Best Sports Car under 30k?

[YoungDr3amer]

I'm currently looking at the 09 and 10 models: Honda Accord Coupe, Altima Coupe, Matrix XRS, Mazda3 hatchback, and just maybe Civic Si.

What would you personally sought after given your experience or past purchasing decisions?

[D-3vil]

None of the cars you listed are sports cars. The Civic SI probably comes close to that definition, but it's still a FWD sports coupe.

Wait for the Genesis Coupe to come out, that should be more fun than anything you listed.

[-=phelan=-]

personally if it's under 30k i'd look for a used s2000 :)

now that thing is FUN to drive :)

[angel_wing0]

I'm currently looking at the 09 and 10 models: Honda Accord Coupe, Altima Coupe, Matrix XRS, Mazda3 hatchback, and just maybe Civic Si.

i wouldnt call any of those a sports car as well. Maybe "sports-car like"...still kinda a stretch :p

or try a mazda rx-8. 0% financing (48 months) for 09 models :eek:

[afong56]

i wouldnt call any of those a sports car as well. Maybe "sports-car like"...still kinda a stretch :p

or try a mazda rx-8. 0% financing (48 months) for 09 models :eek:

i like the rx-8, but with msrp starting at $37.7k, it would be a real steal to get one for under 30k. . .

imho, the mx-5, with msrp starting at $28.2k is much more comfortably in his price range

with dealer cost quotes, i imagine he could shave a few thousand off the cost of either of those cars.

[mau108]

s2000, get one asap, this year is last year for production i believe.

[XxXSnake23XxX]

s2000, get one asap, this year is last year for production i believe.

o rly!

get the cheap mans g35 aka altima coupe over all of them you listed

but look into
s2000
wrx or even the STi

and look into importing from the US

[afong56]

s2000, get one asap, this year is last year for production i believe.

a brand new s2000 retails for north of $50k, so the fact that this is the last year of production is meaningless.

the op will be getting a 2007 model (3 years old) for his price of under $30k.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/857/12416t1q3finalpage1jp7.jpg
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/2787/12416t2q3finallc2.jpg
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7729/t3in3.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/473/sscya5.jpg

[nornet]

New 2007 Mazda Miatas can be had for less than $25k (6 speed leather)

[TT333]

Genesis Coupe would be my bet.

However, as suggested, you could get some pretty nice used cars as well. You're gonna have a lot of fun car shopping!

edit: Oh, how could I forget, MUSTANG GT!!! lol

[Kinki]

2002-2003 Porsche Boxster.

[M-e-X-x]

hyundai genesis coupe, 2.0T, 24k starting...

[XxXSnake23XxX]

2002-2003 Porsche Boxster.

chick car and maintenance will kill you

[afong56]

hyundai genesis coupe, 2.0T, 24k starting...

is canada getting the coupe?

the genesis coupe looks a lot like a restyled tiburon, especially with the 2.0t setup.

now, in rwd, with the extra ponies, then it's a different story

[M-e-X-x]

is canada getting the coupe?

the genesis coupe looks a lot like a restyled tiburon, especially with the 2.0t setup.

now, in rwd, with the extra ponies, then it's a different story

yes, prices have been unofficially announced on the hyundai boards.. that's 24k CDN btw...

2.0T, 6-speed, 210HP

[D-3vil]

yes, prices have been unofficially announced on the hyundai boards.. that's 24k CDN btw...

2.0T, 6-speed, 210HP

I think it will bite into Civic Si sales pretty hard!

[YZFMax]

When I was looking for car, I was considering the Acura RSX and the Mazda 3. I was looking forward to the RSX because of all the hype, but when I drove it, I was dissapointed because it was gutless. I found the Mazda 3 much better because it more power and was more confortable. Almost bought the Mazda.

Then for some reason I ended up test driving a Mustang GT (I was not even interested in the car but my bro told me to check it out anyway).... When I drove it, I was totally impressed, the car kicked ass. It had lots of power and it sounded mean. I was not even considering a North American car, but I ended up buying it. I've had the car for 3 years now and still love it. This one is a keeper.

