What would you buy for $30k?

[-]

SyntheticOne@reddit

Either RWD or AWD (location dependent) Hyundai Ioniq 5. It's an EV with 303 EPA combined range, currently the fastest DC charging speeds, the quiet and comfort of a limo, the acceleration of a muscle car, the utility of a station wagon, highway self driving.... and you can get all this for under $20,000 on the used market. We charge L1 (120V) in the garage at 1/5th the cost of gas per mile of range. All this and **ZERO EMMISSIONS!**

Reply

[-]

ChrisDee86@reddit

Audi Q3 2020+.

Reply

[-]

marekmarecki@reddit

e90 m3. 4 doors, 8 cylinders, revs to 8500

Reply

[-]

BGMilan@reddit

Those have been 30k since 2016

Reply

[-]

marekmarecki@reddit

Nothing wrong with that at all if you ask me. Much rather that than a plain jane s class even if its off the dealerhip lot.

Reply

[-]

BGMilan@reddit

The last great m3 just wished they'd go down in price so i can get one lol

Reply

[-]

Beautiful_Ad_4813@reddit

996 with AWD, tiptronic All day everyday

Reply

[-]

vastly101@reddit

At 30k +/- a couple, thouysand you can get into a 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus. AWD, reliable and/or warrantable (CPO suggested), you can extend CPO to 11 years fro new / 100k miles online for $2k-3k (or even 125k miles for more money). Ideal for low/moderate mileage. "Something nice/enjoyable and reliable for the most part": you get comfort and fairly good reliability if 2021-2023. Not a sedan or sporty. This is premium/basic luxury, comfortable, good headlights and visibility. AWD readily available, turbo 2.7 V6 if you really need it (I don't, I have the 2.0 4 cylinder with FWD ). I prefer sedans but needed an SUV, want comfort and quiet most of all, so it joined my 2005 Lexus LS430. If you didn't mind old, you could get an amazing LS430, but it's RWD. I have all weather tires on mine and it gets me through snow.

Reply

[-]

JumpinJackTrash79@reddit

Lexus IS350

Reply

[-]

faultydatadisc@reddit

Id pay off my truck. 2023 toyota tacoma.

Reply

[-]

Character-Theory1756@reddit

I would buy a $500 bicycle as a second vehicle and $29,500 in index funds. Purely my own opinion, but having two cars as an individual is a waste of time, money, and garage space. If your current car doesn't suit your needs, replace it with one that does or modify it.

Reply

[-]

sdbest@reddit

With $30K, I'd buy a low mileage used Lexus. 2020 Lexus IS would be good.

Reply

[-]

creamcovered_07k@reddit

Lexus ISF. Powerful sedan

Reply

[-]

woofer2609@reddit

I'd wait for a manual Nissan Z. It finally looks worthy if the Z designation.

Reply

[-]

orangestreak422@reddit

Used manual VW Golf R. Love those cars.

Reply

[-]

New_Breadfruit8692@reddit

Turn in a few aluminum cans for a quick $2 grand more and you could get what I did. A 2019 BMW 740i with just 30,100 miles on it and clean Carfax, in fact cleanest car I have ever seen including on any showroom floor. Was $32k. And that is what I call letting someone else take the depreciation.

Reply

[-]

Similar_Lie1882@reddit

2015 CTS-V sedan? Not AWD but a very solid car. My second suggestion might be a very clean Posche Cayenne Turbo. Not a sedan but meets the rest of your criteria, although the maintenance costs can be high if you aren't willing to do the work yourself.

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

Am I wrong for thinking the CTS-V is kinda 50/50 on reliability? Cayenne is a great shoutout, always forget those things have reached the <$30k range. Always do maintenance on my current vehicle (much easier to work on), but would like to do the same for my next as well.

Reply

[-]

Similar_Lie1882@reddit

I only had the 1st generation CTS-V (2004-2007) so I'm not entirely sure about the deep nuances on the 2nd gen (2009-2015). I know the V trim was a lot more reliable than any of the V6 engine trims. There are some noises to listen for with the supercharger but that's easy to find during inspection if you know what a bad one sounds like. The 2nd gen fixed a LOT of the 1st gen's driveline problems. Like with any sports car, finding one that hasn't been abused like a dog is going to make a big difference.

