Good Car Under 27k

[gt4]

my mom is looking at trading in her car for a new one. she wants one under 27k that is semi sporty. she wants it to be at least as sporty as her mustang she has now. good gas mileage and cheap insurance are the best for her. has to be at least 4 seats. any suggestions?

 

[ND4SPD]

Hmm something as sporty you mean, like with the same performance specs of a mustang? If not theirs two sedans that can fit into that category, hmm under 27k though eh? Well a Mazda 3 sport, or sedan with the optional 2.3L I-4, or the Mazda 6, both are very sporty but they aren't mustangs either, they are quick but probably not as fast as a mustang with a V8 but they'd be my choices, just my 2 cents.

 

[Joey D]

PT Turbo is pretty quick and I imagine there is a good deal of performance, not mustang quality but still sporty. Plus there is a lot of cargo space in them and I can't imagine the insurence is high. Just a thought.

 

[gt4]

its the mustang coupe not the V8

 

[Boost Lee]

Dodge Omni GLH Turbo.

Semi-sporty would be a good way to describe it, I like to use the term 'I-lost-my-job-sporty', because that's what people think happend to you when they see you driving one.

The good: Gas mileage better than a V8 Mustang, dirt cheap to insure (and dirt cheap to fix), 4-door, mods are inexpensive and make a huge improvement, you don't see one on every street, she will have $25,000 to spend after buying the car.

The bad: The car is no longer recognized by Chrysler so parts will have to be sourced through dodge forums or the junkyard. An old car is an old car is an old car. It's still an Omni.

 

[Joey D]

then the PT would be fine, we had a normal PT for a while and it was quick as all hell, can't imagine what the turbo is like. I'm guessing its just like the SRT-4 but with more room.

 

[retsmah]

An Accord coupe, with the 240hp V6 and six speed manual would probably be pretty nice, although under 27k might be pushing it.

edit: I like the new Civic Si too, although I think I might be the only person who does, judging by how few I've seen on the road

 

[///M-Spec]

Mazda 6s. Lots of good things to say about this car. Decent power, good handling, styling is top notch, value for the money, etc.


M

 

[1X83Z]

I've got a few recommendations.

The Mistubishi Galant GTS is sporty enough - its 230-horsepower 3.8L V6 (the largest engine in the sport sedan class) propels it to sixty in 6.8 seconds, it's fully loaded with a standard automatic with manual-shift capability, front side airbags, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a 6-disc CD player, fog lights, a compass and outside-temperature indicator, a rear spoiler, and 17" alloy wheels, and it's just $25700.

Other good sport sedans in your price range are the Nissan Altima 3.5SE, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Acura TSX, and Mazda 6s. They're all great bets, but the Galant GTS is the range-topper.

The Mini Cooper S is just $19400 and comes standard with a 163-horsepower supercharged 1.6L 4-cylinder (0-60 in 7.6), a 6-speed manual, traction control, 16" alloy wheels, keyless entry, side airbags, ABS, a tire-pressure monitor, and a CD player. A power sunroof is just $850, and other available features include Xenon headlights with washers ($550) and a navigation system ($1700).

The Ford Focus SVT 3-door is a great value and a sporty hatchback - it's got a 170-horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder that does 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, but its dollars-for-features value is key: for $18700, standard features include a 6-speed manual, front side airbags, ABS, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated mirrors, fog lights, 17" alloy wheels and keyless entry. Since you'd have money left over, the European Feature Car Package would be a decent buy at $3410 (bringing the total to $22100). It includes traction control, heated seats, a power sunroof, a 6-disc CD player, high-intensity headlights, and Recaro front seats.

I also recommend whatever Ford Mustang you can afford, they're one of the best cars for sale.

And of course, I can't do this without recommending the car of the year - though it doesn't appear sporty, the Saturn Vue V6 is the third-quickest SUV ever made, quicker than the Porsche Cayenne S, Infiniti FX45, BMW X5 4.6is and 4.4i, Mercedes ML55 AMG, and Lamborghini LM002. The secret to its success is its Honda V6, new for 2004, which puts out 250-horsepower: it's the same engine Honda uses on the midsize Pilot SUV and premium Acura MDX SUV. Standard features are generous, and so is pricing - it starts at just $22000.

For $27000, however, you can do pretty well used - the Audi A4 and Volvo 850 Turbo are decent bets that will allow you most of the sportiness of the cars I already mentioned yet will save you quite a bit.

 

[lil_viper]

Nissan Altima

http://www.nissanusa.com/content/0,,action-priceOptions_modelId-32958,00.html

 

[IDAFC21]

I think a WRX would suit those needs quite well, but im a bit partial It CAN be good on gas mileage if youre nice to it, but even when you beat on it its still not as bad as a V8.