Moral of the story to the OP, buy whatever car that makes you feel good since you will be driving this car everyday. Don't even limit your options and keep an open mind. You can get advice from the board, but test drive the cars you like and make then make your decision.

Best of luck with your choice.

[Tiffany189]

I would go with Genesis coupe as well. I went and checked out the Genesis Sedan and was very impressed with it.

hyundai genesis coupe, 2.0T, 24k starting...http://www.***************/pics/img/1856/y09w0131xdtc/82(2).gif

[stuntman]

Like said from the beginning: those are all nice sporty like cars.

The Matrix gets more tickets than the others so I would say that is the best of the lot.

Would a better question be: "what car under 30K greatly increases my chance of hooking up with chicks?"

Be honest, its the internet and its not shallow. The chicks would be a little shallow but you would be smart.

stuntman

[TT333]

"what car under 30K greatly increases my chance of hooking up with chicks?"


haha.

Actually, If I had your 30k, I would probably buy a used 2005 Stang GT and keep the rest of the money.

[afong56]

Like said from the beginning: those are all nice sporty like cars.

The Matrix gets more tickets than the others so I would say that is the best of the lot.

Would a better question be: "what car under 30K greatly increases my chance of hooking up with chicks?"

Be honest, its the internet and its not shallow. The chicks would be a little shallow but you would be smart.

stuntman

"sports car" and matrix don't belong in the same sentence.

we can't assume that the op is out to 'hook up' with chicks by picking the right car, lol.

trust me, none of the cars he originally mentioned would satisfy that requirement anyways, hahaha.

if that's what he wanted, he'd be better off buying a ducati and pocketing the difference.

[Engi-Nir]

if you spend 30k for a sports car, it probably isn't a sports car ;) and picking up chicks, lol, now a days, I see chicks with better cars than guys lol
Civic Si or cobalt SS ...but this is something a 16-18yr old would drive as it is in my area.

[afici0nad0]

of your initial list, it'd be a toss-up between the mazda3 and the civic si, with the determining factor coming from a comprehensive test drive of both.

i would consider these "sport compacts" before "sports cars."

[angel_wing0]

"sports car" and matrix don't belong in the same sentence.

indeed, not even close.

Or a 03-05 350z would do :D

now if stupid nissan drops the financing rate for the 370z...

[vek]

I'm not sure how close it comes to 30K, but the V6 6spd Accord Coupe is pretty nice.

[radeonboy]

Genesis Coupe

or

used S2000 for $14K

[THINKPADT61]

You guys totally forgot about the 2009 Cobalt SS turbo... Great performance to price ratio!! It will likely out perform even a WRX! See review!

Make sure to add the LSD option if you buy :)

[bembol]

I'm currently looking at the 09 and 10 models: Honda Accord Coupe, Altima Coupe, Matrix XRS, Mazda3 hatchback, and just maybe Civic Si.

What would you personally sought after given your experience or past purchasing decisions?

Your list is alright but not under $30k. I'm not feeling the Matrix XRS, Mazda3 and Si.

I have the '08 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5SE and whenever I have to drive my sister's 2.5S Coupe, I'm so happy I decided to spend a bit more for the V6.

If you can't, I agree about looking at a used Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Subaru WRX and Infiniti G35 Coupe.

[xcentric]

Like said from the beginning: those are all nice sporty like cars.

The Matrix gets more tickets than the others so I would say that is the best of the lot.

Would a better question be: "what car under 30K greatly increases my chance of hooking up with chicks?"

Be honest, its the internet and its not shallow. The chicks would be a little shallow but you would be smart.

stuntman

91 nsx if u shop around, under 30k

the new hyundai is alright, but quite similiar to the g35 37 coupe cue/lines

[Tijuana]

What about the Cobalt SS supercharged?

[THINKPADT61]

What about the Cobalt SS supercharged?

The new turbocharge version is way better in handling and acceleration!