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

Makes sense to me. I’ll look into the CTS-V forums tonight to see what I can find. Thanks for the reply!

Reply

[-]

WeatherThese6168@reddit

I had a 2010 V2 and it was very reliable. There were service bulletins on the supercharger, had mine replaced before problems. Forgot what the issue was. Also 3 updates on the reared. I had a V friendly Caddlilac dealer and service advisor he always offered the updated parts before I had any problems. Also loved my V1 until a utility pole jumped out into street and totaled it 😭

Reply

[-]

TacTyger@reddit

Another 4 runner or something fast I can work on.

Reply

[-]

BGMilan@reddit

I'd recommend a low mileage Golf R seems to be a good fit for what you're looking for

Reply

[-]

xxrecar@reddit

This, or an Audi S3/4/5 if you want more luxury and a sedan. Also throw in a Porsche Macan Turbo if you want an SUV.

Reply

[-]

MintyFresh1201@reddit

Just remember one thing, no matter how much money you spend on a Nissan it’s still going to be a piece of shit vehicle.

Reply

[-]

MyIncogName@reddit

If a luxury and comfort feel is import Lexus RC 350 F Sport. More fun feel - GR86 or MX-5 RF Cool factor - low mileage S2000

Reply

[-]

According_Abalone137@reddit

The answer is always Miata

Reply

[-]

wvrx@reddit

Top trim ND3 at that price range

Reply

[-]

FLOHTX@reddit

2013-2016 B8.5 S4 manual. AWD, tuneable, pretty stout supercharged V6 engines. $20-25K and you get a good one. Or an S5 if you want 4 seats but 2 doors.

Reply

[-]

PowerSpool@reddit

Lancer Evo X. Fits every qualification

Reply

[-]

Surfnazi77@reddit

E46 m3 6mt who cares about awd

Reply

[-]

Surfnazi77@reddit

E46 m3 6mt who cares about awd

Reply

[-]

Itchy_Win_7310@reddit

maybe get a Subaru WRX?

Reply

[-]

ShoulderSquirrelVT@reddit

You said second vehicle but then said it would also be your daily driver? This changes what would be recommended heavily. Which is it? Daily driver or fun second toy? If it’s your second toy, you could get a decent second hand Porsche Boxster for 30k

Reply

[-]

Zonda1996@reddit

Nissan Skyline R34 25GT-T coupe. Still miss my old one and it never let me down across 7 years of ownership, though not exactly 2015+, though there are AWD variants that aren’t GT-Rs. If you’re absolutely set on 2015+, maybe a Kia Stinger GT.

Reply

[-]

_Lou_Bloom@reddit

The same car I have now.

Reply

[-]

According_Abalone137@reddit

Miata?

Reply

[-]

_Lou_Bloom@reddit

No, how does a Miata fit the OPs desires?

Reply

[-]

According_Abalone137@reddit

Miata

Reply

[-]

72phins@reddit

If you want something that will last and not cost you a fortune in repairs, Camry or accord.

Reply

[-]

coldweathersurvivor@reddit

alfa romeo giulia Good time, not a long time

Reply

[-]

According_Abalone137@reddit

Oh it’s a long time with the Giulia, a long time in the shop.

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

😂😂sometimes maybe good sometimes maybe shit

Reply

[-]

7eregrine@reddit

S60

Reply

[-]

MercedesAutoX@reddit

For me, probably the cleanest dentside Ford I could find for $30k

Reply

[-]

science-stuff@reddit

I don’t have one, but what about a bmw alpina b7?

Reply

[-]

Atxxxguy_12345@reddit

Polestar 2

Reply

[-]

Oc34ne@reddit

E55 AMG / E90 M3 / 996.2 Carrera 4 Coupe. I'm a big S Class enjoyer, you might want to look at w221 S63 AMG. Look for an early year with the 6.2 NA instead of the facelift twin turbo.

Reply

[-]

khurryinahurry@reddit

Snipe a cheap v8 vantage from cars and bids

Reply

[-]

NegotiationLocal7869@reddit

2012 Honda accord ex

Reply

[-]

Everything-Bagel-314@reddit

* If AWD is a must, then a NEW Corolla hybrid. * If not, then a NEW Subaru BRZ * or NEW Toyota GR86 (a bit over budget, but worth it). * or any NEW Subaru within budget.

