What is a fun car that is also very practical and has low maintenance costs?
Posted by ipeedmyself11@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 380 comments
Posted by ipeedmyself11@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 380 comments
No_Session7694@reddit
Had a scion tc in high school loved it
TerribleCollege5553@reddit
Volkswagen Golf, Jetta
AnotherDrone001@reddit
Civic Si and Type R
Acura Integra A-Spec and Type S
grateful_goat@reddit
Loved my Mazdaspeed 3.
travisjd2012@reddit
In before "Miata"
ZeGermanHam@reddit
Not practical for many use cases
thedjin@reddit
Allow me to present: r/miatalogistics
UnderwhelmingAF@reddit
Yep, fun and cheap to maintain, but probably the least practical car you can buy.
RoseBizmuth@reddit
Hate to be this guy but i have yet to find how its impractical. I do grocery shopping every week just fine. I can also fit my bass and amp in it for gigs
bc10551@reddit
Put the roof down and you no longer have a vertical constraint on storage space though
GTO400BHP@reddit
Top Gear proved the cargo carrying practicality of similar roadsters.
Pussy-Wideness-Xpert@reddit
Ther was a VW Rabbit convertible ad, where a guy hauled a tuba.
cheapdad@reddit
That's awesome, but the actual enclosed trunk on those cars was... shockingly small.
https://ragtopspalmbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/146576559.webp
qkdsm7@reddit
This is huge.
I brought home a new 40 gallon water heater in box in my FC and the hatch almost closed on it... swallowed it right up... I could have maybe fit two in a Miata! ;)
OperationAsshat@reddit
I tow a 4x6 trailer with my NB. I bet I've hauled more furniture with it than most truck owners do.
EuroCanadian2@reddit
There's always the MR2 Spyder, IIRC it has no trunk at all
Firm_Accountant2219@reddit
Had one when I was single. Super fun, but I eventually had to sell it. Cant wait until I can get a used one again somewhere
Anachronism--@reddit
Have you seen the Polaris slingshot? Ok, technically a motorcycle but really just a less practical Miata.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Been daily driving a Miata for a dozen years
ZeGermanHam@reddit
Right, but you are very limited in what it can be used for.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Can I haul a couch? Nope. But can it be used for a 4,000 mile road trip? Yep, done that already. Can it haul groceries? Yep, do that often. Can it carry two kids? If you don't mind using the trunk... How about reliability? Never had one break yet. Can it carry a half a rick of firewood? I can get a stick or two in the trunk. Great way of providing the question that all kids have, are you the favorite. Does it get good fuel economy? Couldn't tell you, never checked in 12 years.
For daily driving, it's a great vehicle
bigcee42@reddit
It's a 2 seat roadster with very limited trunk space.
Great car? Absolutely, but don't be deluded about it being practical.
MarvMartin@reddit
Whether a car is practical is VERY different depending on your situation and lifestyle.
mikerall@reddit
Right? Like 99% of my driving (if I didn't live in the northeast USA) could be done with a Miata. Single guy, no kids. I'd daily a Miata if I lived in like....Arizona.
Most large things I'd be buying have free delivery through online companies or I'd want delivery + removal of the old item like a couch. If I wasn't stuck with shitty snow/ice filled winters, I'd be driving a Miata/c8 or the like and then a Kawasaki versys 1000 lt daily.
xXxDickBonerz69xXx@reddit
I don't even daily my Miata as a single guy in Georgia lol.
It's just not fun in traffic, or if it's raining, or if it's 95° and sunny and you're going somewhere you can't be sweaty. On the highway it's uncomfortably loud. I'm 5'10" 150lbs and after about 3 hours my back hurts. I have one position my legs can be in and my right foot has to be rotated to work the accelerator. Can't go get groceries with my girlfriend. Can't go anywhere with friends. Can't take it on a trip with another person. It takes premium fuel. It has no spare tire. You can't have a beverage if you would like to change gears. You have to regularly clean the drains and the interior will still get a little wet every time it rains and flood if you didn't clear a leaf properly.
Great car. Love it. Never plan on selling it. Highly recommend it. I've already convinced two friends to get them. But it's just not a great only car lol. You can make it work as your only car. But it's just not ideal for that and pretending it is is stupid.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
What do you mean you can't take it on a trip with another person?
