$45k - $55k to Spend on a New Car - Sporty and Quick

Lpaulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 10:53
Last edited 28/04/2021 - 11:13 by 1 other user

I am in the a bind here and keen to get some input, time to change my small car (Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo) to something bigger and faster. Have a budget of $45k - $55k and have narrowed it down to the following 3

Hyundai i30 N performance
- I think these look and sound great,
- Cannot get a test drive of a current model anywhere in metro Sydney as no dealers have any demo cars as new model is not in the country yet

Golf GTI
- Feel these are a steady option but no were near as fast as the i30.
- Build quality is great but these are $$ and limited numbers coming into Australia over next 6 months for the new model.

Focus ST
- On the fence on this one, it's a Focus and is plain even with the ST kit on it.
- Flat cost $50k drive away
- Heard lots of stories about build quality and issues with current model.

What does everyone think? Or is there something else in the market I might have missed.

Poll Options

  • 313
    i30 N Performance
  • 66
    Golf GTI
  • 12
    Focus ST
Automotive Car

Comments

  • SF3 on 28/04/2021 - 10:57
    +5

    Usual first comment, please add a poll :)

  • Muzeeb on 28/04/2021 - 11:02
    +42

    GR Yaris

    /thread

    • SF3 on 28/04/2021 - 11:06
      +1

      nah, only seeking validation :)

    • HerpinDerp on 28/04/2021 - 11:24
      +19

      Yep, GR yaris owner here.

      Nothing comes (profanity) close in this price point.

      I still cant believe we got 40k on roads with metallic paint. (Yes, no torsen but still…)

    • drprox on 02/05/2021 - 13:28
      +1

      I just came to pump the GR some more. Have one, drove the i30N immediately prior and the Yaris is just better.

      • Intoxicoligist on 03/05/2021 - 18:28

        I've only driven the i30N and it goes like stink. But I've heard the GR is even better. Might have to go for a test drive soon.

        • drprox on 03/05/2021 - 19:13

          The i30N might have gone a bit harder once rolling but I found it felt cheap, the suspension was horrible and the GR cornered harder and overall felt a more cohesive package.

          • Intoxicoligist on 03/05/2021 - 21:04

            @drprox: Honestly it was a work car that I got to use for a day, and I didn't really have much to compare it with. In track mode it felt pretty good, and I didnt have a problem with hard corners (trackwork might be different). I agree that it felt cheap though.

  • emblurr on 28/04/2021 - 11:03
    +74

    I'd be looking at a Kia Stinger for that kinda money.

    • mbck on 28/04/2021 - 11:15
      +1

      Ooo I quite like the look of these.

    • Almost Banned on 28/04/2021 - 11:29
      +1

      ^^^ This.

    • Bob Svargis on 29/04/2021 - 11:09

      What emblurr said

    • Franc-T on 29/04/2021 - 15:35
      +1

      Yep and you would have years of warranty (either a new mid range model or few year old top of line) left.

    • beyondtool on 01/05/2021 - 15:07
      +1

      Kia stinger all the way.

    • tweegsie on 01/05/2021 - 20:40

      The Stinger is 70k. Not the same kinda money.

      • Eeples on 07/05/2021 - 10:54

        330s might be possible for the same kinda money.

        • tonyjzx on 05/08/2021 - 01:47

          As much as I like the Stinger get ready for 15 lt around town.

          Also I cant fathom spending that kind of money on any fwd car.

          $60k on Stinger yes. $40k on any fwd hot hatch…. nah.

  • slknv on 28/04/2021 - 11:03
    +16

    Must it be new? Some amazing secondhand cars for 55 and under… 996 911, Cayman/Boxster, S3/RS3, M140, A45/CLA45, Golf R etc etc

    • paulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 11:08
      +10

      Yeah i would prefer new, it will be my first ever new car and i am in my 40's. Always purchase ex demo or cars 12-18 months old in the past. Now in a position to afford something new

      • Muzeeb on 28/04/2021 - 11:21
        +3

        Born in 1977 at a guess Paul H(arrison?) 😀

        For the love of God don't go second hand euro sports.

        • paulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 11:29

          @MS Paint (Child of the 80's/90's with that handle)
          Second hand euro sports, i would only go for something like a ex demo golf r or RS4 Dream Car perhaps. BMW (Wife has 330i) and Merc are shockingly expensive to maintain i feel.

