Used Vehicle Review: 20 Under 20 20 sporty cars you can buy for under $20,000!
2006 Honda Civic Si. Click image to enlarge
Review and photos by Chris Chase
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The calendar says spring has sprung. Of course, for those of us in eastern Canada still mired in several feet of (now wet and heavy) snow, it still looks like winter, and it seems more a matter of faith than meteorology that the temperature will ever reach 20 degrees Celsius again.
Regardless, summer driving fantasies are in full swing, so it's time to take a look at which performance-oriented used cars look like the best deals this year. The last time we tackled this subject was in 2005. Plenty has changed since then, so we now present, in no particular order but grouped according to country of origin, CanadianDriver's updated list of the top 20 sporty used cars for under $20,000.
Last time, admission was limited to cars with useable back seats and decent trunk space. There will be plenty of that this time around, but the eligibility requirements have been loosened up to allow a few two-seaters in the door. A new restriction is a 10 year age restriction for the cars listed here. All used car values are courtesy Canadian Red Book; keep in mind that regional factors will affect actual sale prices in different parts of the country.
Japan/Asia
MazdaSpeed Protege; 2003; $11,225
2003 MazdaSpeed Protege. Click image to enlarge
The last time we compiled this list, the 2003 MazdaSpeed Protege came in at a Canadian Red Book used value of $18,650. Four years after the MSP was available new, they're now going for $11,225. Its 170 horsepower engine isn't a powerhouse by current standards - there are many small cars that approach this figure now, including Mazda's own Mazda3 GT - but the appeal is in the overall package, which includes a limited-slip differential and firmed-up suspension, plus the great shade of orange paint that the car was offered in.
The Sentra SE-R made the list last time, but just as time marches on, used values drop with age. A 2002 SE-R Spec-V is now worth a little less than $8,000, while a current-generation version from 2007 rings up at $19,325 without any extras. This maybe isn't the sexiest car - actually, the earlier (2002-2006) versions are quite homely - but the 2.5-litre four-banger is big for the class and is quite gutsy. The latest-gen SE-R is even more powerful, with 177 horses in base form and 200 in Spec-V form. If you like shifting gears yourself, avoid the base SE-R in either generation; the older ones used a four-speed automatic, while the current-gen car uses a CVT. Either car is kind of a waste without a manual transmission.
2002 Acura RSX. Click image to enlarge
Acura RSX/Type-S; 2002-2005; $10,725-$20,600
The only Acura to make the last list was the Integra. Naturally, you could still get one of those for well under $20,000, but its successor - the more refined RSX - is now worth less than 20 large for all but 2006 models, the last year the RSX was built.
You could get a 2002 base model for $10,725, or stretch the budget for $20,600 for a 2005 Type-S. All RSXs are entertaining enough, but the Type-S is choice for out-of-the-box fun, with its high-strung motor and six-speed transmission. Or downgrade to a 2004 Type-S for a little more than $17,000. Unlike the Integra, the RSX was never offered as a Type-R variant in North America. Too bad; it's supposed to be even more fun.
Honda S2000; 2000-2001; $19,350-$20,450
Here's a tempting proposition: a high-performance, two-seat, bare-bones roadster for around $20,000. The S2000 squeaks onto the list, with 2000 models carrying a value of $19,350 and 2001 versions at $20,450. The S2000 may not be for everyone, given its high-revving engine, but there's no doubt the fun factor is there, and the reliability that comes with the Honda badge. There's not much else to say, really.
Honda Civic Si; 2006; $19,450
The last time this list was compiled the British-built 2002-2003 Civic Si-R hatch made the list. You can get one of those for less than $10,000 now, but why bother? The current-gen Civic Si has been on sale since 2006, and one from that year can be had for $19,450. That's a deal worth pursuing, considering the 2.0-litre motor is the kind of high-revving powerplant that Honda's known for. Power peaks at 197 hp and the only gearbox is a close-ratio, six-speed manual.
Infiniti G35; 2002-2004; $13,450-$20,050
2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe. Click image to enlarge
There are many entry-level sports sedans that technically qualified for a 20-under-20 spot, but the G35 made it because it's simply a great value. The VQ-series engine is a gem, the looks are cool and even better is the fact that the G35 is offered in both coupe and sedan body styles.
A 2002 G35 sedan (the only one offered that year) is worth $13,450. Early Gs were known to have a few teething problems, but that's okay: you can go right up to a 2004 G35 sedan with the six-speed manual and luxury package and conceivable get it for close to its $20,050 Red Book Value. The 2003 coupe rings in at $17,675.
The G35 is one of the best all-around alternatives to a BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4, both of which hold onto value far tighter than the Infiniti. An honourable mention goes to the Nissan 350Z, which shares much of the G coupe's mechanical stuff but ditches the back seats and a few inches of wheelbase. Used values for base-model 2002 and 2003 models are now well under $20,000.
Subaru Impreza WRX; 2002-2005; $11,900-$19,075
2002 Subaru WRX. Click image to enlarge
The WRX didn't make it last time by dint of it being too expensive. Depreciation has had its way with this high-rent Impreza, however, allowing all WRXs up to 2005 admission to this little club.
