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.
People are delusional, a lot of them sit up on carsales etc for well over a year
I test drove one. Very cool car and likely to continue appreciating. Downside I've read and experienced is that you have to flog them to get any kind of speed, which isn't practical as a daily. If you want it for weekend fun, it'd be awesome though.
Fiesta ST can be had for 15k and is a bunch of fun with great standard features
If you can drive manual, Kia Proceed
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/kia/proceed/?area=Stock&ver…
can all these cars 2-3 warranty left
I was going to suggest a Honda S2000 but after looking them up, blimey they've held their value well. $20-30k for a 20 year old car.
How about a Golf R32?
I see no mentions of a s15 Silvia. They may be within your price range. They are fun if you want a bit of go (and renowned for drifting).
Edit. Can't believe how expensive they are now (I sold mine for $500 after being badgered by my significant other) :(
Silvia s15 for sale
If you want people to go wow and are after a fast jspec machine have a look at the 93 onwards Mitsubishi Gto -twin turbo goodness. And you can make it look like a Ferrari if you want. Ah I miss the bodykit days.
And what a bodykit can do for it (ps that'll probably be about $2k)
Gto with body kit
Jesus if I could have bought an S15 I'd have been a happy guy. How many ks? What was wrong with it?
Honda Civic EP3
Everyone talking about the S2000 please show me one for $15k. The S2000 now normally costs most of what it cost brand new.
My vote goes to the NC MX5. Superceded and now a boat meme, but definitely underrated and approaching the bottom of its depreciation curve. Everyone has forgotten that for its entire life, the NC won best car awards nonstop. Granted it was the mid 00s when Japanese sports cars all but died. But still! The NC is a great sportcar for very little money. Cheap, fast enough, will handle your brains out and take a lifetime of thrashing with poise and reliability. And it even looks like a happy S2000 if you squint at it. NC all the way.
There's a Facebook group called Aus-S2k. They have a classified page for buying and selling. A few have gone up for sup $15k recently (past 6 months) although these needed some minor attention in varying ways.
Have you considered a 147 GTA with the Q2 differential? You get an awesome v6 engines that sound insane. Good examples can be found for around $13K. You don't see many around nowadays, as owners got sick of how thirsty the Busso was.
Peugeot 208gti or Citroen DS3.
Not with the 1.6T prince engine from BMW/mini in those things. The timing chain is so thin it should be on a push bike not a car.
Hatch:
- Renault Clio RS 2015+ model. Some around ~$15k and still with some remaining factory warranty (came with 5 years from factory).
- Audi A3 1.4T 8V - I have owned this before and was surprisingly happy with the performance/fun.
- Polo GTI 1.8T - what you see is what you get. Well built and good value.
Sporty:
- BRZ, 86.
- 370Z or 350Z (but I prefer 4cyl cars - lower maintenance costs)
- 125i 6 speed manual (sedan) - I really like this car…seen many for less than $15k.
Only problem with A3 8V is you'll be extremely lucky to find one in manual. There is literally only one for sale.
Most have suggested cars towards the upper end of your budget but I’d recommend the little tikes cozy coupe. It’s not $10 but it’s cheaper than many of the other suggestions.
S15, or RX8 for some rotary revving fun (manuals rev higher than autos), or maybe one of the 5 cylinder turbo charged cars for something a little different (ford focus)
I drive an S15.
OP said he doesn't know a lot about cars, yet you're suggesting an RX8? RX8's can be nice cars, but I feel the owner would have to be very meticulous with servicing, maintenance, and with a strong sense of mechanical interest.
for the bargains you can get them for, it isn't a bad choice, can get a fresh rebuilt one that'll go for another 100,000kms for around 10k
Given the OPs perceived knowledge about mechanical and cars in general I still wouldn't recommend an RX8. Simple things like driving the car a short trip down the road and shutting off the engine whilst still cold, flooding the engine with fuel, losing compression, and not being able turn the engine over, is probably a bit beyond the OP. Then disconnecting the crank angle sensor, fuel pump, and pumping out the excess fuel, clean the spark plugs, then try starting it again.
Maybe not for you but I still think an RX8 would be a poor choice for the OP.
Clean S15s are rare and expensive these days. They're not as cheap any more as well. Typical scene pricing.
