What's the best cheap new car for an enthusiast?

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter) 03/31/2014 at 16:38 • Filed to: None

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Hey Opponuts, what's your choice for best cheap new car that still provides some driving reward? By cheap, I don't mean the absolute cheapest new vehicle you can buy, as that would be some trashcan like a new Versa (is a Versa a real trashcan?). I mean something like less than $20k actual sale price with some reasonable options like power windows, points for more less than $20k.

And I am focused on new cars here because I drive a lot of miles and want something essentially disposable and ultra-reliable. I may put 40k+ miles per year, which also means I need it to run flawlessly every day. That many miles means I spend a lot of time on the highway at 80mph, so little micro buzz boxes are not a good choice. Four doors is highly preferred, but not strictly required.

Thoughts are the following, or other ideas?

Chevy Sonic RS. Maybe $18k or so, well equipped at that price.

Focus SE. Good size, but is the SE a decent enthusiast car? And can you get one with some options for <$20k?

Abarth 500. Maybe under $20k with incentives. Cons are it is very small, and maybe not the best highway commuter.

Mazda 2. I don't know much about it...

Dart. Is there a sport or enthusiast configuration?

The Transporter > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:40

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Miata

/thread

Flat Six > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:41

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Ford Fiesta ST is just over 20K. Is that considered a micro buzz box?

jkm7680 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:41

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The Sonic Rs would be a good choice. It's got nice faux-leather seats, and comes quite equipped for the price bracket that it is in. I believe that it is offered with a 6 speed manual.

I'd rather have the Abarth, I've heard that dealers are marking them down.

philipilihp > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:41

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Deez opponuts!

And a Mazda3 with a 5MT, of course.

Brian Silvestro > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:43

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Abarth, Fiesta ST, or Sonic RS.

Audi-os, amigos > jkm7680 03/31/2014 at 16:43

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Will they buzz and rattle at sustained highway speed?

NoahthePorscheGuy > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:44

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Fiesta ST might be able to get for jus under 20k. Best performance bargain on the market.

jariten1781 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:45

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Base 2014 V6 Mustangs go for <20k here with incentives. There's tons on the lots too.

PushToStart > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:45

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I see that you want something new- let me make a slight suggestion, that you might not agree with, and that's fine, just my 2¢.

You can find plenty of good, reliable cars that are a year or so old for considerably cheaper than they were new. There's nothing wrong with them, it's just that cars typically depreciate very quickly within the first few years, so you can find something nicer than a new car (more options, etc) for about the same price.

I know that that doesn't really answer your question, but I'm just throwing that out there.

Garrett Davis > The Transporter 03/31/2014 at 16:45

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Except an MX-5 starts at over $23k.

Nibbles > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:46

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Wait a few months and you should be able to get a 2014 V6 Mustang for under 20k

ihm96 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:46

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Fiesta ST

BadMotorScooter > jkm7680 03/31/2014 at 16:46

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That's my thinking as well. I'd like to know what an Abarth can be purchased for, with incentives and discounts.

Party-vi > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:47

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"little micro buzz boxes are not a good choice"

So you listed the Abarth 500, Mazda 2 and Sonic?

I'd say the Dart would be choice 1 followed up by the Sonic. I've got a (almost) brother-in-law that loves his Sonic.

jkm7680 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:48

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Yeah, try asking around a little bit. If they don't give you the price that you are looking for, just tell them that you will take your business to Kia, Haha.

The Real Dacia Sandero > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:48

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The Mazda 2 is like a Miata with 4 doors. No power, but great handling. Also, 0% interest rates and it's cheap enough to afford some upgrades.

BadMotorScooter > Flat Six 03/31/2014 at 16:48

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That would be a great choice, but how much more than $20k are they actually selling for? I thought they were more like $25k out the door?

BadMotorScooter > PushToStart 03/31/2014 at 16:50

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That is something I would consider. Especially if I could find a good enthusiast vehicle. Problem I have seen is that anything 'good' with not many miles is priced very close to a new car.

