Best car under $25,000?

[Turbo311]

I've basically tried to consider the best performance under $25k. Car and Driver did a good article, but those can't be all!

So far the RSX Type-S is winning for me... It looks good, drives well, reliable, well equipped, etc

I drove the new Si and I do think it drives and sounds better than the RSX, has a better stereo, better seats, etc, but the RSX certianly looks better at least. But good luck getting your hands on an Si any time soon for a reasonable price. I mean its cool as hell, but it's still a Civic and not worth over MSRP.

The SRT-4...Car and driver puts is well "big nasty power". It's certainly the most aggressive turbo four out there, and its suspension and brakes aren't too shabby either, great track car, but I need something more refined for every day. Something with ALL windows powered and CRUISE CONTROL!

The WRX, eh, I think I'm over it. Maybe I'll go drive one again to be sure.

The Cobalt SS/Ion Redline just plain suck.

Jetta GLI... I don't know if I can live with that car bone stock. I don't even know if I like it yet in any form. And I know if I get it I'll see a GTI a few months later and be all "not fair!"

What am I forgetting? There has to be something... And I mean what's right here right now bc I have to get something now before I leave for school. Otherwise, of course I'd say GTI, but thats months away and will probably be as hard to get as the Si.

Modified by Turbo311 at 11:45 PM 12-25-2005

[VarianceVQ]

Dodge Charger?

It has the most power out of anything you've mentioned so far, RWD, and even the base SE is nicely equipped. If you stretch your budget a little more you could spring for an SXT.

Charger SE
MSRP** starting at $22,995

3.5-liter high-output V6 engine
250 horsepower, 250 lb-ft of torque
Five-speed AutoStick® transmission
Power windows, locks, and mirrors
4-wheel Antilock disc brakes with All-Speed Traction Control

Charger SXT
MSRP** starting at $25,995

3.5-liter high-output V6 engine
250 horsepower, 250 lb-ft of torque
Five-speed AutoStick® transmission
17-inch machined aluminum wheels
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

http://www.dodge.com/charger/home_static.html

[memberkgb]

1 3 5
2 4 6 R

its missing one of those

[Flyboy26]

If you go American, you will get better performance for less money with the new Mustang, over the cars you listed.

Have you considered a Mini Cooper? While not quite the hp of the RSX, the handling capablilty is light years ahead of it, and the extra money you save over the Acura could be used for the "S Works" package which bumps the hp to 210.

[Turbo311]

save money with a Mini? no offense, but are you crazy? those things are soo overpriced! yeah technically the S type starts at $23k, but theres no such thing as a base model, they're all loaded. Back east they may be easier to get, but supply still hasn't met demand out here. There is one dealer, never any S type in the showroom unless it's used, big waiting list. Don't get me wrong, it's a great car, yes the handling is sick, and its pretty quick, but the reasons stated before null those points.

I have yet to find a base model Mustang GT, they're all $27k+ around here. I don't really like it anyway.

I just remembered the Miata. The new one is awesome, and in that range, but I just worry about space.

[rockhog]

my local dealers have Si's arriving in early febuary at msrp, no accessories,
if you want navigation (like i do), wait an extra month for march

[Old school]

Mustang GT.

Look around for lease returns (right after the big Katrina gas scare I recall seing a bunch of these on used lots)

I test-drove one and I'd take it hands-down over any of the vehicles you listed. Make sure you get the interior upgrade, though. Stock interior is nasty, the upgrade is a zillion times better.

So tasty in Sonic Blue.

[manmanSS]

miata....he..he... lol

[IvanGDR]

A fully loaded

[Saintor]

Quote, originally posted by Old school »

Mustang GT. Look around for lease returns (right after the big Katrina gas scare I recall seing a bunch of these on used lots) I test-drove one and I'd take it hands-down over any of the vehicles you listed. Make sure you get the interior upgrade, though. Stock interior is nasty, the upgrade is a zillion times better. So tasty in Sonic Blue.

My vote go for that thing.

Did you ever hear the SOUND of it? Enough to pee in your pants. Too bas no sunroof is offered.

[IgoByte]

VW GLI + chip
Acura RSX Type S
Honda Civic Si
Ford Mustang

[TabulaVicious]

Legacy GT.

[5th Gear]

Quote, originally posted by Turbo311 »

save money with a Mini? no offense, but are you crazy? those things are soo overpriced! yeah technically the S type starts at $23k, but theres no such thing as a base model, they're all loaded. Back east they may be easier to get, but supply still hasn't met demand out here. There is one dealer, never any S type in the showroom unless it's used, big waiting list. Don't get me wrong, it's a great car, yes the handling is sick, and its pretty quick, but the reasons stated before null those points. .

I disagree, you can get your MINI practically anyway you want it (and the S doesn't start at 23k BTW) you just have to order it. That is what I will be doing, and I am looking forward to getting a car just the way that I want.

[amdmaxx]

Legacy GT

[tornado jti]

used r32 owns all of these cars!

