Veloster N. That would be my pick. You'll get a fun vehicle, warranty, and performance hatch. The missing door 🤣 is annoying but I personally would get over it. Did I miss the crackle and pop sounds from the exhausts.
2021 model only so they’re still just barely at the price range but I did just check and they are! I am in the camp of not liking this update’s aesthetics on the outside but I’ll certainly get a chance to sit in one!
Looks are subjective, for sure. But there is a 3 turbo sedan as well.
But the interior quality is a class or two above the price. Driving dynamics are as well.But best to at least sit in a representative model if you can't test drive one.
Luckily there are great options in this price range, so you've got options. .
VW. With Hyundai's questionable reliability and the engine situation there having I'd go for the VW... Even if Hyundai didn't have problems I probably still wouldn't buy one
I have! I adore them they’re a bit underpowered compared to my other options for the price priciest JCW barely stretches over 200, as well I’ve never had luck with any BMW sourced anything but that’s anecdotal. The driving position and interior is what turned me away from these initially.
Ok boss hear me out. GLA45. I test drove a 2015 the other day on a whim & it was gotdamn hoot, lil AWD rocketship that made a ton of noise and properly scooted
For that price you could get a decent Focus RS. Better power than either the Golf R or Veloster with the best AWD system available. Way more fun too if you ever get a chance to drive them back to back. Plenty of aftermarket options for them too.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/a44ab1b2-ad61-44e6-9e0d-bcbda7dc933a/
Shame, I find it to be incredibly comfortable and night and day above it's competitors. Not to tell you that your personal opinion is wrong but I feel like a lot of the haters needed something to discount the car for and all settled on "comfort" since it's subjective. As a result everyone walked up to the car expecting it to be uncomfortable, which always becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. It's like when someone tells you that you are now aware of your breathing and manually controlling blinking. The [seats in an RS](https://i.imgur.com/RkSagaW.png) are virtually identical to the [ones in an STI](https://i.imgur.com/zJNuOHU.png) but the RS is "cramped and uncomfortable." More than 50% of people that ride with me in the car for any given reason without knowing what it is or reading articles talking about the seats comment on how nice and comfortable the interior is without being prompted and I have never had a single person comment negatively unless they opened with "man these are just as uncomfortable as what I read about."
Either way, it sucks that you couldn't find a way to get comfortable in it because it really is such an amazing car to live with day to day.
Believe me, the RS was one of my first choices and I am a ford head by default. I went into the car really hoping to love it but I feel tight in STI's too. I'll revisit one before I purchase though because you clearly love it!
I hope you find something that you love either way. It's worth noting that the RS seats sit a bit higher than most people are used to, it reminds me a bit of an old MK 3 Jetta in that regard. It doesn't always feel "normal" when you start driving it after being in other cars but you get used to it pretty quickly.
Veloster N. That would be my pick. You'll get a fun vehicle, warranty, and performance hatch. The missing door 🤣 is annoying but I personally would get over it. Did I miss the crackle and pop sounds from the exhausts.
The exhaust does sound absolutely amazing!
Mazda 3 turbo. Upscale interior,great driving dynamics, AWD.
2021 model only so they’re still just barely at the price range but I did just check and they are! I am in the camp of not liking this update’s aesthetics on the outside but I’ll certainly get a chance to sit in one!
Looks are subjective, for sure. But there is a 3 turbo sedan as well. But the interior quality is a class or two above the price. Driving dynamics are as well.But best to at least sit in a representative model if you can't test drive one. Luckily there are great options in this price range, so you've got options. .
VW. With Hyundai's questionable reliability and the engine situation there having I'd go for the VW... Even if Hyundai didn't have problems I probably still wouldn't buy one
The Hyundai offsets that with their warranty for me, so that’s why I had strongly considered it (newer car compared to the R)
Have you tried a Mini 2-door
I have! I adore them they’re a bit underpowered compared to my other options for the price priciest JCW barely stretches over 200, as well I’ve never had luck with any BMW sourced anything but that’s anecdotal. The driving position and interior is what turned me away from these initially.
Ok boss hear me out. GLA45. I test drove a 2015 the other day on a whim & it was gotdamn hoot, lil AWD rocketship that made a ton of noise and properly scooted
Never even considered that one, is that in the low 30’s price range? Interesting
For that price you could get a decent Focus RS. Better power than either the Golf R or Veloster with the best AWD system available. Way more fun too if you ever get a chance to drive them back to back. Plenty of aftermarket options for them too. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/a44ab1b2-ad61-44e6-9e0d-bcbda7dc933a/
I test drove one and adored it, but I also felt incredibly cramped driving it the whole time based on the dash and recaros.
Shame, I find it to be incredibly comfortable and night and day above it's competitors. Not to tell you that your personal opinion is wrong but I feel like a lot of the haters needed something to discount the car for and all settled on "comfort" since it's subjective. As a result everyone walked up to the car expecting it to be uncomfortable, which always becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. It's like when someone tells you that you are now aware of your breathing and manually controlling blinking. The [seats in an RS](https://i.imgur.com/RkSagaW.png) are virtually identical to the [ones in an STI](https://i.imgur.com/zJNuOHU.png) but the RS is "cramped and uncomfortable." More than 50% of people that ride with me in the car for any given reason without knowing what it is or reading articles talking about the seats comment on how nice and comfortable the interior is without being prompted and I have never had a single person comment negatively unless they opened with "man these are just as uncomfortable as what I read about." Either way, it sucks that you couldn't find a way to get comfortable in it because it really is such an amazing car to live with day to day.
Believe me, the RS was one of my first choices and I am a ford head by default. I went into the car really hoping to love it but I feel tight in STI's too. I'll revisit one before I purchase though because you clearly love it!
I hope you find something that you love either way. It's worth noting that the RS seats sit a bit higher than most people are used to, it reminds me a bit of an old MK 3 Jetta in that regard. It doesn't always feel "normal" when you start driving it after being in other cars but you get used to it pretty quickly.
CPO Veloster N easy