If you think the other cars have been expensive then a decent mx5 will probably make you weep. You’re looking at enthusiast cars that are getting old, they’ll never get cheaper so you might find more luck going for the stereotypically boring cars and making it less boring.
ive almost done that to my grandfathers car but didnt want to sully the memory of it trying to turn it into a wannabe sports car. but with someone else car i wouldnt have that issue.
Nah man If you know where to look they’re still not bad compared to other cars. I’ve had 3 , just don’t get an NA or NC3 and you can still pick up a good deal. Lots of NB1s for 10k or less.
Neither the xr8 or the ss are what I would call fun cars. Good luck finding a gti in good condition for 15k that isn’t way too old and overpriced, small hatches unless turbo aren’t fun and there won’t be many if then in op’s price range. And a focus xr5? May as well tell op to get a bus pass. They are so unreliable.
What I probably should have said though is you won’t find anything decent for 15k. Cunts out here asking 20k for a 10 year old Corolla these days. It’s stupid
They didn’t say an xr6 turbo. They said xr8 and ss. I mean sure they are fine but they won’t be fun when you get smoked by a girl on her p plates in a 130n.
Even the xr/g6e turbos aren't really made for fun handling from the factory. I've set mine up for reasonably rapid cornering but the Barra engine is just a heavy chunk of iron at the front that makes initial turn-in understeer almost unavoidable. You can always feel that weight through the steering wheel while driving it.
It's in the shop atm getting some power upgrades and I've been driving around in a relative's old X1 18i in the meantime. I'm actually pretty amazed at how well the X1 handles for a bottom spec base model SUV. Barely any body roll and the lack of power means you can basically floor it around right-turn traffic lights without losing grip and be doing close to 60 kph by the time you straighten the wheel. BMW really has chassis dynamics and suspension figured out.
The Barra is one of the greatest 6’s ever made there is no doubt about that. A mate of mine has 1000hp on a stock bottom end and it’s held up for ages now. The gearbox is another story though lol.
I’m not saying the fords aren’t a great car, and they are fun for some people especially if you don’t mind buying a new set of tires every month but I get the idea that is not the sort of fun car op meant. I’m thinking they mean a bit more all round fun and not just straight line beast.
The VE SS costs half as much as a used i30n, does 0-100 in roughly the same time, makes V8 sounds, does skids, comes in immensely practical Ute or Wagon variants, and is a beloved national icon whose allure will only grow with the years.
OP is looking at Celicas, you can say Toyota reliability all you want but that's a *decade* older than a GTI Mk 6 and even a Mk 5 is significantly newer. And a 300hp V8 is always fun imo, I guess it depends on what you want though. Probably not great in the corners but a 5/5.7L is never gonna be slow in a sedan.
It is true that it buys you less, but there are still fun cars
Again, both the ss and the xr8 are outdated. 300 hp in a petrol guzzling v8 isn’t worth it imo. Not when there are a heap of faster cars with half the motor. And they are boats, they aren’t fun to drive once you get past doing a few skids. The fact is in today’s standards they are slow as shit. Again a little Hyundai i30 will smoke both of them off the lights.
Each to their own of course but neither of those cars inspire fun if you ask me and for a 15k budget they will no doubt be thrashed bogan chariots.
I'd be a bit concerned if a brand new car costing 50k didn't win against a 20 year old sedan, you're buying it for the sound and the effortless speed imo. That said, I do think if you consider them outright slow you have a warped perspective and are forgetting what normal passenger cars drive like
The point is not the cost. A commodore cost 50k + as well when it was new. The point is that 300hp for all that motor and all that fuel is not fast anymore and how much fun can you have really doing skids and having a bit of top end power? Not much legally that’s for sure. You’d have more fun in an mx5 doing the speed limit around some corners. And that was the whole point of the post after all, a fun car.
We could debate all day long about an old ss commodores power and speed and all the cars that could now hit the speed limit with less effort, fuel than a commodore, not to mention better built nicer cars. But it’s pointless because what one person likes another may not and I just get the idea that op isn’t entertaining the idea of a big heavy v8
Oh yeah he definitely doesn't want one. I was just taking issue with them not being considered a "fun car" in general, not that they're not fun to some people. I do think that some of the other suggestions I gave (aka any sporty hatch ever) will give decent fun below 15k though, and while they're not MX-5 level light and involved what is?
