THE COMPLETE 20K-ISH BUYER'S GUIDE

In case you missed it, we have been featuring the best buys from Europe (read Germany), Asia, and the U.S. in our three-part series, The $20k-ish Buyer's Guide. So, in the interest of self promotion, we decided to present the master list--new, used, and dirt cheap. No matter where you pledge allegiance, there is something to spice up everyone's commute. 

Part I: Coming to America

American manufacturers have continued to step-up their game in terms of product relevance and quality. Obviously, Ford has taken the lead role in this by allowing U.S. consumers access to their excellent world car platforms, such as the new Focus. However, you cannot dismiss the Chrysler group or GM's efforts to improve their brand among young buyers--the Chevy Sonic and Chrysler's partnership with Fiat are not an accident--but what is the best buy? Here are the top three in the new, used, and dirt cheap categories.

New

Ford Focus ST

We should all know by now the new Focus is good, really good. Once the progressive executives at Ford finally decided to let the ugly Americans get a piece of the Ford Europe action, the light at the end of the tunnel got a bit brighter. That being said, the new Focus ST stickers for a base price of $23k and change--but I'm sure attractive leases are offered to move these torque-steering monsters off the lot. The ST has caught a little flak for not being a GTI--but there may not be a better way to piss off your new boss than a nice smokey burnout in the parking lot. 

Used

Ford Mustang GT Bullitt

The sub-$15k market can be tough. The challenge is to find that balancing act between age, mileage, and cost. In an effort to not have all categories on this list go to Ford, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 was a real contender--as it is essentially a Mercedes-Benz SLK32. Unfortunately, the drive train is not blessed with a clutch--that combined with the overwhelming number of women in visors driving them to Harris Teeter, the SRT6 got the ax. Anyhow, the mustang got a new-retro makeover in 2005, and mid design cycle Ford reintroduced the Bullitt trim package (offered in '03-'04 in the Fox body days). This package transforms the Mustang into a true enthusiast car and commands a certain respect when rolling around town. Power wasn't much different from GT trim, but fog-light delete, torque-thrust wheels, and an overall cleaner look makes this aging design much more relevant. 

Dirt Cheap

Tie: Ford Focus SVT / Dodge SRT4

If you didn't know any better, one would think that the only car maker in North America is Ford. After giving up efforts to provide brand diversity, you can decide which of these compacts are the best buy. The SVT and SRT mark the first American offensive foothold in the trenches of four cylinder performance. The focus provides a more refined, conservative approach to this, while the SRT is a spartan hooligan that sports wind-up windows in the back and Viper "inspired" buckets up front. Whichever you prefer, buy one that has been maintained properly and not part of the Fast and Furious Movement of the period.

Part II: A Happy Ending

Asian car makers have revolutionized the automotive industry. Incredible reliability, efficiency, and value have come to characterize these manufacturers. However, we are no longer only referring to Japanese brands--enter the South Korean Heavyweight--Hyundai. Over the past ten years, Hyundai (and its subsidiary Kia) have challenged the industry status quo--just as Japanese Manufacturers proved effective in the early '90s. Not only are these Pan-Asian manufacturers providing some of the most progressive luxury offerings, they are also getting back to their roots--no frills sports cars. Below are some of the most exciting cars from the drift capital of the world--new, used, and dirt cheap. 

New

Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ

The BRZ/FR-S platform was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru--a partnership that sought to bring the classic front-engine/RWD driving dynamics to the masses. Both cars offer a near 50/50 weight distribution, 200hp, and a sub-$25k price tag. Unfortunately, the FR-S/BRZ following has not been as strong as anticipated by either manufacturer, rumors are that Subaru will not be releasing an STi package for the BRZ if sales continue to remain stagnant. But as young women cross-shop the new Accord Coupe and find the BRZ/FR-S's ride a bit harsh, their loss is our gain. For more, check out Chris Harris' FR-S review in comparision to its used competitors, the Porsche Cayman and Nissan 370Z.

