Looking to buy a Sport Sedan/Hot Hatch. Input?

[Jinx18]

Looking to buy a new car. I like the sport sedan and hot hatch offerings. Here is what I would like.

- Under 30k MSRP
- 4 door sedan or 5 door hatch
- Sporty
- Reliable (I have been partial to imports but seems Ford has really made some big improvements)
- Somewhat "nice". I am 26 now but don't want something that screams high school kid too much.

Cars I am considering

- Subaru WRX
- Mazda MazdaSpeed 3
- Ford Focus ST
- Ford Fiesta ST

Any input on these or other cars I should be looking at? Thanks.

 

[SteveSRT8]

The two Fords are the bad boys. Both highly rated by enthusiasts rags. Great dynamics. But new and a bit unproven. They really do exude boy racer to me, though.

In snow you'll love the Subie of course. Mspeed3 is a hot one and the 'old' favorite.

 

[Bandito440]

The 2014 WRX looks outstanding. If you can have one within your price range, it would be hard to consider the others. It'll hold its value better than the Fords, for sure.

I should mention that it isn't available for a few months yet.

 

[Tuffy1760]

I always liked hatchback... my aveo is far from sporty...
Subaru always a good choice... lotta choices...
I like the fiesta over the focus.
I'd also take a hard look at other brands too...
vDub, mits, hyd, kia...
can you get an Audi for under 30K??
Mini cooper intrigues me too... lottsa variations...
as of now I'd go with the Fiesta... but I'd shop and test drive alot with that 30K burning in my wallet...

 

[JethroBodine]

Subaru

 

[dwcopple]

be smart. buy used.

 

[DuckRyder]

Volkswagen GLI Autobahn. Make sure you get the new 210hp EA888.

If you can wait - MK7 GTI

 

[apwillard1986]

Subaru

 

[LotI]

Originally Posted By: DuckRyder
Volkswagen GLI Autobahn. Make sure you get the new 210hp EA888.

If you can wait - MK7 GTI

+1...or a used GTI, maybe CPO?

The Fiesta has boy-racer looks but would probably be a hoot. I have a MINI, skip it, for now.

 

[LotI]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
be smart. buy used.

Make sure you don't misread this and buy a used Smart

 

[Quattro Pete]

GTI

 

[Sluggo0018]

The VW GTI beat the Ford Focus STI in the most recent Car and Driver head to head test. That would be my choice. It is also available in a 5 door hatch.

 

[redhat]

Do you want to stay in the compact segment?

If you don't mind the mid-size, how about the new Mazda6 or the Accord Sport Sedan.

The Subaru does sound like a hoot! In snow, with a set of snows... enough said!

 

[Rolla07]

Wrx hands down.id get a mazda 6 before a mazdaspeed3. Buying used is a good idea too

 

[pbm]

One of those FORDS...probably the Focus ST...

 

[randyf]

Hum,
Just read the review and the Focus ST beat the VW GTI.

That's one of the reasons (many other top reviews) why I bought an ST.

Regards

 

[Jinx18]

Originally Posted By: redhat
Do you want to stay in the compact segment?


Nope. It could be a midsize.

I forgot to write it in the original thread but as of now I am leaning towards the WRX. I am waiting to see what the new model has that will soon be released.

As far as used vs. new. A lot of these cars are new designs themselves. The Ford Focus and Fiesta ST, new model WRX, etc. I have no problem buying a 1 year old or so car if its a possibility although it is nice to be the only owner. I also keep cars for awhile. My current car I bought new in 2008 and currently still have it at 93,000 miles.

I know the VW is a popular choice but I have never really been a fan of German cars but I will definitely look into it.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Despite the conflict in this thread the GTI is better than ever and remains the best thing going in hot hatchbacks.

I love the attitude of the ST though, I'm just not sure you would like it for a long term everyday driver. It's just a matter of what you expect.

 

[cutter]

Torque steer on those turbocharged FWD cars will get annoying.

 

[SLCraig]

For most grown up, hands down GTI.
For least grown up, hands down ST.

Not that the ST is bad, but to me it's way too loud as well.

I love the subtleness of the GTI. It's definitely the most grown up hot hatch.