I'll vote Focus ST. 4 Doors, nice turbo motor. Just did a quick search and there seem to be a lot of good examples under $20k. If you do get the mod bug for it, basic bolt-ons and a tune will probably net you some nice gains.

I'd stay away from anything Direct injected right now. Almost all of those cars are showing issues, at low miles, running on US gas.

Find a used infiniti G35 manual and fun to drive perfect for a daily

So, a 4-door sedan that's sporty with a manual transmission. I drive a Cadillac CTS-V, does that count?

PS: before committing to an Evo or an STi, get a quote for insurance premium from your agent.

:iagree: Actually, the G37s sedans are coming down on price too, mid to high teens get you something pretty good in the private market. I also own a G sedan and love it.

2010 G37 Sedan 6MT - MyG37

For Sale Flawless 2009 g37s sedan - MyG37
^not 6MT but a worthy mention

Disclaimer: I am not related to the owners of the listed vehicles.

My question here is,if it's for the GF/Wife & baby must be a 4dr and under $20K what does it matter how "Sporty" it is? You aren't driving it as your in a Z :p I bought my GF a Versa 5spd Sedan brand new for $17K financed. She isn't complaining at all,it's her 1st ever brand new car also.

WRX if you can handle the interior.

If you are looking at MK6 GTIs, expand your search to the MK6 GLI as well. You will appreciate the extra couple inches of rear seat legroom with car seats.

It sounded like the car is actually for him. He's buying a 4 door DD instead of selling his Z.

For me, even if it's for purely for the wife, if I'm spending the $, might as well get something that I like and still fulfill the purpose for her. :excited:

After driving the Z, my wife said "is there something wrong with the civic? it makes lotta noise but doesn't move much..." we bought her a G37 soon after ha.

Yeah the Versa sure isn't a Z but it's not a bad little car honestly,especially for the price new. I actually was planning on buying her a AWD Juke but when I showed her the brochure she thought it was ugly. Then we went to pick her new car up and she saw the Juke and literally said this to me....why didn't you get me one of these:ugh2:

Btw how is that new STI treating ya? Gonna jump on one in a few months!!


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I have a 2015 Mazda3 S Touring Hatchback. It has the 2.5 four with a 6 speed manual. It only has 184 hp and 185 ft-lb of torque, but it is very fun to drive. It has been reliable and gets good gas mileage. I paid 25k new, but you could find a used one for under 20k. It is also a very practical daily driver. If you find one with the 6 speed auto, it comes with sport mode and paddle shifters.

i like it a lot. if stock vs stock, the STI is more fun to drive dan the 370Z. since my Z has some minor tweaks to make her mine, not an even comparison, but i can see people hopping to the STI from the Z if they can only keep one car.

i got the AP installed the other day. pretty cool. :D doing the rear fog this week.

Ohh Mr kenchan wait until you install downpipe up the boost and add a intake! I hear its ridiculous at that point! I will be going full stage2+ if I end up with one. Cheers! FYI: silver doesn't look that bad on the STI hehe


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actually the 15/16 STI's require new injectors if u do dat due to boost creep issues. wastegate is limited. car comes out of the box pretty lean. im going to keep the pipes and intake stock. i dont need more noise.. im a middle aged guy remember, i had a noisy car before. lol

hell, the silver grew on me now. thing looks great. was originally going to get the darker blue wrx or the wr blue STI, but im glad i got silver. probably tired of the blue by now. lol

I'd go with a Juke or a Mitsubishi Lancer