[Flyboy26]

Quote, originally posted by Turbo311 »

save money with a Mini? no offense, but are you crazy? those things are soo overpriced! yeah technically the S type starts at $23k, but theres no such thing as a base model, they're all loaded. Back east they may be easier to get, but supply still hasn't met demand out here. There is one dealer, never any S type in the showroom unless it's used, big waiting list. Don't get me wrong, it's a great car, yes the handling is sick, and its pretty quick, but the reasons stated before null those points. I have yet to find a base model Mustang GT, they're all $27k+ around here. I don't really like it anyway. I just remembered the Miata. The new one is awesome, and in that range, but I just worry about space.

I was just trying to be civil and give you a suggestion, why slam me into the ground? A simple, ''no thanks'' would've been sufficient.

[Luchak]

S2000
STi
EVO

used of course, but it'll come with warranty

[camarolover]

legacy GT is really nice, the turbo on that thing means there's torque everywhere.... plus it's got the subie aftermarket (as it's the STi motor with a smaller snail on it) but a GT limited (sunroof and leather plus prolly more) pushes closer to 30K ( I think msrp is 28.5K)

it is bigger than the WRX/type-S/Civic Si and is still a legacy so it's not an audi in terms of luxury....

over all, I really liked that legacy GT, if you can deal with the non-luxury and being a bigger car (ie designed for ppl with families and stuff) then go for it.

[inneedofafastcar]

Mustang GT. I got to drive a GT convert in some twisties. The tranny is quite smooth and the sound of that thing is awsome

[theskippur]

I also vote for the Mustang GT.

[Turbo311]

Quote, originally posted by Flyboy26 »

I was just trying to be civil and give you a suggestion, why slam me into the ground? A simple, ''no thanks'' would've been sufficient.

sorry, my bad dude. people do that to me all the time here, I understand, that was inconsiderate.

I've driven a Mustang GT for all of 2 minutes, it's fast and loud for sure. Didn't like the tall clutch. The one I drove was $28k. I do definitely need the premium interior. I had a V6 as a rental and the base interior is nasty. I just see myself as soo anti-American automotive that a big, heavy, fuel-inefficient, retro muscle car just isn't my style.


Modified by Turbo311 at 7:28 PM 12-26-2005

[BltByKrmn]

Quote, originally posted by Turbo311 »

The Cobalt SS/Ion Redline just plain suck.

I've got $20 that says you've never even driven the car.

[intonation]

Quote, originally posted by BltByKrmn »

I've got $20 that says you've never even driven the car.

Had a Cobalt for a rental and it most definitely sucked. No steering feel (and this is coming from an Audi driver, so you know it must be bad ), and nothing for brakes. The A4 never felt so good as when I bailed it out of airport parking after that trip.

[volklover]

Quote, originally posted by Turbo311 »

save money with a Mini? no offense, but are you crazy? those things are soo overpriced! yeah technically the S type starts at $23k, but theres no such thing as a base model, they're all loaded. Back east they may be easier to get, but supply still hasn't met demand out here. There is one dealer, never any S type in the showroom unless it's used, big waiting list. Don't get me wrong, it's a great car, yes the handling is sick, and its pretty quick, but the reasons stated before null those points.

Visited my wife in VA(Norfolk/Va Beach) and the dealer had a load of them 05's at 23,300 for the Mini Cooper S with leather in a number of different colors!

[keyholder]

Quote, originally posted by tornado jti »

used r32 owns all of these cars!

X2!!!

[DKGRNVR6]

I haven't yet seen a used r32 for less then 28 at a dealership

[Rad Red Brick]

Quote, originally posted by DKGRNVR6 »

I haven't yet seen a used r32 for less then 28 at a dealership

Then don't look at a dealership. I sold mine for less than that.

[johnnyR32]

ill sell u mine for less than that

[juice]

Re-visit the WRX, the EJ257 engine has much less lag then the EJ20. It also have AVCS valve control, so it makes more torque sooner.

Base Legacy GT can be had for $23k and is a well balanced car for the price. Plus it comes as a wagon.

[DubStyleVr6]

95-99' E36 M3//

[JimmyGolf]

Solstice

[Veakswagon]

MINI, MINI, MINI

great resale too (I just sold mine)

[geremy]

I vote civic Si. However I'm really curious to see other folks input, because I'm going to buy another relatively inexpensive car soon.

[914 VR6]

What don't you like about the GLI? The looks?

[Turbo311]

Quote, originally posted by BltByKrmn »

I've got $20 that says you've never even driven the car.

I'll take that bet. I've driven the Cobalt SS Supercharged and hated it.

I'll take a used R32 if you're willing to sell under $25k. Other than that I revisited the WRX, a wagon in blue and liked it a lot, but it's the most expensive of what I've looked at so far. Then I drove a GLI and loved it more. Between the familiar VW feel, amazing motor, zippy attitude, and features like Sirius and xenons I fell in love. Also, the dealer is willing to sell at invoice. I just need to sell my car in the next 5 days or so....