Looking for A Fun Daily Driver for $35k or under

yaozy on 01/08/2019 - 12:46

Right now I just can’t seem to get past the 2016 GTI with the driver assistant package.

  • Requirements are has to be 2015 or newer.

  • Prefer automatic due to being in Sydney and the daily driving part of things, but can be convinced to go manual.

  • Under 70,000 kms

  • Has to have a bit of zip about it (was thinking about the Golf R, but might be over budget and bit too much if I wanna keep my license?)

Any advice would be appreciated because I just can’t seem to beat the GTI’s all rounder bang for buck appeal, especially the used market. Willing to have my mind changed before I buy one in the next month

Automotive Car

Comments

        • Ghost47 on 03/08/2019 - 18:51

          I agree. I'd rather buy a crappier manual car than a better auto car. Manual is just simply too much fun.

  • spackbace on 01/08/2019 - 14:42
    +9

    86/BRZ can be fun if you want to throw it around corners.

    Can't help but think of the Golf R though after watching a bit of MCM. Damn those 1/4 mile times!

    • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2019 - 14:58

      Those are silly times. You can't drive those cars on the street in that configuration.

      (Why won't my R do sub 11 :( )

      • Pantagonist on 02/08/2019 - 18:48

        (Why won't my R do sub 11 :( )

        PEBSASW

    • Oz8argain on 02/08/2019 - 11:05
      +2

      I also recommend 86/BRZ, get it in auto for daily driving. I hate it so much in peak hr traffic…
      It's not fast but it's 'zippy' and will make you feel like you're driving really fast. the sound is piped into the cabin so you hear a low grunt between 2-3.5k rpm, it's a bit fake though..

    • PlasticSpaceman on 02/08/2019 - 12:52

      +1 on the 86/BRZ. Zippy enough, and great value. At $35k budget you could be looking at new or near new…..

    • Seraphin7 on 02/08/2019 - 16:28

      Yep, the 86 is definitely a fun car to drive. It's not going to set any records, but you can throw it around when you want to and actually feel you're driving it.

    • Kill Joy on 03/08/2019 - 18:20

      Another vote for 86/BRZ. With the correct tyres and suspension, it will out maneuver 95% of cars on the road.

      And if you want straight line speed, a turbo kit + compliance plate should run you under 10k. I took that route and the car is god damn amazing all round now.

      • Forskin on 04/08/2019 - 21:29

        How much power did it make on the dyno with the turbo kit?

        • Kill Joy on 04/08/2019 - 22:11

          190KW at 8PSI, more than enough for a 1200KG car.

  • thebadmachine on 01/08/2019 - 15:12

    One of these seem to have a bit of zip.
    https://youtu.be/8PI9n_aloY8
    https://youtu.be/XPTPPG7RWmQ

  • POTATO10 on 01/08/2019 - 15:26

    subaru wrx sti

    • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2019 - 15:55
      +1

      Also bloody fun but doubt there's any >2015 and under 70,000km for <$35k.

      …and so many have been driven by international students high on Initial D. Factor in the cost of burnt clutches and chewed transmission.

    • Bid Sniper on 02/08/2019 - 08:49
      +2

      I have a 300kw 17 STI premium, an i20 daily beater and a pushbike.

      Puskbike is fastest in Sydney, i20 because STI in traffic is a waste, also saving on insurance almost pays for the i20. In addition to not having to worry about the STI being damaged, clocking on excessive kays and it hating you because you baby it (carbon build up).

      • Oz8argain on 02/08/2019 - 11:06

        so is your STI for sale :)

      • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 12:11

        I intended to rebuild my car with carbon. I even had a guy who was willing to do the carbon moulding for me for cheap!

        Had 3 panels gouged in a low speed collision and my insurer refused to allow me to use carbon parts even though it was cheaper. They insisted the parts had to be exact replacements.

        Just FYI.

        • Bid Sniper on 02/08/2019 - 12:41

          my i20 cost me $4K with 60,000km on it. Much less than those fancy panels of yours or any damaged to caused to my STI

          After seeing a granny smash into three different cars trying to park at the local shopping mall, I figure a cheap beater is the way to go.

          • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 13:13
            +1

            @Bid Sniper: Eh, I'm insured so I drive any of my cars like they're beaters.

            Then I have super beaters that I use to haul crap. My Corolla's interior looks worse than the exterior.

      • Dreamcast on 03/08/2019 - 11:11

        How's your gear box going? I have a 2016 and just feels too clunky. Got the cobb poly bushes on. Need to install my sti short shifter.

        I just can't get over how bad the gearbox feels.

        • Bid Sniper on 03/08/2019 - 11:40

          Its not the gearbox its the shifter assembly, stock shifter sucks! Really sloppy after my old WRX with a STI short shifter for 5MT.

          Highly recommended the factory STI 6MT short shifter. Install is a bastard got my mechanic to do it. The 5MT was easy DIY. After that shifting feels great, tight and precise.

          • Dreamcast on 03/08/2019 - 12:08

            @Bid Sniper: Yep, my mechanic will kill me. Had to remove part of thy exhaust and reassemble to install the shifter bushings. I noticed a whine after it. He came back, removed the exhaust and put a new gasket and same issue. Then I thought, it's transmission whine… Ha. Used to it now.

            I got the short shifter and realised he needs to install it. He won't be happy. Will wait for the next install.

            On my 6 speed celica, it'd be like a 5 speed wrx, that is cable link with small ball joints. Remove and install short shifter. The bushings are located in the engine bay, where as the sti, the bushings are right below the shifter. Strange.

            On another note, subaru fixed my fifth gear crunch under warranty. My mechanic said it's common. When the bushings were istalled, my mechanic noticed that Subaru didn't install the rear rod into the rear shifter bushing afterwards . Just hanging…..

            /end life story

            • Bid Sniper on 03/08/2019 - 12:32

              @Dreamcast: Weird no issues with the boxes on my old WRX or the STI. STI is quiet in general.

              You will get gearbox whine by adding stiffer bushings. I put in a Group-N rally gearbox mount in my old car, sounded like a rally car, drove me nuts and removed it.

              STI Gearbox been solid, few 7k launches with it been great. Thats with 300kw too. 6MT is good for a 1000HP so strange you have issues with it.

  • jelko on 01/08/2019 - 20:17
    -5

    You want to spend $35,000 on a used car. And one that may have up to 70,000 kms on it.

  • tommo224 on 02/08/2019 - 09:25
    +1

    I was in this same search less than a month ago. I looked at:
    MK7 Golf GTI Performance
    MK7 Golf R
    Audi S3
    AMG A45

    Wife decided the A45 was the winner but it was much over budget and so we bought that.

    But my preference on driving was the S3, the GTI Performance was best bang for buck and I had a ton of fun driving that thing around. I didn’t much like the Golf R. It didn’t feel that great to drive (even though mechanically its pretty much the same as a S3). Also the fake engine noise through the speakers is horrible. But on YouTube they show you how to remove that. The S3 was a beautiful car to drive, and I was just coming out of my Audi A5.

    The GTI Performance is a great package with some extras on top of the standard GTI, definitely worth the extras. For the money too it’s a great deal.

    TLDR: GTI Performance = best bang for buck. Golf R = didn’t like. S3 = more exxy but great experience.

    • Oz8argain on 02/08/2019 - 11:08

      It was much over budget but you bought it anyway?
      the new a45 just came out and it's a huge improvement. i think it will drop the value of the older model by a lot.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 12:24

        Every new model is "so much better" than the last. Honestly it's just a whole lot of marketing speak.

        I still had some of my favourite driving experience in an R32 Golf and some of the crappiest experience in the pre-revised RS3. Essentially the same horse - golf body with a bigger engine.

        M135i > m235i.

        • Mysterious Laptop on 02/08/2019 - 16:40
          -1

          marketing speak or not, it is a lot better.. the A45 is all new, everything updated.
          You sound like you don't know much about cars and drive a Golf R which makes you think you do.

          • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2019 - 09:15

            @Mysterious Laptop: Not sure what you have against people who have a particular car but sure, think what you like.

            Some of us here have been around long enough to realise that manufacturer's so not just make an incredible car that will cannibalise their more expensive models.