Or as M5 pointed out a grand prix GTP would be a great choice as well. If insurance is of great importance than a GTP would be a better bet, not that rates on a wrx are that high, but gtp's are generally lower. gas prices could come into play w/ these cars however as well, as both these cars require premium fuel

 

[lil_viper]

www.autotrader.com if you want a used car.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by IDAFC21

Or as M5 pointed out a grand prix GTP would be a great choice as well. If insurance is of great importance than a GTP would be a better bet, not that rates on a wrx are that high, but gtp's are generally lower. gas prices could come into play w/ these cars however as well, as both these cars require premium fuel

I actually recommend the Grand Prix GTP a bit cautiously - it's right up against the stated price barrier, and it hasn't got many of the features standard or available on the Altima 3.5SE, 6s, Galant GTS, or TSX for less money.

Still, it's got a more powerful engine than all of my other recommendations without sacrificing fuel economy at all - it's a good car.

 

[Josh]

I've got a semi sporty, good gas mileage(as long as she can keep her foot out of it), cheap on insurance, 4 seat, car I'll sell her. Very safe car - especially for a mother to drive. Not too powerful, either - just enough power to get out of harms way if need be. I'm sure Doug(M5Power) will agree with all of this.

Seriously, though, all of Doug's suggestions are great. It's almost as if he knows what he's talking about.👍

 

[Ev0]

If you could save up a little more money, the Chrysler 300C might not be a bad option. It's a very fast straight line car (It can outpace a 350Z in a drag race), and seating will certainly not be an issue.

Otherwise, I think the Altima would be a great choice.

 

[X5.]

I'd recommend the 2004 BMW 3 series 325i Sedan. im not sure how sporty it is but the invoice price for a brand new one is $25,730. consumption lies between 20-30mpg. it has 184bhp and is available in 5speed manual, 6speed manual and 5speed automatic.


Or you could go for a 325ci coupe but it has a price tag which overshoots the 27g mark by 930. it has the same specs as the Sedan.


2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 RS
Invoice price is $25,176
Specs = 18 mpg-26 mpg 2.0L I4, 16 valve, 271@6500hp
5 speed Manual


VW GTI VR6
The 2004 GTI is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, available in two trims, the 1.8T and the VR6. The 2004 GTI's closest competitors include the Acura RSX, the Honda Civic Si, and the Toyota Celica.
Invoice price= $20,140
21 - 30 mpg
2.8L V6, 24 valve, 200@6200hp
Transmission:6 speed Manual


VW R32 VR6
The 2004 R32 is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, available in one trim only, the VR6. The 2004 R32's closest competitors include the Audi TT, the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, and the Pontiac GTO.
Invoice Price= 26,490
19-26 mpg
3.2L V6, 24 valve, 240@6250hp
Transmission:6 speed Manual
(ive enclosed a nice pic of this ride)


Ford SVT Focus
The 2004 SVT Focus is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, or sports sedan, available in two trims, the 3-Door and the 5-Door. The 2004 SVT Focus's closest competitors include the Acura RSX, the MINI Cooper, and the Volvo S40 (2004.5).
Invoice Price= $18,014
21 - 28 mpg
2.0L I4, 16 valve, 170@7000hp
Transmission:6 speed Manual


The Focus is very good value, and i would actually recommend this, plus there will be plenty of spare change left if you purchase this. But if you want something more powerful i would opt for the R32 VR6 or the EVO 8 RS. For classiness and sportiness the 325ci coupe is ideal.

 

[Party for GT4]

MG ZT 260V8 is about 27k. But your in America, aren't you?

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Josh
I've got a semi sporty, good gas mileage(as long as she can keep her foot out of it), cheap on insurance, 4 seat, car I'll sell her. Very safe car - especially for a mother to drive. Not too powerful, either - just enough power to get out of harms way if need be. I'm sure Doug(M5Power) will agree with all of this.

Your Mustang with 800 horses at the wheels? You're bombed out of your tree, it probably gets 4mpg and costs $5000/month for insurance.

I'd recommend the 2004 BMW 3 series 325i Sedan. im not sure how sporty it is but the invoice price for a brand new one is $25,730. consumption lies between 20-30mpg. it has 184bhp and is available in 5speed manual, 6speed manual and 5speed automatic.

The truth is, it's not sporty. The Nissan Altima 3.5SE, Acura TSX, Mazda 6s, Mitsubishi Galant GTS, and Pontiac Grand Prix all offer more for less - and I guarantee beyond belief that you will never in a million years find a new 3-series for under $27000.

 

[emad]

A base chrysler 300 starts at 23k. The 300 Touring is about 27k. I'm not sure what the difference is between the 2 models but the touring has leather as the only really notable standard feature.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by emad
A base chrysler 300 starts at 23k. The 300 Touring is about 27k. I'm not sure what the difference is between the 2 models but the touring has leather as the only really notable standard feature.

