What would you buy new, around $25k, that is fun to drive and fuel efficient?
10-19-2011, 10:55 PM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
What would you buy new, around $25k, that is fun to drive and fuel efficient?
Love the V but am thinking practically. I want an inexpensive car, around $25k budget, that is FUN to drive and fuel efficient on regular gas. I may park the V and make it another weekend car.
Requirements:
Mid-size
Highway mpg at least 30 and city miles well over 20
Sedan (e.g. 4 doors)
Sporty or easily modifiable as such
FUN to drive/toss around. NO BORINGMOBILES (e.g. Camry
)
Not fugly
AWD is a MAJOR plus
So far, what leaps out at me are the following:
Suzuki Kizashi SE or GTS with CVT and AWD, mpg 23/31
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited with CVT and AWD, mpg 23/31
TSX wagon
Accord SE or EX sedan
and don't like styling that much but hell, it's a Honda
Mazda 6
So far, the Kizashi is winning in the pure financial analysis. Anyone own or driven one?
An option (and I shudder to think of this) is that since the V is still worth lots--I can sell it for a little over $40k now that it's hit 30k miles--I can sell the V, pocket about $12-14k, add a little to that, pay for something new out of pocket....and have no car payment for the first time in many years. The fiscally responsible side of me is really pushing for this as I want to be saving more money than the 10% of income I already put away. New life goal is millionaire status in ten years, and can't do that by spending.
The reality is, though, I'm probably not going to get rid of the V anytime soon as I am enjoying it way too much and can still afford to do so. Just thinking idly....
Requirements:
Mid-size
Highway mpg at least 30 and city miles well over 20
Sedan (e.g. 4 doors)
Sporty or easily modifiable as such
FUN to drive/toss around. NO BORINGMOBILES (e.g. Camry
)Not fugly
AWD is a MAJOR plus
So far, what leaps out at me are the following:
Suzuki Kizashi SE or GTS with CVT and AWD, mpg 23/31
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited with CVT and AWD, mpg 23/31
TSX wagon
Accord SE or EX sedan
and don't like styling that much but hell, it's a HondaMazda 6
So far, the Kizashi is winning in the pure financial analysis. Anyone own or driven one?
An option (and I shudder to think of this) is that since the V is still worth lots--I can sell it for a little over $40k now that it's hit 30k miles--I can sell the V, pocket about $12-14k, add a little to that, pay for something new out of pocket....and have no car payment for the first time in many years. The fiscally responsible side of me is really pushing for this as I want to be saving more money than the 10% of income I already put away. New life goal is millionaire status in ten years, and can't do that by spending.
The reality is, though, I'm probably not going to get rid of the V anytime soon as I am enjoying it way too much and can still afford to do so. Just thinking idly....
I had no idea suzuki still made cars.
10-19-2011, 11:42 PM
#5
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
Tis better to have loved and lost......
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
Last edited by MR1; 10-19-2011 at 11:45 PM.
10-19-2011, 11:47 PM
#6
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
Tis better to have loved and lost......
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
i gotta agree on all points.
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10-20-2011, 12:42 AM
#10
9th Gear
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I suggested it because it is fun to drive, awd & easily modifiable. But yes, if he is not looking for a fast car, then I would pass.
TDI would be a great choice. It would be better for a daily driver, they have torque, fun to drive (turbo) and great mpg.
Last edited by memo3; 10-20-2011 at 12:56 AM.
10-20-2011, 05:29 AM
#11
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Tis better to have loved and lost......
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
Nice goal but is your next step forward to really buy another new car?
That said, either the S2k or CTS/V have to be on the block.
Four cars is a little much for a serious aspiring rich guy IMHO.
Option is to keep both and just make do! You have the best of both worlds.
If you determine that a new economy car is coming, I like the TDI's.
Keep us posted and have fun.
You are a real car guy. Are you really going to be happy with a serious downgrade?
The option I am pursuing right now is double-paying on the V and maintaining status quo...should be paid off in the next few months with an eye toward putting all that money I was paying for car notes until this year into savings/investments. With 25 years to retirement and stocks still at relatively bargain levels, I have been on a stock/bond-buying binge of late in addition to saving.
My other cars are owned, free and clear as part of my new financial plan. S2000 is never leaving my possession.
10-20-2011, 05:39 AM
#12
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
What about a Mazdaspeed 3? I have not done any research, but it might fit the bill.
10-20-2011, 06:37 AM
#13
My first Avatar....
Subie WRX? 
10-20-2011, 12:26 PM
#18
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I would say my car, but it gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy. I drive hard since I don't care much about gas mileage. The WRX is much worse.
Fit?
Si?
GTi?
Fit?
Si?
GTi?
10-20-2011, 01:48 PM
#19
Fahrvergnügen'd
Bob, go used. I wouldn't go new on something in this range.
