Recommendations for a Sports Car under $55,000

Countryboyperth on 05/10/2020 - 21:38
Last edited 05/10/2020 - 21:44

Hi all,

I am in the market for a reliable but performance oriented sports car. I am considering up to three years old pre owned/demo car including brand new.

I am okay with manual or automatic transmission.

Cars that I am considering are

Toyota Supra
BMW Z4
Audi TT
Mercedes SLC
Jaguar F type
Toyota 86
Subaru BRZ
Mazda MX-5
Lexus RC 350

I am surprised that most of sports cars are holding their value very well. Any reasons?

I would like to hear your recommendations and the reasons if possible from those who are either own one of these cars or closely know the performance and reliability of these cars being mechanics, dealers, friendship, family ownership etc.

Please feel free to add any cars that I may have missed out.

I would like to keep the car for say 5 to 8 years at least.

Many thanks in advance to those who will provide positive and constructive feedback.

Automotive Car

Comments

  • Tech5 on 05/10/2020 - 21:43
    +3

    Have driven the 86, TT and RC350, found them really boring.

    • Countryboyperth on 05/10/2020 - 21:45

      Thanks. Can you please elaborate on your comment boring? Any feedback on real life reliability?

  • SF3 on 05/10/2020 - 21:47

    Which 1 of the 9 is your preferred?

  • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2020 - 21:48
    +6

    Kia Stinger? WRX?

    Also if you're looking for reliable and affordable to maintain I'd take ze Germans and the Jag off your list.

    • Bourb on 06/10/2020 - 07:38

      Definitely check out the Kia Stinger.

    • ATTS on 06/10/2020 - 08:49

      just curious what is unreliable about german car and also why it expensive to maintain?

      • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2020 - 11:51

        They're simply less reliable in Australia for the most part, I don't know why but it's a stereotype for a reason. Check out any consumer review site for Toyotas vs for BMWs.

        They're also expensive to maintain because the dealers charge "luxury" prices for servicing and because parts are coming from Germany. It's further to travel, and also there's less of those cars here hence economy of scale is smaller. Plus we are a small market for them so they don't really care.

  • Countryboyperth on 05/10/2020 - 21:49
    +3

    My preference is Supra on high end and Toyota 86 at the low end.

  • SBOB on 05/10/2020 - 21:52
    +2

    Toyota Supra

    for 55k? dreaming

  • Willco88 on 05/10/2020 - 21:55

    GTR / STI / 370Z / GTI

  • Countryboyperth on 05/10/2020 - 21:57

    Agree that Supra is beyond the nominated budget but I will be able to stretch to $70k. Not sure if it is enough.

    • SydStrand on 05/10/2020 - 22:12
      +3

      Not when it starts at $85k. I also wouldn't pick a GT86 unless it's a bargain. That car is ancient and desperately overdue an update which is supposedly imminent. If you can't wait, I'd look at a hot hatch (i30 N, GTi, Civic Type R). The GR Yaris was arguably the best value, but they've sold out their introductory price.

    • jayboi on 05/10/2020 - 23:04

      The cheapest supra is 75k for a 2019 model,
      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-toyota-supra-g…

      • SydStrand on 06/10/2020 - 01:45

        Excludes government charges, so 80k driveaway for used..

  • casho on 05/10/2020 - 21:57

    Jag F-type start at $75k. I assume this just for a nice weekend drive, not track days?

    • Melb69 on 05/10/2020 - 23:21
      +1

      An Ftype is actually a great on the track. Went to a free track drive day at Sandown last year from. an Ozb free deal. The thing handles really well for a larger sports car.

      • SelfMade on 06/10/2020 - 00:14

        I actually went to that one as well! The F type is nice…was a blardy fun day out!

      • casho on 06/10/2020 - 10:03

        Oh I didn't mean the F-Type is no good on the track. I just wanted to check if any car you get will ever see a track

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 05/10/2020 - 22:05

      Unfortunately, now out of stock. ( ͡° ʖ̯ ͡°)

  • giu on 05/10/2020 - 22:01
    +1

    Golf R/GTI, Focus RS, Hyundai i30N, Honda Civic Type R, Audi S3
    So many to choose from. Look at some of the car review sites and forums.

  • bobbified on 05/10/2020 - 22:03

    I can't say much about the others, but I have the Audi. It's not a very common car (which I like). I sometimes think people mistaken it for the R8 and I get stares (glad i have dark tinted windows) . It's 4 years old with 40,000km and there's been no issues with it so far.

    Practicality purposes, there is a back seat, but it is in no way, shape or form usable for passengers. It's just there for looks, but that means that the seats go down and the boot space is quite good. I remember a review saying that it's got the same size boot space as a Ford Fiesta. It might not sound like a lot, but compared to other sports coupes, it's pretty decent. Having said that, the car is quite wide, so when you're sitting next to a passenger, there's plenty of room. Elbows don't touch.

    The interior has the virtual cockpit, which is awesome. Everything is right in front of you, including navigation, and there's no need to look to the screen in the centre of the dash like other cars (there is actually no centre screen there!).