Chrysler 300 starts at $23000 with a standard 4-speed automatic, 4-wheel disc brakes, air-con, cruise control, a power driver seat, a split-folding rear seat, keyless entry, a CD player, power windows, mirrors, and locks, variable intermittent wipers, and 17" tyres, and a 190-horsepower 2.7L V6, the same engine found in the base Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde as well as the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus, and one of six 2.7L engines on the market.

The 300 Touring starts at $26800 and comes with all that plus ABS, brake assist, traction control, antiskid, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, fog lights, and 17" alloy wheels, as well as a 250-horsepower 3.5L V6, the same engine in the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, and Chrysler Pacifica, and one of eight 3.5L engines on the market. This is probably the value leader if performance isn't the main objective.

The 300C starts at $32400 and adds a 5-speed automatic with Autostick, Chrysler's version of Tiptronic, a power steering wheel with radio controls, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, driver seat and mirror memory, a Boston Acoustics sound system, tilt-down back-up mirrors with automatic day/night, a trip computer, a compass, an automatic day/night rear view mirror, an outside temperature indicator, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and 18" chrome alloy wheels, plus a 340-horsepower 5.7L V8, also used in the Dodge Durango and Dodge Ram, one of two 5.7L engines on the market. The 300C is clearly the luxury leader, and probably the only one that'll hold its own in the premium sedan game against the E-class and 5-series.

 

[Josh]

Originally posted by M5Power
Your Mustang with 800 horses at the wheels? You're bombed out of your tree, it probably gets 4mpg and costs $5000/month for insurance.

Dude! It gets like 18-20 miles per gallon, and insurance is only $126/month. And, did you really just say, "You're bombed out of your tree?"

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Josh
Dude! It gets like 18-20 miles per gallon, and insurance is only $126/month. And, did you really just say, "You're bombed out of your tree?"

I used to say it so much that it even became acceptable to say 'you're treed out of your bomb' because everyone knew what I meant.

I think I've cut back on that phrase a bit, though.

And you aren't getting any 19mpg with 900bhp.

 

[TS1AWD]

Originally posted by BMW X5 SPORTS
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 RS
Invoice price is $25,176
Specs = 18 mpg-26 mpg 2.0L I4, 16 valve, 271@6500hp
5 speed Manual

 

[Joey D]

What about a Crossfire? Or are they only roadsters? They look sporty.

Or you could get the Magnum since that things a beastly station wagon. Kinda like a Nomad.

 

[Ev0]

I would have suggested the Evo VIII, but I'm pretty sure it would be expensive to insure since it's a sports car.

 

[X5.]

Originally posted by M5Power
The truth is, it's not sporty. The Nissan Altima 3.5SE, Acura TSX, Mazda 6s, Mitsubishi Galant GTS, and Pontiac Grand Prix all offer more for less - and I guarantee beyond belief that you will never in a million years find a new 3-series for under $27000.

I agree that the 3series may not be all that sporty as i originally said but believe you me, you can find a brand new 325i Sedan for $25,730. If you dont believe me check YahooAutos, it has all the brand new prices there.

 

[X5.]

Originally posted by BlazinXtreme
What about a Crossfire? Or are they only roadsters? They look sporty.

The crossfire is a good option(very sporty), i agree. But the prices start from $33,620. This shoots over the ceiling figure stated, by $6,620

 

[Joey D]

What around here you can get them were they start at 25K. The SRT-6 one is over 30K, but I guess thats because I live about a mile or so from Chyslers head quaters.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by BMW X5 SPORTS
I agree that the 3series may not be all that sporty as i originally said but believe you me, you can find a brand new 325i Sedan for $25,730. If you dont believe me check YahooAutos, it has all the brand new prices there.

The base 3-series, the 325i sedan, actually lists for $27800.

But even if you were right on the $25700, perhaps you should go to a car dealer. Sometimes dealers like to make profits, particularly on high-ticket items like a 3-series. Two things factor in here:

1 The 3-series is in high demand. Why sell one for $25700 when you could sell the same car for $29000?
2 The "base" 3-series, at $27800, has features that exist on paper but not in real life - for instance, the base model has no leather, no power seats, no sunroof, no trip computer, no rear side airbags, no rear obstacle detection system, and no split-folding rear seat. Yet, I've never seen a 3-series without at least a couple of these features. The truth is, there's no such thing as a 'stripped down' 3-series, because BMW doesn't sell to fleets - so you'll never see a new one going for the MSRP.

What around here you can get them were they start at 25K.

He's right - base is $33600, invoice is $31200.

 

[87chevy]

2004 Toyota Carolla XRS. It has the 170hp 1.8L engine, 6spd manual, rear discs, ABS. All for 17,900! And you still have 10 G's left over!!! and MPG is 25/32!!!!