I'm a young male looking for something fun and sporty with a $10-15k budget. Some examples of my taste are Nissan 350Z, BMW 320i or 323i, Nissan Skyline V35. Also open to something like Subaru WRX or 86/BRZ.
I do like the BMWs but have been told that these are generally expensive in maintenance due to parts.
I only know Auto but would like to learn Manual so open to either options. I expect to keep for 2-3 years.
Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
Pretty cool car but the performance version is pretty damn expensive in my opinion, likely because they are so new.
Coming down slowly… Can get demo's/low km used ones for 37/38k now.
Impressive thing about these is that AFAIK the warranty covers track use.
Yes but it must be untimed iirc
If you're selling one for under $15k I'll take it.
What about a Fiesta ST?
Also, whats with all the mx-5 hate? I rarely see any on the road let alone hairdressers driving them…
It's just insecure sexists and homophobes being their usual pathetic selves. Enthusiasts all know how good the MX-5 is.
It's the same mob who think they got some pull in a different car but inevitably end up paying for it at the end of the night. Mx5 all the way.
People whose knowledge of cars is derived primarily from Clarskon and co.
I've driven more cars than most. Not insecure, just making an observation about the target demographic. The mx5 is not targeted at this buyer. High powered ricers are the way to go. I would suggest an Evo but out of the range.
Your taste is actually kinda, well, gross. Anyway, +1 for Mazda MX-5. Maybe Nissan 300ZX.
Giod luck finding a good 300ZX in the price range, plus they are total money pits. If you do find one you will be paying overs when anything goes wrong.
Agree totally with mx5 though
Used to have a 300zx back in the day, amazing car when it worked but man was it a pain in the arse when anything went wrong. No room in the engine bay (particularly turbo model) made even basic maintenance a nightmare. Great looking cars though but not worth the headache imo
I'm a young male looking for something fun and sporty
What does this mean?
You've listed cars that are all pretty different + you don't drive stick, which seems to suggest that aside from "looking cool", I don't think you know what you want. First step is to figure out what you want in a car.
Do you want a light-weight, low-slung car that you can whip around corners quickly?
Do you want a proper fast car to beat your mates on the drag strip?
Do you want a nice touring car for long drives around scenic routes?
Do you want a car that makes people go wow?
Do you want a car that people will regret they tried to race at the lights?
…etc.
Do you want a light-weight, low-slung car that you can whip around corners quickly? - Nice to have but not a priority.
Do you want a proper fast car to beat your mates on the drag strip? - No, does not need to be proper fast - more just about the feeling and impression.
Do you want a nice touring car for long drives around scenic routes? - Not a priority as I don't expect to be doing many long drives, but as a daily I'd like the drive to be fairly comfortable.
Do you want a car that makes people go wow? - Yes, the impression is actually quite important to me lol. Superficial I know but I want something that gets compliments, but I understand this is very subjective and of course I should be happy with it myself.
Do you want a car that people will regret they tried to race at the lights? - Not exactly but something with some genuine push behind it that you feel when you step down. This would be the fun aspect.
Good questions, hope this helps to clarify. Know very little about cars so very open to my criteria and hoping to get some insight on what people here have found nice or recommend.
A compliment for a possession is a pretty weak compliment. Be a good guy, help other people, don’t waste your money and you’ll be complimented for not being a superficial a$$hole. Just get a reasonable car, earn a bit more money then maybe you can waste it on something a bit more impressive. If you had more skills you could buy and restore an old car - that’s something where you could really earn that compliment you crave!
Yes, the impression is actually quite important to me lol. Superficial I know but I want something that gets compliments, but I understand this is very subjective and of course I should be happy with it myself.
Might not be the nicest way of putting it, but I think you need to find a different way to flex.
At the end of the day, who are you trying to impress? The days of being able to impress girls and random people with a car are completely over. It's no longer fashionable to go to a club and end up driving a girl home in your nice car. That sort of culture died out long ago. Most normal people don't care about cars anymore, might not even own cars anymore. If you're trying to impress someone who knows about cars, you'll be exposed as a poser.
Seriously, consider buying a nice watch, drink nicer wine or travel to nice destinations and post it on Instagram. The world has moved over to experiences now, if you link your Insta profile on Tinder, you'll get more girls if you've been to nice destinations and appear cultured, much more so than if you have a nice car.
