Ok Oppo, I need a new vehicle and have a 25k allowance

"nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul" (nfamouscj)
06/04/2014 at 21:26 • Filed to: oppo, #oppo, turbo, new car, scotch

My first vehicle (we're not going to discuss) has been paid off for a year now and I'm going to need to replace soon. Given the nature of my job I'll only be driving it maybe 2 days a week, if that. I've been lurking for a while and your group love for the Fiesta ST is winning me over.

Like I said, 25k limit, relatively new (2010 and up), sub 40k miles. I'm not looking to do any engine swaps or heavy mods but am mechanically inclined enough plus have access to a shop with lift. Current choices below:

Fiesta ST

WRX

Focus ST

Genesis Coupe (probably 2.0 to maintain the turbo theme)

Sky Turbo

5.0 Mustang

G8 GT

Mini Cooper S

I've had a lot of scotch this evening and would love some ridiculous ideas. Gas mileage isn't a worry as I've put gas in my current vehicle 4 times in the last 8 months.

***ok so we've managed to add the C5, 1 M Series, STI, FRS, Sonic RS. Is there anything on the list I need to stay way from due to xy or z?

DISCUSSION (91)

Brian Silvestro > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:28

I have a Fiesta ST, and I suggest one.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Brian Silvestro
06/04/2014 at 21:31

What brought you to the Fiesta over say the Focus? Everyone says the Fost is new powerful but feels to big where as the Fist is light and nimble. Agree?

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:31

You know, you can get an E60 M5 for that kind of money ;)

Pay no attention to me, I am a terrible influence and take pride in specifically being attracted to highly irresponsible vehicles.

So get one.

N51fanatic > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:32

2011 BMW 128i M-Sport w/ 6speed tranny. 230 hp, RWD, silky smooth inline 6. You can get one for 20k easy, prob a 2010 w under 40k miles. 25k for a 2011/2012 with ~30k miles.

N51fanatic > N51fanatic
06/04/2014 at 21:33

Kinja'd!!!

CRider > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:33

5.0 Mustang is the most fun out of that group.

Tom McParland > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:34

Also...MKVII GTI is coming out soon. It will be tough to find one under 25k but, the MKVI is quite nice as well. I would drive the two STs and see what you think. They are pretty damn good

Brian Silvestro > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:34

That. That exactly.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > N51fanatic
06/04/2014 at 21:34

How big are the 1 series in relation to the others? I like the idea of small and zippy. (Perk of having a work truck on the side)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:36

You can get a pretty nice used STI for that much. 2011, after the update, and still pushin 300hp

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > CRider
06/04/2014 at 21:37

funny thing about that is a buddy of mine (owns said shop) preached the greatness of the coyote and all sorts of stupid HP numbers with xyz mods. Ironically my mother bought an 06 v6 which I had to borrow for a week and honestly wasn't thrilled. But - v6 automatic, etc etc.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:39

FR-S!!!

N51fanatic > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:39

The 128i is essentially a modern day e36 M3. If you like the idea of an E36 M3 (size performance) than the 128 is a buy. I love mine.

Jayhawk Jake > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:40

If I was you I'd get a nice C5 Vette and an SUV for hauling stuff.

Otherwise I'd recommend fiesta st if you don't need space, focus st if you do, Mk7 GTi if you want something classy.

Or do what I did and get a Sonic RS, tune it, add an exhaust and blow peoples minds

Jayhawk Jake > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:40

Having driven both, yes. The fiesta is more tossable and feels faster.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:41

I say balls to the wall, and get a CPO 3 series or 1 series

Jayhawk Jake > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:41

It's smaller than a Mustang

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua
06/04/2014 at 21:42

23k from carmax. Yes, it's an auto but there are toyobarus out there looking for good owners

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

Jayhawk Jake > Tom McParland
06/04/2014 at 21:42

They are out. I was at the VW dealer a week ago and they had some. I'm going to go back eventually for a test drive

CRider > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:43

That old cast iron block Cologne v6 made 210 horsepower put through a 5 speed auto or manual. The early Coyote V8 made 412, and had a much better interior, transmission, suspension, everything was improved with the 5.0 engine. Did I mention it makes twice the horsepower of your moms old rental spec Mustang?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:45

PORSCHE 996!! THAT'S RIGHT! YOU CAN HAVE A 911 FOR UNDER $25k!! :D

RPM esq. > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:45

Forget 2010-plus and buy a super clean, low-mileage E46 M3. That's what I did with similar conditions. Haven't regretted it for a second.

