What do you think is the best performing new car for under $18,000.

While it certainly wouldnt be the fastest but most likely the best handling car for under $18,000 would be the base Mini Cooper (base price of $16,999).

I guess a base V6 Mustang (current body style with loads of rebates and incentives) for affordable RWD performance would be my 2nd choice.

Note: You got to keep it NEW and under $18,000 because once you get in the low $20,000's there are alot more options such as the SRT4, WRX, Ion Redline, upcoming Cobalt SS, Mustang GT (with rebates) ,and etc

 

the 2005 focus ZX4 ST with 150 hp/150tq and some different suspension for 18,250 at lbs no weight yet (current focus svt is 2,750lbs)but...
the 2005 corolla xrs has 170hp/127/tq for 17,970 at 2670 lbs

i would go for the corolla, but theres gas millage isn't all the great, might as well go and get a 06 Camaro if you had the extra money

 

You could actually probably find a Mustang GT under 18K at some dealer....after rebates and you talk them down a bit. I've heard of people going off the lot with Loaded GT's for 16K.

I would wait for the '05's and get the V6 or look for a decent GT at a good dealer for under $18K

 

ZQ8 Colorado Reg Cab

 

Way too much for a 2 wheel drive 2 or 3 person truck.


Also just try finding a mini coper for 16k! In fact just try finding one at all. They ahve a 2 month wait.

In my opinion the under 20k cars are crap for performance today. I really wish that dodge would releas that razor concept that they said can be doen for 14,500. A tiny stylish 250hp sports car like that even at 18k would be incredible!

 

The Dodge SRT-4. Base Price: $20,995.00

SRT-4's Invoice price: $18,970

Rebate for using Chrysler financial: up to $1,000.

Cash Incentives: up to $3,500

Dealer discount: whatever you agree to.

An SRT-4 can very easily be had for about $18,000 (if not below) depending on Chrysler Financial, dealer location, dealer incentives, and what deal you can get.

SRT-4 outruns and outhandles every single new car made in the world (as far as I can tell).

Easy question.

 

Mazda 3 S

Not all that fast, but handles great, looks good (much better than an SRT-4), and has a great looking interior.

I think that anyone that drove in the www.mazdarevitup.com can agree.

 

Heh heh!!! What??? try getting one for below 21,900!! Even edmunds says thats the real world price. I know, I tried to get a deal on one a few months ago. There are no rebates on this car at all and they dont deal beow 21,900.

 

Edmunds.com says you can get a base 5 speed/5 cyl. ZQ8 for $16,314 after rebate, $15,314 if you want the 4 cyl. It handles good, can tow 4,000lbs. (A4/I5) some people would also rather have a truck bed than a back seat. I know I probably would use I pickup bed more than I use the back seat in my Camaro SS.

Cobalt SS 2.4L should start around $17,000 (non-S/C), In Detroit a GM person said the Solstice "will probably" start in the $18K range.

 

I really like the Solstice but they are goign to price the supercharged version (why buy a 2 seater if its not for performance?)too high. They say under $25k but I doubt it. Even then, thats not really affordable becasue for most people a 2 seater is a second car.

 

I'd say $25k is VERY affordable for a second car...

Most people who can afford a second car for fun will find this to be a bargain, assuming it is the type of car they are looking for.

 

Here's a few dealers for you.

All well below $21,900.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...fied=&x=34&y=8


Here's another 4 pages of SRT-4s between 20 and $21,000:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...fied=&x=86&y=9

 

In my case, I have to have a commuter car, and an SUV then I can think about a fun car. 25K is pushing it for a fun car. I intended to buy the 05 mustang or the 04 SRT4 but decided to go with my 01 z28 with 20k miles for 13k. I am lucky to have a high income and a wife that works. Most people in the the US cannot justify a car payment thats over $400 a month for a 2 seater.

 

That's why they are "niche cars"

 

Too late. I visited a long list dealers in the Northren Va/DC/Baltimore area that absolutely would not go below 21900. regardless, I like my z28 more anyway.