Hi everyone.
I've been driving a run down 2003 Camry with 150,000kms on the clock for the past few years, recently I've decided I want to live a little so I am in the market for an entry level high performance car. My requirements are the following:
What would you guys buy? and why?
Let me know in the comments below.
Suzuki Swift Sport, the new model. Took one for a test drive and it was just plain fun.
That thing has the braking strength of two pieces of heavily buttered toast.
Maybe, but I it weighs less than a ton and brakes are for the scared…
I like keeping the Vegemite off my tighty whities.
Focus RS
Up your budget to 80k, then it'll be an investment rather than a crummy depreciating asset.
need to clarify what type of performance u r after. straight line or corners.
for straightline and safety, go awd turbo and twin clutch.
for corners and platform to learn performance driving, ability to catch that oversteer and drift in appropriate motorsport venues, go with a rwd car that has lsd.
Many Motorsport venues (excluding drift events) are starting to clamp down on RWD vehicles. My most recent casual track day excluded all RWD as multiple RWD vehicles were overestimating their ability and finding themselves on the grass. The event organizers were ordered to returf almost every turn which ended up costing more than their revenue on the day.
They still allowed RWD cars but only for the well behaved regulars. The 86s were exempt as they are low power RWD.
I would stay away from a high power RWD (second hand M3s as prime example) as they are on the top of the black list.
A car featured in any of the fast and furious movies will remain in demand. Think supra or skyline. Easy resell when you get bored of it
rb gtrs have already skyrocketed and will further
Volvo S60 Polestar.
Last one of these I drove (brand new) a few years ago was an absolute snooze fest.
I find that hard to believe. I drove one that was run in and it was a hoot, plus the ergonomics for someone 6'2" 105kg were bang on. Scandi designed, sub 5s 0-100, 257kW 500Nm, turbo 6, Ohlins adjustable suspension, $110k new now under $40k. Tasty. Anyway, my $0.02 worth.
Maybe this particular car was having an issue, certainly didn't feel sub 5.
I've been looking at these :) don't share as there aren't enough !
Honda Accord VTI
VTec is loading…..
Do we have Honda Type R in Australia? If not, VW Golf R it is.
Mustang GT, 435 HP
14lt/ 100km
Can drive in normal, sport+ or track mode
Can customize to your own taste, endless options
Back seats are fairly useless. Anyone 170cm or taller and your head will touch the rear window.
Decent boot space.
You will need to upgrade the exhaust if you want the deep exhaust tone.
Insurance is around $800 p/a for rating 1 in SA
Its a head turner for sure.
I had one of the first 250 Mustangs in Australia, whilst it looks great it is one of the most disappointing cars I have ever driven. The suspension is set up wrong from factory (which is one of the reason for the mustang meme and people putting them into walls).
The manual shifter is abysmal, with lockouts at high rpm (fixed it with a short shifter kit).
The stock pirellis are absolutely useless in the wet and they really shouldn't be on the car. When cold they are just bricks.
The panel gap on the car and shoddy paint work, I am yet to see a Mustang that should have passed QC, most of them will have wet sand marks, bumpers that don't align correctly or bonnets that don't align.
Sync 2 wasn't a bad system but it was too slow compared to modern day systems, then sync 3 came out which added the little dome on the roof of the mustang.
The headers on the Australian car are one of the laziest pieces of automotive engineering that exist and they sap power by about 5-7% because of their ridiculous design.
So no after having the mustang for 18 months I wouldn't and couldn't recommend it to anyone,unless they were only looking for looks and won't try to use it as a performance vehicle.
Bingo. Spot on. The guy down the road from me got the first Mustang in town and they had a big party at the dealer when it came in, everyone was so hyped…
On my walk the other day, he was out in his yard and stopped to ask him about it now he has owned it a while, and it was nearly verbatim what you said. He hates it. He said he was expecting “American” quality, but it was like it was made as a school kids project.
He told me that he has his on a 3 year lease plan and can’t wait for it to be up to get back into something else.
and a lovely 2 star ANCAP to go with it.
Nissan Xtrail
Used M135i - N55 is one of the best engines ever made, can easily push 280KW ATW with minor mods and deliver the power smoothly. Refined, practical and fits all your criteria. Amazing value at 40-50k for a well specced used one.
Used Golf R Mk7 - Abit boring and personally not a fan of turbo 4s, but cant fault AWD and all that power. Also very refined and comfortable, but it's no BMW.