Know very little about cars so very open to my criteria and hoping to get some insight on what people here have found nice or recommend.
This is the biggest issue, you're spending money on something you know nothing about to try and impress people. Nobody is impressed by a poser, at least try to learn a few things about something if you're using it to flex.
You don't even want a car, you want a status symbol. Cars are no longer status symbols.
So you want a car that looks really good, is very comfortable, slightly faster than regular cars, and at a <$15k budget.
And ideally you want a car that has 5-seats, done less than 95,000km's, is 2011-model or newer, and in great condition all-round.
I'm going to do something I never do, and that's to not mention any of the older (1991-2005) Japanese sports cars. There are lots of nice cars in there, but they're now coming on 15-25 years old. So it may be hard to find one in great condition, or require you to be good with cars yourself, or all the great condition ones will be way past your budget (cult following/price hikes). Well, that shaves off a dozen cars off the top of my head.
I would caution you to stay away from Infinity, Lexus, Audi, BMW, and practically all European cars. They are lower quality than what you get from Japan and Korea (yes, its actually true), and not only are the service and parts expensive, there's usually a long wait for parts to get shipped. Same goes for American cars, but they usually have even lower build quality than the old Europeans.
But if you're still interested there's the:
Infiniti GT370, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS350, Lexus GS450, Volvo S80, Jaguar XF, Volkswagen CC, VW Passat, Audi A4/A8, Mercedes CL/S/K/E-350, BMW 335i, BMW 540i/550i, Chrsyler 300C.
Now for fast cars that don't look flashy:
TRD Aurion, Toyota MarkX, Holden Commodore, Ford XR6, Ford XR8, Honda Accord/Legend V6.
Cars that aren't that fast and/or aren't that flashy:
Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z, Toyota 86/BRZ
…personally, I think a WRX feels cheap inside and is a cop-magnet on the outside, and to get some "push" you need to spend money on aftermarket stuff. The Lancers and Skylines are more expensive and not worth it compared to the WRX. And I agree, the Holdens and Fords look like White Bread from the outside and feel like Mayonnaise on the inside. But still, the WRX would be close to the top of my list, along with the Subaru Liberty.
…I am not a very lucky person, but I reckon if you are, maybe your best bet is to risk it with the Audi S4. It's got a slightly better quality than the BMW 550i, but equal/lower than the 335i. It has more initial push, and more tighter braking and cornering. The quattro AWD system is great. The interior is very nice, definitely attractive for females. The exterior is pretty nice, but in a "sleeper" tone which won't attract as many police. But I agree the BMW 550i has a slightly more aggressive/edgier exterior styling, but I wouldn't trade that for the AWD system and the better interior/quality. Ideally you'd want THIS, but its x1.4-x2.1 of your budget.
(where's spackbace when you need him?)
Best of luck!
Wouldn't dismiss lexus, practically same as toyotas
@cille745: They are Toyota's, but they try to copy the European makes too much and as a result have some issues of their own. Not to mention, they are actually more difficult and expensive to service, and you have an issue of parts availability. Go ask any mechanics that's worth his salt.
…yeahnah. I reckon if you wanted a "European" car, maybe it's better to get an actual European car instead of a Lexus. But you must always take caution when you make a decision like that here Down Under.
Thanks for your response Kangal, yes will likely avoid European cars due to parts costs.
"I would caution you to stay away from Lexus. They are lower quality than what you get from Japan"
And this is when you stop reading because this guy has no clue what he's talking about.
@captaincabinets: Like I said before, do not take my word only… go do your own research, have a look at the parts list and prices, go and ask any mechanic that's worth his salt.
Whoever thinks a Lexus is just a bog-standard Toyota but luxurious isn't being honest.
Heck, there's noticeable quality differences within Toyota's own division, like the Thailand Yaris and the Japanese Corolla.
Renaultsport Clio III. Get the 2 door 2.0L NA engined ones (sold till around 2013). These are 6 speed manual only and are great fun to drive. Downside is needing a timing belt every 4years.
I wonder what the hairdresser brigade thinks of a FWD hatchback…
Yeah I got shit for owning a ‘girls’ car. Never bothered me personally and those who know/drive them know what great value and fun they are
Pop-up lights. Period. MK1 MX-5. You won't go wrong with either the 1.6 or the 1.8L. plus you can get the roof down in less than 5s.
