What car to buy for under $20,000? - Page 2 - Focaljet

**ZX3inOKC** · 06-30-2008, 07:03 PM

For me it would be the M3.

**polizei** · 06-30-2008, 07:52 PM

As much as I would love to say MINI (and you know I usually would) I would probably have to take an M3.... or a used 3. The Evo would be next, then MINI, STi, so forth.

-Cody

**galeano** · 06-30-2008, 08:03 PM

some people are worried about gas prices; does it matter to you when choosing a car?

**Jared** · 06-30-2008, 08:14 PM

You know, regarding WRX versus STi, since I started two weeks ago at a Subaru dealer, I've been driving both a lot, we have a used STI that I take out whenever possible, and I've come to the conclusion that in 95% of daily driving, I'd rather have the normal WRX.

The useable power feels roughly the same in most driving around town, if anything the WRX has more useable power in stop and go traffic. By the time I feel the difference with the STI, I'm doing very illegal speeds.

**Z63R** · 06-30-2008, 08:43 PM

^ Sorta my point with my earlier post.

Another reason why I'm glad I bought a 2.3 Duratec instead of an SVT; the torque for street driving in the real world. Add the latter's big brakes to some firmer spring rates and damper valving and you have a winner.

Don't get me wrong, though; I LOVE STis and SVTs. They're styled well and they're exclusive.

The exception here being Matt's post:

Quote:

MattZTS

i personally would go svt and save the 10k for mods. like a super or turbocharger, suspension, and LSD.

...and have some money left over for sticky tires as well as a good set O' snows.

The blower would give you some meaty power, too.

Fwiw, the Focus for me remains the perfect car and it is becoming even more so with every passing day with fuel prices being what they are right now.

**baddadiam** · 06-30-2008, 10:26 PM

dont forget that the sti or evo for under 20000 will have had been driven very hard probably by multiple owners... not mention what youre looking at for ins. most bmw owners take preaty good care of their vehicles... think about putting a m3 on your list. itll do just about every thing an evo will.

**eurozx3** · 06-30-2008, 10:27 PM

Do you plan on paying cash for your new car? If I was financing I would only buy something new because I would hate to have a payment on a car that is out of warranty. Most of the cars you listed would be very expensive to maintain. Maybe i'm just getting old but I would rather have a brand new Scion TC then any of those other used cars.

**baddadiam** · 06-30-2008, 10:58 PM

mazdaspeed 3s are preaty cool. reliable, fun to drive... i couldnt find a used one though.

**Johnny_P** · 06-30-2008, 11:18 PM

Just so you know.... a Mustang GT with a 300 HP V8 will get around 23mpg highway on regular fuel. A WRX gets around 24 mpg highway with PREMIUM fuel.... Ruling the 'stang out on gas mileage alone doesn't make sense.

**01yellazx3** · 07-01-2008, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny_P

Just so you know.... a Mustang GT with a 300 HP V8 will get around 23mpg highway on regular fuel. A WRX gets around 24 mpg highway with PREMIUM fuel.... Ruling the 'stang out on gas mileage alone doesn't make sense.

And those are probably factory ratings as well, right? My cousin has an 06 Mustang GT with a manual trans and he gets around 26 or so on the highway back and forth to work (hand calculated for accuracy), so thats even better. That's not bad at all for that kind of power. If you drive it with sense it'll reward you in kind

I've owned and my family owns lots of V8s. Whether it be my old Mark VII with the 5.0 HO or the Dodge Ram I just got rid of, V8s are a little more sensitive to driving habits in my experience.

**twoquickcapri** · 07-01-2008, 05:03 AM

Here are some ideas:
01-04 Cobra Mustang
03-04 Mach 1 Mustang
00-02 Carmaro SS / Firebird Trans-am
98-00 Corvette
02-04 Lighting F-150
87 GNX
03-06 Lincoln LS V8
MazdaSpeed 6
S-40 t5

The last three would be top on my list. Most likly I would get the Lincoln LS. Mainly because I wanted one from the day one and they are the cheapest car on the list.

**03ZX3drew** · 07-01-2008, 06:32 AM

So yesterday I went and test drove a 2003 Evo8. I loved the car. It pulled hard, handled great, clutch felt nice. It was just a generally nice car to drive. I was really close to getting it, but the car had a couple of things going against it. Carfax had shown a front end colision reporting "moderate" damage, which was fixed. But 3 of the wheels had significant curb rash, almost the entire lip of the wheel. The front lip was about to fall off. On the front left of the bumper, there was a huge black scuff mark, on the front right it looked like the previous owner scraped up against a pole or wall or something. The overall exterior condition of the car was pretty poor, especially for the price they were asking. It also leads me to believe that the previous owner(s) didn't take care of the car. I don't want someone elses problem. Not to mention it had 85,000 miles. Pretty high for an 03. I was almost sold on the car based off the interior though. It was mint. Black leather Recaros, sunroof. It was nice. Atleast now I know how Evos drive and handle.

