Hi everyone.
I've been driving a run down 2003 Camry with 150,000kms on the clock for the past few years, recently I've decided I want to live a little so I am in the market for an entry level high performance car. My requirements are the following:
What would you guys buy? and why?
Let me know in the comments below.
Hmm .. I thought it was AWD.
Still .. though nice car.
…. and so are the rexies
aestheticly i think its amazing and would not be dissapointed to own one
You have to see this car in person.
It really, really stands out and looks awesome/tough.
The front LED lights look really cool.
Cheers
You thought it was awd, but you posted an article saying it was the fwd record holder at the ring?
Hahaha .. i should of read it thoroughly. Copy/Paste.
I saw one on the road and googled it.
Tbh, i looked a specs rather than FWD/AWD .
Obviously now realise :-)
wrx mate
A bit different but I think it would be nice:
https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Alfa-Romeo-Giulia…
https://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Jaguar-XE-2016/OAG-…
Personally I love the m240i, and the s3/Gold r/golf gti’s. They’ve been suggested to death so I thought I’d present a couple other cool alternatives :)
Golf gti
Lexus is350 f sport/isf
Lsa equipped hsv
Early model Audi rs5
Kia stinger
Mustang
Bmw 135i/335i/450i
The world is your oyster. So much choice now
Make a requirement list and filter down from there:
Front wheel drive/rwd/awd?
2 or 4 door ?
Euro/jap/us?
4/6/8 cyl?
In warranty or not
Etc etc
Going from an 03 Camry to purchasing high performance car is a big leap. How do you know a high performance car will fulfil your desire to live a little? Do you expect the high performance to bring a smile to your face in twisty back roads or at the envious head turns of people that see you in the car?
If you want to take a sensible step forward from a Camry, if you want to test that a better performing car will help you live a little and if you want to check that the twisty roads in a sporty car will make you smile then buy a Toyota 86. It's a purist car that is very rewarding to drive hard and "will put a smile on the face of every motoring enthusiast in the world" according to Jeremy Clarkson. It's not a big financial investment (17k-18k), it's a Toyota which you know won't break or cost a lot to service/fix. If you do decide a higher performance car is for you after owning the Toyota 86, the 86 won't depreciate in value much and will be easy to sell.
For someone that is so uncertain they're asking ozbargain for car advice (hah I joke) you can't go wrong with the 86. This is also assuming you are willing to drive manual transmission and only have 2 doors.
For the record if I was going to spend 60 grand on a high performance car I would buy a BMW 1 series M (not to be confused with a BMW M1). But I would never do this as I live in Sydney where you're either crawling in traffic, driving at tame speed limit or breaking the law. Therefore I would opt for a car with as much autonomous technology as possible that can follow the car ahead and keep in the lane while I get mad at the government for allowing traffic to get so bad.
Ford Focus ST / RS
Subaru WRX / WRX STI
Golf GTI / R
Honda Civic Type R
also the new Hyundai i30 N coming out
Golf GTI / R
Polo GTI
i used to have a regular polo, and that was easily the most FUN car i have ever owned. it did not have outright power, but that meant you could actually shift through a few gears without breaking the speed limit. sports cars, 2nd gear your doing 110, 3rd 140 etc
the little polo could out handle anyone on the twisties too.
No it couldn’t
how is the car going to be kept at night? at your own property or someone else's aka you are still renting
$60k will go a long way for deposit… unless you are in syd or mel.
Can’t go wrong with a Bugatti
370Z Nismo.
Comes in at around 61000 but should be able to negotiate for under 60000. Takes all the good things from the regular 370z and makes it better with more racing specs.
Lol, you say racing specs like it’s a real thing.
Polo 2018 use 35k for something better
2018 Toyota Camry
No laughing matter! thats a v6 with 224kw of pure toyota power.
That will blow the 4 doors off the average car
3.5 V6 with 224kW at 6600rpm, 362Nm at 4700rpm
95 RON, Euro 6, 8.7 – 8.9L/100km
Eight-speed automatic
The Camry is the average 4 door car
Lol, you didn't get it.
That was supposed to be a joke? Good one bro, maybe next time.
Basically this car isn’t EUro
He wants euro with more service cost n problems
ill back you up on this one. specs on paper vs real world are very different. the camry doesnt sound like much, but line it up to an ss, and yes the ss would be quicker, but only by around half a car length or so. if the camry driver got the jump at a green light, it will result in one embarrassed ss owner.
waits for keyboard warriors to neg me based on theory with no real world experiences :)
Bulllllllshit. 0-100kmh in 6.5 vs 4.9 is a bigggg difference. Your 'real world experience' is bullshit, because chances are you haven't driven a 2018 Camry, as they just hit the market, and even if you had, you almost certainly haven't raced an SS.