N51fanatic > N51fanatic
06/04/2014 at 21:45

the problem is finding a 128i with m-sport and a 6 speed. They are unicorns, very rare. Most 128's were auto's :(. Even rare to just find a 128i with a regular sport package and a 6 speed.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:46

my age, the G8 is really appealing. Hey, it's s dad car.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/04/2014 at 21:46

ok Mike Brewer. Are we bringing Mr China along too?

dogisbadob > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:48

Welcome to oppo!

It's awesome that you have access to a shop with a lift!

The Focus ST is awesome, but why aren't the Miata and Abarth on your list? The answer is always Miata, and the Abarth sounds really really awesome. In fact, per today's AOTD, it's the best-sounding car that isn't the price of a house.

And of course, since the Sky turbo is on your list, then so should the Solstice :p

The 2010-11 Civic Si sedan is another good choice.

The Cruze and Sonic are both available in white with white wheels and a turbo (as is the Abarth).

Too bad you consider 2008 to be too old, because the Saturn Astra is an awesome car. It's probably the smallest car veer sold here that has a panoramic glass sunroof, and definitely the smallest 4-door with it!

The Scion IQ, and of course the FRS belong on your list, if you can do without a sunroof (if not, then the TC is an alternative)

How about an HHR SS? I believe they still made them in 2010. The Cobalt SS 4-door was 09-only, so it misses your target; all other years were coupe-only.

The Kia Rondo is an awesome minivan.

If you're in Canada, consider the Mercedes B-Class, Acura CSX Type-S, and the 2015 Nissan Micra.

I normally don't like transverse V6 and V8 engines, but the 2010-11 Impala SS is kind of cool because you could get that V8 and a front bench seat!

Of course, the cars on your list are good too.

DanZman > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:48

C5 Z06 is the only answer

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:49

My vote is for the Sky redline. I had a fiat spider(i4 102hp) and now have a Mustang convertible. Throwing the spider around the corners and driving it for was more satisfying than the mustang(v6 210hp).

I looked at miatas, Solstices and Sky's. They are all good cars. The solstice and sky turbo were great. If you could find a Solstice coupe that is a sweet car.

Go for the little roadster with a punch. Hell, you may be able to get into a cheap cobra knock off(terrible advice)

Or, throw a little more cash into it and get this. Once in a while they will go in the high 20s:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1912025765…

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > CRider
06/04/2014 at 21:49

I'm pretty sure that's why she ditched it. For as long as I can remember her 5'5" self was piloting an early 90s Suburban. But now she has a much more reasonable 2011 Grand Cherokee.

BlythBros. > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:52

I went Fiesta because I think it looks better too.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > dogisbadob
06/04/2014 at 21:54

I love the idea of the Abarth - tiny angry raspy rocket. At first the size seemed offputting until I actually compared one to a Fiesta ST. My only gripe with the Abarth is the front end looks. It seems too... Something. I can't put my finger on it but that can be changed. The Miata is definitely itely getting added to the list - shame on me for forgetting.

ptak appreciates old racecars > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:54

$3K: to buy FSO Polonez in good shape

$5K: to get it to the States

Priceless: Slavic hoonage

Sinanigans > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:56

I see this one of two ways: Subaru WRX or Subaru BRZ. Simply can't go wrong either way... And you can get them new!

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/04/2014 at 21:56

I clicked the link and hit buy! Why would you do that to me?! I already gave a scotch warning previously. *luckily I wasn't logged in and can't remember my password.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Sinanigans
06/04/2014 at 21:59

I'm adding the BRZ to the FRS. It'll come down to whether I want happy face or grumpy face. Though I believe there are suspension differences between the two but I highly doubt I'll ever head to any track days... Though with a trackable car that may change.

Druid0 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 21:59

Mazda 6!

Mustafaluigi > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:02

What I found on Autotrader

2010-2011 Jaguar XF

2011 Audi A6 3.0T

2011 BMW 135i

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2012 VW Golf R

2010-2011 Volvo S40 R

Sinanigans > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:03

Can't go wrong with either! They may not b be the fastest cars on the list but everyday driving becomes really fun with these cars :-) And do get the manual. You won't regret it

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Druid0
06/04/2014 at 22:05

Wasnt there a 1 or 2 year diesel version produced some time back? Also speaking of Mazda, adding the upcoming unannounced Mazdaspeed3 to the list. *I'm sorry I can't get over the current MS3's smile.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:08

password reset is pretty easy. I would post the link but that may make me an accessory.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:08

and what kind of Scotch?