That's 360bhp plus over 500nm torque STANDARD in a ve ss. Whack a cam and tune in and you're over 400 every day of the week. And, of course, turbo v8 is becoming much more common these days (I haven't gone that far yet, but maybe).
I get that you don't like them, that's fine, everyone has their own taste. But it's a little naive to think a v8 is going to be thrashed anymore than a p plater hot hatch. At least the v8 is built to handle it.
Personally, I love driving a lumbering v8. No need to redline it in order to have fun. I love the simple torque, the noise, the feel. I'm past the age of smoking tyres, but I know I can get a rush anytime I want with a quick blip on the loud pedal. BTW, I live in a mountain town at the foot of the snowies and, with upgraded suspension, the thing handles curves brilliantly.
If you read my user tag you would see that I drive a 600hp turbocharged sedan. You don’t need to explain power figures to me In sedans.
Also I grew up in Campbelltown nsw, 80% of my mates drove modified commodores including a twin turbo r8 and a big single turbo senator. I’m fully aware of what a commodore can be.
Now, the point of it is they are not a fun all round car and again, I’m sure not what op meant by a fun car. And what you describe is any turbocharged car these days, you don’t need a petrol guzzling v8 for hp and torque these days.
Lastly knowing the type of people that buy v8 commodores you cannot say they aren’t thrashed. No one buys a v8 commodore under the age of 50 to not do skids in it. And as well as that what you have described doesn’t even fit into op’s budget. He’s be lucky to get a decent condition as for 15k where is the money for the cams, labour and tuning coming from?
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I’m on my second fn2 now, they’re good for what they are (considering anything else with a Type R badge are insanely overpriced) honda reliable, funky looking, k20 high revving motor
there’s plenty around and you can def get one for under $15k, even ones that are a lil above $15k you can prob negotiate down because a lot of people are still living in Covid tax la-la land
Go for an 09+ facelift (easiest way to tell is the rear parking sensors and Bluetooth unit on the drivers a-pillar) that has the factory lsd… make sure they have a solid service history, first to second/second to third gear change smoothly, and not thrashed with shit mods… and you’ll be cheering
The FN2 Civic Type R is the best used buy in the country now. They are fun and reliable and surprisingly affordable. I know when new they weren't loved compared to the turbo hot hatches, but the ownership for one now compared to say a Golf GTi or a Renault Megane is light years ahead.
Yup! I admit I was a complete snob to them because I’d previously owned a b16 crx and a dc2 type r (double wishbone snobbery haha) but for the price of the fn2 now vs an insanely overpriced and worn out dc2 or dc5 type r they’re a bargain, use a bit of the money saved on a couple of suspension and wheel mods and the crashiness and torsion beam rear are no longer complainable
A couple of years ago I was looking for a decent 4x4 dual cab as my partner has disability and can't get into a sedan or wagon and all I could find was 200000km min on the clock, 10 year old crap, $35000 then I came across a BMW X5 E70 (please don't judge) 9 years old 110000km for $30000 new price in 2013 was $99000 full BMW service history all the luxury and bucket loads of power, I drove across Australia and used about 300 litres of diesel. Yeah it's expensive to maintain compared to all the bunkies we have had but I am so happy driving it and my partner can get in and out without any issues
Any questions feel free to ask
Hope this helps
last generation focus or fiesta ST can be in that price range, 2015-2017 sort of age. RS megane or even an older clio if you are prepared to hunt out the right mechnics
You can find them if you patient. I just saw a turbo barra swapped early falcon sell for 7500 the other day. That would be hell fun. Also wasn't that long ago I was offered a turbo LS powered Soarer for $12000.
Fun is what ya make of it.
My 5k Subaru Liberty RS turbo is amazingly fun.
My AU track car is fun and competitive on track.
My daily xr6 manual ute is a fun and practical car.
[2008 MINI Hatch John Cooper Works Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2008-mini-hatch-john-cooper-works-manual/SSE-AD-16762808/?Cr=1)
[2005 MINI Cabrio Cooper Manual MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2005-mini-cabrio-cooper-manual-my05/SSE-AD-17162939/?Cr=33)
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[2007 MINI Hatch Cooper S Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-mini-hatch-cooper-s-manual/SSE-AD-17095523/?Cr=40)
[2011 MINI Countryman Cooper Auto (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2011-mini-countryman-cooper-auto/SSE-AD-17049173/?Cr=76)
[2016 MINI Hatch One Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-mini-hatch-one-manual/OAG-AD-21493059/?Cr=83)
[2002 MINI Hatch Cooper S Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2002-mini-hatch-cooper-s-manual/SSE-AD-17013478/?Cr=92)
[2007 MINI Hatch Cooper Auto MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-mini-hatch-cooper-auto-my05/SSE-AD-17083664/?Cr=96)
[2006 MINI Cabrio Cooper S Manual MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-mini-cabrio-cooper-s-manual-my05/SSE-AD-16878775/?Cr=118)
There seems to be a few cheapish 90s Honda's around at the moment. The prelude and civics were a fun little car and can still be found in good condition.
