It’s a great time to be a car enthusiast. For around $25,000 USD car buyers can take their pick from any number of engaging and affordable new cars. With so many varied offerings out there in this price range we thought it would be fun to ask you guys which car you would buy if you were to buy a new car in this price range.
Now I know that some of these cars are priced differently depending on which country you’re in and that some might not even be available where you live, but to keep things even I used United States pricing and availability for this poll.
So, what all can you get for about $25,000 these days?
For starters you have the Volkswagen GTI, the king of the hot hatch market for years and a perennial favorite in the low buck, high fun category.
Following in the pattern of the GTI is the Ford Focus ST, a favorite in Europe and a newcomer to the US market this year.
Next up we have a pair of FR driver’s cars known as the Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S) and the Subaru BRZ. Perhaps you’ve heard of them?
Fiat’s 500 Abarth might be the smallest of this group, but could be the choice who want their pocket rocket to have a bit of Italian chic.
Ford’s 305hp Mustang V6 is also worth a big look when it comes to fun on a budget with a distinct American flavor.
Last but not least we have Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe. For 2013 the 2.0T model is now making an impressive 274hp.
I’ve got a slight hunch and which car is going to win this poll, but really you can’t go wrong with any of these cars for the money.
Now, get to voting!
-Mike Garrett
[polldaddy poll="6196360"]
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Damn! The Initial D AE-86 fanboys are in FULL EFFECT!
i would buy the BRZ, without a doubt.
Fiend.
Had to go with the Mustang, BR-Z/FR-S doesn't have the support yet, let alone any bugs and issues from the factory, and there is no good way to add power yet.
25 $1000 hookers or 25,000 $1 hookers. Decisions...
Car wise it would have to be the 86, it's what the next Fairlady Z should have been
Holy shit! Are cars that cheap in the US?! I just sold my BMW 1993 325i for 24k usd.
had to be the mustang, 300bhpand so many options for power adders and suspension upgrades
My money is literally going to the Focus ST.
The BR/86/FRS looks like it's going to be a great car but is so grossly under-powered, and much like any product Apple puts out, it'd be stupid to get the first version of this car. This list has some awesome bargain platforms, but when a v6 mustang embarrassingly out-performs you in breaking, acceleration, AND road handling (pulling a .95g on the skidpad) its hard to justify as a sports car. This being true for all the cars on this list except maybe the Hyundai so my pick goes the stunning new (and very tunable) Genesis 2.0T.
Focus ST from these choices, but I'd rather have a Fiesta ST.
The GT-86, because the only mustang at 25k is a V6, but give me a V6 and I say MUSTANG ALL THE WAY !
Renaultsport Megane comes in similar price range. If it was in the list, I'd take that over any of these.
From this bunch though I suspect the only one which would put a smile on my face would be the Abarth.
Toyota 86, even I like the Golf GTI more on itself... But Front Engine Rear Drive is just more fun... Especially in snowy Winters and on the Track
Easiest poll I have ever participated in...
I'd throw in another $1k and get a WRX if it were really me.
But sticking to the poll I'd have to give the BRZ a go. I've driven the GTI and the Genesis (2010 models anyway). No interest in the Mustang. The Fiat is just too small for me - in many ways. And the Focus... well, I'm still not sure what I think of it.
As an avid autocrosser, I'd definitely have to go with the Toyobaru, which would be better at conedodging than most of the other cars up there. Second place would be a Mini Cooper S, and third would be the Fiat for the same reasons. Although I am a bit biased.
The genesis would own that FT86 on any open track, especially modded.
The GT-86, because the only mustang you can get for 25k is a V6, but give me a V8 and I say MUSTANG ALL THE WAY !
Mustang would be very odd with the sound of a v6.... front wheel drives don't really thrill me, but the fiat would be a very good sleeper, that Hyundai is super butt ugly, and Toyota have always proved that you can have fun driving a car without heaps of power. But i'm Toyota bias.
I saw Toyota 86 today and was not impressed at all.
However, every time I see a Mustang I feel like I must own it someday so I will go with that. Hyundai close second though.
@Ostby Yeah ,i was just thinking that too.
I'm from France and for example a golf gti ,hyundai genesis or the 86 would be around 40000$ !!!
I'd say the 86/BRZ just gets it. One thing I have to say is if you're going to get a Mustang, get one with a V8
Why do you even ask? The choice is obvious...
@Andrewski lol you feel like you must someday own a V6 mustang...... i think your goals in life need some rethinking
the only one id really "trust" to be best best car would be the toyota/subaru. id love a mustang but their cheap, same with the focus, or the hyundai. the gti is just ugly. it disappoints me how cheaply built cars are today, so much plastic and vinyl and cheapness even when you pay $25k
...I'd take a Miata, how could you possibly leave it out??
