Need ideas for sports car under $25K

Bizall · 10-11-2008, 06:30 PM

Criteria is the following...warranty, good gas mileage in city(>20mpg), can be new or used, good in the snow. I was thinking of a 2006 up Volkswagen GTI. Let me know. Thanks in advance.

ben14142001 · 10-11-2008, 07:28 PM

GTI is a good bet. WRX's are in that range, but not very good mpg (not sure what it is). Cooper S would be fun as well.

-Ben

BForbes · 10-11-2008, 07:44 PM

I would go for the Cooper S. Its a real hoot!!

jtsherri · 10-11-2008, 10:13 PM

+1 on the Cooper S.

I've done the VW thing in the past and it's a fun community, but the cars are "meh" at best. Another hot hatch worth considering that is quite quick is the MazdaSpeed3.

The WRX was mentioned above, but Ben is right - the gas mileage is far from impressive. For $23k-$25k you can get a used '06 STi w/<25k miles - they're very impressive and fun cars. I had an '04 making VERY nice power that took everything I could throw at it and then some.

otoz · 10-11-2008, 10:32 PM

Don't laugh too hard here, but cobalt SS? I haven't had a chance to test drive one, and i'm not a huge fan of chevy, but i've read a couple reviews recently about how fast they are. Also, these its more of a "sporty coupe" than a sports car. Reliability could be an issue, but hey, it has a warrenty right? new for $25k just fits under your price critera. Could be trouble in deep snow though because it's fwd. I'd suggest the miata, but it's a definite no go in the snow, more of a summer car.

cyberbro · 10-11-2008, 10:39 PM

Mini Cooper.

ptack · 10-12-2008, 08:27 AM

If you want new with a warrantee, you should be able to get the best deal on the Chevy. Biggest bang for the buck by far. On the other hand you have to hope GM doesn't go bankrupt.
If you're looking for used cars - well sit tight for another month or so and your options will probably double or triple. Who knows what kind of great deals you might find - just be sure you're prepared to carefully research each one to make sure you're not buying someone's beater, even if it looks great.

adrean8j · 10-12-2008, 09:32 AM

I would say Chevy Cobalt SS (based upon its rave reviews) or a Mazdaspeed 3. Sports car you say....used RX-8...(the others arent sportscars)

jeremyc74 · 10-12-2008, 10:06 AM

Cobalt SS is the best performer in the class without a doubt. It trounces everything else on a track, but it's not the best looking or most refined.

The GTI is going to be the most refined of the bunch, but it's also pretty far off when it comes to performance. I had a horrible experience with a GTI (Mk4 VR6) and I have a hard time recommending one, but the interior is damn good in the newer ones.

ARES45 · 10-12-2008, 10:15 AM

If you want good mileage as well, I would recomend the mini/mini cooper s. It is a blast to drive.

InsaneSkippy · 10-12-2008, 11:30 AM

+1 for the new Cobalt SS.

BimmerKid87 · 10-12-2008, 11:58 AM

blah...while im a big fan of GM, the Cobalt is far from one of their best. My buddy had one, and while it's pretty quick, it felt crazy cheap.

The Cooper S or GTI are way better imo.

Bizall · 10-12-2008, 12:30 PM

I'm not a big fan of the mini-cooper, no offense to anyone. I figure the Cobalt SS is obivously better performance wise, while the GTI is probably the leader in most of the other catagories. I think going from a 135i to GTI would be easier than 135i to Cobalt. I love the fact they are both turbocharged as well...I might have to go and look/test drive both. I have ready MANY great reviews though about the Mark V GTI. Most about the Cobalt say yes, it's quick, but that's about it.

Darth One · 10-12-2008, 02:24 PM

THIS ARTICLE might be of interest to you.

kinda blows your warranty and gas mileage criteria out of the water, but it was really cool for me to see what kind of car you can get for $25k in the used car market now

Heinzftw · 10-12-2008, 04:10 PM

You can get a 2009 Wrx that has 265hp and tears shit up. It has a base msrp of 26k, just use the robert payne method and your good to go!