        • Zachary on 29/04/2021 - 23:03
          +7

          i guess he should have saved up 50k when he was looking good in his early 20s….

          So out of curiosity, what does look good for 40 year olds like yourself? What do you drive?

        • soaringphoenix on 30/04/2021 - 06:58
          +19

          Imagine basing your car purchase decision on a baseless perception of what an incrediblly small proportion of the general public could possibly think.

        • scud70 on 01/05/2021 - 07:03
          +1

          Lol ouch… In my 40s and our second car is a Pulsar SSS… I'll get my wife to take a pic of me while in the car to see how bat shit crazy I look… If it's not Bay shit crazy enough I might lower it put an exhaust (for no good reason) and stick a spoiler on top of the spoiler….

        • smartazz104 on 01/05/2021 - 10:15
          +1

          Sounds like you’re more in your 60s. What do you drive?

          • kbbargains on 03/05/2021 - 19:52
            -8

            @smartazz104: No, I'm in my 40s like I said. I also drive a Golf like I said.

            I'm guessing you're in your 90s given the dementia.

            • smartazz104 on 03/05/2021 - 21:38
              -1

              @kbbargains: gIvEn ThE dEmEnTiA man listen to yourself; first you rubbish hot hatches because you think people look ridiculous in them, and now you’re continuing to project by accusing others of having dementia. Don’t suppress your own insecurities by posting drivel.

        • Wally Simmonds on 03/05/2021 - 21:12
          +1

          I'm 40 and loved my R. They're common af so didn't get many comments but people generally were nice and those that knew anything about it would occasionally say something nice at the pump.

          Honestly the only thing batshit ridiculous is your comment

        • MBloxx on 04/05/2021 - 16:56

          Snob.

        • cheeseburger on 05/05/2021 - 02:56

          Damn, I must look extra pathetic. I'm nearly 40 and I still cruise around on a BMX bike.

      • soaringphoenix on 30/04/2021 - 06:54
        +1

        If you bought used, you could also consider an even hotter hatch like a Focus RS.

        • chriskq on 30/04/2021 - 12:02

          Focus Audi RS3. Fixed :p

      • Slipstream on 05/05/2021 - 09:10

        Hey, i know you'd love new and i'm a little late to the party but i'd like to add that buying 2-3 years old from Audi or Merc is going to give you a MUCH better vehicle that will be faster and more fun than anything you'll buy new.
        Look at the RS3 (audi) and the A45 (merc) I've owned both of these vehicles and you'll have an absolute blast in either. Pretty much supercar performance for $50k

    • zeomega on 02/05/2021 - 00:39
      +1

      996 911 is not a sound choice if you can't factor in $10k per year for maintenance as a daily car.

      • slknv on 02/05/2021 - 15:33

        Depends on your mechanical ability. I've had my 996 3 years now, and never had to take it to a mechanic as I've been able to fix all the (many) problems which have cropped up so far. Parts surprisingly cheap - just replaced the fuel pump ($150) and fuel pressure regulator ($50).

        However if you're not mechanically minded and not willing to learn, then yes factor in some money every year for maintenance and repairs. Next up is routine changing of spark plugs - $20 each x6, but a mechanic would charge you $600-800 for the job even though it only take an hour to remove the rear bumper, exhaust mufflers and heat shields to get access.

        • Muzeeb on 02/05/2021 - 16:01
          +2

          Can you do the IMS yourself? 😀

      • YellowDieselGolf on 03/05/2021 - 18:02

        [citation needed]

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2021 - 13:34

      You would be nuts to buy any Porsche on a $40k budget. If the motor goes (and it does, bore scoring and IMS bearings are major problems), you're up for probably another $30-40k to replace/repair it.

      • slknv on 02/05/2021 - 15:39
        +2

        Calculated risk is part of all secondhand car buying especially with euros and their usually crappy build quality. IMS more of an issue with single row IMS post 2000. Nowadays it's 2 decades on, lower milage cars seemed to have more risk and if it's going to happen, would've gone kaboom by now. Bore scoring and D chunks another part of happy P-car ownership nightmares. Happy with my bargain 996.1 with dual row IMS and cable throttle, I'm on the hunt for another one (would love a targa) or 986.1. I'd be more scared buying a diesel mazda CX5 than another P.

        • Muzeeb on 02/05/2021 - 16:03

          G body Targa is what I would love but more realistic is a 987 Caymans S manual.

