Looking for a new ride, School me something sporty and fun to drive

Roundboy

Roundboy

THE ROUNDFATHER
I've got somebody coming to buy my muscle car and for now I think I'm over them....they are fun and all but waiting for it to warm up and all the working on them is fun but it's time for a sporty new commuter but fun car.

I was looking at Lexus, Toyota, Honda, the Ford Focus RS looks neat and sporty. I don't know a lot about the Audis and Mercedes etc. BMWs look cool but seem expensive to maintain.

What are some good suggestions? Budget under $20K I want low maintenance, good gas mileage don't care about RWD, FWD but AWD sounds great....and 4 doors, has to be able to fit the family in case we all want to jump in.

School me on some cool cars that aren't going to need a ton of expensive upkeep and $500 oil changes etc.

annnnnd GO!
 
FXCLM5

FXCLM5

bombaclaud
i get a 707hp demon charger

but now they are like 800hp+ chargers i think

i just want a 707 cuz my area code is 707

they go fast in a straight line.... and thats it ....
 
kingmoochr

kingmoochr

WHARRGARBL
Lexus ISF fits all those except the fuel economy. And the price, unless you're willing to go early release (2008) high mileage or salvage. They start a little over 20 and still book close to 40 for a low mile last year (2014). 400hp v8 + 8spd auto means they punch way above their class as far as performance. The earlier ones need some modification, but at this point that's usually been done by a prior owner. Other option may be a Golf R, I also considered that in my search but the reliability will be nowhere near the Lexus/Toyota long term. The ISF was the only thing I found that I expect no problems beyond the warranty coverage. You can ignore Europe for your price level + reliability. It just won't be there long term, and they've gotten further and further away from the driver experience, save for one. I'd actually say do a lot of research on E39 M5's. They're more reliable than the newer ones, and can be had for your price, but their age will mean you will have to spend on some routine maintenance and worn parts.

If you want to be different, and have a fun 4D commuter, look into 2011+ Chevrolet Caprices. Yes, Caprice. Only sold to LE in America, wore the Holden badge in Australia. LS2-gen w/ 6sp auto. It's a larger more utilitarian, and way more affordable Chevrolet SS, or a better looking G8 GT. Accepts SS and Camaro parts as well if you want to make it work better.
 
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kingmoochr

kingmoochr

WHARRGARBL
Blankpage said:
I was parked next Focus RS couple of days ago. Looked cool.
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I drove one during my search w/ similar criteria (higher price for me). On paper they're great, definitely the least refined of their class. I personally find them horribly uncomfortable and typical American cheap level interior. The ST would probably be the one that fit this price, but you lose AWD.
 
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TheRobSJ

TheRobSJ

Großer Mechaniker
For that budget, you could do a 3-4 year old Honda Civic Si sedan. And that would be just fine. Reliable, fun to drive, cheap to maintain, decent gas mileage. Checks a lot of boxes there.
 
wannabe

wannabe

"Insignificant Other"
When I was looking for a fun weekend car, I seriously looked into a used BMW. And, all the ones I test drove were really fun to drive. But, the more I researched the more I got scared. The same phrase kept popping up on the internet: "There is nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."
 
D

davidji

bike curious
If you want a practical, fun car with AWD, why not look at Subarus?

STI, Legacy GT, Forester XT, whatever fun & sporty vs practical tradeoff you're looking for in your budget.
 
littlebeast

littlebeast

get it while it's easy
if i were you, i’d look seriously at an audi A6. for a sedan, they are fun as hell to drive. maintenance isn’t inexpensive, but those engines are pretty much bullet-proof, so long haul - it’s likely a net gain. their AWD is awesome, and if you’re looking for a sedan that the whole family will be comfortable in, audi provides (what i consider) the best passenger space and comfort. recommend you at least go find and drive one.
 
bikewanker

bikewanker

Well-known member
There is such a thing as a Fusion Sport. The last few years were the “sportiest and as a non car guy makes me smile. Kia Stingers are probably too new be in your price range. Not many used of those because of the propensity for Euro’s in the Bay Area.
 
kingmoochr

kingmoochr

WHARRGARBL
bikewanker said:
There is such a thing as a Fusion Sport. The last few years were the “sportiest and as a non car guy makes me smile. Kia Stingers are probably too new be in your price range. Not many used of those because of the propensity for Euro’s in the Bay Area.
Click to expand...

I leased a 16 fusion hybrid, not a bad car, but even the sport will get its doors blown off by any actual "fun" car. It's mostly looks and "horsepower" boost to make people forced to buy one due to other circumstances feel better.
 
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