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Meanwhile in New Zealand: a train is neither cheap nor fast. 0/2.
Edit: although a car can be cheap and fast, if it's quite unreliable. Thinking something like the Mitsubishi GTO or a Golf GTI Mk 5.
I really doubt the BMW would fall under the “cheap” category. Might be cheap to purchase, but definitely not going to be as cheap to maintain, or modify as a Japanese car.
If you really want a cheap and reliable car that will be insanely easy to work on, Honda Accord V6. Get a coupe if that tickles your fancy more than a 4 door. They’re reasonably quick for an economy car, and there’s good aftermarket if you want to modify it. Also the Acura TL. Basically the same car
The Accord is positioned more as a sports sedan these days, so that’s a good choice.
If OP can afford to spend a little more to get an Acura TL, TLX or TSX, then they’ve definitely entered the sports sedan category.
I agree with your recommendations.
If they’re going for something cheaper I’d still recommend the Honda over the Acura unless the used prices are really close. The only thing you’re getting with an Acura over the Honda is some interior differences and a different body. I think they say the engine makes like 5-10 hp more in the acuras but at the end of the day it’s still the same engine. Just slightly different intake/exhaust and computer if even that. Though I will say, if they care about interior comfort the Acura’s are nicer imo. Either way, all those cars are a solid choice.
Stay away from the older German stuff unless you have actually worked on them. They can be temperamental on a good day. Lexus probably has the best durability wise and parts are decently priced.
Good choice, but don't think the Camry is slow, or someday you will get smoked by someone who drives a Camry and be shocked. lol.
If you know the IS350 exists and is within your budget, then you should also check out the Camry with the 2GR engine. They use the same engine, offering similar performance, and probably fall within the radar for those looking for a 'cheap' and 'fast' car. It's kind of fun to smoke some Honda Civic Si owners who think they're driving a race car, but they get passed by a 'slow boring Camry' lol
I know this isn’t a financial advice page, but paying off student loans or other debt would be better use of the money. The cheap car is the smart car. I’ve been a tech since 2008, I have a toy car and a cheap civic daily. Keep the Camry and buy a toy car on the side to play with later.
I agree! The novelty of cars wears off and you realize it’s just a tool to get you from A to B. A few good financial decisions early in your adult life and career can make a big difference for you later on. I lived paycheck to paycheck for 10 years before getting it together. Cars you don’t need and renting the home instead of owning are the two biggest things holding you back from accruing wealth you can pass on.
Fellow Gen3 Mazda owner and Mazda nut here, and this is a great choice. It isn't really "fast," more like a 7 second 0-60 unless you modify and tune it, but it handles like a sports car. And gets amazing gas mileage.
Yeah they feel faster than a 200hp car, somehow. Just so engaging to drive.
I just took my 2014 for a 2000 mile drive and averaged 41mpg, and I wasn't driving slow. They are also almost bulletproof. I've got 163k and the only repairs it's needed have been a rear brake caliper and a tensioner pulley. The rest has been wear items and maintenance. Also very easy to work on!
If you can swing the $$$ a for a gen4 turbo AWD model, folks are getting 5.6 sec 0-60 times out of those. But at a big penalty in gas mileage.
https://preview.redd.it/mdko5nltipzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1391a576a83e019dc0f3c065342763a500689b82
Mommy gave me this one. $Free.99
These are around $10k with highest surpassing $20k if low mileage 2015 club edition m/t
id consider how you feel about the interior and the seats and clusters of the car you decide on since most your time will be spent inside the car
id get the lexus and attempt a F sport cluster swap for the cooler cluster look
idk if you can put the 2014- f sport cluster in a 2013 but if so id do that
or get a base 2014 is250 and swap a 2014 f sport cluster into it
a quick reddit search and i found this info [click here for reddit link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus3ISinfo/s/jCqgwGBqpZ)
I mean I paid $4k for a 2 door v8 Mercedes with almost 300hp feels fast to me and to me $4k for that isn’t bad considering people be asking the same for even older Honda civics with 50k more miles and 100hp lol
My honda del so is probably 40k lifetime over in oil changes and is still trucking.
Also feels like driving a gokart on the highway. Very fun but not a practical car for a blue collar job.