So we left there and I just wanted to check out 350Zs. Not really interested in buying one, but I hear they are fun to drive. So I head up to Bill Collins to their used lot, they didn't really have anything I liked, except for an 01 SVT Cobra that just came in. I test drove that and didn't really like it. The clutch felt really heavy and I felt like I needed longer legs just to get the clutch all the way down. It was pretty fast, but didn't seem to pull as hard as the Evo. Not to mention the thing handled terribly. It was like driving a boat. I'm going to pass on it, but it was a great deal. $13,500 for an 01 Cobra w/ 56,000 miles.

So the search is still on. I'm really trying to find an Evo. Tomorrow I am going to test drive an S2000 for ****s and giggles.

**03ZX3drew** · 07-01-2008, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galeano

some people are worried about gas prices; does it matter to you when choosing a car?

It's not a major factor, but it's sometime I'm considering. As long as it gets somewhere over 20mpg highway, I'm fine, since all of my traveling is highway miles.

**Ray** · 07-01-2008, 07:29 AM

for giggles go test drive a subaru legacy gt (limited if you can find one).

should be able to get into an 05, maybe an 06, for about 20k.

i bought one. nice cars. handle nice. quick enough. comfy.

**MattZTS** · 07-01-2008, 08:00 AM

the problem with the mustang cobra is you drove the wrong year. if you tested an 03-04 im sure your views on it would be was different.

evos your gonna find a lot like you described. mostly a younger crowd drive them. like i said before they just beat the crap out of them. they think since its awd it can handle anything. thats also why you see so many evo crashes.

**03ZX3drew** · 07-01-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattZTS

the problem with the mustang cobra is you drove the wrong year. if you tested an 03-04 im sure your views on it would be was different.

evos your gonna find a lot like you described. mostly a younger crowd drive them. like i said before they just beat the crap out of them. they think since its awd it can handle anything. thats also why you see so many evo crashes.

Yeah, I most certainly tested the wrong Cobra. And I knew this from the get go. It wasn't super charged, it was an 01. I'm sure had I tested a s/c 03 I would have got it right then and there.

I mean, any used car can be reemed on. I'm sure whatever Evo I buy will have been driven hard at least a little bit, but so long as it feels good, runs strong, and looks good, I don't care too much.

**Silonius** · 07-01-2008, 09:30 AM

For that money my list would be:
used WRX wagon (cuz they're awesome and have interior space and RALLY!)
used Toyota MR2 (the newer ones that are lighter than the two older gens)
used Miata (because I never hear anything bad about them, but MR sounds more fun to me)
a used enduro motorcycle and save the rest

although that Evo is freakin' gorgeous but they do tend to get abused although I do think it is possible to find some that have been cared for properly.

**Omega Anomaly** · 07-01-2008, 09:37 AM

I would honestly go out looking for a scion or the mazda 3 on your list. Most of the other cars on your list, are probably going to have been beaten on somewhat. If that isn't enough you are only 21 so I would price out insurance on them. EVO, STI, GT and the S2000 are definetly going to cost you a ton of money to insure.

**03ZX3drew** · 07-01-2008, 09:45 AM

I've already got the insurance worked out. I'm pretty much set on an Evo. Unless something crazy comes my way, I doubt I'll buy it.

**scsvtfocus** · 07-01-2008, 10:23 AM

Check out:

http://www.carmatchpro.com

He might offer some guidance as to your decision

**Erica** · 07-01-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03ZX3drew

Yeah, I most certainly tested the wrong Cobra. And I knew this from the get go. It wasn't super charged, it was an 01. I'm sure had I tested a s/c 03 I would have got it right then and there.

That's an easy fix

but then you'll have to run Premium gas.

I will never get bored of my GT - it is too much fun, but mileage is about average 21 MPG (we drive alot of stop and go, and freeway traffic). Now we have to run Premium because of the Supercharger...so no longer a commuter car.

My tC doesn't get all that great of mileage either, though... we've got an 06 and it gets MAYBE 26-28 mpg on a GOOD day. It always revs high (to give it extra pep) but you really do notice the gas go down faster because of it.

That EVO is beautiful.

**PCP_TwilightZX3** · 07-01-2008, 11:20 AM

if you get an STI or Evo get ready to drop som serious coin on a clutch. they both go thru the stockers like water. i would say an MINI, MS3 or s2k

**Jared** · 07-01-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z63R

Don't get me wrong, though; I LOVE STis and SVTs. They're styled well and they're exclusive.

They're STIs now.

I wish they hadn't capitalized that i but apparently Americans get confused too easily with acronyms.

Last night I was playing Forza 2 and the guys I was racing against were talking about the Lotus Eliss. I spelled that how they were pronouncing "Elise", lol.