Suzuki swift sport? Look good. Decent tech too. Proximity key, climate control. Look good with the body kit. Low kms and decent performance with out running costs breaking the bank ?
Dark horse that someone else mentioned is Ralliart lancer. Awd turbo 2.4. Heaps cheap for what it is. 10k for under 100kms. Pretty reliable and respond well to mods.
Otherwise xr6t s15 mr2 jzx100 mx5 wrx ss commo
OP no matter what you get, just get a manual. No point in specifically going after a sports car if it's not a manual. Even if you're only interested in the image, nothing will shatter that quicker than seeing an automatic shifter on closer inspection.
Of course there are exceptions for certain cars but most of those suggested have a manual option. Might be daunting but it's not that hard!
Yes! Driving an automatic sports car is like seeing a beautiful girl in Thailand only to discover she has additional extras. It's both disappointing and embarrassing.
OP no matter what you get, just get a manual.
I find driving manual in city peak hour traffic is just nuts. Especially with the clutch of a sports car. You can get used to it and not notice until you drive an auto through the same traffic one day and realise how much easier things can be.
So from a practicality point, auto/semi auto makes more sense if the car is going to be based mainly in the city.
tbh if you're considering an auto because of traffic then you're not gonna get good use out of a sports car anyway
There's no in between, you're either auto or manual. And by manual I mean 3 foot pedals. Most people refer to the tiptronic, paddle shif as "manual mode". No, it's not the same. I've driven some amazing double clutched cars like a c63s AMG ($180K), APR stage 2 mk6 Golf R and Arteon, to me they were boring and soulless. The car felt empty and I felt like I didn't have as much control as I do on my little Audi A3 6sp manual. If you're after fun, definitely go for a manual.
I love my manual sports car but if I had to regularly sit in stop start city traffic I'd be getting rid of it.
Some modern manuals are very comfortable, even for city peak hour. Ultra light clutches, auto rev matching, radar cruise, etc.
But you're absolutely right, a manual sports car without these things would be a massive pain in the arse to daily if you lived in a city with a long commute. Not only for the manual but because they're not as comfy, practical, efficient on fuel, cheap to run/maintain, etc
Agree! I've always wanted to learn manual anyway just as a skill to have.
Definitely worth it, it'll significantly improve how much you enjoy the car.
VW Golf MK6 GTI.
golf gti
I asked a gazillion girls and surprise they said the one that would catch their attention was actually a MINI.
A wrangler isn't a bad option for that lol
Go and get yourself a V8 Commodore. VE SS . Don't bother with these garbage 6 and 4cyls
Cam it up and you'll be smashing c63's when you snap second
And then wrap it around a pole which seems to be the eventual home of most Commodores.
Anyone can wrap any car around a pole I don't see your point here
OP wants a "sporty" car to show off, not a powerful V8 he won't be able to handle.
Go and get yourself a V8 Commodore. VE SS. Don't bother with these garbage 6 and 4cyls
Having a big powerful engine is pointless if the car doesn't go around corners. lol!
…you'll be smashing c63's
Also, you do realise that C63's come with V8 engines, right? Ones that are much much more powerful than those in the Holdens :p
Hence "cam it up"
Bog stock these engines don't really excite anyone but you'd be surprised how well they respond to a simple cam swap
But hey if your thing is going around corners then by all means avoid a commodore :)
OP wants a sports car, not a boat with wheels
I'm surprised that no one mentioned Nissan Skyline R34 GTR? Best driving experience with this car, a real head turner.
That's because the budget is up to $15k. Aren't R34s GTR fetching over $100k now?
The way this is going, soon OP will be getting a Huarya.
That's my next car
I'm surprised no one has suggested a McLaren F1. Best driving experience with this car, a real head turner.
Best comment of the thread
not at this price pal
MX5 or a Cooper S R52, manual only. Both cars have their own character. Problem is finding a well looked after vehicle as they can be quite old these days.
Not the fastest cars, arguably a class leading example of a FR and FF cars out there.
Alternatively MR2 - downside is, the car goes sideway with the least provocation, and not recommended for inexperience drivers. Again, a prime example of a poor man's MR.
Are you on your Ps or fulls?
Full
consider S13/14/15s, maybe Evo 5 or 6. You could maybe get a 7 for 15-16k as well.