Any way you cut it, the WRX is a practical beast. Sure, the back seat is tight and the interior rather plain, but the turbocharged boxer motor and rally-racing ties are where the true appeal lies. Plus, the WRX wagon is one of the quickest - and most fun - ways to get your new shelf-in-a-box home from IKEA.
An honourable mention here goes to the Forester XT, which debuted in 2004. This Impreza-based breadbox packs a powertrain derived from that in WRX. Only those first-year models come in under the $20,000 mark, but a basic 2005 is worth just a smidge more a $21,025.
Mazda RX-8; 2004; $17,000-$18,575
2004 Mazda RX-8. Click image to enlarge
The Mazda RX-8 has the distinction of being the only rotary-powered car on the 20-under-20 list, not to mention the only such car on the market, period.
Only the first-year 2004 model qualifies; newer versions are too pricey. The GS model comes in at $17,000, while the uplevel GT is worth $18,575. Horsepower was original pegged at 247 in manual-transmission cars, but was downgraded to 238 when it was revealed that it was mis-calculated. Automatic cars get an even lower horsepower rating (a little less than 200 hp) and a lower redline.
So skip the auto and revel in the rotary's smooth operation and power delivery, even if that power only really happens at high revs.
Little half-sized back doors make rear seat access realistic, and a useful trunk ups the practicality quotient too. Keep in mind that the rear seat offers space for two only, however, thanks to the transmission tunnel that runs the length of the cabin.
Hyundai Tiburon; 2002-2007; $8,150-$19,775
2003 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani. Click image to enlarge
The Tiburon hasn't changed much since the last time I compiled a 20-under-20 list, but it makes it again because it's a pretty strong value.
We're ignoring the four-cylinder model as that's little more than a two-door Elantra as far as I'm concerned. The V6 is the performance-minded option anyway. Values start at $8,150 for a 2002 GT-V6 model and top out at $19,775 for a 2007 GT model.
As with many of the cars included here, the Tib can be had with an automatic transmission, but predictably, I'd skip it. Six-cylinder Tibs were offered with both five- and six-speed manuals, depending on model year and trim level. The interior isn't huge, but the cargo area is useful, so this is a good candidate for a daily driver.
Europe/Germany
Porsche Boxster; 1997-1998; $19,050-$20,225
Oh my. Even I'd forgotten about the Boxster. There are several Porches that can be had for less than 20 stacks, but I thought the only one with the engine in the back is the VW-powered 914.
Technically, the Boxster's motor isn't in the back either, but close enough; this is a real performance car. I'm stretching the rules slightly for the Boxster to include the 1997 model, the only one whose used value dips below $20,000, as well as including the 1998 version, whose price tag is a little more than the price cap. If you ask me, though, if there's any car on this list worth stretching the budget for, this is it. Of the four high-end Germans here, Porsche has one of the better reputations for durability.
Many purists pooh-pooh the Boxster's water-cooled engine, but I don't care if the motor's cooled by magic and wishful thinking if the car's fun to drive and can be had for less than the price of a new Accord.
2005 Volkswagen GTI VR6. Click image to enlarge
Volkswagen GTI; 1999-2005; $5,525-$17,675
The GTI returns... to this list, at least. Out on the roads, it never left. That's a good thing, too, because here's a fun little car that is a cut above many in terms of comfort and refinement.
The newer Rabbit-based GTI is too rich for this list, but GTIs up to the 2005 model year are worth less than $20,000 now; a 2006 - the last of the four-gen Golf lookalikes - comes in just over $20,000 for those whose money is of the flexible variety.
Reliability is a little iffy, but you'll probably do okay with a used one that's had some of the wrinkles ironed out by the original owner. The availability of either a turbocharged four-banger or a torquey six-cylinder add to the GTI's appeal.
The GTI's hatchback layout is useful enough, but if you want four doors, you might also consider a Jetta with the 1.8T or VR6 motors, or even a Jetta wagon 1.8T if you want to geek out while going fast.
Mini Cooper; 2002-2005; $10,675-$19,050
2005 Mini Cooper. Click image to enlarge
A used Mini is surprisingly affordable, despite its German parentage: that's owing mostly to its not-outrageous MSRP, of course, because it's that Teutonic background that helps the Cooper hang on its value so well. That was the sole reason this car didn't make the 2005 edition of this list.
All Coopers are fun, but the Cooper S is the life of the party, with its supercharged engine. These are available for as little as $12,000 for a 2002 model, and a 2005 is worth just over $19,000. Whether the non-S version is a better value is up to you. Reliability hasn't been perfect, but that seems to be a trade-off to the terrific performance and comfort that European-bred cars are known for.
Few cars can beat the Cooper's handling, so if that's enough for you, skip the S, forget the rest and enjoy the ride.
Audi TT 225 quattro coupe (2005 model). Click image to enlarge
Audi TT; 2000-2002; $12,425-$19,375
The TT is a stylish car that has been around long enough now that finding a used one for less than $20,000 is a real possibility.