950 mile day
You have two places to keep your beverage and mine has never leaked. On the ND, the beverage holder is far from the shifter, unlike the NC. When it gets too hot for you, put the top up and crank the A/C. Yes, I can get groceries with a passenger since the groceries will go in the trunk. I even think it is fun in the rain, just one of those times when I keep the top up
bigcee42@reddit
That's dumb.
If you're a single guy with no kids, you can live with an impractical car. It doesn't make the car practical.
If a full size SUV is a 10 in practicality, a Miata is about a 2-3.
You can't carry 2 suitcases and 1 passenger in it. There's not enough space, if someone is sitting in your passenger seat.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
two suitcases
Yes, I can have a passigner because that is who is sitting in the passenger seat. That person would be my wife or in rare circumstances, myself if she is driving. In other words, it can fit my entire household of people.
el-art-seam@reddit
Long winters. Snow tires help but what if it’s deep snow? Isn’t it too low to the ground?
dyebhai@reddit
I use mine to pull out SUVs that are stuck in the snow
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Yeah, I don't move my car during the two weeks that we have snow
OperationAsshat@reddit
With the LSD they do fine unless roads are too far gone for even an SUV. You have to know how to handle rwd in the snow, any other sedan is going to run into the same issues a miata would.
OperationAsshat@reddit
If you need two separate large suitcases for a couple to travel then that's on you. If you are going on a long trip and need two separate large suitcases for you and a friend, then maybe it doesn't work, but that is also far off an average everyday thing. If I can fit a suitcase in the trunk with my wing blocking it from opening fully and another one behind the seats with my rollbar blocking the area, you can definitely make it work for most trips.
Day to day they work great. Month to month they work great unless you are regularly going on long trips that make it less practical, but at that point "budget" is no longer part of the conversation.
MarvMartin@reddit
You are conflating capability with practicality.
A full size SUV would be ridiculously impractical for many people (myself included)
What_the_8@reddit
Poster said VERY practical, a termed used to describe the Miata zero times ever.
EuroCanadian2@reddit
I think the Miata has pretty good MPG. Miles Per Girlfriend
Better-Credit6701@reddit
It's practical for me and my needs. I don't have kids at the house since they are grown, so no need for a third row to cram a bunch of kids to the soccer game. My wife and I have packed for a week long trip and without my wife along, I had plenty of space for a 4,000 mile road to see my daughter and her husband when my mother in law came to visit.
Look at the definition of practical "describes a concept based on its real-world application, usefulness, and day-to-day use, rather than abstract theory". I am able to use my Miata as daily transportation, able to make long journeys with it. For me, it is a practical vehicle.
eevielution_if_true@reddit
also, they're fun cars! the best part about daily driving a miata for me was getting to drive something fun every day, people in boring cars hated traffic but getting to row through the gears after every stop always made my days so much better. you aren't getting that in a kia soul or a venza
eevielution_if_true@reddit
trunk space doesn't matter if you aren't buying half the grocery store every time you restock your place. any random large purchase / thing that needs moving fits in the passenger seat & rear deck just fine. moving something like a couch? rent a truck.
op asked for a fun car, not something body on frame or a minivan
jeeves585@reddit
Practical is a user based thing. I need a truck or van for work. If I didn’t have an e30 that I love I’d have a Miata.
In fact, if I ever win a big lottery that’s my first purchase is 4 Miata’s (older) a newer pickup and a gooseneck trailer that tows them all. I’m going to order parts for all and they are going to call me and make sure I ment to order 4 of everything and I’m going to smile and say yep.
Then me and my friends are just going to bucket list every track in the US
OperationAsshat@reddit
You can definitely haul a couch with a small trailer. I've used my NB for plenty of furniture and my bikes.
eevielution_if_true@reddit
like what? a larger (more practical) car needs more money put into oil, gas, tires, and practically every other maintenance item. miat drivers can use a fraction of the money saved on basic maintenance items to rent a truck the 1-2 times a year a truck is needed. unless if you desperately need another couple seats or if you're doing farm work, the miata is a wonderful daily, and the perfect commuter car if you like driving stick.
ItsKlobberinTime@reddit
And a boring grey crossover is very limited with how fun it isn't. There's more to life than the most practical choice.
H0SS_AGAINST@reddit
Don't know many Miata owners, do you?
I've carried 2x4s, a set of tires, and enough mulch to do my house's flower beds. Just to name a few. You're limited on passengers but the cargo volume is equivalent to a kei truck.
jetpack324@reddit
Very fun car, but not practical at all.