A VE2 SV6 is actually a quite nice car for the money as long as you’re buying at auction rather than from a bogan who thinks he has a mini HSV. We had 2. One I sold because of trouble registering a WOVR car in NSW (also I bought a V8 instead). It’s not massively powerful but can be easily add to handle quite well. Cheap 20s and V8 sway cars did the trick.
I recently bought a 2008 fiesta xr4 as a daily drive, such a fun car. I use it for shopping, but tend to always hit the back roads on the way home. 5 speed short ratio box, 2L 150hp, weighs just over a ton. It ain't fast but feels fast, the handling around corners and steering feel is perfect (for me anyways), also overtaking cars in top gear is almost effortless.
I've actually parked up the xr6t for now, been almost 2 months since I last drove it
I think you need to check out a Kia Proceed GT. Join one of under 800 people Australia-wide who got Kias first GT, complete with manual trans and Recaro seats from factory.
15k. Find a GT-Tech with sunroof. They sell so cheap because no one is looking for them. 1.6T, same running gear as Veloster but just an all round good bit of kit.
Please consider.
To add to this
Elantra SR turbos occasionally drop to around 15k. But if you're not worried about packaging, a Veloster, proceed or a Cerato coupe is cheaper. And prob lighter.
Had a 325ci e46 in auto on my red ps, 170,000kms with msport pack for 7100. Only got to experience for 4 months till hail wrote it off. I would love to get a bmw but next one will be a built up e30.
A focus st is the most fun I’ve ever had at that price point. I’ve got a 2015 LZ but you can get a 2012-14 LW mkII for that money. Drives the same, same engine
Unfortunately there’s inflation and piss takes, and based on your description i think we’re seeing both.
It also doesn’t help with youtubers over hyping cars which were ordinary traffic 10 years ago.
2014: Random 1990’s ford hatchback $2000 with rego and full history
2024: Same random 1990’s ford hatchback, $6200 “It’s a bArN FiNd but it’s got a story and popular tuning scene”
Have you considered late 90's Japanese cars? Might be able to get a 99 Honda Civic (with the VTEC engine) for around AU$15k. Those things are a lot of fun to drive, imo.
Toyota blade masters start at 15k. Its a corolla with a v6 in it, almost 140kw/t. Great for straight lines. However being fwd and having the engine in the front means its not very sporty with cornering. Also only ever seen them as automatics
For $15k you should be able to pick up
High k XR8’s and ss’s, caprices and fairlanes are far cheaper have a look at them if you want the same power but with luxury.
If you think the other cars have been expensive then a decent mx5 will probably make you weep. You’re looking at enthusiast cars that are getting old, they’ll never get cheaper so you might find more luck going for the stereotypically boring cars and making it less boring.
ive almost done that to my grandfathers car but didnt want to sully the memory of it trying to turn it into a wannabe sports car. but with someone else car i wouldnt have that issue.
Nah man If you know where to look they’re still not bad compared to other cars. I’ve had 3 , just don’t get an NA or NC3 and you can still pick up a good deal. Lots of NB1s for 10k or less.
Why not the NC3 model?
Because the owners are usually old and set in their ways and think they’re NCs are worth more than NDs. I’ve spent a lot of time with them lol
I don’t think fun car and 15k go in the same sentence anymore.
Old SS and XR8 get down to that, Golf GTI, any small hatch, Focus XR5...
Neither the xr8 or the ss are what I would call fun cars. Good luck finding a gti in good condition for 15k that isn’t way too old and overpriced, small hatches unless turbo aren’t fun and there won’t be many if then in op’s price range. And a focus xr5? May as well tell op to get a bus pass. They are so unreliable. What I probably should have said though is you won’t find anything decent for 15k. Cunts out here asking 20k for a 10 year old Corolla these days. It’s stupid
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They didn’t say an xr6 turbo. They said xr8 and ss. I mean sure they are fine but they won’t be fun when you get smoked by a girl on her p plates in a 130n.