And you can fit in an amp behind the driver's seat.
Or one of these: https://www.zcars.org.uk/
GT 86
10-15k budget?
exactly, thats why i don't understand the recommendation.
it's about saying the GTR is a great sporty car, but if it doesn't fit within the budget, then why bother suggesting.
Anything at the bottom scale of price range for the model will mean high mileage and/or shitty condition. not worth touching.
blob eye rex
I saw a toyota chaser on the road the other day, it looked sporty in a stealthy way. Mid size sedan, front engine rear wheel drive. Never saw one before whereas all the other cars you listed can be quite common… Skylines are cool, but i don't know much about cars…
Nissan 350z is a great car. Maybe go for an Audi A4 if you can stomach the servicing. Really depends on your preference of performance reliability, looks and cost. AVOID rx8s. Lexus is250 look great and are cheap. Performance is. Meh
Don't know why you were negged, these are all great options and advice
It's ozjudgement.com.au I don't mind it's a funny thread. I hope the OP get's the car that he wants :)
FYI, people don't care what car you drive as long as you take them safely, reliably and comfortably (Air Conditioning) from A-to-B.
This applies to friends; girls; relatives…
People would only be 'impressed' by a car in the first few minutes… then it just becomes a 'car' like every other one on the road.
People in general are more impressed by a free ride irrespective of the car you drive.
Comfortable/soft seats would be better than rock hard suspension and bucket seats in a sporty car.
I'm more impressed by a car that'll get me from A to B whilst going sideways thorough the corners.
I don’t think you’re the target market the OP is trying to show off to.
Depending on how old a car you want, you can get some really fun rides in that price range. I'd highly recommend Honda S2000 though they are getting on 20 years old now.
s2000 is by far the best car, but unfortunately its started to get the collectors tax these days
I love the s2000 such a great car
They have always been expensive, 4 years ago they were all low to late 20k. They're much cheaper now, there's no collectors tax.
I'm talking about the low-med km non thrashed ones, they all sit around 25k and haven't moved in quite a while. The reason there's a bunch of cheaper ones around now is the very high amount that are repaired write offs
S2000 is nice but unfortunately appears to be out of my budget for reasonable kms.
An 86/BRZ will attract female 'friends'.
A Fiesta ST with a pod filter and a blow off valve is the most fun on this list. A good one would be easily be had in your budget and it will not attract the police. It even has recaros. It's cheap on fuel when you don't drive like a moron, meaning you might even be able to buy a house eventually. If you get a power shift gear box, research how to use it and take it by a Ford service department to make sure all recall work has been carried out on it (I think Ford is now industry leading on warranty repairs).
An S2000 would be fun, but they all have 200,000+ at your budget.
An MX5 is slow but fun. But all you ever hear from an MX5 owner is how great of a driver they are…
The MR2 is a good money pit as there are fairly easy engine swap options. This isn't a bad thing.
A 6T falcon has a huge following as they seem to be the next supra for crazy power with minor mods. Not P plate legal.
A V8 commodore or falcon is fun, but too expensive, thirsty and not P plate legal.
A WRX/EVO, while fast, is boring to drive.
Avoid euro like the plague. Two of the companies listed are famous for using plastic fuel pumps, designed to be changed every 4 years or so. At $400+ just for the pump (no labour). The other Euro company listed dosen't know how to select screws properly, meaning your car will start to fall apart after a few years. Very nice cars, just seem to be designed to fail so you buy a new one every four years. If you must by out of warranty Euro, make sure you have good public transport to work
Like I said, and 86 to attract females, a Fiesta ST for fun.
Lol @ 86 attracts females… That’s because it’s a hairdressers car. The 86 is just the new “Celica”.
Pretty much. A Camry should be faster.
From experience, it attracted school kids and retired men.. Did not want either.
I agree. Not my scene either. But a bloke buying a car to pull is normally a teenager looking to pull teenagers.
Worth the price though, can't say there's anything thats much more fun to drive at its price
the steering is so responsive!
I do see alot of females drive the 86
Regularly serviced S2000s are known to go well over 300,000km and be fine. Plenty of examples of this in USA that's why they've had the reputation of being bullet proof.