Also consider the new Hyundai i30N. I know a car journalist who has spent some time with this car in past few weeks and for the price (39990) it is as serious as it gets for a performance hot hatch. Car is designed and made in Europe, definitely check it out once it's in showrooms.
Come on man, it’s a decent engine, but it’s certainly not one of the best engines ever made.
Hey don't take it from me. Just look at how many top 10 engines lists have included it, not to mention N54/55 was included on the Ward's annual list 4 times for 4 different cars.
Well without providing links, you are literally asking me to take it from you. That being said, even with those yearly lists (which it certainly featured on), that does not make it one of the best engines ever made. It just means it was a good engine in that year.
Any of the leading JDM tuner cars, i.e. Silvia, Supra, RX7, Evo, WRX, etc. Ideally I want to get a R34 GTR one day but with the prices they're at atm it's gonna take some time.
Japanese reliability (if you don't thrash it everyday, which I have to admit is a challenge) + Performance is the best combo.
I felt the same way when the bnr was half the price a decade ago.
Nice R34. Was it yours?
No it's the white whale of skylines. i forogt I had that picture. MP3 Z tune (not microsoft lol). In my wildest dreams
IS300h or IS350
VT Series II-VZ Series II Commodore SS/Calais
Or buy a used VE-VF SS
Plenty of power with a camshaft upgrade from the LS1.
Late model VZ came with the 6.0 L76/L98 engines.
HSV VZ and early VE HSV came with LS2 which is pretty much an ls1 with a 4" bore and slightly higher compression.
Wouldn't bother with one of those. Go for the later gen4 v8 engines
VE/VF came with 6.0 L76,L77,L98 and 6.2 LS3 engines
Expect 30-50rwkw more from the 6.0/6.2
Or spend a few thousand more and import a 5.3 iron block LS truck engine from the states to build boost monster like me and get a reliable 400kw at the tyres👌👌
I work for a camshaft company so if you want any more info on power figures let me know
a stinger! or if thats a bit much, a new i30N. thats it! those are your choices. dont worry about anyone else.
Stinger.
There's definitely a variety of cars of you can look at for your budget. If you don't mind something a bit older have you considered a Mazda MPS either a 3 or a 6? The 2.3 litre turbos made a lot of power back in the day. They can be had for quite a lot less than 60k too.
Otherwise like others have said, Kia Stinger, Hyundai i30N or WRX. I'd consider the Golf GTI/R but not sure about long term reliability and after sales support.
My current daily is an ND MX-5, while they don't strictly fit your criteria they could be a cheaper alternative. I'm bias but I think they look great, and if you go the aftermarket route you'll have change for some power mods which will make the thing fly.
FYI mustang has bad safety standards, so if your a good driver or don't need your legs when you get into a crash. Great car to drive.
New Cars:
Big car with normal seating position: Holden SS Redline or HSV R8 Demo (Discontinued, dealers are scared as Holden has been telling everyone there are none available for the last 6 months)
Big 'Coupe': KIA Stinger 330Si or Demo GT (7 year/unlimited km warranty on a twin turbo…)
American muscle: Manual MY17 Mustang GT or Auto Demo (5yr/200,000km warranty but don't put people you like in the back seats)
Small Car: BMW M140i (Read the reviews…)
Note: The R8, GT's and M140i all have adaptive suspension. I haven't driven the M140i, but the other 3 are stupidly smooth in comfort mode.
Small FWD, slow: Hyundai i30N (same performance level as RS Focus, Golf GTi, etc but far cheaper)
Cheap 'spirited' FWD: Suzuki Sport MY18 (fun because it is 200-400kg lighter than most small cars and 800kgs lighter than the big cars)
The used cars listed here are either boring and unsafe or next level, in performance, cost (service/repairs) and depreciation.
The new Civic Type R. Fastest hatch around the nurburgring.
Fastest FWD hatch that's not per production spec.
Unspecified street legal tyres - likely a top specced semi slicks. Ie Michelin cup 2. Significantly more expensive than stock.
Roll cage that Honda "assured" doesn't affect rigidity. Right. I have never driven a car with a roll cage, even halves, that didn't significantly affect regidity.
Okay, slight bias. But what you want to consider is Skoda Octavia RS
Can get in a liftback, like a sedan but with hatchback opening style. Will be much like a golf gti, but more spacious and slightly better value.
You'll have cash spare in your pocket, you'll get your 160kw+ and about 43-47k in terms of cost
I have the Skoda Superb 206tsi 4x4 and the liftback really is the best of all worlds. I took the Octavia RS for a spin and it was definitely spritely, but I prefer the extra space and 4x4.
