Best car for under $25k? (1 Viewer)

[bosoxs45]

What's the best car being sold in the US for under $25K? I'm looking for something fun to drive and that handles really well. I've been heavily considering Mazda or a Honda Accord but I really have no idea. I'm on a tight budget right now paying off student loans, so something more than $25k isn't an option for now.

ETA, not looking to buy new but something used.

 

[Polish Hammer]

In the market as well. Is used an option? What is important to you in the car?

 

[the moops]

Tight budget and a 25,000 dollar car do not go well together.

Buy something used for under 10 grand.

 

[KCitons]

Subaru Impreza

 

[SIDA!]

Mini Cooper?

 

[beavers]

http://www.subaru.com/2015-legacy.html

 

[TheWalkmen]

Well son, I think you need a lesson in cash flow management if your budget is tight and you're still buying a $25k car. By the way, how did you come up with $25k as your budget? Since 2007 I've bought 2 cars and the total purchase price sums to less than half my annual salary, and I'm not rich.

Lower your budget to $20k (or less), and maximize it by buying a used Acura ILX (or less car) off craigslist.

 

[Patriotsfatboy1]

Buy used and save money. Cars are a bad expense at this point in your life.

... and I have a new car.

 

[Abraham]

You can find really niced used cars for under 15 all day long. Automobiles last much longer now of properly maintained so there is no reason to buy a 25k vehicle if you are atill paying off student loans.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

To answer your original question without running off on a tangent about your personal #### that I know nothing about...I've had a 2010 Nissan Altima for four years and absolutely love it.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Do you like Crossovers?

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Do you like Crossovers?

Oooooooo...good idea!

 

[=Smackdown=]

KIA

 

[Jaysus]

Do you like Crossovers?

Oooooooo...good idea!

double

 

[pollardsvision]

There's a good thread for advice on ground effects after you've pick the right ride for you.

 

[bosoxs45]

Well son, I think you need a lesson in cash flow management if your budget is tight and you're still buying a $25k car. By the way, how did you come up with $25k as your budget? Since 2007 I've bought 2 cars and the total purchase price sums to less than half my annual salary, and I'm not rich.

Lower your budget to $20k (or less), and maximize it by buying a used Acura ILX (or less car) off craigslist.

Lackadaisical overestimation in my part, really.

I found a deal on craigslist for under $10K for a '05 Acura RSX. How does that compare to an ILX?

 

[matttyl]

What's the best car being sold in the US for under $25K? I'm looking for something fun to drive and that handles really well. I've been heavily considering Mazda or a Honda Accord but I really have no idea. I'm on a tight budget right now paying off student loans, so something more than $25k isn't an option for now.

ETA, not looking to buy new but something used.

Used Mini Cooper. You can get a used R50 (the base Mini Cooper hatchback made from '02-'06 for under $10k). The R53, same years but the turbo model, will be a bit more - less tranny issues, but now you have a turbo that could develop issues.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Fully loaded Mazda 3 (speed).

I've got an 8 year old Mazda3 that runs like a top. Fun to drive as well.

Personally I think the hatchback looks a lot better than the sedan

 

[Drifter]

Fully loaded Mazda 3 (speed).

I've got an 8 year old Mazda3 that runs like a top. Fun to drive as well.

Personally I think the hatchback looks a lot better than the sedan

This would be my choice

 

[IC FBGCav]

What's the best car being sold in the US for under $25K? I'm looking for something fun to drive and that handles really well. I've been heavily considering Mazda or a Honda Accord but I really have no idea. I'm on a tight budget right now paying off student loans, so something more than $25k isn't an option for now.

ETA, not looking to buy new but something used.

Get a 2011 or 2012 Camry with under 30K on it. It will last you well over 10 years and over 15 years if you keep it up.

 

[Ignoramus]

That little Scion FR-S looks like it costs a lot more than it does and gets great reviews. It's a little cheaper than the Subaru version, which I believe can get over $25k when fully loaded.

 

[MikeIke]

That little Scion FR-S looks like it costs a lot more than it does and gets great reviews. It's a little cheaper than the Subaru version, which I believe can get over $25k when fully loaded.

Yeah, the Subaru BRZ is a heckuva car, or so I've heard.

 

[TheWalkmen]

Well son, I think you need a lesson in cash flow management if your budget is tight and you're still buying a $25k car. By the way, how did you come up with $25k as your budget? Since 2007 I've bought 2 cars and the total purchase price sums to less than half my annual salary, and I'm not rich.

Lower your budget to $20k (or less), and maximize it by buying a used Acura ILX (or less car) off craigslist.

Lackadaisical overestimation in my part, really.

I found a deal on craigslist for under $10K for a '05 Acura RSX. How does that compare to an ILX?

I'm not really sure. I have an ILX and it's the only Acura make I've ever driven. I got a 2013 with 15,000 miles on craigslist for a bargain. Great deals can be found if you are a little patient. I found a lot of good deals in the $15,000 range too. There was a thread a while back that discussed how to find good deals. I love the ILX, it's sporty, luxurious, and gets great gas mileage. It is a bit small, but it doesn't sound like you have kids to lug around so that shouldn't be an issue.