Sir_Tmotts_III@reddit
/r/Miatalogistics keeps fighting the good fight.
sneakpeekbot@reddit
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dazzlezak@reddit
Google "Miata trailer"
Charnathan@reddit
I'mma go crazy and say a 5 speed protege. It's built similar to the miata, as in light and zippy, but it has four doors(more practical). And they last.
supern8ural@reddit
Right? If two seats and a small trunk works for you, that's the whole answer.
I bet it's even good in snow, as my Porsche 944 was a beast with winter tires on it. (my mom would kill me if I drove her Miata in the snow though)
Many-Bus-2804@reddit
That’s amazing you say that. I was a service writer at a Porsche dealer in the early 1990s. Being in the Buffalo NY area the 944s wouldn’t budge an inch. Maybe snow tires make the difference
supern8ural@reddit
Absolutely they do. At least when I owned mine you couldn't get all season tires in the stock size so I had to have two sets. I remember one year we had a freak snowstorm in Virginia in October, car was absolutely worthless. But, with winter tires (I think they were Dunlops) it was great.
mikerall@reddit
If you don't get severe road conditions that aren't cleared ASAP, I'd agree with you. Sadly, my work commute is hilly, twisty, and all around fucky, that can involve 1/8" of ice on the roads. I can get by with fwd with studs, but could never full year a rwd light car.
100% agree though, most people that don't have kids, don't have a job/hobby that requires a hauler, or don't live in a winterous climate can probably daily a reliable 2 seater. If you don't need awd, trunk space, people space.....why the hell not?
supern8ural@reddit
I live in MD now in Baltimore but have been in the general DC/Baltimore area for over 25 years now. I grew up in PA so here we get what I'd consider "real snow" maybe once every 10 years, and then you're not going anywhere because we're not prepared to deal with it road crew wise anyway. For snow light enough that you don't have to worry about high centering, a light RWD car with 50/50 balance and pizza cutter winter tires is absolutely fabulous.
MexiFinn@reddit
Miata Is Always The Answer
Never_mind_honey@reddit
My 1999 fit my golf clubs by taking the woods out of the bag. My 2026 can’t fit a pitching wedge. Definitely not practical
Ok_Cardiologist_6471@reddit
Japanese vehicles
Wild_Department_930@reddit
Octavia RS Bmw 330 or 340 AUDI S4 , S6 Tesla S ,3 performance Kia Stinger
AsainGlockgirl99@reddit
Focus ST. I had one and loved it.
costanzashairpiece@reddit
You misspelled Fiesta ST
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
Too small for some folks. OP wants practical so more space is probably better. Also while they're undoubtedly fun I've heard from multiple places that they're not the easiest to live with as a daily because they're almost too raw.
costanzashairpiece@reddit
FiST is an excellent daily. Reliable, 4 passenger hatch. It's rawness makes daily life fun.
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
This is the answer. The only thing wrong with the last generation of the Focus was the awful automatic trans. ST is manual only plus the turbo engine. Checks all three of OP's boxes.
newtonreddits@reddit
I sold mine for BMW M5 and still miss it sometimes.
eyeballing_eyeball@reddit
Even regular first gen examples, although they are old by now. I have one with a 1.4 litre and love it. Only seats and their lack of side support let you down.
Low_Assistance7926@reddit
Yep. Had mine 6 years (2015 face lift). Considering the price ive never pulled up next to something and thought, bugger should have bought that. Outside of regular services and tyres never had to take it to the garage.
AsainGlockgirl99@reddit
I ended up trading it for a mustang gt and regretted it almost immediately. I still have the mustang 7 years later but that regret took a minute to get over.
RealisticAd838@reddit
If you can deal with right hand drive the JDM market 9th generation Corolla just became legal to import. The Corolla Fielder wagon, Corolla Allex hatchback and Corolla RunX hatchback all came with a 1.8L 2ZZGE and a 6spd manual. Same as Lotus Elise.
ATXKLIPHURD@reddit
Honda fit with a manual transmission
Mother-Compote-2062@reddit
Came here to say exactly this
newtonreddits@reddit
Reliable yes but I drove a Fit manual and Fiesta ST back to back.
The Fiesta was wayyyy more fun.
Ok_Elevator_3594@reddit
Yeah the fit was not fun even with mods.
