If you had to get an econobox for $15k...

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by schnellwagen

I learned stick on my friend's 2013 Mazda 3 2.0 and I definitely recommend Mazda 3 for this price point. It handles much better than the class average, gets great fuel economy, is built well, and has a very premium interior in the top trims. The 6MT feels good in the hand and the clutch is not problematic.

Agree, great all around car.

The Mazda3 starting with its refresh in 2013 had by far and away the best interior of that segment even at the base level (simple stuff like soft touch plastic) and felt more "connected" to the road (if that's even a word I can use here). These two factors impressed me enough that I chose it over the competition back then. Looking at them now, I still would choose the current Mazda3 over a current Corolla or Civic as I think the interior design and materials are just much more refined.

[schnellwagen]

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Agree, great all around car.

The Mazda3 starting with its refresh in 2013 had by far and away the best interior of that segment even at the base level (simple stuff like soft touch plastic) and felt more "connected" to the road (if that's even a word I can use here). These two factors impressed me enough that I chose it over the competition back then. Looking at them now, I still would choose the current Mazda3 over a current Corolla or Civic as I think the interior design and materials are just much more refined.

Actually when I got my F30 I did a side by side comparison with my friend's Mazda which had materials not too far in quality from mine (I have a relatively lower spec 3 series with sensatec). When driving, actually, the road noise is comparable with my car and it has less build quality issues

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by Captain Starbucks

Can you guys recommend a fun to drive, reliable car that can still haul kids? 6MT a plus but will strongly consider all electric. Doesn't necessarily have to be 4 door but can't be a bro-mobile like Mustang, Camaro etc.

I'm thinking Mazda 3, WRX, 2 Series, Bolt, 3 series wagon.

Let me know if you have any ideas.

Rob

I just picked up a low mileage 2016 STi few months ago although that would likely exceed your budget of 15k. However, the car is extremely similar to a WRX so I'd definitely recommend one if you want something that's all season friendly, and fun to drive. The WRX gets much better gas mileage as well and is thousands cheaper. Resale value is phenomenal so both of these choices make sense to me.

The STi is a few thousand more than a WRX but the 3 differentials, hydraulic steering, bolt action like shifter and extra power make the car worth the extra. Whether or not you need / want it is another story.

I too was in the same boat and wanted something decently fun for the short commute to work. Another great choice would be a Golf / Gti as mentioned here, those have great interiors and are fun as well.

[grocerylist]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Infiniti G37S 6mt sedan, proper 19" wheels, and a mild drop.

That's what I had before I got my M235i. It looked nice and the interior was nicer than the M235i but performance was lacking. 333hp sure doesn't feel like much with only 260ft/lb torque. Before the G37S 6MT sedan, I had an i35 and a G35 sedan. They were all extremely reliable and sporty looking.

[grocerylist]

I'm not usually a Ford or domestic car fan, but if I was looking for a budget car that was fun to drive, I'd think about the Ford Focus ST with a 6speed. I've never driven one but a coworker had one and it seemed sporty. I'm not a fan of Hondas as the Civic SI looks too racerboi to me. I think I'd also consider a Subaru WRX.

[Captain Starbucks]

I still haven't driven an GTI. Just sold the M a few weeks ago so waiting for the dust to settle.

I'm zeroing in on an M235. I think I'm just a manual/rear drive sort. I've owned about 15 trucks and cars in my life. Almost all of them have been manual.

STI's would be awesome, but with the added performance, just don't want to end up right where I was when I sold the M. Temptation to speed....

[Megabrode]

GTI

[evil-G-nius]

Is this a commuter car? The one that has caught my eye lately is the newer Corolla's. They look pretty damn nice IMO, available 6spd, 169 hp and 31/40 mpg C/Hwy. I'd get a CPO because these little MF'ers are a lot more expensive than I thought! LOL I saw one, new, that was almost 30k!

[tigermack]

Those newer civic sport or Si are pretty cheap and fun.

GTI's are ok, the 6MT clutch doesn't hold power well even stock. You have to get the performance pack for the LSD.