    But, at the end of the day, it is a european car so expect higher running expenses. The car needs to be serviced regularly, especially that dual clutch transmission (that is also my biggest concern, but my concerns may be baseless with this newer version of the transmission). In terms of longevity, I really don't know. Any screwups with the DCT can easily set you back thousands and of course, parts for euro cars are expensive. The body is made of aluminium, so any replacement panels should be damn expensive too. It doesn't have the most powerful engine, but the car is relatively light so it does have some "go" in it.

    If you do go for this, go for the Quattro version. Apparently it handles much better than the non-Quattro version (which I have to admit, I've never driven).

    If I had a choice, would I choose this car again? I definitely would.

    • Muzeeb on 05/10/2020 - 23:21
      +2

      Just say which model Audi

      I sometimes think people mistaken it for the R8

      Really? TT looks nothing like it. Definitely does not sound like it.

      • bobbified on 05/10/2020 - 23:34
        +1

        Just say which model Audi

        There is only one on the list…

        Really? TT looks nothing like it.

        The TT has similar design elements, but it looks rounder and a little more plump!

        Definitely does not sound like it.

        That, I agree!

  • Marcsie on 05/10/2020 - 22:10
    +2

    Subaru STI WRX

    • Willco88 on 06/10/2020 - 08:55
      -1

      Yes I personally love the 2006 model club spec STI

  • Muzeeb on 05/10/2020 - 22:17

    $55,000

    Use as a 6% deposit on a GT2RS

  • yellowfever on 05/10/2020 - 22:17
    +2

    where is a Supra for $55K? They are at least $75K plus on road costs 2nd hand

    The Supra & Z4 & F type is in a different comparison class to the other cars

    Firstly set a budget. If you budget fluctuates too greatly then you don't know your budget.

  • pegaxs on 05/10/2020 - 22:53
    -1

    No Mustang on that list? Sheesh… what about a Camry Sportivo? The Abarth 595 Competizione would be my pick… That Toyota Yaris GR at $10,000 discount looks like a cracking car for under $50k you snooze, you lose…

    • Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 08:55
      -1

      Hell,give it a rest with your sarcastic comments!Not @ all funny!

      • pegaxs on 06/10/2020 - 10:49

        I own a Fiat 500. It's common knowledge to most on here (Not shy to admit it). And I would absolutely recommend the 595 Competizione. Small, lightweight, easy to park, fun to drive, wolf in sheep's clothing.

        I have the 500 Sport and that goes like a scalded cat and handles like a train on rails. I could only imagine what the Abarth version goes like with a hair dryer, Brembo brakes and Koni suspension upgrade over the regular 500. And a few year old one would set you back less than the equivalent Toyota 86.

        I'm a shade over 6'2" tall and have heaps of room in the 500. I don't even fit in an 86. The only issues I have had with it are dead battery causing CAN bus errors and a washer pump that failed. The 595 Competizione is virtually a street legal go-kart, but it is Italian, but wouldn't be any harder to look after than the other Euro cars OP has mentioned.

        And the Mustang? YOU own one, so how is that a stupid suggestion? It's a safety shitbox, sure, but it doesn't stop it from being a half decent car to drive around in. Have a mate who owns one (and he is the typical bell-end Mustang owner) and I would happily buy a 1~2yo Mustang for around $50k over any of the Euro trashwagons OP expressed interest in. (Hell, I'd buy a Razor scooter over that Jaguar, to be honest…)

        And let's face it, the Lexus RC 350 (OP's suggestion) is just a 2 door Camry with a bigger engine and RWD… It's made on the same platform as the Toyota Crown, which, for what it's worth, is just a rear wheel drive Camry.

        • Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 11:29

          As I alluded to(& rightly so) your comments leave a lot to be desired.It actually would be nice if you were actually polite to a poster who is asking for advice(that would be rather novel,for you,would it not?) Guy was asking a few honest questions,don’t have ago @ him.Be nice for a change! I will leave it with you.If you want to “down vote me”,go for it!Njoy your day.

          Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 11:29 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
          • pegaxs on 06/10/2020 - 14:30

            @Hackney:

            As I alluded to(& rightly so) your comments leave a lot to be desired

            No, you see, that is your personal opinion, not "rightly so". I cant believe that you're still butt hurt over comments I made months ago, so much so that you now follow me around and make a stupid running commentary on just an about anything I type.

            And please, since you're the "polite police", how could I have been more polite? OP asked for suggestions and I offered a few. They are within budget and the spec that OP was looking for (maybe not the Camry, but a lol meme is hardly being "rude") Should I have suggested a Nissan Qashqai or a Peugeot, perhaps?

            don’t have ago @ him

            What, like you are having a go at me? Hypocrisy much? At what point did I have a go at OP? About not being able to buy a Yaris GR? I only found out in this thread that they were sold out. Keep digging, champ.