Keep in mind 86 / BRZ are tuned and run 98 only. It's actually expensive to run for an N/A engine.
BMW 2012 onwards 328i? They do 0-100 in 5.9 and engines are solid. However, doubt they're at the 15k yet.
Renault Megane? 2L FWD turbo, very good reviews/fun car.
Ford Focus ST - there is a few under 15k.
VW R32 Golf!!!
Naturally aspirated V6 engine on a hatchback; go for the 2008/2009 models and should be able to score it within your budget easily. They were 60K+ brand new.
Had one and only sold it due to a growing family.
Nothing else on the road sounds like it either… just make sure the DSG transmission on it has no issues.
Agree entirely with this! I have the VW CC which is a bit bigger car with the same engine. Fantastic cars.
Definitely back this as an R32 owner. Feel like they're a car not many people know about.
Get Toyota 86 if you liked Indomie mi goreng. They hit the flavour with the nail in the head
$900+ just for spark plugs.
*just under $1500 for that service
LOL… subaru might do a favour.
I wouldn't mind Hyundai Tiburon as my first second hand 'sporty' car if my budget was an issue. A 07~08 2.7 V6 would my choice.
VW Golf GTI or R32.
R32 at that price?
Bought a blue, 5 door, sunroof, manual for $14k. Would definitely recommend.
You seems to care more about image rather than how the car drive - so try Audi TT : https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Audi-TT-2009/SSE-AD…
German brand, they age quite well and "looks expensive".
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Audi-TT-2009/SSE-AD
There's a bit of damage on the left side, but even then, $12,999 still seems way too cheap for this car.
99 Hyundai XCELL. If you spend anymore than 300 dollars on a car it's against gods will.
You could get a really clean and well modded Subaru RS Turbo Liberty for just under $10k.
Rs turbo is that old they should be paying op to take it away.
Honda Accord Euro CL9 (2003-07). ~ $6k.
Sporty stiff suspension, revvy engine after ECU reflash (~$500), great stock handling around corners. Or put it on coilovers.
320 and 323 are not sporty at all due to the engine they have. 325 is turbo of 323 version. With 325 you could feel a bit of power. Nothing less than that would be sporty. 335 or 135 engines are obviously the best and the quality ( I assume) would be better. However, I had a bad experience with BMW second-hand cars. Someone said he bought one and happy. It probably is a new one. If you go with germans go with merc 250 CDI twin turbo diesel. The petrol version is not punchy due to the single turbo. I drive 2011 CDI and love it. Or Audi S-line (will be over 100000kms to be under 20K) or not S-line, but it has to be Quattro petrol to get the same engine. Audi must be not older than 2012 (to be safe). They have had gearbox problems before that and fixed it in new 2011 upwards models. Interesting fact. Audi petrol Quattro is almost the same power as Merc 250 CDI. However Audi Quattro diesel and Merc 250 petrol lack a bit that punchy feeling IMO. The numbers of engine power show the same. I like some suggestions to buy WRX. It is initially was built as a sports car for young guys. There are other brands which I do not have experience with.
I bought a Volkswagen CC recently. Sports, good size and fast as hell. Just over 5 secs to 100kph whereas the 86/BRZ/MX5 takes about 8-9 seconds.
The VW CC has many comforts the others don't as well. Paddle shifts, seats warmers, leather seats, sat nav etc. Well worth it, have a go.
Buy my 370gt, killer car, powerful, looks good (better than all the others in my MOMs opinion), easy to get parts (just swapped the alternator for $150 parts, $150 labour)
Car is an animal and sounds like one too, its fuel efficient enough on the highway and can keep pace with a 335i
Get a VQ - skyline v35/v36 coupe or a 350z/370z (v35/350z if you want to modify since there are good parts available, less so for the 370gt/370z as they are big $$$)
Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer
I'd strongly advise against anything European. I watched a documentary recently about the Toyota-BMW collaboration for the new Supra. BMW were stunned at how much higher the Toyota quality assurance requirements were. My mechanic (Ex Mercedes and VW) said the late model 3 series he owned previously was the worst car he's ever owned. He sold his brand new R32 a year later to get back into an Evo also.