Used

Hyundai Genesis 2.0T Track Package

The Genesis model line has transformed Hyundai's brand identity and moved the car maker into the premium (pseudo premium?) segment. Just as the sedan challenged luxury manufacturers, the coupe challenged the sports car segment--offering  a turbo-charged four cylinder or a 3.8 liter V6 to turn the rear wheels. Some growing pains should be expected in the Genesis coupe, these include: loads of hard plastic inside, sub-par fit and finish, and  the power delivery can be described as a bit rough. Shortcomings aside, the Genesis offers loads of performance and when equipped with the Track Package (now R-Spec) names like Brembo start to appear--not bad for a first timer. Lightly used examples are loitering around the $15k mark.

Dirt Cheap

Mazdaspeed Miata (2nd Gen.)

The Miata has been Mazda's performance bread and butter for twenty-five years. This success can be attributed to their perfect balance, durability, and factory racing support in various series. The same conservative power that develops driver skill has been noted as one of the few shortcomings of the car, so in 2004 engineers got a little crazy and decided to turbocharge the 1.8L I4 to the tune of 178 hp (up from 142 hp) and 166 lb. ft. of torque--pretty significant numbers for a car weighing less than 2500lbs. Today, these cars are fairly rare, but when they do appear can be found in the sub-$10k market--a tremendous value.

Part III: Auf Wiedersehen

It cannot be argued that German manufacturers offer outstanding vehicles--Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz are some of the most significant brands in the industry. That being said, the decision to provide three (or four if we have a draw) vehicles in the categories of new, used, and dirt cheap was far from easy. The cars listed below all provide a tremendous amount of enjoyment in day-to-day life, but also have their roots in unadulterated performance. Regardless of your budget, there is much to be desired in terms of sub-$20k rides from the land of schnitzel and honey.

New

Volkswagen GTI (MKVI)

The GTI is no new-comer to the world of affordable driver's cars--it is the car that started the "hot hatch" movement, and its development over nearly 30 years has resulted in a phenomenal vehicle for the money. It is easy for me to highlight this car--as a 2013 GTI is my daily driver--but many have become skeptical of the affordability of these cars. Let me put your worries to rest. My 2013 GTI is a base model, sporting a manual transmission and 18 inch wheels--my only two requirements. I worked out a phenomenal lease deal that compared (financially) to a new, mid-level Focus--what other car offers a true enthusiast experience, best-in-class materials, and that kind of affordability? None, that's why I bought one and so should you.

Used

BMW M3 (E46)

It is difficult to believe the E46 M3 is a 13 year-old design. Upon the release of this body-style M3, the aggressive styling and well-executed proportions reignited the M3--playing off the dramatic styling of the E30 and leaving the boxy E36 looking like a dinosaur. Right now, the E46 is reaching the bottom of its depreciation curve and a well-cared for example can be had for less than $18k. Keep an eye out for examples that have well-documented maintenance and sport the traditional manual gearbox--SMG's are known for their erratic behavior and  expensive maintenance. We'll take ours in Laguna Seca Blue.

Dirt Cheap

Mercedes-Benz C36/C43 AMG

In 1990, Mercedes-Benz purchased a sizable interest in the German tuning company AMG. At the time, Mercedes lacked an in-house performance division to compete with BMW's M-division and collaborated with companies, such as Porsche and Cosworth (See 500E and 190E 2.3 16V), to develop their performance models. The C36 marks the first vehicle developed by the partnership--based on the new W202 platform designed to target the emerging "near-luxury" segment also firmly occupied by BMW. Although seemingly similar, the C36 and C43 are very different animals. The C36 offers inline 6 cylinder power that was hand-built by the Hans and Grüber's of AMG. Whereas the C43 simply shoehorned Mercedes' mainstream 4.3 V8 into the compact sedan--a feat that still leaves people in awe as you brake-torque your way to work. Either vehicle can be found comfortably below $10k, and continue to provide modern drive-ability, fantastic power, and significant street cred. All in all, these may be the best buys on the market, period.

Photo Credit: roadandtrack.com, motortrend.com, cargurus.com,caranddriver.com, topspeed.com