  • pegaxs on 02/08/2019 - 09:58
    +2

    Where is that potato that comes into these threads saying that there are no good cars Under $35k, all while having their chauffeur drive them around in one of their multiple Tesla Model S, wondering what the poor people are doing today?

    • Bid Sniper on 02/08/2019 - 10:18

      Tesla is for hippies turns sellouts

    • Oz8argain on 02/08/2019 - 11:10
      +5

      there are no good cars Under $35k, my chauffeur drives me around in one of my multiple Tesla Model S, what do poor people do all day?

  • Speckled Jim on 02/08/2019 - 11:10
    +3

    Kia Cerato GT

    • krisspy on 03/08/2019 - 19:26
      +1

      This. 32k drive away with 7 year warranty.

      • Eeples on 03/08/2019 - 20:09

        33.

    • pauper on 04/08/2019 - 23:22

      The only negative for me, not available on manual :(

  • pingualien on 02/08/2019 - 11:32

    I drive a YM, very quick and easy

  • The Taco on 02/08/2019 - 11:52

    I was just in the same boat as yourself although sadly had to work with a QLD P Plate restriction. Ended up buying a 2015 GTI PP just November gone with an Akrapovic exhaust. Great car zippy yet good on fuel and the automatic cruise control makes traffic a breeze. DSG while a fantastic piece of kit can be a little iffy in bumper to bumper traffic but not too the point its a pain. Although if you're wanting to use all your power from a standstill FWD makes it a bit problematic. Other than that it's an overall fantastic car but I'm keen to upgrade to an R once I get the money.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 12:16
      +2

      Drive it in "manual" when in bumper to bumper. It's the constant D1-D3 changes that's going to wreck the damn thing. Either that or flip to S and it should stay at S1.

      • The Taco on 02/08/2019 - 13:44

        I'll give it a go in S usually leave it in D to try and save fuel but thanks for the tip!

        • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 15:23

          I've also noticed my car is more efficient in S. Tested whilst cruising on flat interstate road, same gear.

          I don't know why. Maybe open exhaust valves = better efficiency. Still have no idea but it's a good 8-10% difference.

  • JimB on 02/08/2019 - 12:25
    +1

    If it must be auto, the Golf GTI 40 years edition will be my first preference.

  • DiscoJango on 02/08/2019 - 14:06

    ive had a golf r in the past, i would choose a gti in the future. the larger turbo is laggy, wheras the gti is quick and peppy. the new front wheel drive technology in the mk7's is excellent as well. no more torque steering.

  • fox81 on 02/08/2019 - 15:34

    BMW m140 probably at 40k.

    you could get an m135 for a bit less.

  • pumpkins on 02/08/2019 - 18:18
    +1

    GTI all day. Ultimate refined go kart with great build quality.

  • This Guy on 02/08/2019 - 18:29

    Get a Golf R for $30k

    Copy

    3 second car. 10 second car. Something like that.

    (parts were said to be around 7k in a later video. 24 hours of work shop time @$150/hr is $3600, so it is at least $5k over budget.)

    • Bid Sniper on 03/08/2019 - 16:01
      +1

      Call BS on their cost statement. $20k to 30k for non sponsored punter. Assuming the second hand golf doesnt have problems or blow up.

      • This Guy on 05/08/2019 - 19:39
        +1

        100%. My comment wasn't serious. I was significantly over budget. And no one in their right mind buy's the cheapest, sight unseen vehicle unless they have significant workshop and parts sponsorship and they are using it as a gimmick.

        • Bid Sniper on 05/08/2019 - 20:35

          Ah ok

          Yeah i think they're misleading. Ive done a mid range build on the cheap and its not cheap. What MCM did for all their cars is more expensive than buying a new car.

          • This Guy on 05/08/2019 - 20:46

            @Bid Sniper: Yeah, that looked like a $60k+ spend without sponsorship. I can't remember if they installed a new harness, but those alone can be north of $10k.

  • abuch47 on 02/08/2019 - 19:36

    VF commo sv6 or ss

  • eldudebrothers on 02/08/2019 - 20:37
    +1

    I have had an mx5 for a few years now and it has made traveling extremely fun. It is more practical then you think but still an issue if you need to transport large items or more then 2 people….

