Mini cooper is nice, but for real fun you want the S or the works S which are both over 20. My brother paid approx 25 for his S.

The SRT 4 is fast, but it's also a neon and ugly as sin. It also probably has the worst resale value of all of the cars you could choose from due to the fact that it's a dodge.

I'd go with the RSX or the GTI if you're into that style. I like the GTI more than the focus SVT but there is no doubt that the SVT is one fast car. The tiburon looks ok, but i don't really know anything about hyundai.

 

The Mini is fun but they are some of the least reliable cars on the road and are having lots of annoying problems.

You're very wrong about the SRT-4s resale value, it's quite good thus far due to it being a limited production and such a good bang for the buck. Looks are subjective...

There is a lot of doubt about the SVT being one fast car, in fact it's the slowest when compared with the MSP, Type S, SRT-4, GTI, SE-R Spec V, and Tiburon GT. It's still a nice package but if speed is what you're after it's the worst choice.

 

mini copper!!
and the coming new Subaru Legacy B4!

 

It's a Legacy GT and it will be high 20s to low 30s...

 

the RSX Type-S MSRP is $23,320, invoice is $21,261

I believe one of my friends got a Type-S for around 22k.

so it's really not that much over a regular RSX.

 

Why new? If you are lookin for 20K or under you should just buy used. It makes a lot more sense. Mini Cooper=teh suxor. They are having lots of problems.

 

The Cooper S performs like the SVT Focus but costs more than $20,000. You might want to check out the Lancer Ralliart and Saturn Ion Redline. I've read some nasty reviews about the Saturn but it is quick. The VW 1.8Ts cost more than $20,000 and so does the Celica GT-S and RSX type s. The Dodge is hella fast but does cost more than the Focus SVT, Mazdaspeed Protege, and Spec V. These three cars have been sold for $17,000 or less.
The Mazda 3 should be pretty cool. It has the new 2.3 Liter engine that is available in the new focus but the Mazda has variable valve timing. I'm not sure how well the car performs but it rides on an excellent chassis. It has the potential to handle well. I'm not talking about cornering alone. It can corner well and be a comfortable daily driver, just like the Focus that has the same chassis.
The Spec V, Mazdaspeed Protege, and Focus SVT are way too similar in performance to compare. All get to 60 in the mid 7s, and have great handling and styling. The Spec V has a limited slip differential, 6 speed transmission, and big brembo brakes (if equipped) but has horrible torque steer, I hear. The Mazdaspeed has a great audio system and corners well. It also has a turbo but it doesn't respond too well to modifications. The SVT is available in a 3 door, and has some cool options like HIDs, a sound system comparable to the Mazdaspeeds, a winter package (traction control, abs, and a block heater), and a cool European appearance package that has sweet Recaros.
The SRT4 is friggin' quick! It's not comparable to any cars in it's price range for acceleration. Almost every comparison I've read favors the SRT over the SVT, Mazdaspeed, and Spec. I don't agree with this necessarily but the editors all like the speed and power. The SRT is like the Cobra where the SVT, Mazdaspeed, and Spec are like the S2000, Rx8, and other slower cars that handle better and have more styling/luxury features.
If I was going to buy a car for $20,000 I'd get a used WRX, S2000, or Miata. You could have a lot more performance and still have a reliable ride with a warranty.

 

Be brave and go for the SRT-4. I heard it handles pretty well too.

 

For speed -------> SRT-4

For a coupe -----> RSX Type S

For Roadster ----> Miata

 

If you are talking new most choices have already been given.

If you are talking used here are some picks...

Honda S2000
Toyota Supra
RSX Type s
Vtec Honda Prelude
Nissan 300zx
Corvette
MR2

 

I'd go with a used WRX. It has a nice interior, it's reliable, rides well, has all wheel drive, and plenty of speed.

The SRT-4 is as fast as it gets without going for an STi or EVO in the 30k range. The only problem is that (1) it's a Dodge (2) it's a Neon (3) I wouldn't be caught dead in one. We have a lot of really annoying ricers/ricer wannabes at my school. They look in awe at SRT-4s as they get smoked in their Civics and Integras. RSX's are also becoming a ricer favorite. The WRX has managed to dodge (no pun intended on the SRT-4) most of the ricer crowd.

 

Used miatas in general are very well cared for. If you care for road racing it'd be a blast. Iit's easy to find the early models with low mileage, always garaged, etc..

Might have money left over to speed it up if you want. Great handling, rear wheel drive, lots of aftermarket goodies.

 

Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder

 

VW GTI 1.8T

 

definately the RSX Type S for a complete package under 20k. too bad we cant get em in AUS

but if speed is what u want... cant go pass a SRT4

i'd stay the hell away from any hyundais tho

 

He said under 20K

 

check out Scion tC

 

Just traded in my y2k Mustang GT convertible for C$15,000. Best car for < $20k. Loads of style (with the top down), more road kills at the stoplight than you can imagine (gave Porsche and 350z people fits). Cost me only C$735/yr to insure. Never had to spend a dime on repairs (but now needs coolant flush, brake service, new tires, etc).

 

The Mazdaspeed responds to mods very well as *any* turbo vehicle would. Along with the audio, and suspension set-up it does include a lsd just like the 04 srt4's and Spec-V's. Although it would be rare to find a new one (unless in FL somewhere) they should go for 17k and under. Take all and test drive if you can or narrow down to which suites you better.

 

Everything I've heard is that they don't respond as well to mods as most turboed cars. In order to up the boost much you're looking at upgrading all your fuel and ECU and if you want to boost more than 1 bar you're looking at forged internals.
So it resonds alright to mods but it's going to be a hell of a lot more expensive for mods that would be far cheaper on many other turbo cars.

 

:D Well, with the exception of the crappy ECU. Many have found that 9-10psi should be *safe. Others have surpassed that with the right supporting mods without having to get forged internals. I am new to having a FI vehicle so I cannot say exactly what normal TC cars react to mods (so I retract my previous statement). Im just looking for 200whp with good EMS. From the looks that can be had with not much done. I can say some brave members, who do not have forged internals as far as I know, have gotten to high 13's. Gives me hope but I am more of a cone killer myself.

Anyhoot, the ECU sucks and all MSP'ers agree

 

To give you an idea in many cases you can just throw a $50 boost controller on an FI car and shave a half second off your times and still be at safe boost levels. A WRX for instance can run low 13s for under a grand. Since you're new to turbos when I say 1 bar that's 14.7 psi, so what you said goes along with what I said :D

The MSP is a great autox car and someone I know who has one wants me to codrive his one weekend this summer, it should be fun.

 

For me boost controller will be the last mod I do to my car but my friends say it should be the first, hehe.

Corky Bell is helping me a lot with the FI talk 1bar=14.7psi. Too bad I haven't finished the book and so I keep starting over and over but forget everything before I finish it :o

When you go riding with your friend it should be a blast. I auto-x mine for the first time this past weekend. I LOVE how the back end steps out right when you need it to. Especially in the slalom. I can't wait to do it again.