Bizall · 10-12-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth One

THIS ARTICLE might be of interest to you.

kinda blows your warranty and gas mileage criteria out of the water, but it was really cool for me to see what kind of car you can get for $25k in the used car market now

Very interesting, but yeah...warranty would be non-existent...factory warranty anyway. I think I just need to check the GTI and Cobalt out. I've heard really good things about the GTI's DSG tranny as well.

adrean8j · 10-12-2008, 05:03 PM

^^^I would be very interested in your thoughts once you do your test-drives and such. When I get back from the desert I will be in the market for something similar for my DD.

BForbes · 10-12-2008, 09:26 PM

UPDATE:I say go for the 2009 Subaru WRX. Good lord, Subie knocked the performance out of the park.

$26,000
0-60mph 4.8seconds
1/4 mi- 13.5 seconds
AWD
18/25 mpg

My135 · 10-13-2008, 12:38 PM

Mazda Speed 3.

soupy · 10-13-2008, 01:47 PM

Base model Camaro's pricing has been announced at $23k for 300hp, might not break 20mpg city but it'll be close.

Personally I'd pick up a used Lotus Elise...but not sure how much warranty would be left on those. Maybe a 06-07 s2000?

Best bang for the buck new imo is definitely a Cobalt SS or Mazdaspeed3. You can probably pick up a leftover 08 on the lot for pretty cheap and get the full warranty out of it.

randomquickness · 10-13-2008, 02:51 PM

for snow stick with a subie or quattro audi. JM.02

modbargains · 10-13-2008, 03:08 PM

Seems that some of the replies, they are reading the part where is needs to be used in SNOW also.

I'd love an Elise with a plow in the front. In all seriousness, I'd just stick with an Impreza, WRX or not, STi is not needed.