In your mind, that 1.5 second difference is probably 9 car lengths. Go back to playing need for speed.
But for arguments sake, please list all sports cars you have owned. An s pack commo does not count
@DiscoJango: 1.5 seconds to 100kmh is a huge difference. Arguing otherwise is just showing pure ignorance. As for owning sports cars, I drive a 4WD, but I have driven some proper sports cars, including a Mclaren 12C and 650s in anger on a track, A Cayman S, and while not a sports car, A Tesla Model S often. So I know what I'm talking about. You clearly don't.
@Burnertoasty: we are talking about the real world here. 1.5 seconds means nothing at the lights. Now go back to your tesla in need for speed.
Too little info OP. $60000 can get you nearly anything, depending on age.
Porsche Cayman with 25000km
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Porsche-Cayman-2007…
2016 Ford Mustang V8 with only 16km
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Ford-Mustang-2016/S…
HSV r8 Maloo Ute
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Holden-Special-Vehi…
370z nismo version, 8000km
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Nissan-370Z-2017/OA…
2003 TVR Tuscan 0_0
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/TVR-Tuscan-2003/SSE…
1983 Porsche 911 with targa top and whale tail
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Porsche-911-1983/SS…
These are all very different cars, but they all have the $60k asking price in common. There's a whole world out there for $60k. Not to mention some very well reviewed brand new cars these days, eg. the new Civic Type R, Hyundai i30n, and the Focus RS (as long as you have good luck with the head gasket). I only wish that $60k was my car budget!
Love how you threw in a Tuscan…love the look of it but would want a few more $$$ tucked away for maintenance.
But you get my point right? The price isn't really an important factor. One need to choose a school first. What drive type? What transmission? What's fun about performance to OP? Straight line? Cornering? Getting looked at on Chapel Street? Blowing P-platers away at the lights? For $60k you can be in a brand new Civic Type R or a TVR Tuscan! That's without even mentioning other second hand performance bargains. The under-appreciated r33 GTR could be found and fully reconditioned for under $60k. But that's meaningless if OP wants a Golf.
i remember it as that one un-tamable car from gran turismo early days
Put a turbo and NOS kit on the Camry
He could convert it to rear wheel drive with a 2JZ GTE.
skip all that and strip all the interior for better power-weight ratio
The smart buy = ECO, comfort + performance. Perfect for around town.
BMW M125i/M235i
Audi S3
Mazda MX5 ND - if 2 seats is an option - easily the best car I have ever driven!
The Performance coupes:
Audi TT RS
Porsche Cayman/Boxster
Lotus Elise
The buy with your heart:
Alfa Romeo Giulia Voloce - Expect high depreciation to take advantage of at dealers.
To be different:
Infinity Q60 - Still haven't seen one on the road. Don't know if they are any good.
Avoid V8s if commuting.
$40k will give you a Golf GTI with 165kw. 1 year old - nothing beats class
best all round car on the market. long term ownership dsg issues are its major flaw.
DSG issues are there withe the 7speed dsg - not the 6speed as used in the GTI or R as far as I know
I meant more long term. Most euro cars don't do well in this regard. Or the parts and labour are too expensive to justify. A replacement dsg parts and labour is around $9k.
There are 7 speed wet clutch as well. Dry clutch is the problem, not number of gears.
@DiscoJango:
AFAIK, stealerships are charging $4.5k-5k for a complete DQ250 (more expensive of the two on the golfs) plus labour.
If you're quoted $9k… Would love to know where.
I was in a similar situation a long time ago, even had a camry, although mine was a wagon. I bought a twin turbo 6 speed supra. It was my only car, so was my commuter to work, and weekend car. Within 4 months i had bought another camry and was selling the supra. Some "fun" sports cars arent all theyre cracked up to be. Awkward to get in and out of. Big doors, expensive to insure. Xpensive to maintain awfully firm suspension. Depedning on how sporty a horrid gesrbox that only works on redline. Hard clutch pdal, and dont even start on worrying about where to park it and who you let get close to it.
In the end i got a toyota chaser. Turbo auto 4dr family sedan. Loved it. It was a camry on steroids. It was comfortable for everyday driving. Reasonable on maintanance and i wouldnt woery about where i would park it.
I now have a 2008 WRX. next to the chaser its the best sportcars/ performance car ive had, albeit not as refined. Why? Cos its basically a family car on steroids, without too many of the setbacks you get with a sportscar.
I guess what im saying is be careful of dropping $60k on a sportcar. You may end up wishing you had the camry back.
Its hard to recommend something cos they all have pro's and cons.