Yeah, my only gripe is the FWD
Auto or manual?
I have a 2016 sti and can recommend it if going manual.
As much as I don't like vw, I'd say a golf r for auto/paddle shift.
Civic Type R for sure for sub 60k
Bargain buy dark horse, used Renault Megane RS265, amazing car severely under appreciated
Fwd? Why? There are so many better options.
Because "Honduh. The power of dreamers"
Oh yeah, their F1 race program is all about power.
WRX Premium or probably a Kia Stinger.
Maybe also Hyundai i30 N, Golf GTi, RS4 or Civic Type R?
I do own a WRX and wouldn’t call it “MY” performance car (I have some Aussie cars) but it’s by far the most practical and comfortable car of them all to treat as a daily and it’s very capable. I love my 6cyl Turbo and 8cyl Supercharged cars but they aren’t that practical for daily duties (and TBH they don’t like sitting in traffic either).
Honestly, performance cars come in many shapes and sizes and even boring cars these days are available with great power. Performance cars are usually bought with some degree of passion or reason (brand loyal etc). If you don’t have a particular pull to a specific vendor there are lots of options but just pick what YOU WANT because you like how it looks, sounds, drives etc etc.
When you buy it, find like minded friends and enjoy it :)!
60k, why not trade in some asx Lithium and Cobalt shares and with doubled the money go and buy a AMG…
Says the person who knows nothing about shares or exposure.
I just did. Replies back the Person who sold off some of his Speccy Lithium shares. Looking to buy my first Euro car soon
Ok sure.
BMW 230i. Sister bought an ex-demo, CPO one recently with only 6000km for only $45k.
185KW, 0-100km in just over 5 seconds.
Not to mention service package is a steal at $1400 for 5 years of servicing.
Also actually made in Germany, unlike rival Mercs and Audi's which aren't.
The rival to the 230i would be in the price category of the Audi S3 which is made in Germany and does a 0-100 in 4.9s.
You can’t get a demo S3 for $45k though
I wouldn't call 6000km an ex demo. Probably not 45k but not much more. Those are typically the "executive driven cars" ie. The ones that gets trashed by the branch manager or gets test driven for press release. They are the worst for wear.
Simple, buy two cars
An e46 BMW M3 with low km's This car is about to go through the roof as a collectors car and it's a real drivers car. Small, powerful, rear wheel drive, 0-100 in 5.3secs. Go to the E46 M3 forum and try to find someone that doesn't love their car.
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-M3-2002/SSE-…
Then the cheapest Kia you are comfortable driving, 7 year warranty enough said.
A Sportage 1 or two years old would be my pick.
https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Kia-Sportage-2017…
Watch the guy ritchie BMW movies. Yes I know it's an e39 in them but same engine in the E46 and I think the E46 as a performance car is much better.
No E39 the same engine as the E46 M3. E46 M3 had a 3.2 I6, E39 M5 had a 4.9L V8. The E39 is a collectors car. The E46, not so much. I drove an E46 M3 and was disappointed about how slow it was, and how heavy it felt.
Don't E46 BMWs have a massive issue with their rear subframes?
Yes they do. The require thousands of dollars of reinforcement to make them safe. Not an easy job. Which is sad because the E46 is the M3 of my heart. All others that have come since are pretenders.
WRX
VW Amarok V6. 180kW, practical, get some off road fun when you get bored of beating people at the lights
I thought the Amarok had no low range and struggled off road?
Not that it's what the OP appears to be after, but the Amarok actually has electronic down hill assist etc, which makes it pretty fantastic off road. Although almost zero skill required to drive off road… Kinda takes the challenge out
Yeah that didn’t answer the question. Even a Disco Sport has hill descent control, and they certainly can’t go off-road. Without a low range, you’re not going to get anywhere.
The new Civic Type R. Fastest hatch around the nurburgring.
KIA STINGER GT
You can a demo GT at the $60k mark
Mercedes AMG A45
/the end.
Really as much as i do like the Mercs this is over budget priced and not the best hatch on the market.
You need to move on
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD Premium (Skyline in Japan). Amazing value for money, can easily get a 1-2 year old one for around $50k ($88k new).
~270kw, ~7L fuel / 100km, 0 - 100km in low 5 secs.
Very nice prestige car, far ahead of a Subaru/Kia/Hyundai/etc in terms of luxury, very high quality leather and attention to detail, massive brakes, 14 speaker Bose stereo with 2 subs, heated steering wheel, lane assist, adaptive (radar) cruise, 360 camera, insane levels of gadgetry, etc etc.