    • freakatronic on 04/08/2019 - 08:57

      Which generation? I love the feel of the MX5. I could even ignore the stares and the gayboi vibe while I drove around with my buddy. My wife won't allow an it though, cause my head sticks out the top of the car. The upper edge of the windscreen is right in the middle of my field of vision.

      • eldudebrothers on 06/08/2019 - 22:00

        ND model. If you are tall it is going to be an issue.

  • domadgee on 02/08/2019 - 21:10

    Focus ST?

    Try and aim for at least an ST2 or preferably an ST3 that comes with the sync 3 infotainment system and the tech pack

    250+ horsepower, lane guidance, front and rear sensors, amazing reverse camera, auto flappy in side mirrors, plenty of boot space (yes the backseat can actually go completely flat despite nearly every reviewer saying it can't), auto collision sensors.

    Just a solid car, and mine has been extremely reliable.

    Goodluck with your search!

  • Oliver on 02/08/2019 - 21:15
    +1

    I used to have a golf. Maintenance was through the roof. Got rid of it and got a brand new mazda sp25 astina for 33000 down from 39500.
    It's a zip when you put it in sports mode and take off from the lights.

    • Fobsessive on 02/08/2019 - 22:42

      How much was maintenance?

      • Oliver on 03/08/2019 - 17:34

        It was a 2002 model so heaps of stuff kept breaking like every 6 months it would be 500+ so I got rid of it

  • Skramit on 02/08/2019 - 22:01
    +1

    OP have you considered a 2016 GTI 40 year? Has the golf R engine but detuned. Absolute rocket ship.

    • greatlamp on 03/08/2019 - 09:19

      Isn't that the case with all GTIs since they killed the 6 cylinder golf R?

      Modifying a GTI to get golf R speed has always been very popular
      The problem is you don't have the handling of the golf R at high speed

      • Skramit on 03/08/2019 - 09:34
        +1

        No. The gti 40 year has the bigger golf R turbo so tuners are having a field day of 270kw with stock parts from the 40 year. Also because it’s only 2wd it’s 100kg lighter than the R. At stock it’s 195kw vs GTI back in 2016 of 162kw.

        And…. the 40 year also has some nice body kit to make it stand out if that’s OPs thing.

  • Ekliptix on 02/08/2019 - 22:26

    I30N would be my pick at the moment. You'd get a near new example for around mid $30s.

    Alternatively you could look at a WRX, Megane RS265 or 275. You can't go wrong with a GTI though, there's a reason there are so many out there, I've had a couple myself and they are great all rounders and only a flash tune away from lots more power if you ever get bored.

  • Fobsessive on 02/08/2019 - 22:42

    Mod a $12,000 2015 Honda Accord Euro?

  • Drewbo on 03/08/2019 - 07:11

    2015-16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback - several on CarSales meeting your criteria. e.g. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2015-ford-mustang-f…

    • Suspect420 on 04/08/2019 - 03:46

      Found them!

      So it's your type the 4cylinder Mustangs (shiver) are targetted towards.
      V8 or mid-life crisis is mild as F

  • montorola on 03/08/2019 - 11:00
    +2

    Fun and automatic aren't compatible.

    Manual transmission ftw!

    • Oliver on 03/08/2019 - 17:35
      -5

      You'd be surprised with these new cars. I'm always beating manuals from the lights because you can see when they change gear and you sail past them without trying.

  • payless69 on 03/08/2019 - 13:08

    Petrol: top end howlers, diesel: bottom end grunters. Ya never know till ya try!

  • pln on 03/08/2019 - 13:48
    +1

    I thought looking to employ a driver for $35k/yr when reading the title…was I the only one?

    • yaozy on 03/08/2019 - 18:20
      +1

      …. you’re hired.

  • Masteraal on 03/08/2019 - 15:36

    Fiesta ST would be a solid choice if you don't need that much cargo space.

    • yaozy on 03/08/2019 - 18:19

      Haha it’s very tempting considering the price on some used ones, 2016 looks like the sweet spot, although again manual for city driving and I prefer the gti’s appearance.