2drs can be pita's, V8's although sound sick are thirsty. Euros can be expensive to maintain and jap cars, well, they are a safe bet,but im bias 😜
Anyway. Good luck let us know how you get on!
should have kept the supra and wait for the appreciation
supra is not nsx level of legendary
some are selling for 100K +
i know right, but this was 5+ yrs ago. was mint tho…. still kicking myself, but at the time it wouldnt have worked
I'm amazed no one has mentioned this but Renault Megane R.S or even the Clio. They are always in the top 3 (and considered one of the greatest) hot hatchbacks with car reviewers and by far exceed the golf for performance and reliability.
I'm a big fan of the Megane RS Cup but I wouldnt say far exceed the golf for performance, in fact, the golf holds a better track record on the Ring. The caveat is that the GTIPP had some non standard parts which would bring the cost a little over the Cup, whereas the cup was timed completely as per factory spec.
Build quality and reliability of cup vs the gti is also slightly sub par. The Cup has the beautiful recaros, brakes, rims and exhaust to compensate but it does cost a little more than the GTIPP and almost R territory, and is much harsher as an everyday drive.
Forget many of the pedestrian offerings suggested here, except for freakatronic.
Some options:
2011 BMW M3 - https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-M3-2011/SSE-…
2010 Porsche Cayman - https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Porsche-Cayman-2…
If the budget will stretch, 1996 Ferrari 456 https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Ferrari-456-1996… (okay just kidding, but it's a lot of fun to sort through exotic manufacturers on Carsales by lowest first)
That m3 you listed is the nicest one ive seen on carsales the interior usually looks like dog sh*t usually but thats super clean
Love the naturally aspirated V8 M3's, this is a good deal.
Plenty of 2nd hand A45 AMG's around that $60k price point, would recommend
I cant be the first to suggest it…
Buy a Motorbike. You can go very fast for $10k, put a bit of money into the safety gear, put the rest in something slower with 4 doors.
Do not buy a motorbike. Major city's in Australia are a death trap. I sold my bike finally. I just got near Missed one too many times.
literally the pros and cons of motorbikes. also motorbikes make traffic much easier but is it worth your life at some point.
I did 5km on a bike and it is the most amazing feeling but I saw enough shit in that time to steer me away for ever.
I have both cars and 3 bikes. It's a bike every time if you want performance. Very few cars are more exciting or faster than a bike that will cost you $10K.
I've been riding for 20 years or so without incident but then, I am a defensive, calm rider and not an idiot.
Such a big difference when you ride expecting that everything and everyone is going to kill you.
Thanks gents, for putting things in perspective.
I'm a motorcycle rider too, and it gets annoying to hear the negative stereotypes about motorcycle riding all the time (the whole, at some point you're going to crash and burn etc).
Simple. Give me the money and I will give you lifts anywhere.
One car I want you to test is the BMW 125 (m sport) model. If you are seriously weighing up your options check it out.
I have bought one, I have owned an SS, many (new) WRXs, Golf R to name a few.
My car has proven reliable and it's one of the last few cars that is RWD. To the old school crowd it reminds me of an upmarket 200sx. DASH AND transmission tunnel give the car a cockpit feel you just don't get in FWD cars, and. BMW has tuned it so it has great pick up from low speeds. Put it in sport mode and easily get sideways out of a round a bout. Put it in economical mode and get 500kms a tank.
Gorgeous steering wheel and the 5 years service package is under 2k.good value car with decent resale. Subaru's are great but I feel they haven't advanced enough.. The tech in the bmw will impress you for the relative low cost.
Not sure I will ever buy another VW. My Golf R.. Had the gearbox, clutch plates, haldex systems replaced. So many thanks fixed under warranty. My Mrs brand new tiguan had a new gearbox fitted MY18 model. Already! My sisters polo.. Gearbox replaced. Not joking.
Just test the bummer.. Get one for circa 50.. Or step up to a new or demo m140 which is another level and keeps to your price.
If I were in the market for one, I'd definitely go for the Hyundai i30 n. Take one for a test drive and see what you think.
Audi S3 demo should get you close to $60k. I'd test drive one at least.
Lexus IS200T F Sport
Hi I used to drive Golf R and now an AMG A45. If I could choose all over again, I'd go for the i30N. Our roads are just not suitable for overly high performance cars, just ones with good "pokes".
Im gonna have to deal with this decision soon and currently looking at 2013+ S5 and 2013+ S3 was also looking at a45/cla45 but they are too small and common.
i feel like 5 second or below to 100 is perfect all round entry performance car that doesnt cost an arm and leg to buy and run
Jeep Trackhawk with all the Trackhawk badges removed and the brakes repainted, so much lols to be had, with your passengers or other drivers at the lights
How about a Passat 206TSI R-line,or the Skoda Superb 206TSI?