It's not like I demand a super fast car but I need like 200hp minimum.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
This is the answer if you really stick to OPs criteria.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Except for the fun part
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Have you ever actually driven one? They're very fun cars.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
I checked the stats, it can't be fun for someone who knows fun cars. But yes, I drove one back when I worked at a super large used car company and drove it back from the wholesaler. The model that I drove had a 0-60 time at 10.5 seconds. So incredibly boring. Yeah, I've heard it before "my mom had a Miata back in 1993 and it was slow". The current model can do 0-60 in 5.4 seconds.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
You and I have different ideas of fun. As someone who's been doing amateur racing for years, I find mine very fun. They are slow, nobody is denying that (although manual Fits are not that slow. My 15 6 speed has a ~7.8 second 0-60), but they are really nimble and capable in corners. Judging fun by stats is a pretty counter-intuitive approach IME and I've driven plenty of different cars myself.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
So, about as fast as my wife's SUV
SkylineFTW97@reddit
How much power does your wife's SUV make?
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Fast is fun for a lot of us. Handling needs to back up speed but slow and good handling isn't fun atmo. 300-400 HP with tight handling is what's up, less than 200 is aggravating
What_the_8@reddit
That just means you can’t drive for shit
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Nah, I used to spend a lot of time at local autocross and track days. I know what I'm doing and I know what I prefer. I want to be able to pull to triple digits before braking for turns. I have some good canyons near me in Colorado where 250-300HP is the sweet spot for a balanced car. Less than that doesn't get you going on the hill climbs and more than that is unusable.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Fast feels cheap to me. Making a slow car go fast is some of the most fun there is IMO.
Echo-RS@reddit
Agreed. My student the past weekend at the track was driving a C8, and he had a lot of fun riding passenger with me while we caught up to a GT350R on the same tire compound as us in most of the corners and braking zones.
We won’t even mention the fact that the Fit was over two seconds a lap faster than an ND3 RF Miata either.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
More people need to learn how to actually make slow cars go fast before they write them off as boring. Because even cars we consider modest now put up pretty good numbers.
For example, I used to have a 6-6 Accord sedan (244 HP) and a 1st gen Mazdaspeed 3 (263 HP). Despite being under 300 HP, both had mid 5 second 0-60s with unrestricted top speeds north of 150 and while neither was quite as nimble as my Fit or NA Miata, neither was a slouch in corners either. And if I wanted, I could get into reckless territory with either of them rather easily. It takes way less power than we think to even be fast. 300+ HP just isn't practical for street use if your idea of fun goes beyond highway pulls IMO.
Beneficial-Door-3985@reddit
Agreed. I have a sports car and a truck. I have just as much fun driving my truck at its limit as my car.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Hard agree on this. That 300HP with good handling is what's up every time. It's far more balanced than a gutless car that can't get up to speed under it's own power. I've always favored balance and power band
SkylineFTW97@reddit
I think slower is fine honestly. Trust me, I have 0 issues breaking the speed limit even in my 130 HP Fit. I could easily crack 125 in my old Accord with just 244 HP.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
I'll agree but slow to me is anything less than 250HP. I haven't had less than that on tap in 25 years. You still need a decent bit of 30-60mph pull if not 30-100mph pull and you just don't get that with a Fit or a Miata.
Driving with your foot down the whole time isn't as much fun as being able to use your right foot to adjust attitude mid -corner
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Even in my Fit I'm not full throttle mid corner unless it's a wide one.
krautstomp@reddit
110 horsepower in my '85 MR2 was a blast
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Had a 97 Toyota Tercel with 93 HP. Had almost as much fun with it as I did in the Fit. Shame it did the typical 90s Toyota thing and rusted out.
supern8ural@reddit
\^this right here. If I beat on my 335i I'm going to jail, but I dailied a Porsche 944 for years and that thing is an absolute giggle (once you put some decent headlights in it anyway)
th3l33tbmc@reddit
Totally. People who can’t have fun in lower-powered cars lack creativity and imagination. And driving skill, 99 times out of 100.