BadMotorScooter > jariten1781 03/31/2014 at 16:50

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Hmm, that's something I hadn't considered, thanks. RWD is a great bonus!

noahtheporscheguybackup > Flat Six 03/31/2014 at 16:50

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You might be able to snag a Fiesta ST for less than 20k

hethoughtofcars > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:52

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Mazda2 is what I immediately thought of. It's basic, but has a genuine fun to drive factor. It's also very reliable, which would keep me away from a Dart or Fiat if you are going to put 40k+ year. Best part is that it is reasonably cheap and you could keep it $3-4k under $20k. Mazda3 and the new Fit I would also consider if I were willing to get closer to that $20k mark.

CRider > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:52

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Look at used cars, not brand new. Any modern car will go 200k+ miles, let the somebody else eat the initial depreciation. With 40k miles a year I'll assume you spend a lot of time on the highway, so I'd suggest something comfortable with some power. Used Dodge Charger R/T perhaps.

offroadkarter > jariten1781 03/31/2014 at 16:53

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Out of any new cheap car, ^ this. If you wait til the 2015's hit the lot you can probably get one really cheap.

The 2011-2014 V6 mustang will do the 1/4 mile in 13.7's which is the same as a 05-10 GT. It also gets high 20s low 30's highway MPG to.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:53

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Ever thought of a Certified PreOwned with like 20k miles on it?

It's going to come with a warranty and everything. This could give you more buying power.

That being said, I think a V6 Mustang would be perfect for you, especially a CPO.

Maybe even find a Focus ST CPO?

Otherwise the Dart, Sonic RS, or Fiesta ST are your best shots. If you like these cars consider a CPO if one is available for one of them and save even more cash!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:54

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Why no Fiesta (ST would be a hoot if you can find a deal)? That's the one I would buy.

Abarth 500 would be awesome, but like you said might not be the best commuter vehicle. Also as much as I love the exhaust it's a bit too "look at me!" for everyday use, I think.

Mazda2 is a hoot but not powerful by any means - really fun car though if you don't care about straight line speed.

As for the versa - I wouldn't buy one, but it might be my favourite car on Nissan's lineup I think. It's just a downright honest simple car - and looks less weird than the rest of their lineup, I think. It's got decent space, is fun in that the body roll and the way it handles is hilarious, and is cheap.

BadMotorScooter > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 16:56

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I hadn't considered the Fiesta because it is so small. I sat in one and just couldn't see it working. It makes the Sonic seem quite large. The Abarth only works because it is basically a 2-seater with only 2 doors, the vestigial backseat for emergency use only. Of those 3, the Sonic seems like the most 'real' car.

I wonder how cheap you can get an Abarth?

Trunk Impaired 318 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:57

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I'm almost 100% positive that the new 2015 Honda Fit is going to be amazing, my best friend has the current gen Fit which is great to drive with a manual. The new one is adding better styling, a bit more power and a 6MT, plus its ridiculously practical. If I couldn't get an Abarth for under 20, the new Fit is where Id be

Newsboy > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 16:59

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Fiat 500 Turbo. Cheaper than the Abarth, more comfortable, and nearly as much power.

I've got a base Pop, and love it. Sounds phenomenal, and incredibly fun to drive. I was out the door for $15k plus tax.

BadMotorScooter > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/31/2014 at 17:01

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Fiesta is so small though, I sat in one (did not drive tho) and I just felt like a clown in a VW Bug.

My thoughts on Abarth as well. This car needs to function well as a long distance commuter. Plus I have no Fiat dealer anywhere nearby, making service a PITA.

No car in this range will provide a lot of speed, so I am interested in handling. I don't think the Versa qualifies?

Brian Silvestro > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 17:01

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From what I've heard, really cheap.

BadMotorScooter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/31/2014 at 17:05

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I will look, but it seems that whenever I find a good model (the one you want) on a CPO, it is priced very close to the price of the same new car after incentives.