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/04/2014 at 22:09

JW Black. It's the only kind I could see from where I'm seated and I can't complain when the bartender is pouring full glasses of it.

Vicente Esteve > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:10

I would suggest Ze Germans of Ze Fahrvergnügen!

Kinja'd!!!

Mk 7 GTI. Fantastic with 6 Speed, nad the DSG is pretty much the best Automatic this side of PDK.

Kinja'd!!!

Jetta GLI. The more serious choice, and a true alternative to the 3 big Germans. I think this is seriously underrated.

Kinja'd!!!

The Beetle Turbo. This is the craziest of the bunch. The most interesting, and in my book, the one that people attach the most to.

Kinja'd!!!

The most sensible. If space and utility, or just looking more grown up is what you want. Tada!

Kinja'd!!!

At last, the Sportwagen. The most Jalop as it can be had Brown, Manual, with a TDI badge on its beautifuly long hatchback.

All around your budget.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:15

i love me some JW Black. I haven't gotten into the single malts yet.

I was down in new Orleans and ordered one to celebrate. $11. I was a little peeved... Until she proceeded to pour a 12oz cup of it. (With some ice) that was the night for me.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:20

I don't get it..

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/04/2014 at 22:23

To enjoy the wonderful world of scotch you'll want a snifter glass (looks like a glass goblet) and some whiskey stones. The benefit of the stones is they cool down your drink without chilling it and without watering it down.

McCalan 12 year is my go to. Try it with 1 or 2 ice cubes. Then stones. Then neat (room temp no ice). That's my go to standard for other scorched. Compared to the MC, JW has a bite to it which like to cut with a little ice. MC is so damn smooth you can enjoy is neat and look dapper as fuck with your snifter, comfy robe and ascot. Do work.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/04/2014 at 22:25

wheeler dealer hosts. Fantastic show. Would definitely advise watching if you don't already.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:26

I LOVE WHEELER DEALERS!! :D

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/04/2014 at 22:31

Then you should have got my joke- I even read your post about the Porsche in Mike's accent!

Milky > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:31

And now for the unexpected

Kinja'd!!!

You won't be able to get a 35i but there are a few 09+ Z4s around for that price. This has to be the classiest way to spend 25k.

and …..

Kinja'd!!!

There are plenty of C6's out there. Might have to go a bit higher on miles, but its not like they aren't reliable.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:36

I received a set of whiskey stones for Christmas. Haven't had time to use it. McCalan has been suggested. It will be the next bottle I buy.

I usually drink scotch and bourbon neat. Well, when the bourbon isn't Jim Bram

bpands > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:39

A used 350/370Z coupe wouldn't be hard to find at a low mileage and $25K barrier

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/04/2014 at 22:39

a lot of people knock JB but personally, JB and fresca is a killer summer time drink.

I'm a fan of heading to the ABC and checking out all the odd, lesser named companies and picking a cheap bottle of this or that - usually for mixer. Two recommendations: senator's club whiskey (80 proof but wicked smooth) and bird dog blackberry whiskey - great with coke and getting the lady friends into trying whiskey.

cazzyodo > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:41

I have a focus st so ask whatever you want of me and I'll fill you in. I was a day away from buying a wrx but felt the st was better value overall...and less money. The mustang gta put a stupid smile on my face though. Could have gone in that direction but i was feelong hot hatch. Genesis coupe didnt do it for me. Overlooked the mini because i wanted MOAR POWERRR!

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > cazzyodo
06/04/2014 at 22:45

All things consider the ST siblings have the highest points with me right now. How is your Focus on power- is it sufficient (I know not stupid levels of the mustang) or do you ever find yourself hoping for more? That's my toss up between the Focus, fiesta and mustang. Mustang has the power, fiesta has the handling so I'm hoping the Focus is a happy median.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:48

didnt see either at my local place. Found Banker's Club Bourbon. Basically the same thing, right?

I'll check some that don't have an online shop to see what they have.

I like to mix JW red and orange soda. That mix can get pretty heavy. Fireball has been getting the ladies into whiskey in the mid Atlantic. Their marketing took them from unheardof to household name.