  • krisspy on 03/08/2019 - 19:35
    +1

    What is "fun" to you? Traffic light grand Prix? Going as fast as possible around corners? Great driving feel and feedback from car?

    Any VAG cars just be sure to have some money saved in case the Dsg grenades or typical electrical gremlins.

    i30N should be close to 35k now. Faster than a gti, sounds a hell lot better too.

    BMW series 1 would be my pick. Rwd 6cyl turbo on a small chassis, what more could you want. Might be over budget and BMW's renowned engineering (ie. Gasket failures).

    Cerato gt/i30 Sr safe bets, still has warranty.

    Focus st/rs - sounds pretty good and little harsh on the ride. Was about to get this but the interior makes you puke.

    Q50 hybrid - pretty fast in a straight line

  • chiuy on 03/08/2019 - 23:57

    I was in similar position recently.
    Bought a Kia Optima GT.

    Its a good car. But too big for me in hindsight.

  • soaringphoenix on 04/08/2019 - 03:38

    +1 for ND MX5.

    You can pick up a 2016 model for 25k.

    Get the manual if your work commute isn't too traffic-heavy. The manual transmission is so slick and smooth, rowing through gears is a joy!

  • TurkishDelight on 04/08/2019 - 13:22

    KIA STINGER!

  • Marcsie on 04/08/2019 - 15:11
    +1

    Subaru, WRX, Turbo, AWD and Manual
    How can you beat that ?

    • Forskin on 04/08/2019 - 21:25

      well for starters a cammed commodore ls1 from 1999 will beat it

      • Bid Sniper on 05/08/2019 - 09:04
        +1

        Yeah no, WRXs been beating commonwhores since 1994 on

        • Forskin on 05/08/2019 - 12:43

          try again buddy. have done it multiple times. you run out of puff really quick. 0 top end

          • Bid Sniper on 05/08/2019 - 13:49
            +1

            @Forskin: Police thought otherwise, they couldnt beat them and bought WRX to try keep up.

            Also no such thing as a LS1 commowhore, LS1s was only available in HSV models. Commos got cabbage patch motors that made less power than WRXs at the time

            • Forskin on 05/08/2019 - 14:46
              +1

              @Bid Sniper: Lol dude you are heavily misinformed.

              • Bid Sniper on 05/08/2019 - 15:04
                +1

                @Forskin: I was going to buy HSV Clubsport. Commons have cabbage motors, only HSVs have proper LS motors. Same displacement but nugget motors that make way less power and burn oil all that way up to Gen IV 5.7L, even that motor had serious issues. Where the LS motors in the HSVs didnt.

                Still lose to a WRX anyway, no amount of Chevy badges well change that.

                • Forskin on 05/08/2019 - 15:09
                  +1

                  @Bid Sniper: Lol still heavily misinformed but keep going please .

                  • Bid Sniper on 05/08/2019 - 15:53

                    @Forskin: Nah seems you dont know your cars…

                    Checkmate

                    • Forskin on 05/08/2019 - 16:20
                      +1

                      @Bid Sniper: You got me mate!!
                      What would I know though, I just tune, build, sell parts for these ls's that make no power 😂😂😂

        • evocable on 28/10/2019 - 08:37

          And evo's been beating them both ;)

  • Laizay on 04/08/2019 - 21:56

    Consider the VW scirocco? Can find a very nice clean one for 35k. I have owned golf R and now have scirocco R and finding the scirocco a lot more fun. Sure the Golf has great AWD for cornering and mountain climbing but day to day use was a bit a bit of a waste. Driven many GTIS and for the additional money you can find a R soex that is a lot more aggressive. The 0-100 time between the GTI and the R is only 0.5 seconds but the dynamics is a lot more different. Scirocco IMO is the best looking esp since they face lifted the body.

  • yaozy on 12/10/2019 - 14:03

    For anyone interested on what I bought… I got a 2016 VW GTI 40 years auto, wow what a car

    • tommo224 on 20/10/2019 - 19:56

      I really, really like those, you made a great choice. Great performance and the car looks awesome. Congrats on the new whip!

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