# What's the most "driving fun" for up to $50k? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 22, 2015, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426 "2015-10-22T04:11:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/1 "2015-10-22T04:11:22Z")
So my lady friend is considering a BMW 3 series, probably a 328i. She basically wants a brand new, small, performant 4-door sedan. Her parameters are “driving fun” more than luxery appointments, though obviously creature comforts are in play. What other options should she be looking at? Bonus: I’m looking at buying something, too, and hoping to learn things with her. My parameters are quite more restricted: probably close to half that budget, some sort of “Certified, pre-owned” car. I’ve own two BMW 3’s and loved them, my current is 10 years old and ready to be put out to stud. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/2 "2015-10-22T12:11:30Z")
You budget is a little higher than mine, but I was thinking about the Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper S Countryman. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/3 "2015-10-22T12:20:28Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > So my lady friend is considering a BMW 3 series, probably a 328i. She basically wants a brand new, small, performant 4-door sedan. Her parameters are “driving fun” more than luxery appointments, though obviously creature comforts are in play. > > What other options should she be looking at? > > Bonus: I’m looking at buying something, too, and hoping to learn things with her. My parameters are quite more restricted: probably close to half that budget, some sort of “Certified, pre-owned” car. I’ve own two BMW 3’s and loved them, my current is 10 years old and ready to be put out to stud. sounds like you’re both already set on a BMW, so why are you even asking? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/4 "2015-10-22T12:25:30Z")
Jeep Wrangler is _my_ answer. Manual transmission, trail rated soft top. When it gets too many miles on it trade it in on more of the same. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/5 "2015-10-22T12:51:35Z")
Ditto the VW GTI, with a $50K budget, upgrade to the Golf R model. You’ll have money left over but won’t be short changed on performance and creature comforts. For a little more, look at the new Audi A/S3 quattro or A/S4 quattro. MB CLA/GLA and C300/C400 4matics are also great alternatives for under $50K. If you’re looking for pre-owned at half the price… I recommend the same cars that are just coming off 3 year leases. I find non-M BMW’s uninteresting in comparisson. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/6 "2015-10-22T12:57:24Z")
Pick up a classic. Loads more fun to drive - in terms of connecting you with the process - and cheap. [Here’s a 1955 Chevy Bel Air](http://classiccars.com/listings/view/728645/1955-chevrolet-bel-air-for-sale-in-green-cove-springs-florida-32043) that seems in good shape. Or if she’d like a bit more pop here’s a [1964 Corvette convertible.](http://classiccars.com/listings/view/713867/1964-chevrolet-corvette-for-sale-in-shaker-heights-ohio-44122) ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/7 "2015-10-22T13:34:41Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > [Here’s a 1955 Chevy Bel Air](http://classiccars.com/listings/view/728645/1955-chevrolet-bel-air-for-sale-in-green-cove-springs-florida-32043) that seems in good shape. Fun to own, maybe. But fun to _drive_? Only if you’re a masochist, surely. Anyway, the OP’s wife wants a performance car. You can pick up a two or three year old M3 for under $50K without too much trouble. The Golf R isn’t a sedan. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/8 "2015-10-22T14:11:13Z")
BMW 3-Series has my vote. We’re on our third. 🙂 I find the Audis underpowered. My folks loved their Acura TL, but I never drove it. Might be worth checking out. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/9 "2015-10-22T14:13:01Z")
Used Porsche 911-series. I had a 911SC, and I’m sorry I sold it. I’d love to get a 993. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/10 "2015-10-22T14:13:57Z")
Another vote for a Wrangler soft top. Way too much fun! ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/11 "2015-10-22T14:40:05Z")
Agreed on the Wrangler, but probably not for someone who “basically wants a brand new, small, performant 4-door sedan.” ---
**Author:** ![Gothic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@Gothic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gothic)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/12 "2015-10-22T15:03:29Z")
BMW 335i xDrive and the Mercedes CLA 45 AMG. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/13 "2015-10-22T15:06:44Z")
Define “driving fun” a little more. To me, that means a RWD sports car with little to no body lean, stiff suspension, both quick off the line and great higher end acceleration, low to the ground, and excellent steering feel. To my wife it means cranks every time, gets her where she is going and requires no thought or input beyond gas, brake and point it where it should go. Oh, and “cute”. 😜 ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/14 "2015-10-22T15:10:40Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Fun to own, maybe. But fun to _drive_? Only if you’re a masochist, surely. Anyway, the OP’s wife wants a performance car. _I_ find them fun to drive. Anyway, the Corvette is always there for something with muscle. Or for 20-35K there’s always a 60s era Mustang convertible. ---
**Author:** ![Gothic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@Gothic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gothic)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/15 "2015-10-22T15:19:09Z")
> **[2023 AMG CLA 45 Coupe](https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/model/cla/coupe/cla45c4)** > > Its looks are breathtaking. Its tech, groundbreaking. Its engine is recordbreaking: one of the most powerful 4-cylinders in production, with 382 handcrafted hp. And its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ is road-gripping, with more precise rear-wheel torque... Wranglers are safer going down the road upside down than on the tires. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/16 "2015-10-22T15:50:59Z")
> [@Gothic](#): > > BMW 335i xDrive and the Mercedes CLA 45 AMG. Both good cars. Especially the CLA 45 AMG. Unfortunately, both well over $50K before you drive it off the lot. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/17 "2015-10-22T16:26:21Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > _I_ find them fun to drive. Anyway, the Corvette is always there for something with muscle. Or for 20-35K there’s always a 60s era Mustang convertible. Don’t have to sell me on classics, but many (including my wife) would rightfully observe that they are far less safe than the cheapest modern car. Assume you get into the late 60s such that you have a shoulder belt and headrests, you still have no air bags - not to mention modern brakes and such. And there IS the reliability issue. If you drive a classic, there WILL be some time that you will be inconvenienced when something goes wrong. All that said, I was going to suggest a Corvair Corsa, which can be had for WELL under $20k. Add a rear engine to go w/ the RWD! 🆒 But again, not a sedan. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/18 "2015-10-22T17:16:34Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Jeep Wrangler is _my_ answer. Manual transmission, trail rated soft top. When it gets too many miles on it trade it in on more of the same. 😉 > [@Muffin](#): > > Another vote for a Wrangler soft top. Way too much fun! > [@Randolph](#): > > Agreed on the Wrangler, but probably not for someone who “basically wants a brand new, small, performant 4-door sedan.” She wants to drive, not walk! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/19 "2015-10-22T17:17:38Z")
The just slightly over 1 ton elephant in the room in terms of fun cars is of course the Miata. If pure driving fun is the only criteria, I think you’d have a really hard time beating it. ETA: oh, missed the “4 door” part. ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426/20 "2015-10-22T17:33:07Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > She basically wants a brand new, small, performant 4-door sedan. Her parameters are “driving fun” more than luxery appointments, though obviously creature comforts are in play. And the winner is: [Subaru Impreza WRX STI](http://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/wrx-sti). Its performing and handling specs are on par with the 911, but it costs less than half as much (and comes in a 4-door). It is not a “pretty” car, but it is one of the funnest to drive, if you like to drive hard. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-driving-fun-for-up-to-50k/735426.md?page=2)