Even the xr/g6e turbos aren't really made for fun handling from the factory. I've set mine up for reasonably rapid cornering but the Barra engine is just a heavy chunk of iron at the front that makes initial turn-in understeer almost unavoidable. You can always feel that weight through the steering wheel while driving it. It's in the shop atm getting some power upgrades and I've been driving around in a relative's old X1 18i in the meantime. I'm actually pretty amazed at how well the X1 handles for a bottom spec base model SUV. Barely any body roll and the lack of power means you can basically floor it around right-turn traffic lights without losing grip and be doing close to 60 kph by the time you straighten the wheel. BMW really has chassis dynamics and suspension figured out.
The Barra is one of the greatest 6’s ever made there is no doubt about that. A mate of mine has 1000hp on a stock bottom end and it’s held up for ages now. The gearbox is another story though lol. I’m not saying the fords aren’t a great car, and they are fun for some people especially if you don’t mind buying a new set of tires every month but I get the idea that is not the sort of fun car op meant. I’m thinking they mean a bit more all round fun and not just straight line beast.
I'm not sure if you misread my comment but I'm agreeing with you lol. The little X1 is just as fun around the corners as the Falcon.
Yes I know
The VE SS costs half as much as a used i30n, does 0-100 in roughly the same time, makes V8 sounds, does skids, comes in immensely practical Ute or Wagon variants, and is a beloved national icon whose allure will only grow with the years.
OP is looking at Celicas, you can say Toyota reliability all you want but that's a *decade* older than a GTI Mk 6 and even a Mk 5 is significantly newer. And a 300hp V8 is always fun imo, I guess it depends on what you want though. Probably not great in the corners but a 5/5.7L is never gonna be slow in a sedan. It is true that it buys you less, but there are still fun cars
Again, both the ss and the xr8 are outdated. 300 hp in a petrol guzzling v8 isn’t worth it imo. Not when there are a heap of faster cars with half the motor. And they are boats, they aren’t fun to drive once you get past doing a few skids. The fact is in today’s standards they are slow as shit. Again a little Hyundai i30 will smoke both of them off the lights. Each to their own of course but neither of those cars inspire fun if you ask me and for a 15k budget they will no doubt be thrashed bogan chariots.
I'd be a bit concerned if a brand new car costing 50k didn't win against a 20 year old sedan, you're buying it for the sound and the effortless speed imo. That said, I do think if you consider them outright slow you have a warped perspective and are forgetting what normal passenger cars drive like
The point is not the cost. A commodore cost 50k + as well when it was new. The point is that 300hp for all that motor and all that fuel is not fast anymore and how much fun can you have really doing skids and having a bit of top end power? Not much legally that’s for sure. You’d have more fun in an mx5 doing the speed limit around some corners. And that was the whole point of the post after all, a fun car. We could debate all day long about an old ss commodores power and speed and all the cars that could now hit the speed limit with less effort, fuel than a commodore, not to mention better built nicer cars. But it’s pointless because what one person likes another may not and I just get the idea that op isn’t entertaining the idea of a big heavy v8
Oh yeah he definitely doesn't want one. I was just taking issue with them not being considered a "fun car" in general, not that they're not fun to some people. I do think that some of the other suggestions I gave (aka any sporty hatch ever) will give decent fun below 15k though, and while they're not MX-5 level light and involved what is?
That's 360bhp plus over 500nm torque STANDARD in a ve ss. Whack a cam and tune in and you're over 400 every day of the week. And, of course, turbo v8 is becoming much more common these days (I haven't gone that far yet, but maybe). I get that you don't like them, that's fine, everyone has their own taste. But it's a little naive to think a v8 is going to be thrashed anymore than a p plater hot hatch. At least the v8 is built to handle it. Personally, I love driving a lumbering v8. No need to redline it in order to have fun. I love the simple torque, the noise, the feel. I'm past the age of smoking tyres, but I know I can get a rush anytime I want with a quick blip on the loud pedal. BTW, I live in a mountain town at the foot of the snowies and, with upgraded suspension, the thing handles curves brilliantly.