86 attracts girls and Evo's/STI's are boring to drive? You've obviously never attracted a girl or driven either of those cars.
Sure. Two 15 year old cars are the pinnacle of speed and fun.
Fiesta STs are fun, and the above rally derived cars aren't??! Wtf.
The ST is ten years newer. It is more engaging as the chassis is stiffer and you can have fun in it with out braking the state speed limit.
The EVO/STi both stopped being rally derived in the 90's. They are not that faster, but they are too fast for fun on the road but slow compared to modern ~$60k 'performance' cars.
It's also nice having a modern crash cell so if you do decide to drive like a moron, you have a reasonable chance of surviving in a crash.
Use public transport and put the 10-15k into an indexed share fund. You can neg me now but can send the thank you note in 10 years time.
Life catches up fast.
I've already got a large chunk of my savings invested across shares/ETFs :)
Research the insurance cost before you buy a "sporty" car. Being a young male isnt going to do you any favors in that department
1jz cressida
Benefit of an s2000 or NA mx5 is if you take care of it it will appreciate.
Mx5 if you want to start doing your own work, parts aplenty and easy to work on. Also you get thru the gears on legal roads. No point having a manual when first gear takes you to 80
get a fully sick wrx
MX5 is the way to go, with that kinda budget I'd get myself an 04/05 SE. I've owned 3 MX5's over the last 15 years (94 Clubman, 02 SP, 97 BRG LE) and they've all been excellent sports cars. Brilliant to drive, reliable, cheap to run, simple to work on (if that's your thing) and heaps of mods/parts around. The downside is practicality, being your daily drive you'll probably find it'll get old only having 2 seats and a small boot, same goes for an S2000 which is also a nice drive, I just don't think you'd get a clean one in that price range.
You'll find that 99% of people who bag out MX5's have never driven one, so don't listen to all the insecure macho men talking them down.
I agree 100% with all of the above as I am also a previous MX5 owner!
I all ways thought a fiesta ST would be great if it didn't have such a shouty interior. I had a 2009 125i that didnt feel fast but quick enough. It had a 3L inline 6 and like James May says it gave me the fizz.
They are just as bad as the Focus RS if fitted with the recaro option.
The upcoming Fiesta ST has a much more modern interior. Can't wait.
Get quotes for insurance.
Forget WRX and anything turbo
I personally don't know any young guy that's ever been keen to get an mx5 as their sporty car or even car.
Some options to consider bmw 125i,bmw 130i, 3 series bmw with 6 cyl z3 6cyl, focus st fiesta st, civic/integra type r, 180sx, s13 s14 aurion v6, mazda 3 mps, golf r32 gti, audi tt audi s3 s4, wrx impreza liberty gt, evo, xr6 t, rx8(servicing can cost but fun to push around bends), megane rs clio sport, swift sss cant think of anymore atm
"I personally don't know any young guy that's ever been keen to get an mx5 as their sporty car or even car. "
That's simply ignorance not advice.
No, just an observation. I don't know anyone either that would choose an MX 5 as a first pick, although I want to test drive one now.
I would recommend renting one for a day and taking it for a drive up or down the coast rather than a limited test drive if you can?
And yes I get what you're saying that not many young guys would lust after this car but it's very different behind the wheel
@JTTheMan: Things have changed. My little brother (23) is into the (current) modified car scene and a modified turbo NA MX-5 is the holy grail for fun. His friends with evo's, wrx's, s2000's, 240sx etc all want an mx5 now. When I had mine is was an unpopular choice and would often have abuse shouted at me when waiting at the lights. Mainly from people with lowered VB commies.
@FreddyMerc: Yep that was me too almost 20 years ago, added a turbo to my 1.8l NA and it was awesome fun, incredible power slides with full balance and control!
@JTTheMan: I'm early 40's and I did exactly that. Hired one for the day and took it for a drive with the wife along beach road to the Morning Peninsula. My thoughts? Was slow as a wet weekend, like really slow. Was great handling, felt like you were in a go-kart. A go-kart likely holds more stuff in it. We bought two bags of shopping stuffs and they barely fit in the boot. No back seats etc. This is a day trip car at best, not even and over-nighter. Handed the keys back and was glad I didn't buy one. Bought a VW CC instead and have not regretted that decision in over a year.
