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What car would you buy for $20K ?

E

err

Platinum Member
I apologize if this is another redundant thread 🙁 But I really wanted to know people's opinion before making a decision to purchase my next car.

I am looking for a sedan / sports car at around $20K, mainly for my own use. I prefer to have a more powerful car. I prefer to own import car.

I don;t care if it's a used car as long as it's not older than 1998.

So what would you suggest?

Thanks all. This will definetely help.

err
 
TT Supra
Mazda RX-7
Nissan 300ZX

The good Jap. sports cars before they got canned stateside can be had for 20k now, with even money to spare. For a car that requires a little more work, a 97-98 Nissan 240sx with a SR20DEt engine swap is very nice and very unique, more so than a 300Zx even.

For new cars, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V.
 
I was looking for the same kind of car when I bought my Contour 3 years ago:

I came down to:

Nissan Altima - nice everything, but a bit pricey and underpowered, and safety became an issue considering the seats break in accidents - they since fixed them)
Ford Contour - SE or SVT. Both have tons of power, awesome handling, small crowded back seat (I actually wanted this so I wouldn't have to give people rides), decent reliability (was considered Ford's best car at the time), and low profile to keep from getting a ticket.
Used BMW 323i or Audi: I wasn't too keen on getting a used car know I needed something I with good reliability to get me to school every morning, but I loved the shape and content of these machines.

Any one of these choices seems great for that class of 20k sport sedan. The Altima had the smoothest ride, the Contour had the most features with minimal cost, and the used German babies were hard tofind.

Good luck on your choice.
 
I bought my audi used. Have you seen the price for a new one?!? Yikes. Besides, a used German car that has been well maintained is just as reliable as any new car. I bought an extended warranty so i'm covered for 2 more years. By then I'll probably have an S4 or a WRX STi if it comes to the states.
 
I love the new subaru wrx/.... but with price tag of about $23K, I think I will still give it a little thought.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Keep em coming

eRr
 
As a proud Soobie owner I'm glad everyone is finally appreciating Subarus in America. Subaru WRX is a great car, though with any of the turbo cars suggested and to a greater degree the muscle cars (mustang, camamro) insurance is the biggest decision when purhcasing. The cars themselves are really cheap, the insurance rates will probably run 4-5 thousand a year if you live in the big city area and are an under 25 male.
 
If it's 23K and you only have 20K then it's perfect.. No matter WHAT dealerships tell you they get money out of the car.. ever heard of something called a "Dealer Kickback" ?? They get money just cause they sold a car of that manufacturer. Go in and say, I want this car and I'll pay you this much after all your fee's and taxes.. if they say no, the'll take your # and the'll give you a call.. trust me.

I did it this same way on my truck.. I got em to give me a MSRP truck at 31,800 for 28,000 after EVERYTHING and also gave me 13,500 for my 98 civic I paid 14,000 for the year before, so I got to drive a new car for $500 for a year. Trust me they still made money.
 
For $20k? I'd buy a very nice $15,000 Contour SVT, a $2500 nicely maintained used Cruiser, and with the other $2500 I'd buy a nice used Jet Ski to use on the resivoir.
 
Laust,

I appreciate your hints 🙂 It will help me go miles in the dealership 🙂

johneetrash,

I've been thinking to get VW GTI GLX or the Jetta GLX as well... both are nice car although many would think that the price are bloated on those cars.

eRr
 
A 99 mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
The last year b4 they changed the body style-I think the new ones r ugly
147hp stock 204 w/turbo feels like 300hp fast fast cars-I Own one
Or a 3000GT-even faster nicer all around sweet
Acura Integra-
BMW Roadster-woo hoo
Toyota celica,or supra
Nissan maximum

 
I'm a speed freak, so I'd personally get the strongest car you can for that amount of money - and get a Camaro SS. If you're looking for a little more refinement, check out an older Supra (turbo of course) or 300ZX. RX7s are great - but it might not be the best for a daily driver. If you're looking for something more accomdating, take a look at a slightly older BMW 3 series.
 
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