[SkylineR34X]

I'm not sure why no one has mentioned it.

For under 30k, you can a 2002+ BMW M3. This is a proper sports car with all the right ingredient :). Front engine, rear drive, 6 speed, Inline 6, 300+HP, amazing handling, and unlike other German cars, it's actually quite reliable if you found one with proper maintenance history.

[bahasad]

I'm not sure why no one has mentioned it.

For under 30k, you can a 2002+ BMW M3. This is a proper sports car with all the right ingredient :). Front engine, rear drive, 6 speed, Inline 6, 300+HP, amazing handling, and unlike other German cars, it's actually quite reliable if you found one with proper maintenance history.


I was going to say that :lol:

[radeonboy]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=137955#17

[MTD71]

I'm not sure why no one has mentioned it.

For under 30k, you can a 2002+ BMW M3. This is a proper sports car with all the right ingredient :). Front engine, rear drive, 6 speed, Inline 6, 300+HP, amazing handling, and unlike other German cars, it's actually quite reliable if you found one with proper maintenance history.

Would be a great option, but what about insurance and maintenance costs.

[galanz]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=137955#17

Good review, but at 3500+ Lbs it's about 1,000 lbs too heavy.

[Longobongo]

yes, prices have been unofficially announced on the hyundai boards.. that's 24k CDN btw...

2.0T, 6-speed, 210HP

+1

Considering the value you get I wouldn't be surprised you will see alot of these on the streets this year. I've heard that several demo models have already reached dealerships. Tuners have also got the 2.0t to reach 300 horses

[dshiu]

eh.. are used sports cars "safe" to buy?

cuz pretty sure most of them have been driven hard and maybe even abused

[radeonboy]

+1

Considering the value you get I wouldn't be surprised you will see alot of these on the streets this year. I've heard that several demo models have already reached dealerships. Tuners have also got the 2.0t to reach 300 horses

In korea they got it to 600HP already since they had a head start:D

[mazdubb]

In korea they got it to 600HP already since they had a head start:D

That's just a rumor. However HKS, among others, are wrenching on it as we speak. The only confirmed numbers I've seen from the 2.0T are in the 350 rear wheel HP range.

[Emancipated]

That's just a rumor. However HKS, among others, are wrenching on it as we speak. The only confirmed numbers I've seen from the 2.0T are in the 350 rear wheel HP range.

I thought you said "wench". It's an impressive car but I just can't shake the idea that it's a Hyundai and all the past demons and gremlins associated with this maker. They are making some head room with their upper scale models but the fact that this car delivers so much for so little makes me think they had to sacrifice something somewhere somehow.

[mazdubb]

I thought you said "wench". It's an impressive car but I just can't shake the idea that it's a Hyundai and all the past demons and gremlins associated with this maker. They are making some head room with their upper scale models but the fact that this car delivers so much for so little makes me think they had to sacrifice something somewhere somehow.

Also consider that the other automakers may be marking up their offerings much more than you think.

[SkiD]

Haven't seen the Camaro mentioned yet, base model starts at $26,995 with the 304 HP V6 and unlike the Mustang and Challenger, the Camaro can actually handle pretty good. The Genesis is a bit lighter (200 lbs for V6 model) because it is slightly smaller.

[firechkn]

Haven't seen the Camaro mentioned yet, base model starts at $26,995 with the 304 HP V6 and unlike the Mustang and Challenger, the Camaro can actually handle pretty good. The Genesis is a bit lighter (200 lbs for V6 model) because it is slightly smaller.

+1

I would also take the Camaro. Don't let the size scare you, these cars can handle well.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-chevrolet-camaro.htm

[roadrunner17]

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009 :-

http://www.leftlanenews.com/mitsubishi-eclipse.html

[Emancipated]

In the Genesis Coupe, you're getting a car that's plausibly on the up turn in quality but one which is dogged by a history of mediocrity; in the Camaro you also get a plausibly good car but again is marred by a less than stellar record for reliability and questionable fit 'n finish.