On a recent trip to Japan, I picked up a bottle of JW 1820. I am saving that for something special.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Milky
06/04/2014 at 22:50

That z4... Mah goodness. They're classy but where on the list do they fall similarly in the handling/power department. I believe I remember Top Gear pitting it against a 370z

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 22:52

Wasn't the first thing that came to mind for me..Also, while I do love the show, I never bothered to remember their names. They're remembered as the short bloke and the mechanic in my head :P

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/04/2014 at 22:53

Love me some Red and Orange. everyone says Wtf until you try it.

And wow, fireball... Hit the Va Beach area about 4 years ago with a vengeance and was the instigator of many bad decisions and amazing nights.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/04/2014 at 22:56

Hah awesome. The best is watching the older episodes and seeing how the mechanic's hair has uhmm.. evolved over the years.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 23:07

It's like watching May and Hammond over the years.

Their fashion senses are impeccable. :P

Milky > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 23:13

The 35i is similar to a 370z, the 30i only has 255hp though. But keep in mind you're trading some speed for a retractable hard-top and imo by far the best interior of any car posted here (tons of trim/color options out there too).

Kinja'd!!!

Quick review to give you some info.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 23:16

Sky Redline! Great little cars, attractive too.

Or if you can, find a Solstice Coupe!

If that doesn't work out, a G8 would be cool. Or a Camaro SS

Can you sense my GM bias yet?

The Real Dacia Sandero > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 23:27

Lotus Elise if you can find one. Reliable, and you can sell it for what you buy it for later on.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
06/04/2014 at 23:29

I've been looking for G8's. For a while I tried to convince myself I liked the way the GTO looks but I just can't. I test drove an automatic about a year ago and it was great but good lawd are they huge.

Axial > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/04/2014 at 23:29

C5?

Fuck no.

C4 ZR-1 all day every day at a $25,000 budget.

chuck07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 00:01

then it did it's job.

I drank some straight to try and clear out my nose when I had a cold. It either cleared me out or made me forget that I was sick

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > chuck07
06/05/2014 at 00:04

I've honestly done that a few times. Just don't forget and take Nyquil after as well. You'll wake up at 3am wide awake, wonder where all the drool came from then have a nightmare of a time getting back to sleep.

Echostar > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 02:17

It was the bigger seats for me that sold me on the Focus ST. The car is still perfectly nimble in my opinion, and it has more push exiting corners.

Echostar > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 02:18

I love my Focus ST, but a 2009 Cobalt SS Turbo maybe?

Burrito de EJ25 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 02:20

Get a WRX and drive through everything.

Forget those pavement princesses.

Garrett Davis > CRider
06/05/2014 at 04:11

You're forgetting that with the 5.0 came a new V6 as well, that makes almost the same power as the previous V8. This is not the shitty Cologne V6 anymore, after 2011 they make over 300HP and get over 30 mpg.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 04:15

Find a nice S2000 that is an AP2 (model refresh, 2004-2009). Stay away from the AP1s (2000,2003) because I love them. In comparison the AP2 is more refined anyways and still a hoot to drive with an 8k redline. An S2000 CR is likely out of your budget, but anything from 2006+ may tickle your fancy. Although, 2006+ has drive-by-wire, if that's not your thing. Requires premium fuel though. Don't love the soft top? You might find one with a hard-top on it for sale. Or if you don't, you can opt for purchasing a hard top after obtaining an S2000. You can choose from S2000 CR hardtop, Mugen replica (lots of S2000s with those around my place!), or Spoon hardtop, just to list a few of the common ones.

Garrett Davis > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 04:20

I'm a bit late to this party, but I feel I have plenty add to this convo from the insane amount of research I did in pursuit of my current vehicle, which is the Focus ST.

First, the research (Posted to the FP): http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/hot-hatches-a-…

And then what I ended up with review: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/nearly-two-wee…

I ended up with the Focus ST, and couldn't be happier. I needed the room that the Focus offered over the Fiesta, but also... dat torque... Seriously, the Fiesta is an extremely fun car to drive, but for short bursts of power (and intoxicating torque), the Focus wins outright in the segment. It has such usable torque that everything else just melts away. And it can actually carry adult passengers, my head doesn't touch the roof (6'4"), and my hand doesn't brush the person's leg next to me when I shift. I was too big for the Fiesta, otherwise I might have ended up in one of those instead.