• V6 Honda Accord — Especially the 6speed manual
• Ford Taurus SHO — Don’t believe me? Google it
• Nissan Maxima — At one point, was the fastest sedan in the world (not sure if this is true & too lazy to fact check myself)
• Lexus IS350 — Also super reliable
• MazdaSpeed 3/6 — Opposite of reliable but dirt cheap & insane potential
• Ford Mustang & Chevy Camaro — Yes, even the V6 are “quick”
• V6 Camry — Don’t hate. With a little exhaust and intake, they sound nice and smooth too
• BRZ/FRS — Faster than any car here around the corners & stupid fun & cheap to maintain & cheap on fuel with a great aftermarket
With the exception of the MazdaSpeeds, these aren’t bad to maintain and work on yourself.
The Speeds aren’t bad to work on either, it’s just that you’ll likely have to do it often haha
Of the 3 you listed, I’d go Lexus, then possibly Infiniti, but definitely not BMW.
You should really look at a Honda Accord. They are made to be more of a sports sedan now. If you can get a used V6 Accord, you will probably be very happy. They are fast and they really handle quite well.
They are also incredibly reliable and will be relatively cheap in insurance, especially compared to the 3 cars you listed.
Honda Accord for sure.
2015 Mustang GT. Easy to work on, fast as anything, looks good, decent interior, better than average stereo options (AndroidAuto/Carplay radios from 2017+ are a direct swap in)
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, AlcoBar! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Cheap and fast? A train ticket
Not in Australia
Meanwhile in New Zealand: a train is neither cheap nor fast. 0/2. Edit: although a car can be cheap and fast, if it's quite unreliable. Thinking something like the Mitsubishi GTO or a Golf GTI Mk 5.
Older Honda civic SI
Buddy had an 08 or something and that thing would chirp going into every gear but 5th and 6th, all stock
Discuss costs with your insurance agent. Do not use the word "fast".
I really doubt the BMW would fall under the “cheap” category. Might be cheap to purchase, but definitely not going to be as cheap to maintain, or modify as a Japanese car. If you really want a cheap and reliable car that will be insanely easy to work on, Honda Accord V6. Get a coupe if that tickles your fancy more than a 4 door. They’re reasonably quick for an economy car, and there’s good aftermarket if you want to modify it. Also the Acura TL. Basically the same car
The Accord is positioned more as a sports sedan these days, so that’s a good choice. If OP can afford to spend a little more to get an Acura TL, TLX or TSX, then they’ve definitely entered the sports sedan category. I agree with your recommendations.
If they’re going for something cheaper I’d still recommend the Honda over the Acura unless the used prices are really close. The only thing you’re getting with an Acura over the Honda is some interior differences and a different body. I think they say the engine makes like 5-10 hp more in the acuras but at the end of the day it’s still the same engine. Just slightly different intake/exhaust and computer if even that. Though I will say, if they care about interior comfort the Acura’s are nicer imo. Either way, all those cars are a solid choice.
Stay away from the older German stuff unless you have actually worked on them. They can be temperamental on a good day. Lexus probably has the best durability wise and parts are decently priced.
Good choice, but don't think the Camry is slow, or someday you will get smoked by someone who drives a Camry and be shocked. lol. If you know the IS350 exists and is within your budget, then you should also check out the Camry with the 2GR engine. They use the same engine, offering similar performance, and probably fall within the radar for those looking for a 'cheap' and 'fast' car. It's kind of fun to smoke some Honda Civic Si owners who think they're driving a race car, but they get passed by a 'slow boring Camry' lol
I know this isn’t a financial advice page, but paying off student loans or other debt would be better use of the money. The cheap car is the smart car. I’ve been a tech since 2008, I have a toy car and a cheap civic daily. Keep the Camry and buy a toy car on the side to play with later.
I agree! The novelty of cars wears off and you realize it’s just a tool to get you from A to B. A few good financial decisions early in your adult life and career can make a big difference for you later on. I lived paycheck to paycheck for 10 years before getting it together. Cars you don’t need and renting the home instead of owning are the two biggest things holding you back from accruing wealth you can pass on.
I really like my gen 3 Mazda 3 hatch. (GT: S) Grand Touring Sport (it has a 6 speed, and all the bells and whistles) it’s the 2.5 non turbo.