Echo-RS@reddit
The Fit has very nice steering and shift feeling and with one or two small mods can corner very quickly with the right driver and tire compound. Sure it’s not fast in a straight line but you can make that up in braking zones and corners on a racetrack and be competitive at auto x too.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Maybe my definition of fun has been altered by driving a Miata for so many years. But when my car is twice as fast as a fit and can corner. Crap, even my wife's SUV is quicker
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Dude, I own a Miata as well (granted an NA. Most raw, but also the slowest. Not a big deal IMO)
InteractionPretend70@reddit
yeah but the op wants functionality. the fit can recline the front seats all the way down, allowing 2 short people to lay down straight. and can still take corners
Better-Credit6701@reddit
I didn't get any of that from the title with no text
AsainGlockgirl99@reddit
Slow cars are fun cause you can actually run it through the gears without breaking the speedlimit. I have a mustang gt and if I run it through the gears at all it's breaking triple digits.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Even my Fit will break it rather easily at this point. My old 6-6 Accord did by a good bit.
AsainGlockgirl99@reddit
What do you have done to your fit? When I say run it through a gear I'm talking if I'm in 2nd and shifting to 3rd I'm already hitting 85-90. And that's not even full throttle.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
3rd gen LX 6 speed (USDM 1.5, FWD)
I did:
Shifter cable and base bushings (Acuity)
Braided stainless steel brake and clutch hoses (Goodridge)
Rear muffler (HKS Silent Hi Power)
Cold air intake (Takeda AFE)
Rear sway bar (Progress)
Wheels (Sparco Terra in 16x8 in black with white lettering vs the stock 15x7 steelies)
Rear Spoiler (HFP, I still need to install it)
Speakers (either Kenwoods or Pioneers don't remember which)
And I'm looking to get an electronic throttle controller, torque mount, eventually a set of coilovers, and if I can find one, one of the RV6 high flow cats.
maldoricfcatr@reddit
Test drive one with my daughter. I'm 6ft and did not have legroom in the passenger side. My MIL had a '91 Ford Festival with more legroom. Daughter bought a '17 Mazda 3 hatch.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
Fits are very fun cars to rip around in, and they readily take mods that are easy and affordable (in relative terms).
THExDANKxKNIGHT@reddit
Some of the most fun I've had in a car was in an ex girlfriends manual Mitsubishi mirage in the snow. Extremely cheap car in general and slow as balls but because of that you can beat the absolute piss out of them.
Responsible_Tale_938@reddit
Upvote because the answer fits OP requirements of fun, practical, low maintenance and operational costs.
PercentageNo3293@reddit
I don't have a manual, but I really enjoy my Fit. Quite spacious for a small car, great MPG, and a surprising amount of zip for a 1.5L engine.
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
OP. Go rent one of these off of Turo for like $50. Extremely fun for like $5k & normal Honda maintenance
dngrnmb@reddit
Dodge calibre. Any Dodge car is indestructible
Peds12@reddit
Almost any EV...
nathanb131@reddit
My 2012 Acura TSX Wagon. I don't like this car, I love this car. It has 130k miles, but confident I'll get another 100k miles out of it trouble-free. Love how it drives, love how it looks. It's a European Accord from the pre-enshitification era of today. It was lovingly built in Japan before direct injection, turbos on tiny engines, cylinder deactivation, auto stop/start, wet timing belts, cvts etc. All those new "features" are big reliability hits to achieve like 3% more efficiency.
My baby has that legendarily reliable 2.4L K24 engine that Honda put in everything back then. It happily revs through 7k RPM, toting bikes and kids and gear, year after year.
Wish it was a manual, but otherwise, it's perfect.
studio2547@reddit
This is greatness. Solid wagon. Nice.
StrawberyVillain@reddit
Wagon gang
Mental_Department68@reddit
Protege5
Ballaholic09@reddit
Tesla Model 3
Genotype54@reddit
Honda fit. Very practical for coitus from experience.
Cronenborger@reddit
This guy coiti... Coitae? Coituses.
AggravatingLow77@reddit
Miata, Manual Honda Fit, Honda Si, or Honda CTR (relatively low maintenance costs for its class).
hinky69@reddit
Hyundai Veloster N, late model. They stopped making them in 2022.
theodorAdorno@reddit
Yaris. Will save your life too.
SoupMan89@reddit
Honda Fit, 2nd gen being my favorite.
cobrajuicyy@reddit
Honda fit!!!!!
travisjd2012@reddit
Mazda3 Hatchback, even more fun with the Turbo.
It's fun, it's practical, and it's got low maintenance costs... and they give you deals on them in ways Toyota ad Honda will not.