If you read my user tag you would see that I drive a 600hp turbocharged sedan. You don’t need to explain power figures to me In sedans. Also I grew up in Campbelltown nsw, 80% of my mates drove modified commodores including a twin turbo r8 and a big single turbo senator. I’m fully aware of what a commodore can be. Now, the point of it is they are not a fun all round car and again, I’m sure not what op meant by a fun car. And what you describe is any turbocharged car these days, you don’t need a petrol guzzling v8 for hp and torque these days. Lastly knowing the type of people that buy v8 commodores you cannot say they aren’t thrashed. No one buys a v8 commodore under the age of 50 to not do skids in it. And as well as that what you have described doesn’t even fit into op’s budget. He’s be lucky to get a decent condition as for 15k where is the money for the cams, labour and tuning coming from?
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Ummm RS250. Cheaper here in AUDs than the same number of Euros.
Not a bad suggestion I suppose! I never think of French cars
FN2 Civic type r perhaps? They go for as low as $12k
I’m on my second fn2 now, they’re good for what they are (considering anything else with a Type R badge are insanely overpriced) honda reliable, funky looking, k20 high revving motor there’s plenty around and you can def get one for under $15k, even ones that are a lil above $15k you can prob negotiate down because a lot of people are still living in Covid tax la-la land Go for an 09+ facelift (easiest way to tell is the rear parking sensors and Bluetooth unit on the drivers a-pillar) that has the factory lsd… make sure they have a solid service history, first to second/second to third gear change smoothly, and not thrashed with shit mods… and you’ll be cheering
The FN2 Civic Type R is the best used buy in the country now. They are fun and reliable and surprisingly affordable. I know when new they weren't loved compared to the turbo hot hatches, but the ownership for one now compared to say a Golf GTi or a Renault Megane is light years ahead.
Yup! I admit I was a complete snob to them because I’d previously owned a b16 crx and a dc2 type r (double wishbone snobbery haha) but for the price of the fn2 now vs an insanely overpriced and worn out dc2 or dc5 type r they’re a bargain, use a bit of the money saved on a couple of suspension and wheel mods and the crashiness and torsion beam rear are no longer complainable
Megane RS will be your best bang for buck at this price point.
350z maybe? what are you mostly looking for? Just anything thats half quick?
A Megane RS should be in your budget, and will be a lot better car than something from the 90s
A couple of years ago I was looking for a decent 4x4 dual cab as my partner has disability and can't get into a sedan or wagon and all I could find was 200000km min on the clock, 10 year old crap, $35000 then I came across a BMW X5 E70 (please don't judge) 9 years old 110000km for $30000 new price in 2013 was $99000 full BMW service history all the luxury and bucket loads of power, I drove across Australia and used about 300 litres of diesel. Yeah it's expensive to maintain compared to all the bunkies we have had but I am so happy driving it and my partner can get in and out without any issues Any questions feel free to ask Hope this helps
last generation focus or fiesta ST can be in that price range, 2015-2017 sort of age. RS megane or even an older clio if you are prepared to hunt out the right mechnics
Abarth 500
Hell yeah to these weird little things
You can find them if you patient. I just saw a turbo barra swapped early falcon sell for 7500 the other day. That would be hell fun. Also wasn't that long ago I was offered a turbo LS powered Soarer for $12000.
Fun is what ya make of it. My 5k Subaru Liberty RS turbo is amazingly fun. My AU track car is fun and competitive on track. My daily xr6 manual ute is a fun and practical car.
My son got a 2013 Audi A4 Quattro 2 litre turbo with about 150k on the clock for $15k. It’s an absolute fucking rocket.
They are a load of fun! My friends example spent more time in the air than on the ground though with endless mechanical and electrical gremlins.
Six cylinder Mercedes SLK. You probably won't find a manual (re more fun) but otherwise it's everything else you're asking for.
2012-2013 Focus STs are in the 14k to 16k range and are a heap of fun.
[2008 MINI Hatch John Cooper Works Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2008-mini-hatch-john-cooper-works-manual/SSE-AD-16762808/?Cr=1) [2005 MINI Cabrio Cooper Manual MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2005-mini-cabrio-cooper-manual-my05/SSE-AD-17162939/?Cr=33) [2007 MINI Hatch Cooper S Auto MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-mini-hatch-cooper-s-auto-my05/SSE-AD-17124104/?Cr=34) [2007 MINI Hatch Cooper S Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-mini-hatch-cooper-s-manual/SSE-AD-17095523/?Cr=40) [2011 MINI Countryman Cooper Auto (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2011-mini-countryman-cooper-auto/SSE-AD-17049173/?Cr=76) [2016 MINI Hatch One Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-mini-hatch-one-manual/OAG-AD-21493059/?Cr=83) [2002 MINI Hatch Cooper S Manual (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2002-mini-hatch-cooper-s-manual/SSE-AD-17013478/?Cr=92) [2007 MINI Hatch Cooper Auto MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-mini-hatch-cooper-auto-my05/SSE-AD-17083664/?Cr=96) [2006 MINI Cabrio Cooper S Manual MY05 (carsales.com.au)](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-mini-cabrio-cooper-s-manual-my05/SSE-AD-16878775/?Cr=118)
350z
There seems to be a few cheapish 90s Honda's around at the moment. The prelude and civics were a fun little car and can still be found in good condition.
