Exciting Cars, Under 50K, Relatively New

[NISMO]

As per the title, whats out there at the moment?

Thinking about a v36 Skyline, and really struggling to find anything that ticks as many boxes.

Not too keen on an EVO or WRX, and I'm after something relatively new, as in a few years old.

Needs to sit 4, can't been a big thing like a Commodore or Falcon

Prefer a coupe.

I'm on the wrong side of 35 so not sure a "hot hatch" is the right car.

In saying that, Renault Megane Trophy is def on the list at the moment.

Any things else?

[colourclassic]

I wonder if you searched hard enough you'd find a CLK63 AMG for under 50k?

Coupe, sits 4, sounds awesome, goes extremely fast, handles decently. Classy.

[NISMO]

Yeah thought about the AMG's but have a theory that if the only car I can afford in the model is the absolute cheapest on the market, then probably not the car for me.

M3's are also on the list at the moment as well.

[MatthewT85]

i was gonna suggest m3, ivealways liked them

[mad082]

I drove a mates mazda 3 mps (2006 model, cost him 17k) and it was fantastic to drive. Went like stink, handled well (bugger all torque steer), rode well, comfy seats, etc.

If I was you I'd test drive some hot hatches before ruling then out

[Sinista32]

3 Door Golf R

or even a 5 door

Depends on size of rear passengers....

[Adriano]

R36 for a bit more room

[10 4]

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Audi-S5-2008/SSE-AD-2570539/?Cr=2&sdmvc=1

ISF's are awesome though...

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-IS-F-2008/SSE-AD-2683522/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Lexus-IS-F-2008/AGC-AD-15613952/?Cr=1&sdmvc=1

[V28VX37]

Nothing wrong with a hot hatch Saw an Abarth 500 in the city today, they look and sound awesome for a pocket rocket.

[JZP]

Had the same thoughts and ended up buying a Focus ST. It was under $40k and was a great understated performance car. It has 4 doors and it goes and handles really well. Being a RWD devotee it surprised me how well it handles. It's a tiny bit cramped but overall it's a good all round package. The only major downer is the torque steer, it really really really annoys me.

Drove the megane but back then it was a lot more expensive. These days the pricing is a LOT more competitive to match the Focus ST. down side is only 2 doors. Upside is LSD and a bit classier interior.

Personally I found the ST to be an easier car to drive, get thru gears and is a less harsh ride than the Megane. Cos I do lots of k's and have a new addition to the family the 4 doors and softer ride on the ST was a good compromise over the LSD on the Megane.

[Cowboy1600]

http://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Ford-Focus-2013/AGC-AD-12866092/?Cr=7&sdmvc=1

Good luck finding anything better.

Edit: LOL...great minds, and all that

Edited March 31, 2014 by Cowboy1600

[colourclassic]

M3's are also on the list at the moment as well.

If you're looking at E46's, look into their rear subframe crack issue. Apparently it plagues that model.

[JZP]

Had the same thoughts and ended up buying a Focus ST. It was under $40k and was a great understated performance car. It has 4 doors and it goes and handles really well. Being a RWD devotee it surprised me how well it handles. It's a tiny bit cramped but overall it's a good all round package. The only major downer is the torque steer, it really really really annoys me.

Drove the megane but back then it was a lot more expensive. These days the pricing is a LOT more competitive to match the Focus ST. down side is only 2 doors. Upside is LSD and a bit classier interior.

Personally I found the ST to be an easier car to drive, get thru gears and is a less harsh ride than the Megane. Cos I do lots of k's and have a new addition to the family the 4 doors and softer ride on the ST was a good compromise over the LSD on the Megane.

Oh, and apparently Ford are testing this stuff :

http://www.mountune.com/index.php/services/performance-upgrades/focus/focus-st-2012-onward

Spend the extra $10k budget and have a rocket....

[GTR-N1]

Need a buyer for your N1 Bobby?

[zebra]

You can get an e39 m5 for around 50k

Would be my pick. But 11-12 year old now

[gtr jet]

I was going to suggest an ST Focus as well. A mate has one and loves it.

[NISMO]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the help.

Not sure a Focus is for me. Great cars, but maybe a little more for someone in their mid to late 20's. Just my view.

Was after something a little more luxuirous, hence the V36.

R36 for a bit more room

Thanks for reminding me about the R36. Absolutely love the wagons, so might take a look at some

Need a buyer for your N1 Bobby?

Stranger things have happened Tez

But not thinking about letting it go right now. Give it another 3 years when they're eligible for import into the US.

If you're looking at E46's, look into their rear subframe crack issue. Apparently it plagues that model.

Actually was discussing this with a mate and doing some reading. Def seems like an issue, so we can scratch those.

I might even take a few 6cyl non M model BMW's for a drive. Big fan of the coupe shapes and with the 6, might be good enough for a nice daily that isn't completely boring

[GTR-N1]

Are you also keeping in mind Bobby, something that can be less difficult to sell later on?

[PN-Mad]

Audi S4 / RS4 is getting to that price point. Can be had in wagon version.

M3 as mentioned, but also V10 M5s can be had, also Z4M coupes.

370z

You can buy a lot of car for 50k, or you can get a focus....

Also 135/335 BMWs, the earlier twin turbo models are stronger than the later twin scroll.

[NISMO]

Are you also keeping in mind Bobby, something that can be less difficult to sell later on?

Definitely mate. It's why i'm staying away from things like a 98 Series 3, 33 GTR, which is still the car i have to own one day

I also want something that i'm not so paranoid about and can leave anywhere.

Audi S4 / RS4 is getting to that price point. Can be had in wagon version.

M3 as mentioned, but also V10 M5s can be had, also Z4M coupes.

370z

You can buy a lot of car for 50k, or you can get a focus....

Was looking at Audi S cars last night actually.

Love the 370z, just not enough seats.

V36 Coupe or Megane still leading the way at this stage.

Only concern with the V36 is a few owners in V section have experience some issues not easily fixed, and that worries me.