[Recommend] Sporty Car with $50k to Spend

So, I've decided to upgrade my 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer by early June (when rego runs out).

Here are a couple of the criterias I have in mind
- Budget: $50k max. Preferably closer to $45k
- Don't need to be a large car, but preferably no coupes. Hatch, station wagon or sedan is fine
- Preferably automatic, but manual can be considered too.
- Only considering models 2014 and above.
- A significant upgrade power wise from my NA 2.0L Lancer.
- No Holdens. Nothing against the brand, but they have never appealed to me aesthetic wise. I figured if I am to spend $50k on a car, I might as well love the look of it

At this point, my ideal car is a used low mileage 2014 or 2015 Audi S3. The Subaru Levorg also appeals to me (I know. Quite different from the S3).

Comments

  • +16

    2011 Camry

    and some mags

  • -3

    Benz CLA200

    • +2

      That's a fwd slug. It's not sporty at all. The above mentioned Camry is probably faster.

  • +10

    Mercs are high yield investments

    • +9

      op need to be a financial analyst and need to spend $80k and have a banging hot gf..

      and this high yielding car investment must be to impress the future co workers.

      • +2

        Damn it…I was here to type that! :|

  • +4

    Golf R, WRX, Peugeot GTI or Megane GT

  • +2

    VF Commodore series 2 - SS/SS-V/Redline.

    I know, no Holdens, I just couldn't recommend anything else for the same 'bang-for-buck' that the car offers.

    • Haha. So, if Holdens didn't existed, what would you suggest? :P

      • +3

        that new Kia that looks like a Holden

      • +2

        didn't existed

        English lessons ;)

  • +3

    Anything Audi will give you problems and expensive to fix. speaking from experience. ex RS4 owner.

    How about going from a slow lancer to a faster one?
    https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mitsubishi-Lancer…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Lance…

    • What problems did it caused you? I've looked into the an Evo as well, but I guess I would prefer something with a different shape/look.

      • +1

        RS4 suffered catastrophic engine failure under new car warranty - entire engine replaced then suffered electronic problems. I only kept it for 3 years of new car warranty and traded it as soon as I possibly could. Wife had the diesel Q7 and it limp mode a few times, various issues fixed under warranty nothing major but inconvenient (had to wait months for parts to arrive).

        so avoid audi if it has no/short warranty and you plan to keep it for a while. Get a nice Japanese car instead.

    • +3

      Oh, thanks for that captobvious. So a $150k car is expensive to repair. Amazing.

      • Depends on the car.
        $150k landcruiser has been my cheapest car to repair and maintain.

        • +1

          You spent $30k over RRP? What did you put on it?!

        • @Spackbace:

          Offroad and long range capabilities with arb tax

        • -2

          Well we know that isn't true on many levels.

          1. Landcruisers aren't worth anything like that, and I'm guessing you're probably talking about a second hand GXL, and passing it off on here as a new Sahara.

          2. Landcuisers are pretty much the most expensive non exotic cars to run, as illustrated in many RAC surverys, when you only take consumables and service into account.

          3. ARB add-ons; bullshit $30k.

        • @Burnertoasty:
          1. $130rrp on road diesel 200s sahara
          2. Relatively problem free
          3. turn your Bullshit into bullbar winch Spot lights Roof Rack kaymar rear bar side steps safari snorkel major suspension work recovery Points dual battery cargo barrier Long Range Fuel Tanks Drawers A/T and wheels. $28k.

        • @captobvious: One born every minute. Usually not on ozbargains though. As if anyone ever paid RRP for a Toyota for a start.

    • RS4 is your issue, not everyone wants a 200K sedan

      • If you pay $200k for an RS4, you could only be Captain Obvious.

  • +1

    I would recommend a Golf R. Best bang for buck in your price range.

  • +7

    The newest-line of Holden's are actually great.
    This is coming from the guy that never recommends Holdens.
    Get 'em while they last…who knows what the next Holdens/GM's Overseas US cars will be like (probably not very good).

    Even the base model Evoke's are pretty good now.
    But I would recommend the SV6 for a bit of extra power, but still good value.
    There's the SS, V8 power for those that want it.

    …too bad the new V8 Mustang ($55k) is out of your reach!

    Other cars to recommend:
    Subaru WRX STi, VW Golf R, Audi S3, Lexus IS350, Infiniti Q60, Ford XR8.

    Less recommended:
    Peugeot 308 gti, VW Golf GTi, Subaru Levorg, Lexus GS350, Infiniti Q50, Nissan 370Z, BMW M1, Renault Megane RS, Subaru WRX.

    Not-really recommended:
    Skoda Superb, Hyundai Genesis, Volvo S60, Subaru Liberty, Toyota Aurion Sportivo, Honda Accord V6, Chrysler 300C, Toyota 86.

  • +1

    VW Golf R, Audi S3, Commo SSV

    Thats all

  • BMW 135i or it's elder brother the 335i.

  • Mustangs second hand are around 45k (2016)
    VW Golf R- start from around 42k(2014)
    VW Scirocco-start from around $33k (2014)
    Lexus IS350- start from around 48k (2015)

    335 or 535 (2011- 2013) are also a good pick. but the above cars will be a couple years more recent.