/threadjack

**03ZX3drew** · 07-01-2008, 11:40 AM

Today I'm going to look at an S2000. I'm a bit excited.

**panchocito** · 07-01-2008, 12:12 PM

Have you test driven the ms3 yet?

Over the past year I've averaged 25mpg + in mixed driving, not bad for 250hp +.

06-30-2008, 07:03 PM	#26
ZX3inOKC TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 210	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? For me it would be the M3.

06-30-2008, 07:52 PM	#27
polizei Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,494	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? As much as I would love to say MINI (and you know I usually would) I would probably have to take an M3.... or a used 3. The Evo would be next, then MINI, STi, so forth. -Cody __________________ "Gizmo" - 03' Indi Blue/Black MINI Cooper S Aftermarket: ALTA CAI, ALTA Catless Header, Magnaflow Exhaust, M7 16% Pulley, M7 OCC, VGS, LOTF Engine Damper 06' Honda Rebel 250 - Pearl White

06-30-2008, 08:03 PM	#28
galeano Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: ohio Posts: 1,583	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? some people are worried about gas prices; does it matter to you when choosing a car? __________________ 2000 zx3 bye bye now driving an auto...

06-30-2008, 08:14 PM	#29
Jared Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 15,693	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? You know, regarding WRX versus STi, since I started two weeks ago at a Subaru dealer, I've been driving both a lot, we have a used STI that I take out whenever possible, and I've come to the conclusion that in 95% of daily driving, I'd rather have the normal WRX. The useable power feels roughly the same in most driving around town, if anything the WRX has more useable power in stop and go traffic. By the time I feel the difference with the STI, I'm doing very illegal speeds.

06-30-2008, 10:26 PM	#31
baddadiam Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 31	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? dont forget that the sti or evo for under 20000 will have had been driven very hard probably by multiple owners... not mention what youre looking at for ins. most bmw owners take preaty good care of their vehicles... think about putting a m3 on your list. itll do just about every thing an evo will.

06-30-2008, 10:27 PM	#32
eurozx3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Reading,Massachusetts Posts: 1,001	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Do you plan on paying cash for your new car? If I was financing I would only buy something new because I would hate to have a payment on a car that is out of warranty. Most of the cars you listed would be very expensive to maintain. Maybe i'm just getting old but I would rather have a brand new Scion TC then any of those other used cars. __________________ 08 Scion XB. Tanabe NF210 springs,MB Motoring Weapon wheels with 235/45/17 Falken 912's,Borla exhaust,tinted windows and clear bra.

06-30-2008, 10:58 PM	#33
baddadiam Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 31	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? mazdaspeed 3s are preaty cool. reliable, fun to drive... i couldnt find a used one though.

06-30-2008, 11:18 PM	#34
Johnny_P Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 4,360	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Just so you know.... a Mustang GT with a 300 HP V8 will get around 23mpg highway on regular fuel. A WRX gets around 24 mpg highway with PREMIUM fuel.... Ruling the 'stang out on gas mileage alone doesn't make sense. __________________ Do you..... Focus? Douche pickle.... ROFL

07-01-2008, 05:03 AM	#36
twoquickcapri TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 112	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Here are some ideas: 01-04 Cobra Mustang 03-04 Mach 1 Mustang 00-02 Carmaro SS / Firebird Trans-am 98-00 Corvette 02-04 Lighting F-150 87 GNX 03-06 Lincoln LS V8 MazdaSpeed 6 S-40 t5 The last three would be top on my list. Most likly I would get the Lincoln LS. Mainly because I wanted one from the day one and they are the cheapest car on the list. __________________ 2007 ZX5 SAP Aqua Blue FRPP Springs/Shocks - EAP 215/45 17 - Borla 2.5 Center Exit Exhaust "When I die, I would like to go peacefully, in my sleep, like my Grandfather did. Not screaming and yelling like the passenger in his car." - Jack Handey

07-01-2008, 06:32 AM	#37
03ZX3drew TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 979	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? So yesterday I went and test drove a 2003 Evo8. I loved the car. It pulled hard, handled great, clutch felt nice. It was just a generally nice car to drive. I was really close to getting it, but the car had a couple of things going against it. Carfax had shown a front end colision reporting "moderate" damage, which was fixed. But 3 of the wheels had significant curb rash, almost the entire lip of the wheel. The front lip was about to fall off. On the front left of the bumper, there was a huge black scuff mark, on the front right it looked like the previous owner scraped up against a pole or wall or something. The overall exterior condition of the car was pretty poor, especially for the price they were asking. It also leads me to believe that the previous owner(s) didn't take care of the car. I don't want someone elses problem. Not to mention it had 85,000 miles. Pretty high for an 03. I was almost sold on the car based off the interior though. It was mint. Black leather Recaros, sunroof. It was nice. Atleast now I know how Evos drive and handle. So we left there and I just wanted to check out 350Zs. Not really interested in buying one, but I hear they are fun to drive. So I head up to Bill Collins to their used lot, they didn't really have anything I liked, except for an 01 SVT Cobra that just came in. I test drove that and didn't really like it. The clutch felt really heavy and I felt like I needed longer legs just to get the clutch all the way down. It was pretty fast, but didn't seem to pull as hard as the Evo. Not to mention the thing handled terribly. It was like driving a boat. I'm going to pass on it, but it was a great deal. $13,500 for an 01 Cobra w/ 56,000 miles. So the search is still on. I'm really trying to find an Evo. Tomorrow I am going to test drive an S2000 for ****s and giggles. __________________ 2003 Sangria Red ZX3 2008 Crystal White Pearl Mica Mazdaspeed3.