Of the two, I would say the Gencoupe is a safer bet. If say I were to throw caution to the wind, the Camaro is probably a more exciting car to drive.

[evanx]

Mazda MX-5 or Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (slightly above 30k MSRP).

[firechkn]

The new Camaro is exactly that, all new. Aside from the badging they share nothing with the last generation Camaro. Saying that, I would wait a year before buying one, give them time to work out the bugs if any.

Having owned many 4th gen Camaro/Firebirds over the years I can tell you that they are very exciting to drive. Sure they have some faults, but in the hands of a experience driver they haul ass and can keep up or beat many imports on the strip or the track.

In the Genesis Coupe, you're getting a car that's plausibly on the up turn in quality but one which is dogged by a history of mediocrity; in the Camaro you also get a plausibly good car but again is marred by a less than stellar record for reliability and questionable fit 'n finish.

Of the two, I would say the Gencoupe is a safer bet. If say I were to throw caution to the wind, the Camaro is probably a more exciting car to drive.

[fromage]

Good review, but at 3500+ Lbs it's about 1,000 lbs too heavy.

Are the G37, M3, etc. are too heavy aswell?

Yeah the 2.0T in stock is heavy/slow(0-60 in 7.5 seconds). But that car can probably hit 300rwhp with intake, headers, exhaust and a tune. It is pretty much the 4G11(Lancer Evo X) engine.

[soupnazi]

Test drive a Mazda MX-5 and you'll understand. It's not about brute power but it feels like you're driving faster then the speed indicates. (low to the ground, willing engine and exhaust note, wind/sun in your face, the sounds around you) The new 2009's refresh is coming out so the 2008's will probably be heavily discounted. This car is made for the curves and is not a dragstrip racer. Yes, it's a chick car but I'd rather have chicks liking my car than guys hitting on me.:cheesygri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgr69YYl3w

PS. A bird pooped on my head while I was out driving on the weekend...lol.;)

[evanx]

Test drive a Mazda MX-5 and you'll understand. It's not about brute power but it feels like you're driving faster then the speed indicates. (low to the ground, willing engine and exhaust note, wind/sun in your face, the sounds around you) The new 2009's refresh is coming out so the 2008's will probably be heavily discounted. This car is made for the curves and is not a dragstrip racer. Yes, it's a chick car but I'd rather have chicks liking my car than guys hitting on me.:cheesygri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgr69YYl3w

PS. A bird pooped on my head while I was out driving on the weekend...lol.;)

Agreed, it's not always about speed, weight, engine, chassis. It's the whole package and the feel of the drive that matters.

[galanz]

Are the G37, M3, etc. are too heavy aswell?


Yes

[galanz]

Test drive a Mazda MX-5 and you'll understand. It's not about brute power but it feels like you're driving faster then the speed indicates. (low to the ground, willing engine and exhaust note, wind/sun in your face, the sounds around you) The new 2009's refresh is coming out so the 2008's will probably be heavily discounted. This car is made for the curves and is not a dragstrip racer. Yes, it's a chick car but I'd rather have chicks liking my car than guys hitting on me.:cheesygri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgr69YYl3w

PS. A bird pooped on my head while I was out driving on the weekend...lol.;)

+2 (aside from the bird thing) Driving an actual sports car(not a muscle car, sport coupe, hot hatch etc) is about the driving experience and the dynamics of the car not raw performance.

[radeonboy]

Test drive a Mazda MX-5 and you'll understand. It's not about brute power but it feels like you're driving faster then the speed indicates. (low to the ground, willing engine and exhaust note, wind/sun in your face, the sounds around you) The new 2009's refresh is coming out so the 2008's will probably be heavily discounted. This car is made for the curves and is not a dragstrip racer. Yes, it's a chick car but I'd rather have chicks liking my car than guys hitting on me.:cheesygri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rgr69YYl3w

PS. A bird pooped on my head while I was out driving on the weekend...lol.;)

+3. My brother has a Miata and it handles like its on rails. Just an all-around great little car.