The V6 Mustang is an interesting option, especially with the new model coming out that might make the old one really cheap...

BadMotorScooter > CRider 03/31/2014 at 17:08

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Hadn't considered that, very interesting... V8 power, RWD, 4 doors, and since it isn't an SRT there isn't the demand and prices should be attainable. Will look in this... If I can find a white one I can tint the windows and put on a couple large antennas and have the bonus of making every car I come up on the highway immediately move over!

BadMotorScooter > Party-vi 03/31/2014 at 17:10

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Yeah, they are all buzz boxes I guess, I have to compromise somewhere...

Party-vi > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 17:10

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Fiesta ST. Fuck compromise.

jariten1781 > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 17:23

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Mine was just under 22k after tax and reg back in November. There's smatterings of reports on the forums of people getting base (no nav, recaros, sunroof) for 19k, but most are 21-25.

Noah - Now with more boost. > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 17:28

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StoneCrab ...for the love of god don't buy an econobox!! You don't need to!! And you will have an awful time driving tens of thousands of highway miles per year in any of the cars you mentioned, I promise. That sounds torturous! Econoboxes are not engineered for comfort whatsoever. They are engineered to get you from A to B as cheaply as possible in "tolerable" [to some] conditions, and that's it. I've grown up driving my parents' small toyotas, subarus, and hondas. They are no fun on the highway... journeys longer than an hour or two are exhausting. To survive the kind of driving you're talking about with a smile on your face, you'll need something different! You need to drive something with at least a little engineering put into the ride quality, seat comfort, and drivability. Drive a new civic and a new accord back to back, you'll see what I mean. In the econobox, every bump in the road surface, especially at highway speeds, will be translated through the steering wheel into your wrists. And simultaneously through the mediocre suspension and cheap seats straight to your tailbone. All of these things will only get worse over time as your cheap box ages. Then, the rattles and squeaks will begin. It's a cheap car, so they are more or less guaranteed, as all that thin plastic will definitely warp. Eventually, the wind noise will get worse too. I did not understand any of this until I bought my first car, an absolute turd of a BMW 635csi with 155k on it. It was still quieter and more comfortable on the highway than my parents' cars. Basically, you need to somehow wrangle yourself into a driving situation in which you are granted some degree of isolation from the road. In your situation that would be my number one priority. Good luck! I would go for a certified preowned something, that would put you out of econobox territory but still within a warranty of some sort.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Garrett Davis 03/31/2014 at 17:30

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and they're gross! LOL...

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 18:06

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A dealer local to me has 2 or 3 base Focus ST's in stock.
The dealer is Bickford ford, in Snohomish, WA
a normal focus is fun enough (I drove a friend's fully loaded titanium (with sport pkg) recently, and even with the Slushy-slushy, it was decently quick

Also, consider a mid-range cruze with a stick and turbo, $18-$19K should be enough to land you a fun little car

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 18:15

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I've seen less than a year old, used 2013s Abarths for ~$18k.

If it's a lot of highway, I might lean towards the Sonic RS because economy+fun.

Flat Six > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 18:24

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Seems like there are some right at the 20K mark before TTL. Without looking too hard: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

I'm considering getting one, but I have a very short commute. Reading your post more carefully I see that you do 40K miles per year so maybe some of the other choices are better

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 18:37

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You can get a Dart SXT with the Rallye package for $18,485. 2.4 Tigershark with 6 speed manual. Leaves some cash left over for some upgrades.

The Transporter > Garrett Davis 03/31/2014 at 20:00

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Doesn't matter, it's still the answer.

Louros > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 20:19

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Consider a CPO Mini Cooper S. Nice interior, fun to drive, good gas mileage and can be had for under $20k with 20-30k miles.

Garrett Davis > The Transporter 03/31/2014 at 20:27

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I... I Can't argue with that.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 21:11

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Id skip on the Focus. Unless you go up to the ST, they really aren't that great. I had a 12 Titanium hatchback (fully loaded) as a drivers ed car, and it wasn't very good.