Considering the horrendous traffic in the cities and suburbs, other drivers constantly blocking lanes doing under the speed limit, trucks everywhere, the extremely low speed limits and their strict enforcement, I wonder what's the point in having a performance car? Doesn't it just bring you constant frustration?
On top of that, the retards that build the roads can't even make them flat. What's with all the undulating bumps and dips? Performance suspension gives you back and head ache.
Maybe OP lives in the mountains and have awesome windies to carve on a daily basis.
Agreed that our roads suck but I guess we can always compare to Romania instead of Austria.
not sure about melbourne but there're mt cootha, mt gravatt, mt nebo, mt glorious, mt tamborine, near where i live.
You might want to have a look at a Passat 206TSI R-line. You can get a brand new one for just over $60k, or a secondhand one for under $60k (more like $52k). It's 206kw, you can choose between a wagon and a sedan, all wheel drive, heaps of tech, and you can mod it cheaply for extra kw. You can also get a great panoramic sunroof.
And you can get the Arteon for another few k… Same powertrain, and quite a looker
I don't think you can get an Arteon wagon though, if he's keen on that. :)
Arteon is a liftback which is possibly the best of both (sedan shape, wide opening hatch)
It's definitely a looker, but why would you need a car that big?
It's not that much bigger than the Passat I think?
Mitsubishi ralliart CJ. Awd. 177kw. Can get a low Klm's for about 20k.
$60k budget you should able to get the following
M3 ( E90 )
C63 AMG - around 2010 - 2012
S4, B8 model..
Lexus IS F
mitsi EVO 10
OP please listen to this guy, there are some sensational vehicles listed here which would be great bang for buck.
forgot the repairs / maintenance
With the exception of the Audis and the Lexus, those are absolutely horrible cars
Great list, but my friend owns a C63 and maintenance costs are a killer!
Buying a high end used sports cars isn't affordable to most people looking to spend 60k, sounds good in theory until oh wait rotors need to be replaced $4500
Yep those 63 burns so much rubber and petrol you'd end up paying double :( and you dont even have to drive like a hoon
Learn to ride a Motorcycle and get much more fun and speed for 10% of the cost.
Audi S3 is one of the best value all round cars I believe.
2L, 200kw 4WD
Engine is used in GOLF , loads of feedback and easy to tune reasonably cheap up to 280-290kws.
Interior is classy, it's a smaller sports car.
I like the Mercedes C250, just think it s nice looking car and interior is amazing. Its only 155kw.
I know OP said min 160kws, it seems everyone is blasting off the fastest cars, rather than the best all round.
You need to consider, maintenance, fuel, resale etc
2013 Infiniti Q50 S Premium Hybrid Auto AWD is actually nice, there is one for 30k 2013 and I think that's amazing but better me trying to sell it will be a b***h.
Something different with good value/performance http://www.renault.com.au/all-new-megane-rs More practical, Dual Cluth or Manual. 4WS and 5 years warranty. Renault has one of the lowest Warranty Claims in the AUS Market
Because nobody buys it?
Hatch prices are really tanking at the moment as small cars become uncool anyway, seen 5 year old swifts for 5,000.
E92 M3 would be my pick for $50k.
For around 50k I'd go for a MY13 or MY12 Lexus ISF. Can't go wrong with a V8 in terms of performance and sound. MY13 versions also come with very nicely tuned suspensions for handling and comfort.
Absolutely.
I was in this situation 10 months ago. MY13 actually rode quite comfortably compared to my previous EVO X.
Best feature is the noise of the V8, especially cold starts in enclosed spaces.
Traction off the line in the dry on stock tyres is interesting with the 311kW engine.
I am going to hold this long term so Lexus' reliability makes this choice a no brainer. Rock solid feel to the interior. It had 4 yrs warranty initially but you can extend it to 7 yrs if you can find one still in warranty. The cost for 3 yrs factory backed warranty extension for a $130,000 car is only $1500, which shows how reliable the car is predicted to be! Try that with the euros (read on a forum entry that someone was quoted $6000 for 2 yrs extended warranty for a BMW X6 after its 3 yrs initial warranty).
For what it is worth, I have an 04/05 wrx (2l) that I just had tuned and it was making 125kw at the wheels prior. It is now at 150 kw. If he is after a real 160 kw, that would be entertaining.
(just tbe exhaust on mine)
I have driven the newest wrx(not sti) and it was pretty damn fun but Subaru are well behind the times in terms of power. I love them but there are a lot of options out there that sound much better on paper. Also heard quite a bit that the wrx is more fun than the sti due to the much newer engine.
dont buy ford period
Ride the Camry train until model 3 like me
FWD BRO