            If you want to “down vote me”

            You're not worth the negs. I'd rather spend mine on comments that worthy of negging, not just on butt hurt fanbois that follow me around to make redundant comments.

            Anyway, you can go on my blocked users list, so I don't have to put up with your replies bombing my notifications. :)

            • Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 15:54

              @pegaxs: “No Mustang on your list-sheesh!Camry sportivo.(your words btw)It is obviously a dig @ him.If that is not being sarcastic @ the OP,I would hate see what nice is..Butt hurt?(seems a favourite terminology of yours) Really? I could not care less.Fanboi? Where did you dig that rubbish up from?Just love that one.As far as what you drive & own,your business not mine & more importantly your choice.See,there you go again about what I drive,my choice not yours.You have a “mate” who owns one,well good for you!And as far as you owning a Fiat 500 sport,I know exactly what they are like,my daughter owns one,great little car.And let’s be very frank,I do not “follow” you around.So get that out of your paranoid head(better things to do.)If a post interests me I read it. I will end on a positive note,& do find “some” of your comments funny & amusing.So not all gloom & doom for you.Again,I will end on a pleasant note.Njoy your day!

  • cille745 on 05/10/2020 - 23:03
    +1

    You really need to define your budget. You've got cars like the 86 and Supra competing, when one is over double the price. Personally I'd only consider cars with a manual, but you need to specify your use case as I'm not sure if you're looking for a weekender, or a daily commuter. Also not sure what kind of driver you are, whether you flog your cars or just enjoy the occasional go from the lights.

    I personally own an 86, and out of your list, the only other I've driven is the MX-5. Out of the two, the MX-5 has a better manual trans, and a bit more torque as well as being a convertible. It's body roll however ruined it for me and I'd simply describe it as the best sports car for an old person that doesn't want something too rough. I'd only consider these two however if you aren't using it for a long commute

  • emblurr on 06/10/2020 - 01:21

    I'll say a Kia Stinger, it's in your budget.

  • Euphemistic on 06/10/2020 - 07:42

    I am surprised that most of sports cars are holding their value very well. Any reasons?

    Sports cars are desirable. Enthusiasts want them as opposed to those getting the cheapest shopping trolley available.

    In a market where discretionary spending cannot include overseas holidays people are buying cars that they want as well.

  • Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 08:58

    Every thing is “holding” it’s value atm.Just the market,supply & demand.Gov’t stimulus package has a lot to do with it.Covid etc….

  • BrettSh on 06/10/2020 - 10:54

    As others have suggested, the Mustang & the Stinger might be worth a look.

    Anyway, I've owned a manual GT 86 for the last 7 years and here are my thoughts on that car.

    Pros:
    - Fun to drive. The 86 has 53/47 front/rear weight distribution a low centre of gravity. On a windy country road it feels like driving a go cart :-)
    - Nice short-shift manual transmission.
    - Relatively cheap to run. Needs 98 octane, but not a gas guzzler. No mechanical issues, servicing reasonable. Insurance more than a family car, but not outrageous.

    Cons:
    - Obviously, rear seats cramped. I'm 6 foot and have ridden in the back traveling The Great Ocean Rd. No room to stretch :-)
    - The interior is nothing flash. Good seats and ergonomic layout but the dash and head unit have always looked kinda dated.
    - Max torque up near redline. This is a momentum car, there are numerous hot hatches that would blow this thing away from the traffic lights.

    It's rumored the replacement GR86 / BRZ is out mid-2021. Sounds like it will have significantly more torque and a better interior. However, I don't know if you want to wait that long.

    • Hackney on 06/10/2020 - 11:34

      It all comes down to what the OP is comfortable with & what he really wants out of the vehicle,life style etc…Test drive them all then make your mind up,after all he is purchasing,not us.I will certainly not advise as I don’t know his taste in cars.

  • TChalla on 06/10/2020 - 12:49

    Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ - watch the videos on Mighty Car Mods of Marty & Moog modifying the BRZ and follow those / go to the same Turbo / Supercharger installers / Tuners. Will be an awesome daily ride + track car and well below your 55k now.

    Just make sure not to wrap it around a tree, RWD + the power these can run can be sideways fun but not great if you don't know how to handle it.

    Note - have driven a friends turbo 86 before but have a Cerato GT now which is obviously not as sports car as such, however, I do have a Ninja ZX6R which is better than all the listed sports cars above when it comes to cost / fun factor

    Skrrrttt

  • Strahany on 06/10/2020 - 20:43

    Kia Stinger GT.

    You won’t be disappointed.

  • Brick Tamland on 08/10/2020 - 09:10

    You might need to define sports car. Your list is a good list of sports cars but the majority of comments are suggesting cars that aren't sports cars. Hot hatches and GT cars aren't really sports cars but it depends on how much of a pure sports car you are after.

    If you want a manual then the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 are awesome but I wouldn't get one in automatic.

    I am probably not the best person to ask because I haven't experienced any of them apart from the Jag F type, the Jag even the 4 cylinder version is an awesome little sports car. For me it would be a toss up between the Supra and the F-type.

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