  • ozwog05 on 28/04/2021 - 11:06

    You may be correct about the i30 being faster than the GTI, but I imagine the aftermarket scene is bigger on the Golf, so if you prefer that, you could throw some performance parts and a tune at it, but obviously not ideal if you're just after a turn-key drive-away option.

    • paulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 11:07
      +1

      like your thinking ozwog, but want to try and keep the warranty on the car, so tuning is probably out of the picture for a min of 3 yrs.

      • bobbified on 28/04/2021 - 14:38

        so tuning is probably out of the picture for a min of 3 yrs.

        A Stage 1 tune will make the GTI rip the i30N, but you're right to be careful with the warranty. Apparently there is a counter in the software that is triggered with every reflash. Some companies will claim that their software doesn't trigger it and the vehicle can be flashed back to stock firmware in the event the vehicle needs to go back for drivetrain warranty, but the experiences from some people in the forums seems to suggest otherwise.

        • dny on 29/04/2021 - 16:50
          +1

          Its a flag called TD1 that gets registered against your VIN if the diagnostics scan detects that the car has been tuned. Once its on there it can't be removed.

      • ufsta on 28/04/2021 - 21:08
        +1

        I30 may be faster but at that price point i personally would pick the golf gti just because it has much better interior

        • beyondtool on 01/05/2021 - 15:09
          -2

          VW can’t afford to pay for warranty claims and are forced to cut corners because of their dodgy business practices. I wouldn’t buy one on principle alone, but better interior is a pretty poor reason to buy a vehicle.

          • dny on 02/05/2021 - 00:51
            +1

            @beyondtool: Pretty poor reason? Where do you think you spend the majority of the time when you're using the car?

            hint its not standing outside looking at it

      • Tambani on 01/05/2021 - 17:38

        I did a Stage 1+ on my 2018 Golf Alltrack and added a rear sway bar. Had absolutely no problems on a warranty repair this year.

        It's got more torque and power than a stock GTI and full Golf R transmission. Love it.

  • yayrobots on 28/04/2021 - 11:13
    +2

    I would say wait for the GR Corolla. Really hoping they bring the wagon in manual form to Australia.

    • HerpinDerp on 28/04/2021 - 11:25
      +2

      Nah, not a bespoke build like the yaris. It'll be ages before we even get any news. Wait time for the Yaris is still like 1.5 years for a Rallye

    • 82norm on 29/04/2021 - 10:18

      Can’t wait for the GR Corolla, especially with AWD….

      • StalkingIbis on 02/05/2021 - 09:19

        Its going to have the same engine as the yaris though?

  • hatchbackracehorse on 28/04/2021 - 11:15
    +3

    i30N. It might be hard to find one with new ones due in the second half of the year, but the demo I drove a while back was awesome. Less refined than the Golf, which might be a negative to some, but I think it made it feel faster.

    • paulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 11:32
      +1

      i have called close to 10 dealers in the sydney metro area and no one has the current model in a demo to test drive, so i dont know what to do about it. Have heard many great things about the i30, more raw than the GTI and a firmer ride which i dont mind. I have heard from dealers that even second hand i30 N are commanding $44K +

      • hatchbackracehorse on 28/04/2021 - 12:18

        Do any of them have a used one on the lot you could test? Anything in the broader area?

  • Drakesy on 28/04/2021 - 11:20
    +17

    Kia Stinger.
    WRX STI
    Tesla model 3

    • thrillhouse on 29/04/2021 - 08:14
      +18

      The Subaru is an absolute dinosaur. Still running the same EJ25 from 2006 (new one coming out soon, though).
      They're a shadow of what they used to be 15+ years ago.

      • caitsith01 on 29/04/2021 - 10:22
        +7

        And their styling has absolutely gone into the toilet (speaking as a former H6 spec b Liberty owner). They look like radio controlled cars, and knock offs, not Tamiya.

      • zyj494949 on 05/05/2021 - 09:58

        Newer doesn't mean better. You can get the WRX if you want the new FA20 and modify it to a beast.

    • automatoes on 29/04/2021 - 09:22
      +8

      While I like your list, I don't think you can get a new Stinger or Model 3 under 55k.

      • Keplaffintech on 29/04/2021 - 10:37

        You can get the lowest grade: 200S for 54k. I would recommend getting the top trim i30N over that though.

