Fun to drive sedans?

[Atty]

Wondering what you all would say are the most "fun" to drive sedans? Used (or new?!) $12k-20k, reliable. (obviously willing to put down a bit more if it's worth it)

I've been looking for new cars for a long time and I think I've finally realized that at my age, place in schooling, etc, getting a "fancy" sports car is out of the question (insurance and 5-0 wise) but I want my car to be fun to drive as I hate driving my Camry (feels like driving a tank, with less guns and more motherly nature.)

Only things I don't like are hatchbacks, I've never seen one I actually liked the look of.

The only two things I'm really concerned about having are keyless entry/remote starts and premium sound system (iPod hook up and a system decent enough to satisfy my mildly audiophile ear) but both of those I can add aftermarket.

One thing I'd love to have is a sunroof/moonroof (is there a difference?!)

Cliff notes: Fun to drive 4 door, used, no hatchbacks, won't rape insurance.

Area: Central FL.

Edit: I don't know how to drive a manual...very well...so automatic? (awaits insults/flames/etc)

 

[zerocool84]

Mazda 6/3 series are great as is the Focus. Focus will be cheaper since it has the American badge but they are great cars. Honda/Toyota are insanely priced used and not worth it so I'd say go new with one of those but none of their cheaper cars are fun to drive except the Si but they aren't cheap at all.

Oh and who cares about the haters of auto cars. It's your car so drive what you like. They are just elitists and no one likes those kind of people.

 

[CptCrunch]

A used g35 should fit the bill nicely

 

[Atty]

I'm also looking for reliability, this will be my daily driver, and while my school/work/daily commutes aren't anything to really worry about, it will be going 80-250 mile round trips twice or so a month on the highway.

 

[bunker]

I picked up a '10 Fusion last week. 4 banger manual transmission and it's pretty damn fun to drive.
sun/moon roof (I don't know the difference either) and Sync (ipod/mp3 player) with a 6 speaker sound system.
My father is retired from Ford so I got a good discount on it but the MSRP was only $22,700.

 

[bunker]

Whoah...All the double posts under Fusetalk and I never had one...this is my first double post ever...:awe:

 

[stateofbeasley]

Used Ford Fusion w' manual transmission. Learning to drive manual is worth it. However, the Fusion is most easily found w' Automatic so that would probably be your best bet.

It's reliable. Gets the thumbs up from Consumer Reports. Uses a Mazda MZR 2.3L (or 2.5L in the newest models) same as the Mazda3 and 6. Built on the same platform as the Mazda6, so it'll handle better than your Camry.

Insurance should be cheap since its a midsize sedan. The design is pretty inconspicuous, which will keep the cops from noticing you unless you are driving like a complete maniac.

 

[angry hampster]

MK5 GLI. ..or late MKIV.

 

[fbrdphreak]

What is your definition of fun to drive? There's fun to drive, and then there's something that can actually handle and has some balls to it.

A Mazda 3/6, Focus (hah) or Fusion can be fun to drive, but pretty much only with a manual transmission and optional sport suspensions.

I'd suggest an 06 or newer Legacy GT. Available with 5-speed auto, leather/heated seats (not like we need it in FL), power moonroof, etc. Meets all your requirements, sticks like glue and actually has power. Also top safety ratings.

The G35's are okay, but you have to go older than an 06 to get into your price range; I know I price shopped them when comparing the Legacy. I'm not as much a fan of the older ones, but I never did test drive one.

 

[fbrdphreak]

MK5 GLI. ..or late MKIV.

He said reliable. That automatically excludes VW.
()

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

get a Milan/Fusion. We are very happy with ours. V6 has nice power, I4 was a bit sluggish

 

[MikeMike]

find a G8 GT used... buy it, never regret it.

 

[angry hampster]

He said reliable. That automatically excludes VW.
()

That's why I specified the newer models. :_)

 

[vshah]

i like my civic si but they're a bit expensive used.

 

[LS8]

That's why I specified the newer models. :_)

Makes zero difference.

 

[Atty]

Are VWs really that unreliable? I was actually looking at them....

Also, looking for a bit more sporty than a Fusion type car, I mean I've considered them, but they scream "30's dad" not "20 years old, single". :-|

 

[videogames101]

For sporty, you should always check out the Lancer, and the GTS trim if you want some power. Extremely aggressive looks, even if the interior isn't the highest quality ever.

 

[Zargon]

learn to drive stick

sti

evo

 

[zmatt]

Just to throw out the crazy option, you can get an Evo8 for 20k.

 

[mafia]

Find an extra 10k and get a 335i.

 

[Zap]

Cliff notes: Fun to drive 4 door, used, no hatchbacks, won't rape insurance.

My wife's 2005 Mazda 3s (s = sport?) is really fun to drive. In fact, except for having less power we both think that it is a bit more fun than my Mazdaspeed 6, probably due to being smaller/lighter which makes it feel more nimble. It has a 5 speed manual but I'm sure more were sold as automatics. It came with a 2.3L engine that feels pretty peppy and we both tend to chirp the front tires really often leaving stop signs/traffic lights. It rides better than some of the competing sport models (like the Corolla XRS which rode like a go-kart) and the engine feels like it has more low end oomph.

Hmmm, this is probably why the Mazdaspeed 3 is so popular. Shove a whole lot of power into that light fun-to-drive vehicle. Too bad they're only in station wagon body style.

Heck, a new 2010 Mazda 3s with auto stickers for around $20,590, so you might be able to swing a deal or pick up a 2009 for within your budget.

 

[brblx]

Are VWs really that unreliable? I was actually looking at them....

Also, looking for a bit more sporty than a Fusion type car, I mean I've considered them, but they scream "30's dad" not "20 years old, single". :-|

the cheaper ones are pretty reliable. jetta/rabbit/golfs with the 5cyl or 2.0t have a bit of pep and don't seem to have any massive issues. i'd bet the failure rates of electronics are a little higher, just 'cause that's VW's thing, but not hugely so.

also i like the mazda 3/6 suggestion. you could also probably afford an s40, but prolly not turbo. the newer ones are actually fairly reliable, as well. probably about in line with the VW's.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

From a fun-to-drive sedan perspective, I don't really think the 3 series has a legitimate rival. Reliability-wise, though, it's probably not the best option . . .

 

[Imported]

Used WRX? Can easily make them fun.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

the cheaper ones are pretty reliable. jetta/rabbit/golfs with the 5cyl or 2.0t have a bit of pep and don't seem to have any massive issues. i'd bet the failure rates of electronics are a little higher, just 'cause that's VW's thing, but not hugely so.

also i like the mazda 3/6 suggestion. you could also probably afford an s40, but prolly not turbo. the newer ones are actually fairly reliable, as well. probably about in line with the VW's.

MKV platform VWs are fine. The Jetta I had as a service loaner felt more sporty than the focuses/mazda3s/cobalts/fusion rentals i've driven. There aren't really any mechanical gremlins with the 2.5/6at drivetrain, and ditto for electrical ones too.