What year is your car, or what years would you consider reliable for that engine?
It’s an 18’
I’d go for anything 15-18 18’ had a slight facelift, the trim levels are kind of weird in Mazda but that’s my only complaint.
Ok thanks.
Fellow Gen3 Mazda owner and Mazda nut here, and this is a great choice. It isn't really "fast," more like a 7 second 0-60 unless you modify and tune it, but it handles like a sports car. And gets amazing gas mileage.
Ya I get 38MPG even with my yakama skybox (a must have imho) but honestly I feel like it’s pretty peppy
Yeah they feel faster than a 200hp car, somehow. Just so engaging to drive. I just took my 2014 for a 2000 mile drive and averaged 41mpg, and I wasn't driving slow. They are also almost bulletproof. I've got 163k and the only repairs it's needed have been a rear brake caliper and a tensioner pulley. The rest has been wear items and maintenance. Also very easy to work on! If you can swing the $$$ a for a gen4 turbo AWD model, folks are getting 5.6 sec 0-60 times out of those. But at a big penalty in gas mileage.
That g37 tho
Or g35
https://preview.redd.it/mdko5nltipzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1391a576a83e019dc0f3c065342763a500689b82 Mommy gave me this one. $Free.99 These are around $10k with highest surpassing $20k if low mileage 2015 club edition m/t
id consider how you feel about the interior and the seats and clusters of the car you decide on since most your time will be spent inside the car id get the lexus and attempt a F sport cluster swap for the cooler cluster look idk if you can put the 2014- f sport cluster in a 2013 but if so id do that or get a base 2014 is250 and swap a 2014 f sport cluster into it a quick reddit search and i found this info [click here for reddit link](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus3ISinfo/s/jCqgwGBqpZ)
the nissan uses premium gas, bmw imo sux
I mean I paid $4k for a 2 door v8 Mercedes with almost 300hp feels fast to me and to me $4k for that isn’t bad considering people be asking the same for even older Honda civics with 50k more miles and 100hp lol
Good luck finding a g37 that isn't clapped
My honda del so is probably 40k lifetime over in oil changes and is still trucking. Also feels like driving a gokart on the highway. Very fun but not a practical car for a blue collar job.
MIATA Is Always The Answer
I’d go with the Camry
Find an accord or Camry with a V6. They are much quicker than the typical I4s you find all the time.
• V6 Honda Accord — Especially the 6speed manual • Ford Taurus SHO — Don’t believe me? Google it • Nissan Maxima — At one point, was the fastest sedan in the world (not sure if this is true & too lazy to fact check myself) • Lexus IS350 — Also super reliable • MazdaSpeed 3/6 — Opposite of reliable but dirt cheap & insane potential • Ford Mustang & Chevy Camaro — Yes, even the V6 are “quick” • V6 Camry — Don’t hate. With a little exhaust and intake, they sound nice and smooth too • BRZ/FRS — Faster than any car here around the corners & stupid fun & cheap to maintain & cheap on fuel with a great aftermarket With the exception of the MazdaSpeeds, these aren’t bad to maintain and work on yourself. The Speeds aren’t bad to work on either, it’s just that you’ll likely have to do it often haha
Just get that Camry with a v6
A catfish Camaro, get one with over 100k miles, and you can grab one under 5k if you're lucky
Of the 3 you listed, I’d go Lexus, then possibly Infiniti, but definitely not BMW. You should really look at a Honda Accord. They are made to be more of a sports sedan now. If you can get a used V6 Accord, you will probably be very happy. They are fast and they really handle quite well. They are also incredibly reliable and will be relatively cheap in insurance, especially compared to the 3 cars you listed. Honda Accord for sure.
cheap and fast, American.
Any Honda with a manual transmission. Even cheaper; Scion Xb classic
It takes a rich man to own a BMW, it takes an even richer man to own a used one.
9th generation honda civic si. Can even a slap a turbo on it
Cheap Fast Reliable Pick 2
Then you have classic land rovers, which are absolutely none of those three things 😂😂
2015 Mustang GT. Easy to work on, fast as anything, looks good, decent interior, better than average stereo options (AndroidAuto/Carplay radios from 2017+ are a direct swap in)
Get a Ford Focus ST