I'm 6'3"...~$20K cars that fit, were a sporty drive, get decent gas milage.

Ford Focus ZX5
Toyota Matrix
Mini Cooper (I wasn't thrilled with the shoulder/hip room though)
Mazda 3 (this would be my pick)

If your not completely focused on buying new, I've had good luck with certified used purchases, especially if depreciation is a main concern for you.

 

JustBrilliantX,

I like the idea of a Cooper but I liked it a lot more before BMW reintroduced it. I think it's a superb car but it's now the defacto 325 of the subcompact car market. A must have for every aspiring "fashion conscious" driver of small cars.

Looking at your choice of the G35 vs the 3 series, didn't you choose it to be different from BMW drivers, not just because you thought it was a better or a better value car?

No JustBrilliantX, you don't want a Cooper S, you want a Saab 9-2X. That will set you apart from the crowd. It's a good car that says, "I'm not part of the herd and I know cars." It's on the high end of your budget but I'll bet they'll bargin with you.

Good luck. And thanks for reading my opinionated drivel.

Cale

 

Mazda 3 is a great little car. A friend of mine picked one up recently for his son - he got the performance model - 17" wheels, 160HP motor, etc. It's a nice ride. I was surprised by it. It's fun to drive, but practical too.

 

The cooper S (is that the one with the turbo?) is kind of a neat car, not for me, but neat and fun. Reminds me of a 17 year old girls car. Have you looked at the Hyundai TIburon GT... very fun car, nice stereo, handles great and dual exhaust sounds AWESOME, the note is very similar to the G. not as fast as the cooper, but has a better powertrain warranty. Definately doesn't have the resale value either. The SRT-4 is always available... I think the best 2 things about the cooper S are: 1. Resale value 2. not everyone has one...yet. SOme others to consider... C230 coupe, VW GTi or Golf TDi. The new eclipse is coming out soon too. Scion's tC is a good car too. Celica's cost too much and my grandma drives a solara so... You could always wait for the Saturn Sky or Pontiac Solstice.

 

Maybe you should wait for the Golf GTi? I have heard pretty good reviews about it! The mini S is cool too! I have once test driven it, and like it very much! However, my family members said it's not a safe car.... so...... Subie are great choices too.

Anyhow, a Mini S should be ur best choice for this budget. Oh, maybe a used S2K?
My friend has a RSX and he is selling it for a G35c because he said there are always problems with the tranmission, especially at cold weather.

 

To me it says "I'll pay a 3-grand premium for a Subaru station wagon with a badge that used to mean something". That said the 9-2 looks nice.

I recommend that you don't judge the Cooper S until you've driven one. . Great fun and a real loss leader for BMW.

 

Garry Garry Garry

What is the 3 grand for if not for looks? Besides, Road & Track says they added a lot of sound deadening material to muffle that "I'm a Subaru flat-4 buzz". Now that sounds like it's worth some extra ca-ching. And I did listen to JustBrilliant, he said he wanted to avoid the cookie-cutter feel of Japanese cars, so I was on the right track.

Regarding the Cooper S, you're right, I haven't driven one. But I also said it was a "superb" car. That's a compliment. What I don't like is the image. Nuff said.

Thanks for reading my post and responding. I like that.

Cale

 

Cale,
All good points. Drive that Mini man. It's a hoot.

 

I'd wait a year or two and pick up a 300C. They should depreciate enough by then to fit the ole budget....remember sprinkle in the spices and then stir............j/k enjoy!

 

Your spouse is on another forum asking about second spouse options!!! LOL because you took her G...

 

Get the Mini S

 

I love the Mini. I had a deposit on an S before I bought the G35. It's a gas to drive. It really does stick to the road like a go cart. Go for the Mini.

 

Being that my "spouse" couldn't "spell " G35 before I got one, and that I sold MY super-charged Avalanche (13.4 qtr.mi.) to get us one.....I feel as though I'm being pretty magnanimous, in as much as I'm trying to find a fun replacement.....no? ....PS. I'm the only one that answered her on the other site.LOL JBX

 

Being an original 1975 Mini owner I can't bring myself to own the "new" mini. <shudder>

It sickens me to think that the mini has things like Air Conditioning and airbags now

 

There's a catch 22 for you doogie. Drive your '75 and deal w/o ample defroster, AC, cruise control and many of the other current amenities. Or drive a new car w/ it all that is more like that old favorite than any othe car around. I have ran into the same issues when rebuilding muscle cars.
If the wife drove a Jetta, my money is on that she will enjoy a new Mini, aside it is a good addition to any garage that already houses a 4dr G35.
Can you tell that I would like to add one to my rides?