Best Car under $20k ?

[saltedeggman]

the toyota matrix looks good....

180hp (from the celica GTS) engine without AWD
or 140hp engine with AWD

 

[Karsten]

Take a look at the Leganza (Funny that it reminds me of Seinfeld... don't know why... just does). It is made by DEAWOO, comes with a 5 year 100k warranty and looks pretty nice. If you are fast and get one before Feb. is up you get up to 2000$ rebate on 2001 Models and you get some starting at 12-13k.

 

[dionx]

since you said no accords, another vote for the toyota celica.

 

[amnesiac]

Buy a used 500cc bike and safety gear for $1000 and invest the other $19K.

 

[Daovonnaex]

I recommend a Ford Focus SVT. It's reliable, agile, and nimble, and it's under $20k.

 

[b0mbrman]

<< I recommend a Ford Focus SVT. It's reliable, agile, and nimble, and it's under $20k. >>


That's the ticket! But I'm not so happy it only comes in hatch

 

[b0mbrman]

<< Get the new Neon SRT-4, can't beat the performance for under $20k. 0-60 in 5.8, 205HP, subjective looks (I happen to love it, but I can see how some people might not like the body style), Viper-esque seats, huge brakes, bigger rims....oh did I mention it's Turbo? (hint...easy to upgrade) >>


205 is insane! I wish they made a better-looking car though

 

[KokomoGST]

<<

<< my mother-in-law has an SRT and has had nothing but problems with oil leaks. The mechanic says he see a lot of them that way however I have two of the lower model engines (manual) and have had absolutely no problems in over three years.... >>


Don't confuse the R/T with the SRT-4, WAY different engines... >>



Actually, Neons had a problem with the headgasket during the majority of the 1st gen model run. Chrysler eventually put out a TSB/recall on it much later. If you have a MLS (metal) head gasket like the new Neons and SRT-4, you're good to go! And the SRT-4 engine... it's actually quite similar to the 420A Neon engine, the PT cruiser 2.4L engine, and the 2.4L in the Dodge Stratus... they share a common block...obviously with a slightly different displacement in some, but the heads are readily swappable. The Neon community is already talking about swapping the more efficent SRT-4 heads onto current Neons and the various effects of said swap.

The nice thing about Neons, dirt cheap to maintain and repair. Dodges run great if you take care of them and they don't cost nearly as much to maintain/repair as its Jap counterparts. I would have recommended the SE-R but it's just too slow and porky. I like the Protege though, but the MP3 is so limited in #. The SRT-4 will bake the SVT Focus in a straight line and prolly match in the the twisties. Neons have insane handling... I was pulling laterals comparable to Porsches with my lightly modded Neon. But yeah, the SRT-4 is fugly... I wonder how much boost those stock rods/head bolts can take??

 

[Stifko]

What about a VW? Isn't a GTi w/a 1.8T around 20K? That is what I'd get, or a TDi.

 

[Que-TiP]

depends on what you like. $20k is enough to buy a decent car. Ford Focus (SVT) is a good idea. Ford Escape is great if you want a bit more room, but I dont know if they can be had for $20 or not. VW Jetta/Golf are decent cars too. If you want a japanese car (not my taste) Toyota Celica is cool, but small. Honda Civics are okay, but everybody has one, and I dont think they are worth what they cost. If you live where the weather is nice Cameros and Mustangs are fun fun fun cars. Insurance could be high. I have to say the Focus SVT would be great. Its quick, and should be reliable. I think they are $18k. And you'll get a warranty for 3 years, so in 3 years you can buy another car.

-Alex