As has been stated previously, cars aren't the status symbol they once were. That said, if you want something to impress others (particularly women), in my experience a convertible is the way to go. MX5 has been mentioned dozens of times previously, and for good reason. I think the NC PRHT is probably a good way to go, the retractable hard top looks slick. If you want to go upmarket, you might also consider the Lexus IS 250C. However that isn't quick and is only available in auto. Good luck with your search.
The Toyota Way - a good read.
What doco is it by the way? I will be keen to watch.
Currently in the market myself for a NC PHRT, car drives great, and actually has space for the passenger compared to my previous ND
Interesting, I've not heard of anyone trading back from an ND to NC. If you're going for more comfort and space though, I guess NC would be the better option. I've got an NB, and have driven NA & NC. Not ND yet.
Yeah, my partner and I are around 180cm tall (slim build). ND obviously drives amazing and is better in 99% of of areas. But damn, that knee room is just not good enough. Plus the seat rails go way further back and I don't think the NC has an active bonnet, so little prangs don't cost 5k.
NC doesn't drive that much different, it does feel heavier, but still drives better then my old Porsche Cayman.
Forgetfullfoot - My younger brother is selling his NC PHRT, great car!
Is he in Adelaide?
Nobody has said it but - Mazda 3 MPS.
I used to have the luxury variant, BOSE sound system, GPS, Xenon headlights, cheap servicing & 0-100 in 6 seconds.
Miss it every day!
Mk5 Golf R32, I would avoid the DSG personally. I purchased the manual for $14k, the car is a lot of fun, part time AWD, 3.2L VR6 engine which gives a beautiful exhaust note and is extremely comfortable.
Also 5 usable seats in case you need to drive your (profanity) friends anywhere.
Daewoo Lanos with a fully hectic spoiler and body kit.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcR-WO…
"I'm a young male looking for something fun and sporty with a $10-15k budget". Congratulations on being interested in something other than boring bourgeois SUVs. Nice looking cars are rare and defintely help draw attention to you since the majority are driving either ugly squat hatchbacks or blocky SUVs. I hope you find something to your liking at a price you can afford.
I am a MX5 guy. But you will pay a bit more as Japanese cars don't depreciate. I also own a Alfa Romeo Guileitta QV, which is a great sporty hatch and also good value for money (And they are actually very reliable). Renault Clio and Meganes are great too.
Partner owns a v35, it's ok but it's a boat, I would imagine 350z are similar. MX5 beats 86/BRZ, unless you need more space. BMWs are nice but the ones you listed I wouldn't really consider sports cars.
Check out this 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV Manual.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2011-Alfa-Romeo-Giu…
Did you want to modify the car or keep it stock? Are you willing to learn some DIY maintenance or will continue going to a mechanic?
If cost of ownership is important you need to answer these questions then I can help you.
I can do the basics like oil and brake pads, nothing too complicated and I'm game.
Repair/maintenance costs are a concern but I do accept that a sports car will be higher compared to something like a Camry. I'm more concerned about avoiding models that are known to have problematic histories.
If you didn't want to spend much, a MX-5 is a great option, easy to work on. 350z are also awesome value for money right now, under rated car IMO, my friend has one and I think its really nice for what they cost. Good power, great handling out of the box.
I like subaru's, I build engines for those. Great cars, but lots have not had a good maintenance history and some have very questionable owners, so can be a bit hard to find a genuine car.
Depends if you want to modify the car as well - wrx are really nice to give you a taste of modifying cars.
15k budget but wants all the sports cars that are expensive. Yeah makes sense…..
Beer income with a champagne taste.
Live within your means and budget, I get it, you're young, you want to impress everyone……
Craft beer isn't cheap
Anyone mentioned a Mazda 3 MPS yet?
Owned one since 2006. Can get a newer one relatively cheap, pretty reliable, manual (sorry, no auto option), has space (5Dr Hatch) and doesn't come with overly expensive insurance.
Check them out.
edit I see Jimmy above mentioned it.
I had a 2006 Audi TT (mk2)….which I sold recently for 15k. Really good car…sporty yet comfortable.
Thank you to everyone that commented their recommendations and advice! I settled on a 03 350Z today. :)
It is THE BEST, but unfortunately too expensive. It is probably the only car in the last decade or so actually getting more expensive as time goes by. People still selling those cars for about $25,000 after putting about 150,000 km on it. Crazy.