As a two-seater, the TT's practicality is limited, but the availability of Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system makes this car a realistic choice for year-round wheels. Used values start at $12,425 for a 2000 front-drive model, and a 2002 all-wheel drive coupe comes in a few hundred bucks under our price limit.
BMW M Coupe/Roadster; 1998-2001; $15,325-$19,250
BMW's Z3 is a sporty car, for sure, but it's the M version that really piques the interest here. The high and low prices above apply to a 1998 M Roadster at the low end while the high number is for a 2001 M Coupe.
The M Roadster is almost universally sexy. The Coupe's looks are more of an acquired taste, but buy one and you certainly won't see one on every corner. The inline six borrowed from the old M3 is wicked, and its tough to beat an older Bimmer for driver involvement.
Of course, if you prefer a solid roof and a back seat, you might be able to score an M3 from 1998 or a rare 1999 model for less than $20,000.
There are a few things to watch for, the most notable being cracks that can develop where the rear suspension subframe is welded to the bottom of the car. Find a clean example, though, and you're all set.
If the M is too much for you, we promise we won't laugh if you go for the more vanilla Z3. It is, after all, still a BMW.
2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Click image to enlarge
Mercedes-Benz SLK; 1998-2000; $16,925-$19,975
The SLK is the fourth in the quartet of German two-seaters eligible for this list. Prices start at $16,925 for a 1998 model and a 2000 model stays within our budget at $19,975.
The SLK isn't as sporty as the Boxster or Z3, but there's no denying the fun factor of a convertible. This one has the distinction of being the first car to come with a folding hardtop.
Of the four elite Germans here, this is the one I'd worry about the most in terms of reliability, mainly thanks to the complicated nature of that nifty roof. Your best bet, as with any used car, is to find one that's been well cared for.
North America
Dodge SRT-4, 2004-2005; $12,775-$14,975
2004 Dodge SRT-4. Click image to enlarge
The SRT-4 was on the original 20 under 20 list as well, but that time, only the 2004 model came in under $20,000. Now, both 2004 and 2005 models - the only two years this roarty little thing was built - make the cut.
A 2004 version carries a value of $12,775, and the 2005 is worth a shade under $15,000. While the SRT-4 is hardly the most refined vehicle ever built, it's a riot to drive and offers the practicality of a four-door body, too. This type of car is typically quite responsive to aftermarket tuning, so that those not satisfied with "just" 230 horsepower can spend a few bucks to get even more.
Dodge Magnum R/T, 2005-2006; $16,475-$19,675
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T. Click image to enlarge
Who said the cars on this list had to look like sports cars? The Magnum is badass station wagon version of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, and with the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, it's quite potent, to say the least.
This is a large car, and that, plus that large motor, means that the Magnum won't offer the kind of decent fuel consumption that most of the other cars here might be capable of when driven carefully. But it's tough to beat a fun car that will do double duty as a grocery getter.
What's really too bad is that the SRT8 version (of the Magnum, plus the R/T and SRT8 Chargers) are still worth more than $20,000. Ah well; there's always next time.
Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged; 2006-2007; $16,025-$19,550
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS. Click image to enlarge
For the ultimate in used car value, domestic brands are usually where it's at thanks to high depreciation. The Cobalt SS Supercharged is a good example. Here's a car that was first sold a little more than two years ago, yet a 2006 model has lost more than a third of its new-car value since then.
Note I'm not including the non-supercharged SS in this entry. That's because it's lame. The supercharged motor isn't exactly the slickest piece of work but it's gutsy and moves this little car with more authority than its 200 horsepower would suggest. Add in the comfortable front sport seats, the tight-but-useable back seats and large trunk, and you have a sports car that is everyday useful.
The honourable mention goes to the Saturn Ion Red Line, which uses the same powertrain in the Ion's plastic-clad body.
Ford Mustang GT; 2005; $19,850
Last time, the previous-generation Mustang was included, as were its classic Pony car competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. The world has moved on: Ford introduced a new Mustang since the original 20-under-20 article was published, while the Camaro and Firebird have faded further into the background.
2005 Mustang GT. Click image to enlarge
Six-cylinder Mustangs are great for those who want the looks without the V8 thirst, but we don't care. It's the V8-powered GT I want. The 2005 GT squeaks onto the list at $19,850 in basic form, a great deal for 300 horsepower. You might have a little trouble finding one with few to no options that a seller will part with for less than 20 large, but stranger things have happened, so the GT is on the list.
Chrysler PT Turbo; 2003-2007; $9,450-$18,300
The PT Cruiser Turbo makes makes it onto the list again, quite simply, for its combination of retro styling that actually works and a gutsy turbocharged engine - borrowed from the raw Dodge SRT-4 - that was offered in two forms with either 180 or 230 horsepower.
The low value applies to the first-year 2003 model, and the high number is for a 2007 Turbo wagon. Don't forget the PT Turbo convertible, which can be had for less than $20,000 in 2006 model year form.
Reliability hasn't been perfect, but one of the major problems in regular PTs is the four-speed automatic transmission. Screw that noise: get a PT Turbo with the manual transmission for the most fun.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