Reply

[-]

Danielle_is_the_hole@reddit

STI

Reply

[-]

jwbourne@reddit

Manual Mustang GT

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

Maybe unpopular but love these. Kinda looking for something a bit more comfortable or better for DD but appreciate the recommendation!

Reply

[-]

jwbourne@reddit

Early sixth-gen GTs are a lot of exciting car for sub 30. Charger has some fast sedans, the redline Infinities are worth checking out. Polestar 2 EV has bottomed out in price for the early models. I also would love a well kept S-class though!

Reply

[-]

CMDR-LT-ATLAS@reddit

Are you 14 yrs old or 57?

Reply

[-]

jwbourne@reddit

39.

Reply

[-]

CMDR-LT-ATLAS@reddit

Ah, so bad taste and a millennial. Lol

Reply

[-]

jwbourne@reddit

Yes.

Reply

[-]

CMDR-LT-ATLAS@reddit

Don't feel bad. I can relate

Reply

[-]

ShatterProofDick@reddit

Shit I got a 2021 for less than that with 49k miles. Dealerships hate manual convertibles because no one (except me apparently) wants one.

Reply

[-]

Kindly_Ad_1552@reddit

I picked up a 2021 with 25k miles for 30k last June. I'm loving it so far.

Reply

[-]

Wonderful_Setting_29@reddit

Mk7/mk7.5 golf r or audi s3.

Reply

[-]

Familiar-Bake-9162@reddit

I can’t count the times I’ve recommended this but a 2022-23 top of the line VW Arteon can be bought for about 28k with around 20-30k miles on it. The important part is that they have the exact same driveline as the Golf R, minus a different rear diff. 7 speed dsg that’s lightning quick and really smooth. Mine has the stage 1 93 octane APR tune with all stock parts. I can get 60 under 4 seconds with the launch control and do the 1/4 in 12.5 seconds. It’s a blast to drive and a great modern sleeper.

Reply

[-]

Impressive-Shape-999@reddit

Cleanest Mazda FD RX-7 i could get my hands on. Meets zero of your requirements besides fun as hell to drive. Why bother with AWD in a “fun” vehicle? Appropriate Audi or BMW to fit the ask though.

Reply

[-]

CMDR-LT-ATLAS@reddit

A used Golf R

Reply

[-]

oglboglbobogl@reddit

2016+ bmw 340i, pretty sure it fits all the criteria. Awd, very decent power and handling, sedan, relatively reliable and fit the budget. Looks are subjective but i like them

Reply

[-]

HenryLoggins@reddit

I’ve had a lot of great cars over the years…. So at this point in my life for 30 grand, I think I would try to buy a low mileage, manual transmission 370 z and put forced induction on it just for fun.

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

My brother had a manual 350Z some years ago and man that thing was a blast. This sounds like a fantastic idea… but maybe 10 years down the road for me!

Reply

[-]

FortifyStamina@reddit

If you wanna be smart, the new Prius

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

Smart. Love the profile pic!

Reply

[-]

Puzzled_Muggle93@reddit

Never look at pfp’s. Good eye, I second that!🐶

Reply

[-]

ShatterProofDick@reddit

Another sensible shit box for bad weather and a low milage boxster S with 3 pedals for the weekends. You now have two cars and can insure the boxster for pennies with Hagerty.

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

Now this is something I definitely need to look in to… great username btw😂

Reply

[-]

AdSweaty4976@reddit

A well maintained late model Stinger or G70 with the 3.3T could fit the bill

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

The G70’s have caught my eye while looking, maybe I’ll have to look into these a bit deeper. Thanks!

Reply

[-]

PCaBoo@reddit

focus rs if you have to have awd, focus st if you can stand fwd (and its limitations (lacking in quality here) panamera (might be stretching the budget a bit)

Reply

[-]

ReedTrade@reddit (OP)

As someone who never thought they’d get an EV it’s hard to ignore the prices now… appreciate the recommendations - need to do some research on the Focus’!

Reply

Reply to Post

78 Comments