The 86 is the obvious choice, but the abarth is almost a full 10.000 euro's cheaper in Europe, making 18k vs 26k, which makes it an uneven poll.
None of the above.
Curb Weight:
VW GTi:3000+ lb.
Ford Focus:3100+ lb.
FTWhatever: 2600+ lb, reported closer to 2800 lb. and it's namesake was 2100 lb.
Fiat 500: 2500 lb. with anemic engine, and yes I am talking about the 160 HP turbo, because this is 2012, and cars were supposed to have 200+ HP ten years ago. And it has non-independent, beam-axle rear suspension! What is this, 1970?
Ford Mustang:3450 lb.
Hyundai Genesis:4200 lb.
It's all about power to to weight ratio, and the weight of all listed is TOO MUCH! Call me when they shave them down to 2200 lb, then they will be light enough to actually be fun.
So most would get the 197 hp car(ft-86), because the mustang as only 300hp... they would get the mustang if it was thew v8 though... people make me laugh when it comes to the mustang, the v6 for the price/hp/handling/gas consuption is a great and fun deal. Most people bash the new v6 because they never tried it. By the way the older mustang v8 had 300hp... I'd have the mustang and gti close second
25k, for those cars? In Australia all of those cars (if available) are over 40k :(.
I'm really jealous of these prices, the Golf GTI starts at 31.130€, that's $40.000. The BRZ will be in the same prices ranges, the Focus is about $35K, the Genesis $42K, and the Mustang is not even imported.
The 500 is "only" at 19.000€. What a bargain.
Mustang, easy.
Am I the only one blown away that we have only one japanese offering in this category (and it isn't quite available yet in the states) ? Remember the 80's and 90's? Sure there's the miata, but it really isn't a car for everyone. I just hope all these cars sell well and bring more competition. Also the mazdaspeed 3 should be in there.
Don't hold your breath for lightweight, affordable mass produced cars. Legislation and the requirements of the average driver makes it more and more difficult for companies to produce lightweight cars.Enthusiasts have to:
*Buy an old car and modify it
*Buy a new car and rip all the unnecessary stuff out of it or...
*Get rich and buy an Ariel Atom or another such low volume produced car.
It's either the BRZ/GT86/FRS, the Mustang, or the Gen Coupe. I love FF cars but it's FR all the way.
My guess is most folks that said they would buy a BRZ (I refuse to call that a Toyota - stealing all of Subaru's thunder - for shame) but I gather most folks are lying. Your not gonna buy that car.
Although the Aussie dollar and US Dollar are virtually equal we get charged a heap more for new cars than our american counterparts. If we had US or AUD $25K budget to buy a new car in Australia all we could pick from is a 2.0 mazda 3, Ford Focus (base model) or a base model VW golf. We live in a land where a basic mazda MX5 costs $48,356!!! I'm greatful that we will be getting FT86 here but suspect the pricing will put it out of reach of the young enthusiasts it was designed for. I'd still pick it over the others on the list though. I've had lots of VW's and as much as I love them they cost a fortune to maintain and will never compare to the reliability of a Toyota and oh yeah... FR>FF! lol
None of those!.... My speed3 is what i want.
Ill keep my speed3 any day.
Sorry but before you stop posting absolute crap, nobody is going to take your comments seriously. A quick Google search revealed a few things: Focus ST is almost 100lbs less than what you quoted; even less if you're looking at the 3dr. But the Genesis Coupe is what really got me laughing. 4200lbs? Seriously? Try taking a thousand lbs off that figure. The only one you under-quoted was the Mustang, which starts at 3500 for the MT.I'm actually not disagreeing with you but ffs do yourself a favor and make sure your arguments are well supported next time.
MUSCLES ARE SOOOOOO BLOODY CHEAP AT THE STATE!!! DX def gonna pick the pony mate!!! =D
haha them results....complete ownage!
most of these cars are over 40k, in EUROS, where i live so gg
That scion brz will not sell well in the us. no turbo
The hyundai is doing well.
86frsbrz not long enough for me. so come here you little pony.
BRZ/FR-S: Yuuuuuuuup.
@RickNice Scion's received 7x the amount of pre-orders expected, and Subaru 4x the amount of pre-orders expected. So you were saying....?
My Galaxy Blue Silica BRZ Limited 6MT should be here next month
as an european an ford lover (rip carol shelby) i have to take the mustang ! the focus is just to slow jou have to but the focus rs to have the same level of performance
From the poll I'd take the Toyota. But you've excluded the most powerful car from this price range, and maybe the best looking... Camaro anyone? 323hp V6 mated to a 6 speed manual without the dated tech in the back like the Mustang. Base model starts at $23k. That's what I'd go with.
Corey, where are those orders from, Europe, Asia or states side?
