I've finally decided it's a better thing to buy a home/townhome. Therefore, I must sell my M3. I've owned this car for about 6 months and previously had a Sebring S2000. I need to get my debt/equity ratio lower in order to get a lender.
The price range for the car that I will buy next has to be around $20k.
Here are some of the cars that come to mind: Mini Cooper S, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, etc...
My only criteria is the car cannot be a Ford, Chevy, etc....

The only problem is I've owned an S2000 and an E46 M3. How am I going to be happy driving around a car in this price range? Is there a car that can be fun to beat around in?
I think the Cooper S might be, but I have yet to drive it.

Thanks in advance for your help.


(and if anyone is interested in a Jet black 2002 M3 SMGII with 19" SSR GT3s with 17k miles, and all options except for Nav, let me know)

 

Dude, run don't walk to the Subaru dealer. You can get a WRX for for the very low $20's they also have 0% finance deals. I like the Mini S as much as the next guy, but if you want performance near the M3 the WRX is the only new car in the low $20's.

Other cars to look at RSX.

 

I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the 240hp Accord EX V6. You can get that for around $23-24k brand new. Do some Eibach springs to stiffen the ride a bit, maybe some wheels/tires down the road and you have a really nice, reliable ride that actually has some get up and go..

 

If you're good at haggling, an RSX-S can be had for $21-22k new, or less used.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I was actually looking to hear from people that knew of cars that were exciting to drive at the price I am looking for.
If not, I may just get a pick up truck.
To me, an Accord and RSX-S just do not inspire me to go for a drive.
Any Cooper S owners out there with any feedback on their cars?

 

I'm not a Cooper S owner yet but I expect to be. There is simply nothing out there in this price range that is as much fun to play with IMO. There are plenty of faster cars but the Cooper S is fun. I have driven most of the cars in the price range and it is by far my favorite. I've driven: Civic Si, Sentra SER and SER Spec V, SVT Focus, Cooper and Cooper S, RSX-S, SRT4, WRX, and maybe others.

 

I think the new Mazda 3 should be a pretty fun car to drive.
It should also cost WELL under 20K.