Ive heard the Sonic is very good. Im just not a big Chevy person. I looked at them but it felt rather cheap.

The Abarths have stupid cheap incentives going on right now. My local dealer has them going for under the cost of a standard 500. There was one the other day listed online for $17,900 with under 100 miles on it.

Mazda 2 handles great. It isn't very fast and doesn't have much going on. It also doesn't look very sharp, yet.

The Dart is very nice. However getting the good engine makes the cost go up a good amount.

I'm going to sound crazy here. I know, but hear me out.

Nissan Juke Nismo.

For right at $22,000 (sticker price) you get a 4 door small CUV making nearly 200 horsepower. FWD gets a 6 speed manual. You get a sporty interior with very comfy bucket seats. They come with nearly everything you need. Spend another $1200 and you gwt the whole navigation package. Plus, they have 0% financing right now. Dealers want to move the 13s so they will be quite cheap too. I really like the way they look.

BadMotorScooter > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/31/2014 at 21:28

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Wow, now that's a very interesting option. I had no idea a NISMO Juke existed. I've got to think the manual FWD cars are hard to find though.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > BadMotorScooter 03/31/2014 at 22:15

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Its a very quiet sporty car. My dealer is currently sitting on three FWD and two AWD. One FWD is a manual.

I remember when the reviews came out people loved it if they could get over the looks. I can. Its really an interesting car. I spent a good half hour with it at an auto show because I was in love with it.

There are some down sides though. The back seat is insanely small for a CUV like vehicle. It is similar in size to the space in the back of a larger coupe, like the Accord coupe. Also, the trunk space is really small; if you need a decent size CUV, this isn't it. There is about 10.5 cubic feet with the back seats up. This is less than many sedans. The Honda Civic sedan has 12.5 cubic feet.

But this does have pluses. You get a higher ride, which I for one love. This thing is kinda quick off the line and handles very nicely. The interior feels like it should cost a lot more. And dealers want to move them a lot.

I nearly got one. The main thing stopping me was it was too much money to lease (I had a very strict budget that was really low; which is why I drive a Civic)/

If you want something fun and different, its a great car to look at.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2014 at 09:50

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It was just a thought. I normally buy all my cars used around 40k miles. but I don't put on your kind of mileage. I rarely break through the 20k a year mark.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2014 at 11:02

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Nah, the Versa definitely wouldn't qualify. And I would expect a lot of the other choices (Mazda2 and Sonic especially) would have the same space issues as the Fiesta?

Have you considered going lightly used? You'll have a lot more choices at that price range for a 2-3 year old car, and very little reliability risk..and probably even get a few years of remaining warranty coverage.

LongSnake > BadMotorScooter 04/06/2014 at 20:02

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Corolla XRS, preferably the 2005 version. IT HAS LOTUS ENGINE! Yeah so its not new and you can only get it used now but its a cheap little fast sleeper. 6 speed manual too, why the heck did they stop making this car?!?Oh yeah, toyota...

mazdaspeed2 > BadMotorScooter 04/07/2014 at 09:51

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Mazda 2! Mazda 2! Mazda 2! I have had mine for about a month and I absolutely love it. Yes, the car is slow, but it isn't that bad. You can get it well under 20k, and you have plenty leftover to upgrade. It isn't the quietest or most comfortable car but I don't mind 70+ mph in it at all. It gets a very high number of smiles per gallon, and I get high 30's for mpg. Say $15k for the car and $3k for everything you would ever want to do to it, and you are still under budget.

There is a guy near me with one that he put 40k on the first year, without any problems, and he does a lot of autox with it. From what I hear, he is very competitive, and I know he only has maybe a grand in it. Check out Corksport for most of the parts you may need. They also race their 2 in scca bspec, and they typically place pretty high. I will answer any questions you have about it.