Best Cars under 20K

gaylord

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Feb 10, 2007
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ok, i got a bud that's gonna be going to college in the city (chicago), which is about a 20-30 minute drive from the suburbs we live in.... so he's looking for something that's really fuel efficient.... he had his mind made on the new altima, not the 3.5, but the I-4 2.5 i think it is.. i could be wrong on the liters part...

anyways, he wanted that altima... now he's changed his mind saying that the altima has had alotta recalls, especially in relation to engine parts failing or breaking, so he's decided not to buy one.... so while there are tons of used cars for under 20K which is the budget his parents are giving him, he wants a new car, im guessing for the warranty and the sense of security in that it wont break down as fast... so i was wondering, especially Deez, what cars are out there for 20K that have little to no technical problems??? he didnt want to go to the korens, i.e., kias and hyundais, but if he has to, then.... :mad:
 
These are all slightly above $20k, but they're close enough, and they're what I would've purchased with the same budget:

Honda Civic Si (coupe or sedan)
Mazdaspeed 3
VW GTI (two-door or four-door)

They're all fun to drive and pretty economical. The Mazdaspeed is definitely the most powerful (263 hp) and the quickest, the VW is the next most powerful (200 hp) but the most fuel efficient, and the Honda will more than likely be the most reliable.
 
Nissan Altima 2.5 (manual) - 26/35 mpg
Nissan Altima 2.5 (auto) - 26/34 mpg

vs.

Honda Civic Si Coupe/Sedan (manual) - 23/32 mpg
Mazdaspeed 3 (manual) - 20/28 mpg
VW GTI (manual) - 23/32 mpg
VW GTI (DSG) - 25/32 mpg

The Altima obviously gets better gas mileage, but keep in mind these other ones are pretty similar and not too far behind while offering a lot more performance.
 
we mighta missed this part, but is the altima as bad as these recalls may indicate, or is my friend looking too deep into it??


my dad's 04 LS430 had 3 recalls within the first 6 months, however, 3 years later it as yet to have any more... now the recalls were for a tranny thing and one about a gps, but still, is the altima that bad??? i've seen tons around my area....
 
^ Haha, I see you went to VW's website. But too bad those VWs aren't entertaining at all. It's almost a must to get the 2.0-liter turbo four, it's such a great engine that's good at everything for a daily driver.
 

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