[houbmw]

I have a 2007 bmw 530i sport n52 engine 6speed manual one owner, all records on hands with 110k miles. I went overboard on fluid changes and preventive maintance. I love this car. I have had it through school and I have truely appreciated what a BMW driving experience is. Car is amazing, but wife wont let me buy any new car until I sell this one even thought its paid off. I got 2-3 sets of amazing wheels, kw3 coilovers, kw2 coilovers currently on and tons of other cosmetic mods. Ill start a forsale soon hopefully. I can let it go for 15k. Same size as g80 m3. Hydraluc steering ftw.

[Captain Starbucks]

Well here's what I ended up with:

2012 Model S P90

[bucketfoot]

OK that clearly was not $15K or under

[Captain Starbucks]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

OK that clearly was not $15K or under

Yeah, well here's how the purchase went down.

Threw the wife and kids (3 and 6) into my wife's MDX. Drove to the used EV store. I'd mentally prepared myself to get a Chevy Volt due to cost, cost to own, and they're sort of fun to drive 0-30. Everyone got in the Volt. Car seats and all.

I drove it. After a few minutes, my wife said "I can literally watch your dick shrinking. You hate this car". She was right. I was trying to make the sensible choice. I've never once in my entire life been accused of being sensible.

We all hopped in the Model S. Kids loved it, wife loved it, and since it's the Performance model, I loved it as well.

Sure, pretty far north of $15k, but my daily fuel charge went from $12 per day to $1.70. And that's how I'm gonna justify going 0-60 in 4.2.

[psuibmw]

Save the manual

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by psuibmw

Save the manual

Technically, it's a single speed, so manual saved. Plus it revs from 0 rpm so you don't even need a clutch.

[Alfisti]

How in god's name do you spend $12 a day on fuel in the US? Even at $4 a gallon that 3 bloody gallons, 12 litres, where the hell are you driving?

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

How in god's name do you spend $12 a day on fuel in the US? Even at $4 a gallon that 3 bloody gallons, 12 litres, where the hell are you driving?

i use about that much gas to work and back. 38 miles to work and 38 back. old civic gets 30mpg with me doing 80mph 99% of the trip. 30-35 minute commute.

[Outlaw 06]

Regarding the original question, “If you had to get an econobox for $15k...”

A used Honda Civic SI (coupe or sedan).

The Civic SI is a lot of fun to drive, it’s reliable and it's relatively cheap to maintain. The Civic SI's sport suspension, responsive steering and light weight make it a very well-handling car. IMO, the car’s only (slight) drawback is that it’s front wheel drive. The SI's manual gearbox is one of the smoothest I've ever operated (almost as smooth as Porsche's 981/982 manual gearbox). The SI also comes standard with a helical limited slip differential (LSD). My youngest son has my Civic SI sedan with him at college right now, but I look forward to driving it again this summer. It’s a really fun little car.

Also, I have absolutely no interest in EVs whatsoever, and I wouldn't even consider a Taycan for $15k.

[Alfisti]

38 miles? 60 freaking KM's each way? Jesus H.

[br2wdc]

Congrats on the Model S

Note: When you post a car need in the future, please remember to let the folks know when your budget increases from $15k to $35k, since that may have slightly changed my recommendation for a used VW TDI

Originally Posted by Captain Starbucks

Sure, pretty far north of $15k, but my daily fuel charge went from $12 per day to $1.70. And that's how I'm gonna justify going 0-60 in 4.2.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Outlaw 06

Regarding the original question, “If you had to get an econobox for $15k...”

A used Honda Civic SI (coupe or sedan).

Also, I have absolutely no interest in EVs whatsoever, and I wouldn't even consider a Taycan for $15k.

Absolutely agreed on EVs. The way I could care less about them is truly epic. You could give me a brand new fancy one and I'd get rid of it immediately, even if I had to give it away.

Answering the original question, for $15k the Civic Si is a good option, so is the Mini Cooper S. I have one, 6MT, and it's a pretty decent daily driver which manages to be entertaining while also being cheap to buy/maintain.

[///MPhatic]

I've always been a Honda fan, but if I had to choose something for $15K it'd be a Mazda.