I have no idea why the brand hasn't taken off here in Australia. In the US and Europe these cars are on par with Mercs, BMW's etc and are priced at this level. They are a steal here.
If your going to blow the whole lot
The 2 new cars i'd go for are the RS Focus just because it's fun and fast and that drift mode is quite fun and unique the VW type R should be within you're limit too.
Audi S1 is actually cracker of a car on the track with huge mod potential with them entering the rallycross after market parts will be coming thick and fast and some of them look evil
2014+ wrx sti and once you're bored with it just get it retune. It will be like driving a new car.
+1 for the WRX / STI with a re-tune. I re-tuned my 2011 WRX for $100 + a 6 pack of beer and it felt like a different car, ran it for 50,000kms+ without an issue. Very easily tuned with a tactrix cable, laptop and a downloadable tune from a reputable tuning shop.
I am a VW nut and have the new 210kw ARTEON, Yes a bit over budget for your asking price and goes like the clappers, but sadly not as good as my trade in, the CC with the 220kw horizontally apposed vr6.
The golf tsi 210kw in manual is a very quick car or even the passat r36 that has the 220kw as well.
But if you are driving in the city then the dsg is not an option as it doesn't know which gear it wants to be in with all the stop n starting, I live in the country and dont have a problem with them.
You could probably find a 5cyl focus for a good price and very quick also.
Really just keep looking you will see what you want some where I'm sure.
If the OP wanted something luxurious and reasonably quick from the VAG stable, Superb 206TSI and keep the change.
I have one of these in black with cream leather, an excellent family car but possibly not sporty enough for OP.
Get a tune and it will be. :) But considering the OP is coming from a Camry…
Funnily enough, I did the opposite a few years back. Went from a MKV GTI to a Camry Hybrid, lol.
M140 or M240. Both available under 60k. Good track day cars and fun to drive in general.
I second the vote for the M140i, a great choice - fast, refined, great exhaust note, excellent on fuel for the performance (7.1 combined yet 0-100 in 4.6sec), good size boot for its size (360l), easy to park. Good space in the front, tight in in the back seat though.. but much more than a coupe. BMW and M-lite badge snob cred too if that's your thing.
Whatever you choose, be mindful of the saying that it's much more satisfying punting a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The M140i/M240i get to Silly Speeds very quickly. Having said that, unlike some these cars are very civilised (ride, refinement) when driven sedately. Servicing costs aren't too bad either and certainly much less than a full M model.
I'd be going either a WRX from 2012 onwards, depending on what model you like the appearance of, or a BMW 135i. The 135i is an amazing car.
Or just go for a Mini Cooper
Hey c'mon now. OP's first requirement is that it's value for money :p
What about the new Camry V6 SL for about 40k then invest the remaining 20k in high risk return shares???
They all new made in Japan model is HOT for a camry
Hot for a Camry is like
Dark for an albino
Tasty for wet cardboard
Intelligent for a SJW.
(But the Camry looks cool though. Lots of Lexus design subtleties.)
What about sporty versions of the Renault Clio or Megane? Plenty of different models new and used. New ones have a 5 yr warranty and are guaranteed to depreciate…
Volkswagen Golf R/ Audi S3, I wouldn’t look at anything else.
The Subaru WRX’s are the only other model that compare, and after going for a test drive it was a no brainer going for the Golf R.
My Golf R I just picked up has a stage 1 ECU flash on it, 0-100 pretty much 4sec on the dot. Good on fuel, and more practical than the WRX. Just my 2 cents.
Pre-order a Tesla Model 3. There is quite a bit of wait but until then you only pay US$1500. I have heard a lot of good things about it.
This is actually the best option. Keep the Camry till the Model 3 arrives
okay if you're happy not getting your car till 2021
Hey, how about a Honda Civic Type R?
I seen one the other day (White like the link) and it looks hot.
"As noted by Collins, the latest Civic Type R is Honda’s quickest yet, and even holds the front-wheel drive record at Germany’s famed Nurburgring Nordschleife.
It’s seven seconds quicker than the outgoing model around the ‘Green Hell’, clocking a 7:43.80 lap of the 20.83km public road circuit, and promises a 0-100km/h time of 5.7sec and top speed of 272km/h."
Woooow. I want one!
https://www.motoring.com.au/honda-civic-type-r-priced-from-5…
https://www.motormag.com.au/events/performance-car-of-the-ye…
Honda Civic Type R: Performance Car of the Year 2018 Winner
Cheers
Golf R / S3