07-01-2008, 07:29 AM	#39
Ray aka demonfire Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CT Posts: 26,356	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? for giggles go test drive a subaru legacy gt (limited if you can find one). should be able to get into an 05, maybe an 06, for about 20k. i bought one. nice cars. handle nice. quick enough. comfy. __________________ Cable Ties. Is there anything they can't fix? Driver > Car - in memory of GaryK *Roadtrippin.org* \| CART

07-01-2008, 08:00 AM	#40
MattZTS [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Clifton, NJ Posts: 5,207	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? the problem with the mustang cobra is you drove the wrong year. if you tested an 03-04 im sure your views on it would be was different. evos your gonna find a lot like you described. mostly a younger crowd drive them. like i said before they just beat the crap out of them. they think since its awd it can handle anything. thats also why you see so many evo crashes. __________________ 2005 satin silver mustang v6

07-01-2008, 09:30 AM	#42
Silonius TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 663	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? For that money my list would be: used WRX wagon (cuz they're awesome and have interior space and RALLY!) used Toyota MR2 (the newer ones that are lighter than the two older gens) used Miata (because I never hear anything bad about them, but MR sounds more fun to me) a used enduro motorcycle and save the rest although that Evo is freakin' gorgeous but they do tend to get abused although I do think it is possible to find some that have been cared for properly. __________________ 2004 Black ZX3 Zetec Spax adjustable struts, BAT springs,Ford Racing short shifter, Falken RT 615 205/50/15 Underdrive pulley and shorty header, H&R 5mm spacers and hardened lugs, Hawk HP+ front pads, SPC camber plates Up next short term: Rally brake kit Up next long term: cage and Rally Spec Focus!

07-01-2008, 09:37 AM	#43
Omega Anomaly TEAM Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Flint, MI Posts: 364	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? I would honestly go out looking for a scion or the mazda 3 on your list. Most of the other cars on your list, are probably going to have been beaten on somewhat. If that isn't enough you are only 21 so I would price out insurance on them. EVO, STI, GT and the S2000 are definetly going to cost you a ton of money to insure. __________________ Later -Bryan 02.5 Infra Red ZX3, 115k+ on clock, Steeda suspension, Steeda Fuel Rail, MSS MSD90, MSS exhaust, 00 intake, CFM 65mm TB, FS Aluminum Flywheel, Exedy OEM Kit, Torsen LSD

07-01-2008, 09:45 AM	#44
03ZX3drew TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 979	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? I've already got the insurance worked out. I'm pretty much set on an Evo. Unless something crazy comes my way, I doubt I'll buy it. __________________ 2003 Sangria Red ZX3 2008 Crystal White Pearl Mica Mazdaspeed3.

07-01-2008, 10:23 AM	#45
scsvtfocus TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Venice,CA Posts: 843	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Check out: http://www.carmatchpro.com He might offer some guidance as to your decision

07-01-2008, 11:20 AM	#47
PCP_TwilightZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The OC Maryland Posts: 2,227	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? if you get an STI or Evo get ready to drop som serious coin on a clutch. they both go thru the stockers like water. i would say an MINI, MS3 or s2k __________________ 2007 Infra ST 2.3 Fs intake, Hella 500's, Borla catback Oh Lord above Send down a Dove, with beak as sharp as Razors. To cut the throats, of them there Blokes, who sell Bad Beer to Sailors

07-01-2008, 11:40 AM	#49
03ZX3drew TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 979	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Today I'm going to look at an S2000. I'm a bit excited. __________________ 2003 Sangria Red ZX3 2008 Crystal White Pearl Mica Mazdaspeed3.

07-01-2008, 12:12 PM	#50
panchocito Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: i'll be back Posts: 3,437	Re: What car to buy for under $20,000? Have you test driven the ms3 yet? Over the past year I've averaged 25mpg + in mixed driving, not bad for 250hp +. __________________ 07sunlightsilvermazdaspeed3gt 02sangriaredfocuszx3