCommand > thedevilinside
10/31/2013 at 23:27

ST's a nice choice for the hatch's. I hope you got the leather option with those sporty seats! get yourself some rally armor mud flaps to put on there.

Also, it wouldnt have been the biggest of deals to swap in a lower profile (yet still comfortable, dd'able) aftermarket seat.

thedevilinside > MountainCommand
10/31/2013 at 23:49

I did get the full leather recaro's. I had Rally Armor's on a previous car. They were awesome. Definitely at the top of my list.

MountainCommand > thedevilinside
10/31/2013 at 23:55

yesssss!. And make sure you get a nice dark tint job. I hate it when people are looking in when im trying to enjoy a sandwich.

thedevilinside > MountainCommand
11/01/2013 at 00:10

That is he other thing I have planned. I had a car with 25% and another with 35%. Just to not get too much attention I may go 30 or 35, not darker. The plan is tint and flaps, stock from there. Trying to avoid spending too much more after the purchase.