      • DvApps on 30/04/2021 - 22:47
        +2

        Model 3 is around 65k depending on your state and probably makes up for the difference in upfront price in maintenance and fuel costs

        • beyondtool on 01/05/2021 - 15:11
          -5

          Reliability of Tesla is major issue, wouldn’t get one unless you have the budget and time to troubleshoot issues.

          • DvApps on 01/05/2021 - 15:25
            +1

            @beyondtool: I don't think that's much of an issue anymore, a few years ago sure, but the manufacturing processes are pretty refined now and new cars in Australia are coming from the Shanghai factory, which has had a lot of praise for the quality and lack of paint/panel issues.

            • jaimex2 on 01/05/2021 - 17:06
              +5

              @DvApps: It was never an issue. The media like to post anything and everything about Tesla.

              • DvApps on 01/05/2021 - 18:06

                @jaimex2: It was definitely an issue especially towards the end of the quarter/year, but I do agree it was blown out of proportion by the media, similar to the autopilot "issues". btw I'm saying this as a Tesla investor.

                • jaimex2 on 02/05/2021 - 10:06
                  +2

                  @DvApps: Maybe it's just me but I didn't consider panel gaps that you can point out and get fixed a major issue.

                  Autopilot works exactly as described. People treat it as something it's not.

                  • DvApps on 02/05/2021 - 13:38

                    @jaimex2: Oh I agree, I just think some people care and I was talking about that.

                • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2021 - 13:35

                  @DvApps: I don't think you know what reliability means.

                  • DvApps on 02/05/2021 - 13:38

                    @[Deactivated]: Do you? There's a handful of moving parts in an electric car, much fewer things to go wrong, making it more reliable

                    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2021 - 13:47
                      +2

                      @DvApps: Yeah, and Telsas are extremely mechanically reliable. Claiming otherwise is just absolute FUD and bullshit.

  • holdenmg on 28/04/2021 - 11:32

    Something Red…

    • paulh1977 on 28/04/2021 - 11:38
      +1

      Couldnt pick a worse colour than red, than fades to pink in a few yrs of the aussie sunshine hehehe. Would spend half the yr maintaining the paintwork.

      • holdenmg on 28/04/2021 - 11:58

        Yeah, but sporty and quick at the beginning. lol

        • capslock janitor on 29/04/2021 - 11:23
          +1

          does it really go pink after a few years?

          • bobbified on 29/04/2021 - 17:07
            +2

            @capslock janitor:

            ..after a few years?

            It takes much longer than a "few" years. It's more like 15-20 years. Helps if it's not parked in the sun all day long.
            I like white cars, but I avoided them early because I heard they turn yellow after a while in the same way that red might turn pink. But then I realised that I wouldn't be keeping the car long enough for it to happen. So I got a white car.

            • capslock janitor on 29/04/2021 - 18:19

              @bobbified: cool we got a Silver car; wanted the darker Gunemtal/graphite, but none left oh well :/

            • serpserpserp on 04/05/2021 - 11:23

              @bobbified:

              But then I realised that I wouldn't be keeping the car long enough for it to happen. So I got a white car.

              So the same rationale applies to red cars then.

              • bobbified on 04/05/2021 - 12:17

                @serpserpserp:

                So the same rationale applies to red cars then

                Is that a question? I did say in my same post that "I heard they [white cars] turn yellow after a while in the same way that red might turn pink…". I just don't think red is suitable for me!

      • AdosHouse on 28/04/2021 - 12:03
        +2

        Thanks, I just bought this yesterday, https://ibb.co/VJQy1Cf , LOL.

        • holdenmg on 28/04/2021 - 12:10

          Nice :+)

      • Muzeeb on 28/04/2021 - 12:12
        +8

        Paint tech has advanced. Maybe your shitty Hyundai excel or VX Commy but not your new cars.

        • AdosHouse on 28/04/2021 - 14:02
          +1

          My VX commodore didn't fade before I scrapped it at 15 years old.

          I'd believe the 20 year old Excel though. Their clear coat was almost designed to peel.

          But to OP, Korean cars and their paints have made huge steps forward in the last 10 years. From what I have read, they are as good and sometimes better than the Japanese stuff.

          • WT on 29/04/2021 - 10:06
            +1

            @AdosHouse: jap clear coat isnt all that great, notorious for cheap and thinnest layer possible

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