Garrett Davis > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 04:29

If you're worried about the Focus ST not having enough power, then my advice would be to stay away from the Fiesta ST. In a straight line, the Focus kills most anything close to it, but when you really start flinging the car around corners is when the Fiesta's light weight comes into play. They both have fantastic cornering dynamics, but the Fiesta is where they got it right. The Focus by all accounts will be faster here, but the Fiesta feels more eager to get the job done.

So it all depends. For freeway on ramps and broad swooping turns, the Focus ST is the king. But for tight switchbacks and little spurts of power, the Fiesta ST is a little beast.

Focus = Faster overall no matter what you put it through, tons of torque.

Fiesta = More fun to toss into corners, and an absolute joy to wring out without calling too much attention to yourself.

Garrett Davis > Echostar
06/05/2014 at 04:33

The Cobalts are beastly in a straight line, but I'm pretty sure even the Fiesta ST will have it in the corners. The Cobalt just felt too numb and like it's power was straining the capabilities of the chassis. The ST twins, Cooper S, and GTI on the other hand were confidence inspiring, not the other way around.

William Byrd > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 07:55

I had a similar situation recently, got the FoST.

Working on an E46 vs. FoST comparison video, need to film a couple more scenes and then edit. Lots of good options on the list so far though.

Rock Bottom > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 08:45

Stay calm when I say this: C5 or C6 Corvette. There are tons of nice ones for way less than $25k.

I recently retired my bought-it-new 2008 Civic Si sedan for the nicest C5 I could find and can't believe I didn't do this sooner. Insurance is cheaper (no joke), it gets the exact same real-world fuel economy (about 25 mixed), and upgrades are cheap and plentiful. It's like a Mustang with WAY cheaper insurance and better real-world fuel economy.

Also, think about the lives that fun used cars live before you buy them. Many fun cars are owned by hooligans that did everything in their power to ensue the car is a basket case by 100,000 miles. Corvettes are bought by bald old fat divorced guys that only wedge themselves into them once a month to go buy a new Tommy Bahama shirt and pick up their Red Hot Chili Peppers tickets. Chances are, a used Corvette never saw the rain, never did a burn-out, and never hit the rev limiter... before you got to it!

cazzyodo > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 08:51

The Focus is definitely a happy middle-ground to be sure. The Fiesta wasn't out when I was looking last year but it wouldn't have been an option for me anyways because the Focus is just barely large enough for me (height consideration). It's the first car I've bought (leased a Fusion before and drove the family's F-150 and Saab 9-3 before that) so I can't compare power to much. The F-150 was a '99 with the Triton V8 so that was the most powerful vehicle I've driven and the two can't really be compared. The Focus is so smooth in its acceleration that you are pretty much unaware of your speed, to be honest. It definitely responds well when the turbo kicks in around 2500 RPM, it's noticeably quicker at that point and beyond. I find it to be great at what it does and perfect for me because most of my commute is local where I can't open it up just because...so I cherish the highway onramps.

My test drive with one was only the third time I ever drove a manual transmission vehicle of any sort but I was hitting 75mph just to see what it was like haha. Salesman wasn't thrilled but he let it slide cuz I don't think he was moving many ST's. (they didn't play ball though so I went elsewhere)

Good luck in your decision making. Like I said, ask me anything and I'll do what I can to respond.

macanamera > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 09:47

BRZ/FRS

Coty > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 09:49

Buy anything aircooled VW and put a 2010+ Subaru engine in it. Close enough.

Sam C > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 11:52

Z4 M Coupe. Hands down will be the most fun and get the most attention out of everything mentioned. You can get one with around 60k miles for your budget.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/05/2014 at 11:55

This is also an excellent answer

HiredDriver > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 13:51

Why isn't an E46 M3 on your list?

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > HiredDriver
06/05/2014 at 14:09

assumed they'd be over cost or too expensive to maintain. But now that the C5, z4m have been added we'll throw the m3 up there too

HiredDriver > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
06/05/2014 at 14:43

Having owned just about everything on your list, I'd opt for the E46 M3.

Echostar > Garrett Davis
06/05/2014 at 16:08

True, but I think the Cobalt beat the ST Twins lap-times at VIR. I'd agree though that you probably feel like you're dancing with the devil when you're pushing the delta platform that hard.

From Autoblog:

The list of cars slower than the Cobalt SS around VIR tells the whole story:

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO MR

Lexus IS-F

Audi S5

Honda S2000 CR

Dodge Challenger SRT-8

Lotus Elise SC

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Volkswagen R32

Honda Civic Mugen Si