10-11-2008, 06:30 PM	#1
Bizall Captain 123 Rep 905 Posts Drives: 2019 Honda Accord Touring 2.0 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	Need ideas for sports car under $25K Criteria is the following...warranty, good gas mileage in city(>20mpg), can be new or used, good in the snow. I was thinking of a 2006 up Volkswagen GTI. Let me know. Thanks in advance.
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10-11-2008, 07:28 PM	#2
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	GTI is a good bet. WRX's are in that range, but not very good mpg (not sure what it is). Cooper S would be fun as well. -Ben
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10-11-2008, 07:44 PM	#3
BForbes Moderator 559 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	I would go for the Cooper S. Its a real hoot!! __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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10-11-2008, 10:13 PM	#4
jtsherri Major 144 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Metro Detroit, MI iTrader: (14) Garage List 2008 135i [10.00]	+1 on the Cooper S. I've done the VW thing in the past and it's a fun community, but the cars are "meh" at best. Another hot hatch worth considering that is quite quick is the MazdaSpeed3. The WRX was mentioned above, but Ben is right - the gas mileage is far from impressive. For $23k-$25k you can get a used '06 STi w/<25k miles - they're very impressive and fun cars. I had an '04 making VERY nice power that took everything I could throw at it and then some. __________________ -Jason My review(s): cp-e™ Cat Back Exhaust, cp-e™ SS 3" Downpipes, TPLSM3 Custom Fiberglass Subwoofer Enclosure, P3 BMW 135 Vent Integrated Digital Interface
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10-11-2008, 10:32 PM	#5
otoz Waiting to order... 1 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Don't laugh too hard here, but cobalt SS? I haven't had a chance to test drive one, and i'm not a huge fan of chevy, but i've read a couple reviews recently about how fast they are. Also, these its more of a "sporty coupe" than a sports car. Reliability could be an issue, but hey, it has a warrenty right? new for $25k just fits under your price critera. Could be trouble in deep snow though because it's fwd. I'd suggest the miata, but it's a definite no go in the snow, more of a summer car.
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10-11-2008, 10:39 PM	#6
cyberbro Enlisted Member 4 Rep 33 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Mini Cooper.
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10-12-2008, 08:27 AM	#7
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	If you want new with a warrantee, you should be able to get the best deal on the Chevy. Biggest bang for the buck by far. On the other hand you have to hope GM doesn't go bankrupt. If you're looking for used cars - well sit tight for another month or so and your options will probably double or triple. Who knows what kind of great deals you might find - just be sure you're prepared to carefully research each one to make sure you're not buying someone's beater, even if it looks great. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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10-12-2008, 10:06 AM	#9
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	Cobalt SS is the best performer in the class without a doubt. It trounces everything else on a track, but it's not the best looking or most refined. The GTI is going to be the most refined of the bunch, but it's also pretty far off when it comes to performance. I had a horrible experience with a GTI (Mk4 VR6) and I have a hard time recommending one, but the interior is damn good in the newer ones.
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10-12-2008, 10:15 AM	#10
ARES45 Major 34 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	If you want good mileage as well, I would recomend the mini/mini cooper s. It is a blast to drive. __________________ "Don't run, you'll only die tired" ~ Gunship Pilot
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10-12-2008, 11:30 AM	#11
InsaneSkippy Lieutenant Colonel 79 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	+1 for the new Cobalt SS. __________________
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10-12-2008, 11:58 AM	#12
BimmerKid87 Private First Class 6 Rep 199 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	blah...while im a big fan of GM, the Cobalt is far from one of their best. My buddy had one, and while it's pretty quick, it felt crazy cheap. The Cooper S or GTI are way better imo. __________________ Kyle Black/Black '09 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport 6MT
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10-12-2008, 12:30 PM	#13
Bizall Captain 123 Rep 905 Posts Drives: 2019 Honda Accord Touring 2.0 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	I'm not a big fan of the mini-cooper, no offense to anyone. I figure the Cobalt SS is obivously better performance wise, while the GTI is probably the leader in most of the other catagories. I think going from a 135i to GTI would be easier than 135i to Cobalt. I love the fact they are both turbocharged as well...I might have to go and look/test drive both. I have ready MANY great reviews though about the Mark V GTI. Most about the Cobalt say yes, it's quick, but that's about it.
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10-12-2008, 02:24 PM	#14
Darth One drunk poster 6614 Rep 3,649 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	THIS ARTICLE might be of interest to you. kinda blows your warranty and gas mileage criteria out of the water, but it was really cool for me to see what kind of car you can get for $25k in the used car market now
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10-12-2008, 09:26 PM	#18
BForbes Moderator 559 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	UPDATE:I say go for the 2009 Subaru WRX. Good lord, Subie knocked the performance out of the park. $26,000 0-60mph 4.8seconds 1/4 mi- 13.5 seconds AWD 18/25 mpg __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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10-13-2008, 12:38 PM	#19
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Mazda Speed 3. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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10-13-2008, 01:47 PM	#20
soupy First Lieutenant 15 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 09 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NoVa iTrader: (1)	Base model Camaro's pricing has been announced at $23k for 300hp, might not break 20mpg city but it'll be close. Personally I'd pick up a used Lotus Elise...but not sure how much warranty would be left on those. Maybe a 06-07 s2000? Best bang for the buck new imo is definitely a Cobalt SS or Mazdaspeed3. You can probably pick up a leftover 08 on the lot for pretty cheap and get the full warranty out of it. __________________ Alpine White, Coral Red Leather, Sport Package, 6MT
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10-13-2008, 02:51 PM	#21
randomquickness Brigadier General 221 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: 996tt Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (13)	for snow stick with a subie or quattro audi. JM.02 __________________
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10-13-2008, 03:08 PM	#22
modbargains Brigadier General 171 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i & 01 Toyota Avalon Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: La Habra, CA iTrader: (5)	Seems that some of the replies, they are reading the part where is needs to be used in SNOW also. I'd love an Elise with a plow in the front. In all seriousness, I'd just stick with an Impreza, WRX or not, STi is not needed.
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