If you go used, you can get a 2010 Jetta TDi loaded out for about $20k with good miles on it. And if you want the newer Mk VI body and interior get a Golf TDi.
If you're really set on a new car, I would look at a Focus SFE too. They are very nice cars and get very good mileage.
If you go used, you can get a 2010 Jetta TDi loaded out for about $20k with good miles on it. And if you want the newer Mk VI body and interior get a Golf TDi.
If you're really set on a new car, I would look at a Focus SFE too. They are very nice cars and get very good mileage.
10-20-2011, 01:56 PM
#20
Fahrvergnügen'd
Just to pile on ... A Focus SEL with the Sync/Sony package gets 37-38mpg on the highway without the SFE package.
If it were me, I would look at one with a manual transmission. They DBW for the Focus is definitely programmed to maximize MPG. But the SEL is a great car.
If it were me, I would look at one with a manual transmission. They DBW for the Focus is definitely programmed to maximize MPG. But the SEL is a great car.
10-20-2011, 02:16 PM
#21
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CR-Z with a K20 swap. Too bad you need 4 doors 
10-20-2011, 02:36 PM
#22
i would go tsx wagon... but then again what would be your daily? it makes no sense to get a fuel efficient car and still daily the V and still have the s2K as the weekend warrior... if it were up to me, i would daily the s2k and leave the V at home if you were trying to save on gas...
10-20-2011, 02:44 PM
#23
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I happen to love my wagon but it was a bit more than $25k
10-20-2011, 04:45 PM
#25
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ A4 is pretty good on gas if you drive easy. But it can get really ugly if you really start get it going. It's pretty much the same for all turbocharged cars.
10-20-2011, 07:01 PM
#26
Burning Brakes
New Passat TDI, around 40mpg highway and a lot of room on the inside. I also like the profile, kind of reminds me of a 7 series.
TSX wagon looks like a nice idea too!
TSX wagon looks like a nice idea too!
10-20-2011, 07:04 PM
#27
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
How much is the new Passat and TSX Wagon? Never looked it up before.
10-20-2011, 07:23 PM
#28
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10-20-2011, 09:20 PM
#29
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ that's so out of OP's range then! haha
10-20-2011, 09:29 PM
#30
Used G35x maybe even a G37x sedan?
10-20-2011, 09:35 PM
#32
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
G35/37 are not good on gas
10-20-2011, 10:05 PM
#35
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ That is not good on gas... read the OP.
10-20-2011, 10:08 PM
#36
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
I agree on all points (including the car guy point, thank you for the compliment) and that is why I'm posing the question, even rhetorically. Hadn't considered the VW TDI series, thanks for the suggestion.
The option I am pursuing right now is double-paying on the V and maintaining status quo...should be paid off in the next few months with an eye toward putting all that money I was paying for car notes until this year into savings/investments. With 25 years to retirement and stocks still at relatively bargain levels, I have been on a stock/bond-buying binge of late in addition to saving. My other cars are owned, free and clear as part of my new financial plan. S2000 is never leaving my possession.
The option I am pursuing right now is double-paying on the V and maintaining status quo...should be paid off in the next few months with an eye toward putting all that money I was paying for car notes until this year into savings/investments. With 25 years to retirement and stocks still at relatively bargain levels, I have been on a stock/bond-buying binge of late in addition to saving.
My other cars are owned, free and clear as part of my new financial plan. S2000 is never leaving my possession.
ConfusedAre you becoming a car collector? Is your goal to have two garage queens and a daily toy? If so, your going to need a bigger garage.
10-20-2011, 10:11 PM
#37
Scratch the GTI that I mentioned earlier, the 2012 GLI base can be had starting at a little over 23k, autobahn package adds a grand, navi adds another grand for a total of 26,4k. Base w/autobahn is in your budget and the navi might be worth stretching yours another 500 bucks.
Just an FYI, I saw one today coming home from work, bland looking in pictures but gorgeous on the road.
Another point to be made, the TDI jetta is capable of 800 miles on a tank if you run 85%+ on highway, meaning one could theoretically drive from florence sc to harrisburg pa on a tank of gas (diesel)...which is stupid nice.
Just an FYI, I saw one today coming home from work, bland looking in pictures but gorgeous on the road.
Another point to be made, the TDI jetta is capable of 800 miles on a tank if you run 85%+ on highway, meaning one could theoretically drive from florence sc to harrisburg pa on a tank of gas (diesel)...which is stupid nice.
10-20-2011, 10:35 PM
#38
I'm going to throw in something different, a pre-owned 335d.
Awesome torque and mileage, and it's fun (it is a 3 series after all), four doors.
And BMW diesels are bulletproof.
But the S2k + a V seems like an awesome combo already. Are you replacing or adding to the stable?
Awesome torque and mileage, and it's fun (it is a 3 series after all), four doors.
And BMW diesels are bulletproof.
But the S2k + a V seems like an awesome combo already. Are you replacing or adding to the stable?
