I want a car around 20K or less so what should I get: The Beginninging, Episode Two: The FWD Fights Back

"boredalways" (boredalway666) 02/01/2016 at 14:55 • Filed to: FWD Revenge

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Oh look, a Morgan Plus 4:

Previously on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

…and now, part deux

As a late addition to my previous post, I realized that I had omitted a fan fav: the 2013 – present Mazda 6. Both the 6 speed MT/AT can be had for less than $20K. And the media (Jalopnik, et al) and Oppos agree they likey (…I think – too lazy to check). So the past few weeks, I’ve taken the time to look into other vehicles that could be of interest to me, FWD or not. The following is presented in no particular order of preference:

1) 2014 – 2015? Mazda 6 (6sp MT/AT): Zoom, zoom, zoom, FWD only but handles well.

2) 2013 – 2015 Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ (6sp AT): I can’t help it but I really dig the look of the Fusion – must be the faux Aston grill. Lincoln gives you wings on the grill and more luxurious features. Both have option for 2.0L Ecoboost and AWD. I’ve driven the previous gen as a rental and enjoyed it.

3) 2012-2015 Kia Optima/Hybrid & Hyundai Sonata/Hybrid (6sp AT): The only hybrid that I know of in this price range that offer a NORMAL AT. I dig the looks of the Kia more than its sister. Some reports of poor wear and tear on the seats and dash.

4) 2012-2014 Hyundai Azera (6sp AT): I don’t know why but I love the look of this full-size car, even moreso than the Toyota Avalon. Also, I’m not old enough to be driving an Avalon.

5) 2012-2014 Buick Verano (6sp AT – I think a manual is offered but where are you going to find one?): The car that won 3 WTCC Manufacturer’s Champion in a row (and 4 drivers drove it to championships in a row) as the Chevy Cruze, just with China’s favorite badge on it. Plus, it can be had with GM’s 2.0T. Let’s just hope there is more padding on the door rests and less hard plastics all around.

6) 2011-2014 Buick Regal (6sp MT/AT): See Verano, just without the racing heritage. And bigger. Also, AWD is an option.

7) 2013-2015 Mazda 3 (6sp MT/AT): The ¾ scale Mazda 6. But you can get a hatchback version

8) 2009-2013 Mazdaspeed 3 (6sp MT ): Yay, turbo! Yay, speed! Yay, hatchback! Booo, torque steer. Would a WRX be more civilized?

9) 2009-2013 Subaru Impreza WRX (5sp MT): Sedan or Hatchback (hatchback preferred). I wonder what’s harder: finding one with no accidents, or never modified?

10) 2010-2014 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost (6sp AT): The better looking Taurus SHO. Also, what’s the likelihood that previous owners ever exploited its power?

11) 2010-2016 Ford Focus/Focus ST (5 or 6sp MT or 6sp DCT): Hatchbacks preferred. To my surprise, the ST can be had. To a bigger surprise, a 2016 can be had for under $20K. I do wonder if Ford finally reprogrammed their DCT….

12) 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0T (6sp MT/AT): The 3 series “killer” is available for ~ $20K or less. Plus, it’s RWD. Plus, AWD only has a 1 MPG penalty. Avoid the 2.5L Ecotec at all cost!

Now for some wild cards:

WC#1) 2011-2014 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger or Challenger (5 or 8sp AT): Time to play “Keep It 100”: As a POC, should I be concerned that the cops may pay more “attention” to me if I’m driving one of these? YES (…unfortunately)!!!!

WC#2) 2008-2013 Audi A5 Quattro (6sp MT/AT or 8sp AT): ’08-’10 gets you a 3.2 VR6, while ’11-’13 roll with the 2.0T. Still German. Still expensive service.

WC#3) 2008-2010 Audi S5 (6sp MT/AT): NA V8 POWAH! Also, I HAVE LOST MY DAMN MIND FOR EVEN THINKING ABOUT THIS DAMN CAR!!! Plus, almost all of them have over 100K miles.

The quest continues....

An Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione for your time:

…More to come

P.S.: How much do I hate my car (MB C240): the next time I wash my current car will be the 4 th time since I’ve owned it. I hate it.

64Mali > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 15:12

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11) 2010-2016 Ford Focus/Focus ST (5 or 6sp MT or 6sp DCT): Hatchbacks preferred. To my surprise, the ST can be had. To a bigger surprise, a 2016 can be had for under $20K. I do wonder if Ford finally reprogrammed their DCT…. <<<

It still kind of sucks. But you get used to it. I have it in a Fiesta. Personally I would get a Fiesta ST over a focus ST. The Fiesta is nible AF and wicked fun to rally down dirt roads, and this is the 1.6 Automatic Daily Driver version.

Montalvo > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 15:44

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What about the Toybaru twins? Scion GT-86s are going for pretty cheap now. The only reason not to get one of those compared to most of your list is if you need 4 doors. 6 MT, swap the tires for something with grip and you have a pretty nice package with a very sustainable aftermarket to turn to.

JR1 > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 16:22

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My vote goes for the Cadillac or Lincoln MKZ

ALe > JR1 02/01/2016 at 16:26

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Junk and junk

ALe > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 16:28

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In 2014 I traded in my BMW Z3 for a 3.6L Dodge Charger. 30ish mpg on the highway,very comfortable, 300 HP feels quick. Haven’t looked back.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Montalvo 02/01/2016 at 17:00

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I second this.

What is the reason that you need 4 doors? Just curious if I can come up with a counterpoint to justify why you don’t and should buy an FR-S. They’re incredible fun. ;)

boredalways > Montalvo 02/01/2016 at 19:00

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I don’t need 4 doors but would rather have more than 2.

boredalways > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 02/01/2016 at 19:02

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I’m 6'2" and in my early 40's. If I must, I prefer the BRZ over the FR-S.

boredalways > 64Mali 02/01/2016 at 19:04

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I like the Fiesta, but I’m concerned about shoulder room. My shoulder is already against the B pillar in my C240.

boredalways > ALe 02/01/2016 at 19:05

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boredalways > JR1 02/01/2016 at 19:15

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they are very tempting, although I guess I would be concerned about the pushbutton transmission on the MKZ — the Park button is just below the Start/Stop button.

boredalways > ALe 02/01/2016 at 19:18

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did you get the 8.4" Uconnect screen on yours? without it, the center stack on modern FCA cars look kinda weird.

JR1 > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 20:10

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That could be a tad annoying.

boxrocket > boredalways 02/01/2016 at 20:20

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I like the Mazdas and Ford/Lincolns most on your list,

The Buicks are unreasonably cramped, and interior quality and layout are also less than ideal; the verano is a tarred-up Chevy Crude.

Don't consider the Audis or Chrysler/Dodge without Doug DeMuro-approved warranties like MaxCare from CarMax.

boredalways > boxrocket 02/01/2016 at 20:35

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CarMax really should pay DeMuro to promote their warranties

Dru > boredalways 02/02/2016 at 16:19

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Hyundai Veloster Turbo...3 doors FTW

boredalways > Dru 02/02/2016 at 16:45

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Ah ha ha, well played. A coworker has a Veloster but I don’t think it’s a turbo. When I get a chance I’ll see if he’ll let me check it out [w/ Dr. Steve Brule]