@cunningdrew: Yes, the lack of practicality is a big downside with this car and also why I don't own one anymore.
But it's the simplicity and connection with the road and nature that makes this car special. Straight-line speed is another downside and the reason why I installed a turbo but that also took away the simplicity of the original that I enjoyed.
It's not a perfect car but it did feel perfect for me at that time.
Just an honest opinion and my advice. I literally have never seen or heard of a young guy keen racing out to buy one.
I think this younger generation is no longer into driving for pleasure so that's probably why?
Would also add an SS,350z and mitsubishu gto 3000
MX-5. I had one. Best car I ever had. Chose that over a Commodore SS. No regrets. Go and drive one and tell me you don't enjoy it.
Cheap to own too. Can be driven like it is stolen without problems.
Get a Civic Hatch back or type R, my friend bought an EP3 Type R for 12k. Very fun car to drive around, easy to get around town too. Good power to weight ratio.
You can get parts easily and easy to find modified ones.
Anyone got any thoughts on the Lancer Ralliart?
I don't own one or have driven one but it's on my list for an upgrade.
Given that your idea of sporty is the driving experience and not necessarily getting away from the lights quickly, I would suggest a Honda Accord Euro (in manual form if you're keen to learn, but the auto isn't bad).
They were sold up until 2015, so they're reasonably modern safety-wise (no active stuff though). The 6 speed manual transmission is a joy to use - solid, rifle-like action, and would make a good car in which to learn manual. Nice engine that loves to rev (VTEC bro), but lacks torque lower down the rev range, requires premium (95) petrol and isn't the most economical in class. Steering is great, and the ride is a little firm but still comfortable. Good driving position, great front seats, good A/C but rear seat room is a little tight. The pedals are well placed and feel good to use. You may dislike the infotainment and consider upgrading the head unit to something more modern.
Some will say the smaller 1st gen (2003-2008) looks better but the 2nd gen (2008-2015) is quieter and feels more modern inside.
Women don't care as much about cars as you think. Driving a tackily modified, loud PoS is a turnoff, but having a flashy car isn't necessarily a turn on.
BMW Z3 !!!
I sold mine earlier this year after 8 years of ownership. It was great fun to drive, very reliable and loads of power without sucking up much fuel. Take one for a test drive, you won't be disappointed.
Also not a bad investment as they don't depreciate much, paid 18k for it in 2011 and sold it for 16.5k in 2019
FSM Niki
Megane RS 265 Cup/Trophy (2013)
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Renault-Megane-2013…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W8e04N3VVE
Holden barina or suzuji swift
I'm sure those who keep saying "an MX5 is a hairdressers car" (being stuck in the 90s and all), can share what car they drive so they can also be stereotyped.
BMW 328i.
And the BRZ86 is a better example of the damn hairdresser car :)
Porsche 944 (very old, so getting a good one is tricky) or Porsche Boxster?
Both easily available in that budget.
Recently rented an older Boxster for a weekend, fun car. It was like the best bits of our old mx5 and newer Golf put together and improved. Flat and stable like the mx5, smooth engine with a slightly heavy feel like the Golf. But then the mid-engine is even more stable, and the engine delivers way more.
You can get one in this budget? I'm guessing maintenance would be awful, but still. That could be very tempting.
Yes, they are an amazing car for the money. I guess part of the reason is that you are looking at a car that was originally $100K+.
Sure, you need to put aside a bit for maintenance but if you get an pre-purchase inspection done (preferably by a porsche-aware place) this will minimise the risks of major issues.
Most people don't realise how cheap these are nowadays (more because of oversupply really) when they see you driving something like this.
Lol "a bit for maintenance"
I was talking to a guy who was working on my MX5 and advised me never to get a Boxter when I suggested it. He paid $600 for a short strip of window seal rubber.
Hands down S2000.
Body styling is great. Servicing is cheap. Fuel economy is good. Sounds sporty. Faster than an 86 but still able to wind out to 9000RPM without losing your license. Super good feedback from the gearbox (best I've felt). 50/50 weight distribution. Handles like a go kart.
Agreed, although the idea of spending the same if not more than an 86 for a car that's 15-20 years older and has triple the kms might be a turnoff
i30N?