Right on...but how many cars under $25k can you think of that squeezes 100hp per liter naturally aspirated? I can only think of 1.
He wouldn't need to go up a couple of thousand to get an Si...unless he were going to buy brand new, which 99 times out of 100 is a stupid thing to do with cars. I just got my 2007 Civic Si w/ 45k miles for $16,200. Take THAT, put a Jackson Racing Supercharger on it, and then you've got "wow" ...and you're still just a hair under $20k. *Dyno results in spoiler tag... Spoiler
Ditto. If you get a Mitsu, get a new Lancer or a slightly used Eclipse. I would suggest an 06 or 07 Eclipse. It is a real beauty, it has lots of power, handles terrific, and from what I hear they hold up better than most cars on the road today, including Hondas and Toyotas (Motortrend.com review below) http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/112_0610_lt_2006_mitsubishi_eclipse_gt/index.html Looks fast, excellent reliability, good value, I would consider a used eclipse or Civic Si. Stay away from the Corollas if you want a nice ride, their interiors and ride quality can't even compare with a standard Civic. Toyota has really started dropping the ball on their interiors (no, I am not the only one who thinks so, refer to experts like Car and Driver and you will find out they are thinking the same thing), besides these Corollas are getting a bit dated. All the while, Honda interiors have only gotten better, comparable to Lexus IMO. I guess a used Acura TL would be a good option too.
...or maybe a full size Chevy Silverado. Trucks never get old. Timeless. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zo44LGTXawQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zo44LGTXawQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
True, Integras and 2000 Celica GT-S had 1.8L 180hp. I still find that Si engine impressive, I don't think you can get a better naturally aspirated engine at tht price range.
2010 NISMO 370Z: $39130 This is a sweet ride for under 40K. Look I know the OP wants a car around 25K but that price range is really not fit for a performance machine like the Nismo 370Z or EVO X MR which I think are neck and neck right now for me. Can't decide which one to choose. The Z looks awesome has more HP under the hood plus faster on a straight line but the lengendary handle of an EVO has put to shame exotic cars in the stratosphere of Lambo and Ferrari. Either way you can't findmore value for the price beyond these two cars. Now if you have small fortune stashed away somewhere then go for the GTR without a moments hesitation. Give me 80 grand right now and I will race away from the dealership with Godzilla!
Around 25K? Three option springs to mind! Mazdaspeed 3 (I own a 2009 MS3 GT... got it for 23.6K OTD) - Pros: a lot of power (263hp/ 280ft/lb of torque) handles well fun to drive nice interior a lot of goodies for the price (HID, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on lights). 1/4 mile typically in about 14.0 second but some has hit 13.7. But the car shines at around 40 mph and up... Cons: FWD Torquesteer (not so bad - but it's there) Subaru Impreza WRX - the 2009 WRX was also one that i considered. The main reason I went against it was the pricing (more than the MS3) and the crappy interior (objective). It would be around 27 OTD which is a good 3-4K more then the MS3. Pro: AWD Crazy fast (0-60mph around 4.8s ... 1/4 mile in about 13.5 sec.) Available in both sedan and hatch. Cons: Could be pricey if you go for premium version. Interior is HORRID (opinion) Not as much standard options as MS3 (no HIDs mainly) Chevy Cobalt SS Pro: Very quick sleeper look (doesn't grab attention from people including cops) Cons: FWD looks is objective Interior is bland (still better than WRX imo)
The OP said $20k, so the Mazdaspeed 3 (while a very nice car) is probably out, and the '09 (MUST be '09 or it's pointless, IMO) WRX is definitely out. That leaves the Cobalt SS, which as far as I'm concerned, means he may as well go with the Civic Si or a VW GTI.
I actually used to be pretty involved in the tuning "scene"...going to car shows, local meets, the track, etc. But I've been away from that for 5 or 6 years, and I'm just now starting to get acquainted with it again since I got my Si a couple of weeks ago. In other words, I know how awesome it would be to supercharge an Si, but I'm definitely not the person from whom to get advice about the topic.
thanks , im saving up slowly for one , i cant wait actually. whered you get your civic? im assuming you live in houston?
Oh I didn't see the around 20K... even so you can always get a gently used MS3 GT (i got mine new for 23.6K)... or he could go for a MS3 Sport (no HID, bose audio system, auto-rain sensing wipers, leather seats) which he can find for right at 20K with tax included! Some have gotten it for 18900 before TTL... which means right around 20K with tax and other fees. The Cobalt SS is about the same price as the MS3 but i'm not sure how much Chevy is willing to go down on it. I got my MS3 for around 1800 under invoice... which is a really good deal. There are some that gotten even more... just because the 2010 MS3 came out (hideous...). VW GTi is around the same price as the MS3 as well... it's just up to him what he wants. The GTi are nice cars too!
You can find a used corvette for around that price. http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/1344826765.html But the VW GTI might be more to your liking.