VirgoJack@reddit
My firetruck pedal car from the 60s is bigger than a 3 hatchback
helpfulisopod43@reddit
6'4 fat ass checking in, I daily drive a 2 door toyota and it fits me fine as long as no adults have to sit behind me. I can't imagine a mazda3 is that much smaller so either adjust the seat or accept that only a bench seat can handle the lard factor of a modern american man
VirgoJack@reddit
I'm not talking about interior space. Mazda 323s and 3s have all had good interior room. But these new 3s are small. My partner dissuaded her son from buying one because it is really tiny compared to the giant trucks and big SUVs on the road.
helpfulisopod43@reddit
I mean at some point you gotta prioritize lol. If you want a car that is affordable, fun to drive, cheap to maintain, and not small then good luck
maldoricfcatr@reddit
My family of 4 did fine with a Mazda 3 hatch. Still have it, son driving it now. Love the 2.3L and 5 speed.
TheStrongTaint@reddit
Practical unless adults need to sit in the backseat
Accomplished_Loc@reddit
I had a 2012 and a 2022. Somehow the new ones are smaller.
ItsKlobberinTime@reddit
That sounds like a feature to me, not a bug.
Grand-Temperature932@reddit
Yep, just got my son a 2024 Mazda3 carbon edition, he absolutely adores it.
thebigchilly@reddit
dang. can i be your son?
ku_78@reddit
I’m a big dude and it worked fine for me.
kindahrandom@reddit
Mazda CX30, compact SUV with amazing performance
Friezan@reddit
Tesla
Ok-Entrepreneur-4467@reddit
Santa Fe
clarkkentlookalike@reddit
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2020 or newer. Just oil changes. I’ll be downvoted to hell but do your own research I promise these are not any worse than a Corolla/civic/accord
Rackcauser@reddit
Mazda 3 turbo
Amp_Man_89@reddit
Mazda 3 Turbo.
Civil-Barber-2173@reddit
Bought a new Kia Soul Turbo in 2018. Drives like a sports car. Does a U turn in the width of a residential street. 210 hp. Maintenance has been regular oil changes, tires, and one battery. I’m 6ft 2 inches and have plenty of head room. Best all around car I have owned and still lots of fun to drive in 2026.
crobarred210@reddit
The crown Victoria (specifically 04 and a few in the later 2000s if you can get over the size of the vehicle, i had one last 410k miles and i put in around 2k over 5 years, did my own oil changes and what not. my current 04 Vic is sitting at 160k miles and runs like a dream. have had her for 3 years now and put in a little under 1k on maintenance and repairs. the first vic was my dads. Second one i bought at 115k miles.
Crown Vics in my opinion are the most durable reliable and cheapest cars to maintain
(sidenote current gas prices do make the car expensive to fill up. but a full tank can last me upwards of 2 weeks or more its such a large tank)
erinjunee@reddit
8th & 9th gen Civic Si’s, Type R if you have the money for it.
Lordofpineapples@reddit
Honda fit for ICE.
Unfortunately for Reddit users but a used Model 3 also fits this pretty well especially with insane gas prices.
DarlesCharwinsGhost@reddit
Subaru Outback 3.6R with some AT tires.
Many-Bus-2804@reddit
I had a 2000 Toyota Celica GT. Reliable yes. But it did have a couple of problems. Constant oil burning. (Quart ever 600-750 miles. Known issue with the standard engine. Timing chain tensioner failed. Needed a new cylinder head and timing components. But after owner over 20 cars in 47 years of driving I’d have to say it was the most fun car I ever owned.
Many-Bus-2804@reddit
Most importantly, anything with a manual transmission is always more fun!
New-Cry-5427@reddit
Get a sport wagon. Audi, VW, Subaru, Mazda3 the list is not long, but the roofs are. It is a shame Americans fell for the 'bigger is safer' stupidity.
umratking@reddit
scion tc. coupe hatchback made by toyota, camry engine with a better chassis and handling.
