new car getting 29 MPG+ that is fast

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Doppel

Lifer
Feb 5, 2011
13,306
3
0
Challenger is slow. At the lights many minivans will give it a run for its money. Camaro/Mustang are the best options here. fueleconomy.gov gives camaro 28 highway, 'stang 29. VW quality is barrel-scraping, so that brand is out unless you like your dealership's waiting area.
 

Demo24

Diamond Member
Aug 5, 2004
8,356
9
81
Honestly most mid-size sedans with a v6 will at least meet the quick category. Mazda 6, Fusion sport, etc.
 

KeithP

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2000
5,664
202
106
Hyundai Sonata Turbo. Very roomy inside (I'm 6' 4" and had plenty of room up front), tons of new features, top safety ratings, 6-speed auto, 0-60 in 6.5s, 22/33 MPG.

I was going to mention the Sonata Turbo as well. Fast, good gas mileage and very well equipped in his price range. Heck, there would be enough money left over in his budget for some aftermarket wheels if you wanted to up the "cool" factor a bit.

You might also look at the Kia Optima Turbo. Same basic mechanicals with a different skin.

-KeithP
 

jhu

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
11,918
9
81
Why not get a used car? Even something that's certified pre-owned will save you many thousands over a new car.
 

yh125d

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2006
6,886
0
76
Don't apologize exD, you're absolutely right and I couldn't have said it better myself. I mean seriously, a car thats rated 29mpg is perfectly fine but one rated 27 isn't even considerable? Are you serious?
 

sonicdrummer20

Senior member
Jul 2, 2008
474
0
0
I'm having day dreams about my next car. I was going to spend very little but I am curious. What is the coolest car can I get for under $30K that gets 29+ highway MPG? Automatic required due to wife.

Cool means looks cool and goes fast. 4 seater preferred but not required.

So far I saw the Ford Mustang that gets 31 MPG highway. Don't really love it though. Seems to be way to common in my head.

I like the Dodge Challenger but it is only 27 MPG highway.

The Chevy Camaro is OK. Styling is slightly off but it does get 310 HP and 29 MPG highway.

VW GTI - No - reason 2 posts down.

Scion tC RS 22.5k AFAIK and this thing is fast pretty decent on gas 21 city 29 highway?
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,151
635
126
180hp on a little 2-door is plenty fast. This isn't a thread about 400hp beasts, his requirement is MPG being high.
True. However, compare the suggested Sonata Turbo/Optima Turbo. Both have about 100hp more and are rated 33mpg highway for similar money.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
If you legitimately want a fun car you aren't going to be seeing anywhere near the EPA ratings anyway. Sure my Mustang GT is capable of ~27 mpg on the highway (and I've actually done it), but my day to day average is more like 12-13. Maybe 16 if I do a lot of highway on that tank.

Decide what you really want (economy or entertainment) & make your decision without regard to the other.

Viper GTS
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,151
635
126
Have you driven one lately? I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if it fit my needs/desires.
 

3chordcharlie

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2004
9,859
1
81
The irony is that if there was a car that offered all the impossible combination of things people wanted NEW at that low a price the car would be so popular and common that it would automatically exclude itself out of the list for being too common.
In this case, Mustang v6 offers absolutely exactly what OP wanted.

But it's too common. Well, actually it's the older, not-as-good, but still pretty good models that are common.

Gee, I wonder why. OP's requirements must be unique, just like everyone else's.
 

Chrono

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2001
4,959
0
71
Optima Turbo? Looks awesome... handles better than the Sonata counterpart. I own a Sonata but sometimes wish I had gone with the Optima for its styling. Either way, both are win.