    With all performance/premium cars best to try to get warranty associated with the car manufacture just in case anything goes wrong with the car. German manufacturers provide 3 years factory but have the option to extend. so for these cars they will meet there premium warranty.

    Eg. BMW premium warranty has to be no more than 5 years old. under 100,000 km full service history, no aftermarket parts or modifications

    I know from experience. I have a car with BMW premium warranty and so far everything has been covered.

    German cars will also hold a higher resale value when purchased second hand as most the depreciation has already been lost. If you wanted a coupe, the BMW 2 series.
    If purchasing from a dealer, always go at the end of the month. Best way to bargain with them. Also end of financial year (end of the month). Don't be afraid to go interstate as well.

    • The 4cyl Mustangs are NOT worth it.

      The V8 Mustangs are still in low-stock !
      They're still expensive. And won't depreciate any time soon.
      Its one of those rare cars that is actually worth buying Brand New and keeping for a long-time (if you can admire what it is: Pony).
      With that said, don't expect anything below $55,000 for a while… they're commonly priced at $60k.

  • -2

    XR6 turbo. You can pick two used ones up and be under budget!

  • Skoda Octavia RS. You'll get a brand new one well under your budget. Larger Golf GTI at a cheaper price.

  • +2
  • +3

    If you can wait till later in the year, I highly suggest looking into the Kia Stinger It's a full blown replacement for the falcondors, looks amazing, supposably drives well and has been suggested by the higher ups to be priced similarly to the falcondore as well.

    It'll be a brand new car that will have tonnes of appeal and should be one sweet performer.

    • +2

      That is one good looking car.

    • -8

      It's a freaking Kia dude. They are literally the worst car brand on the planet. It doesn't matter what they make it's still a Kia. It's just embarrassing.

      • +3

        No good for badge snobs but it does look good!

        • -2

          No, it looks like a Kia. It looks like cheap Korean junk.

      • Is this actually from experience?

      • I don't think you know what the word "literally" means. Kia has won car of the year in US, Europe, Middle East and Australasia. What you on about?

        • I'd be questioning anyone who awards anything to a Kia. As automotive brands go, they are bottom of the barrel, just above what comes out of China. Everything they produce is aesthetically awful, the interiors all look like they are straight out of the 1990s, the technology is miles behind the Europeans. They are built for a price, they are the cheapest cars on the market for a reason. You are dilusional if you think they are better than more expensive cars.

        • +1

          @Burnertoasty: Wait so you're saying more expensive cars are better? You don't say! Amazing insight there.

          You're living in the past mate, they used to say the same thing about Japanese cars. Korean technology and manufacturing is a driving force today.

        • -2

          @Ryanek: Every car is more expensive, it's a Kia! So we are in agreement. More expensive cars are better. Korean technology is hardly a tour de force, they just copy everyone else.

  • -1
    • +1

      The genesis? Hahahahaha that's as sporty as a poor man's 7 series

    • +1

      Yep, everyone at the retirement home will think it's sporty 😂

      • -2

        Mate
        You guys recommended ford and holden
        You're ones to talk.

        • +1

          Yep, cars that are actually designed to go fast… Hence meeting the criteria of 'sporty'.

        • @Spackbace: i guess one advantage you'd have is that you can park in the taxi parking of your unable to find any other parking spots

        • +1

          @snellori:

          Ah the jokes that can be made about the Genesis… Value depreciates faster than the car goes 😂

        • @Spackbace: that's the reason my link was to a used one
          No one suggested buying a new one
          I believe this pic explains your comments
          https://mobile.twitter.com/chels_slehc/status/58424817233313…

        • @snellori:

          Yeah but the shit depreciation isn't just in the first year on those things… No one wants them.

        • -1

          @snellori: the genesis is a 7 series/s class wannabe that wears an inferior badge. No self-respecting person would buy a genesis because it isn't a great car. $60k can be used to buy a proper car, not a poor man's beemer

  • +2
  • don't be lazy get out and test drive

    Be happy there is always something bigger better faster

    all the research in the world means nothing if you make a decision and it feels like a bucket of snot to drive.

    mini's are german now for better or worse the last JCW Mini i had was loads of fun and was something i wasn't overly keen on until i drove it.

    Same with the car i drive now, most fun i've had in a car since my 99 Sti, it was an impulse buy. I was heading to ikea got distracted when i saw something shiny in the window of the car yard walked out with 2 cars not the 2 brackets i'd set out for.

    If u could pick up the new RS from above great cars might be just outside budget still second hand but that drift mode is awesome fun

    You mentioned the S3 the new S1 is actually more fun i've had them both round a track.

  • Lexus IS300

  • You can get a lovely first generation water-cooled 996 series 911 Porsche

    Low miles, full books, IMS bearing done, buy the best not the cheapest.

    Will only go up in value, and you can use it as a daily drive as i did with mine.

    • Not with two fried eggs for headlights

  • BMW 135i
    BMW 140i
    BMW 235i
    BMW 240i
    BMW 435i
    VW Golf R
    VW sirocco R
    AUDI S3
    AUDI TT
    MERC A45
    MERC CLA45

    Infiniti?
    Jaguar?

    Depends if you want new or used and what year you could also go for:

    BMW 335i
    BMW 330d
    Mercedes C350
    Jaguar XF

  • +2

    So what car did you get?

    • I ended up getting a used low mileage 2015 Audi S3.

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