Fun cool cheap new car?

[thrown_hammer]

Looking into the future about a year or so I see myself picking up a small fuel efficient econo-box. Now as some of you who know me, or have met me, you know a “normal boring” car just won’t cut it for me. So I am looking for a car with personality. My price range is under 20K. (as much under 20K as possible.)

I want a car that is cool, fuel efficient, and fun to drive. I will consider any make as long as it fits my criteria. The car must meet all six Criteria points to even be suggested. So what is out there? For now I am only looking new just to keep things simple. I will probably end up considering used before I pull the trigger.

CRITERIA:
1) under 20K
2) fun to drive
3) Cool
4) 2 door hatch
5) manual trans (or paddles)
6) 30MPG or better.

[Moses]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-MINI-COOPER-S-6SPD-DOUBLE-SUNROOF-1-OWNER-2006_W0QQitemZ330113049905QQihZ014QQcategoryZ10700 9QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[thrown_hammer]

Moses,
Technically that is used....but I will allow it because I think those are cool.

[VincentVega]

Yep, Mini.

[NICKG]

my suggestions
yaris hatch.
new hyundai accent 3door,(nice car, definetly worth a look)
the smart cars are looking at 12k new (www.smartusa.com) preorder now. for2 is pretty sweet
3 door rabbit 15k...great car
honda fit. 4 door, but cool

[thrown_hammer]

Yaris and Rabbit are definetly on the short list. I will check out the Fit.

[GothingNC]

Used VW GTI

or

VW R32 if they drop below $28,000

[Racerbvd]

If it has to be new, go for the Rabbit, a buddy just bought one & loves it
Also VW has a jetta in that range too.


2007 Volkswagen Jetta
MSRP: $16,490 - $24,110

Invoice Price: $15,886 - $22,434

[legion]

951

[williecoyote]

Honda CRX Si- might be stretching your budget a tad.
Mazda 3.

[Jamie79SC]

My wife and I bought a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback for just about $20k. I am VERY impressed by this car.

It's a 5 door, not 3, but:

+ Great brakes & suspension
+ Manual transmission
+ Fairly torquey motor
+ Nicely done interior that looks like it's going to last a good long time.

- Torque steer feels like the end of the world. There should be a sticker on the steering wheel: "Wheels straight before launch"
- Kind of funky styling.

All in all, I'm very happy with the car and it's a blast to drive. I've not taken it to the AX track yet and I've never been instructed in a front wheel drive car, but I feel like I can drive this thing pretty quickly.

[teenerted1]

havent you seen the ads?

VW has three cars under $17k

jetta
rabbit
bug

[thrown_hammer]

951? Uh...no. Already have a "car for sporting purposes". I just need a driver.

I see VW has three cars that fit the criteria.

Is the CRX-si a new car? I don't see it on Honda's website.

The Smart car is interesting. just don't know if I want a two seater.

I like the Mazda 3. I could live with a little wagon.

EDIT: Just checked out the big three.

Chevy has the Aveo which is a rebadged Deawoo. 100,000 mile warranty..not bad.

Chrysler has nothing.

Ford has the Focus...almost nothing.

[NICKG]

tellin you..check the accent out...that is a heck of a car for 13k

[Tim Hancock]

Shawn, why buy new? Do you enjoy taking the first big depreciation hit? Buy a slightly used mini S or maybe a turbo beetle or GTI.

[thrown_hammer]

I am focusing on new because it keeps me focused. If I start considering used cars choices get out of hand. If you apply my criteria, but open it up to any year car...well you see what would happen.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
Shawn, why buy new? Do you enjoy taking the first big depreciation hit? Buy a slightly used mini S or maybe a turbo beetle or GTI.

x eleventy billion. Just bought a 2006 MINI for my wife. Was 11 months old (owner wanted a 2007) with 13,000 miles. The MINI warranty, which covers all parts and services (even things like windshield wiper blades) goes up to 50,000 miles. The first owner took at least a $6K hit over those 11 months based on what we paid for the car.

My second choice: Mazda 3

[Jims5543]

Originally posted by Jamie79SC
My wife and I bought a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback for just about $20k. I am VERY impressed by this car.

It's a 5 door, not 3, but:

+ Great brakes & suspension
+ Manual transmission
+ Fairly torquey motor
+ Nicely done interior that looks like it's going to last a good long time.

- Torque steer feels like the end of the world. There should be a sticker on the steering wheel: "Wheels straight before launch"
- Kind of funky styling.

All in all, I'm very happy with the car and it's a blast to drive. I've not taken it to the AX track yet and I've never been instructed in a front wheel drive car, but I feel like I can drive this thing pretty quickly.

Order a stiffer rear sway bar and thank me later.

[Jims5543]

My votes:

1. Used Mini Cooper S

2. Honda Civic should be within range of your budget.

3. Blow your budget and get a Civic Hybrid and enjoy 49MPG City.

4. Did I mention the CooperS?

[deanp]

I know the votes above are Mini S but don't overlook a base Mini. I skipped the S and went for the base model to get the better fuel economy. Yeah, it leaves power on the table, but it is a really fun car to drive, rev's all the way to the redline, handles remarkably well.

I drive mixed highway / secondary roads with a heavy foot and get 30+ all the time. I believe an S will drop you down to mid-20's. Look at a used '05 or '06; '07's have been changed to accomodate Euro pedestrian standards and are more bulbous in the nose.