Suggestions for a $25K fun car?

[scottmandue]

I know you guys love to shop for cars and I just came in to some $$ so,
parameters:
$25K budget
I'm 62 so must be comfortable to get in and out of plus must be able to do road trips.
Fun to drive.
Must be reliable, I can do or pay for routine maintenance but don't want a car that sits in the shop most of the time.

And... GO!

PS I am average height and weight so I fit in the cars I have test drove without any problem, prefer something local I can check out before I buy.

[TimT]

Cayman, or Boxster I've never been a fan of rag tops, so it was a Cayman for me

[sc_rufctr]

Not sure about the price in the US but I recently drove one of these... Very cool IMO.

Fun and comfortable. 2014 Lexus IS F-Sport

[Seahawk]

This is as much a life-style decision as it is about "fun"...what hobbies do you have, or, more importantly, want to have that the vehicle could support?

For instance, I rented a Chevy Colorado a month ago on travel and it was a ball to drive. Used 2x2's can be had for less than 25k.

Same with a used Tacoma, even 4x4's.

Sporty cars?

Mini Cooper, Miata, the usual suspects, a BMW 230I, etc.

Sporty wagon's?

Mazda and the rest.

Old? There are some cars here I would own: https://bringatrailer.com/japanese/

This is a great problem!!!

[drkshdw]

FR-S or BRZ

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Not sure about the price in the US but I recently drove one of these... Very cool IMO.

Fun and comfortable. 2014 Lexus IS F-Sport

Wow that is ugly. It ever says turd right on the grill. It might be a great car, but I would get sick to my stomach washing it.

[recycled sixtie]

I would think that an ND Miata might not be that comfortable for you to get in and out of? I am 73 and am contemplating selling my 2013 NC and getting an ND. I test drove a 2017 ND the other day and it is so much fun. Smoother, quieter and quicker than my NC.

Others to consider are the Boxster, Cayman, BRZ and newer Honda Civic. Enjoy your search.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Wow that is ugly. It ever says turd right on the grill. It might be a great car, but I would get sick to my stomach washing it.

Agreed, ugly but the one I drove was black and it helped hide the grill.

Truly dynamic and responsive. It felt alive and just wanted to go!

[javadog]

C5 z06 Vette?

[greglepore]

Used wrx sti.

[Tervuren]

First, you didn't specify gearbox preference?
Personally if an auto has good gear toggles on the steering wheel it can still be fun.
I also like a manual transmission in a fun car.
Some auto's, especially older ones, just do not qualify as a "fun" car for me unless it is an offroader.

If a slushbox with steering wheel toggles meets your criteria my suggestion would be a 2009 Jaguar XKR.

As a 2003 C5 Z06 owner, let me just say "no!" to the C5 Z06.
A much better choice would be a luxury optioned C5 Coupe:
You can take the top off if you like,
You'll have adjustable dampers on a dial to suit what you want.
You can always modify it to be more powerful than a stock C5 Z06.
You'll have the extra luggage space of the hatchback design.

That said, the C5 Z06 is lighter tighter and tauter than the Coupe.
Unless you want the track car feel as your definition of "fun" avoid the C5 Z06, get the C5 Coupe.

[jhynesrockmtn]

As has been said, more information is needed. Two or four doors, manual or auto something? Convertible or no? Weekend canyon carver preference with some comfort or daily driver ergos and storage? My 996 has been a great road trip car. Have done several 300+ mile days. Really nice ones are easy to find in that price range.

[Nickshu]

Subaru BRZ / Scion-Toyota FRS

[mrbeverlyhills]

Really nice ones are about 20k

[Cajundaddy]

09-12 Cayman/Boxster. A lot of giggles for the $$ and pretty bulletproof model series. As quick as a 70s era 930 with nice interior and A/C that works even in Phoenix.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Lot of great suggestions here, I like STI, Vette and 996/986/7 suggestions. Unless the money you have come into is well into 6 figures, I would save and invest and look at some nice under $10K Miatas. And if going forward with a $25K car, make sure you have a $2K per year budget for tires, repairs, etc.

[techman1]

Tend to agree with Shaun’s idea about price. Maybe 15k on the car, 10 k on upgrades and future repairs. nice Miata, new wheels tires a few sport mods.

[pwd72s]

Whatever you do, don't consider anything with a domestic label. Not enough status.

[Jim Richards]

Maybe something like this, but a manual if that’s your preference.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/huntington-beach-2017-vw-golf-wagon/6958617902.html

[wdfifteen]

Depends on what you call fun. I bought a 65 VW for $5300 and it has been more giggles per dollar that anything I’ve ever owned. I enjoy working on it (parts are cheap and the car is dirt simple), it gets attention wherever we go, and I can practice driving it at its limit almost anywhere. When I take one of the Porsches out I have to look for a place to open it up.
Cheap and simple isn’t for everyone, but you might think about. Also, Shaun’s advice is gold. Plan for the future. Nothing worse than a “fun” car sitting around waiting to be fixed.