I would've gone for either the FR-S or the Genesis (mostly on the FR-S side though), until they made a Genesis a bit hard on the eyes.. >.< IMO I think the old Genesis looks a 1000x better.. fitting the Veloster front end on a Genesis just doesn't work out for me..
@RickNice
Nobody keeps the stock turbo. Scion and Subaru know this all too well.
You can always put more power into the FR-S/BRZ but you can't lower the center of gravity on any of the other cars.
@RickNice States. Subaru is pretty much sold out already.
the polls say it all
@Ostby
lol truee!!! im from the us so i guess im lucky in a way
deff. toyota 86.
I would like to say 86/BRZ, but it starts around 38k$ here (EU)
Fiat 500: The engine is LIMITED from the factory to 160HP, with the Magneti Marelli boost chip, it already sits at 200HP, and that's not considering additional mods which will bring it up into 230HP territory and beyond. Also, while they may be after market parts, Magneti Marrelli replacements for the majority of the components shave 200 pounds off the car, which make it the lightest (and arguably best) option from this entire list. Yes, my opinion is biased, Italian/European car quality speaks for itself, unlike Japanese and American models.
mustang!
the others maybe faster but us toyota otaku's have been wanting a another rwd sports car for AGES! so win atleast for me and as shown by the poll is the scion frs/subaru brz!
@Euzebio and in Finland its 46 000€ (59 542$)
Gosh, $25 grand will get me a reasonable Saab 9-3 turbo. Need at least an additional $25 grand to get any of these cars (new) in Oz, incl on road costs. Might just be able to replace the MTB some bastard stole a few months ago though (carbon anyone?)
Gosh, $25 grand will get me a reasonable Saab 9-3 turbo. Need at least an additional $25 grand to get any of these cars (new) in Oz, incl on road costs. Might just be able to replace the MTB some bastard stole a few months ago though (carbon anyone?)
I think the 86, FR-S & BRZ should be separated.. haha
same here... wish they would make a new cosworth rs though...
I say GTI, BRZ, Genesis.
@TommyMagee FYI, skidpad figures have nothing whatsoever to do with "road handling". Skidpad figures are pretty meaningless. They tell only about the tire compound, contact patch, vehicle weight, and surface conditions of the test day..
86/brz/frs....
OVER-HYPED
@emotive_design
Today's UberAzz award, for failing to follow his own advice, goes to emotive_design.
2012 GTi, 3200 pounds, http://www.caranddriver.com
2012 Focus ST, 3223 pounds, http://www.fordstnation.com
2013 FR-S, 2800 pounds, http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com
2012 Abarth, 2531 pounds, http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com
2012 Mustang, 3470 pounds, http://www.ford.com
2012 Genesis, 4199 pounds, http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">http://http://www.motortrend.com
i'll stick with my 3.2cl type s for now, it's still faster than all these cars even 10 years after it left the showroom
a pony / muscle car with v6s are for chicks and the hyundai is just hideous fr-s/brz ftw
Where the hell did you get 4200lb for a genesis coupe? Try a 1000 pounds less.
for $25,000 in Australia i brought a top condition 04 fpv falcon GT, with 310rkw. and i would much rather have my GT than any of these. but if i had to choose i'd take the focus
MMMM GTI...&ABARTH,MUSTANG...DE TODO UN POCO....
The mustang is the second runner up but the fact that it doesn't have independent rear suspension makes it the weak link from the RWD's
@DRFTmonkeh @Andrewski Just cause some people struggle don't mean you gotta be a dick. Have you noticed the unemployment rate recently?
We are so buttraped in Europe, I want to cry. $25.000 is €19.500 and here are the prices in France :
- Golf GTi : €31.300 -> $40.400
- Focus ST : not out yet
- 86 : €29.900 -> $38.600
- 500 Abarth 160PS : €21.900 -> $28.250 ($22.000 price tag in the US)
- Mustang V6 : in Europe ? Gentlemen please. Just for kicks, a V8 Camaro is €39.000 -> $50.300 here.
- Genesis 274PS : not out yet.
I'm not even talking about Scandinavia and their outrageous taxes.
umm. well i just spent 25k on a brand new subaru wrx and i couldn't be happier... especially here in the northeast where the AWD is a godsend
btw... i had the opportunity to drive a new Subaru BRZ and I'm sorry but I would never buy one... it is a good looking car, however, the BRZ is sooo slow. It makes a stock 2.0T VW GTI seem incredibly fast.... i guess our only hope is an STI model
I'd go with the new lancer awd... not as fast as some others on here but im sure it would be fun as hell
Seriously, have ppl been confusing the weight of the Hyundai Genesis, and the weight of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe all these years? Two different cars entirely. Please get it right
Seriously, have ppl been confusing the weight of the Hyundai Genesis, and the weight of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe all these years? Two different cars entirely. Please get it right..... Like, now