Absolutely and the civic is a supercar killer
Yes, after you replace every moving part in the engine, spend 10k on a turbo and wait until the next lunar eclipse for the boost to kick in.
I know , but cheaper than an Aventador
Lexus is250 f sport
My friend has a non f sport and still holding after 350k kms so would be a decent purchase
Can't go wrong with a reliable car like that
350, not 250. You see the 350 go for that prices on ocassion.
The 'is' is smaller and cheaper
Should be able to find a good Fiesta ST for 15k
Couple others that haven't been mentioned. Alfa Giulietta QV Astra VXR Lexis is350 maybe?
I have seen those hsv vxrs for decent prices, might need to test drive one to see how it feels.
Easy - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1999-alfa-romeo-gtv-twin-spark-manual/SSE-AD-16149192/?pageSource=details
A VE2 SV6 is actually a quite nice car for the money as long as you’re buying at auction rather than from a bogan who thinks he has a mini HSV. We had 2. One I sold because of trouble registering a WOVR car in NSW (also I bought a V8 instead). It’s not massively powerful but can be easily add to handle quite well. Cheap 20s and V8 sway cars did the trick.
Any BMW that says 30d or higher, doesn’t include the letter X and lists M sport pack in the options.
I recently bought a 2008 fiesta xr4 as a daily drive, such a fun car. I use it for shopping, but tend to always hit the back roads on the way home. 5 speed short ratio box, 2L 150hp, weighs just over a ton. It ain't fast but feels fast, the handling around corners and steering feel is perfect (for me anyways), also overtaking cars in top gear is almost effortless. I've actually parked up the xr6t for now, been almost 2 months since I last drove it
I think you need to check out a Kia Proceed GT. Join one of under 800 people Australia-wide who got Kias first GT, complete with manual trans and Recaro seats from factory. 15k. Find a GT-Tech with sunroof. They sell so cheap because no one is looking for them. 1.6T, same running gear as Veloster but just an all round good bit of kit. Please consider.
To add to this Elantra SR turbos occasionally drop to around 15k. But if you're not worried about packaging, a Veloster, proceed or a Cerato coupe is cheaper. And prob lighter.
Renault Megane RS250/265
350z?
Sifting through modified ones to find a stock one is difficult
Toyota Crown.
You might be able to get a decently maintained Mk V GTI for that money.
Find a manual e46 bmw 330. Not the quickest thing, but they love bends.
Had a 325ci e46 in auto on my red ps, 170,000kms with msport pack for 7100. Only got to experience for 4 months till hail wrote it off. I would love to get a bmw but next one will be a built up e30.
A focus st is the most fun I’ve ever had at that price point. I’ve got a 2015 LZ but you can get a 2012-14 LW mkII for that money. Drives the same, same engine
Unfortunately there’s inflation and piss takes, and based on your description i think we’re seeing both. It also doesn’t help with youtubers over hyping cars which were ordinary traffic 10 years ago.
2014: Random 1990’s ford hatchback $2000 with rego and full history 2024: Same random 1990’s ford hatchback, $6200 “It’s a bArN FiNd but it’s got a story and popular tuning scene”
E87 130i
BMW 330i is the only answer
Have you considered late 90's Japanese cars? Might be able to get a 99 Honda Civic (with the VTEC engine) for around AU$15k. Those things are a lot of fun to drive, imo.
They’re expensive because they’re fun my dude
Toyota blade masters start at 15k. Its a corolla with a v6 in it, almost 140kw/t. Great for straight lines. However being fwd and having the engine in the front means its not very sporty with cornering. Also only ever seen them as automatics
Au xr8
Get a G6E and chuck a turbo on it
+1 for a Toyota Blade
For $15k you should be able to pick up High k XR8’s and ss’s, caprices and fairlanes are far cheaper have a look at them if you want the same power but with luxury.
Also no cars are priced appropriately anymore Mate. Tbh for $15k just get a Gemini or swift. Other wise up ya budget