Thisguyrightheer@reddit
Not a fan of the new 2026 Subaru wrx but it is fun to drive with a price tag starting at 36k. (I own a 13).
bitMOREbob@reddit
audi a2
Tennouheika@reddit
Tesla Model 3.
justlooking013@reddit
Not sure why this is so low. A base M3 will annihilate every car listed above this & cost a fraction of them while doing so. We just ignore facts because Elon is a douche? That’s kinda MAGA adjacent if you ask me.
newtonreddits@reddit
Fast doesn't mean fun. I drove a 1000hp Plaid and then drove a 400hp Porsche 911. The 911 was far slower and more fun.
justlooking013@reddit
Fast doesn’t equal fun? First of all, a Model 3 isn’t really that fast (top speed), it’s very quick (acceleration time & responsiveness). Massive difference there. Secondly, if you stick to a revised argument that quick doesn’t equal fun, I would still say that my young kids, ignorant to politics, would disagree with that statement, especially in urban America where everything is built on a grid & canyon carving is non-existent. Plus you’re comparing 2 cars (both near $100,000) with a half ton weight discrepancy. A model 3 would be a much better comparison to a Porsche 911, but keep scrolling past “Honda Fit” guy to argue with Model 3 guy about how a Porsche 911 is “practical & has low maintenance costs”.
Maybe you want to try your argument again with a low cost of ownership vehicle or you can stick with Porsche proving my point that a model 3 wouldn’t embarrass itself in a head:head comparison on any measure with one of the most legendary performance cars ever made and is also one of the most affordable cars to own.
newtonreddits@reddit
So I've driven several different Teslas and EVs including the Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance and S Plaid. They're good cars and excellent daily drivers. They're quiet, smooth and accelerate very quickly. And I'm telling you they don't hold a candle to the type of visceral experience an ICE sports car or track car provides since sound is a huge part of the driving experience. I track a modified BMW M3 for reference.
Beyond that there's no point on arguing opinions all day. If you enjoy your Model 3, then more power to you.
justlooking013@reddit
I don’t own a model 3 I was just giving my opinion to OP
CoffeeCreamy@reddit
He said fun
Tennouheika@reddit
It’s very fast :)
abronia@reddit
Meh, I have a Model 3, and can't wait until the lease is to to get rid of it.
I wouldn't really call it a fun car. The acceleration is quick, yes, but it's also very heavy. You can certainly feel that in the handeling. Not to mention the build quality and interior is lackluster.
It's a fine appliance of a car, but not exciting compared to a lighter, driver focused car.
CoffeeCreamy@reddit
Definitely is, but is that everything to you?
Late-Armadillo-1895@reddit
Gen 8 Honda accord (4cyl inline not the v6)
Easy to work on, parts are cheap, the car is- or rather was fairly common so if you know how to harvest scrap the parts are insane easy to source.
Just keep up with routine maintenance and if you live in the salt belt lift it up and check your undercarriage regularly (just do it every time you change oil, if you do your own oil changes that should suffice).
Btw the reason i say to avoid the v6 is because is has more power to the front wheel than most people need for a car that size (about 270), and the spool valve/VTEC solenoid assembly are known for premature failure which will cause the oil to leak from the dipstick entry down on your alternator.
I’ve owned both the v6 and the 4cyl inline and although the v6 is an absolute thrill to drive, the 4cyl does 85% of what the v6 did for me for a fraction of the cost of driving it.
Also slamming a honda odyssey engine into a car this size has its spacial limitations- which also makes getting at things- chiefly the alternator- a bit harder.
Jemandx@reddit
miata
Sergiologia@reddit
BMW 330i wagon
Rebel-Luck@reddit
- Golf 5 e 6 GTI (dal 2005 fino al 2012)
- Tutte le BMW serie 3 degli anni 80
- Fiat Coupè
- Mazda MX5 (tutte, tutti gli anni fino al 2019)
- Fiat 124 dal 2016 al 2020
- Peugeot RCZ
- OPEL Speedster
- Toyota GT86
Efficient-Shallot684@reddit
Ford Fiesta ST manual
Khramtic@reddit
the Fiesta ST was never offered with a manual transmission as far as I know
Efficient-Shallot684@reddit
Thankfully, yes
themighty351@reddit
Saab 900 3door 16v
SmartGreasemonkey@reddit
My Civic Si was fun to drive and very practical. There was nothing more fun than passing an expensive sports car on a twisty mountain road. Its not the car it's the driver that makes the difference. Learning to drive on those twisty mountain roads is a big advantage. I was about to buy a Civic Type R a few years ago. Then I decided that my wife's Accord Hybrid Touring in sport mode was good enough these days. She gets 45mpg commuting to and from work. Driving her car I can have her hurling in no time on a twisty mountain road, lol.
alexhutch123@reddit
EV suggestions allowed?
Any-Investment5692@reddit
Honda Element. Its perfect for daily driving, Road trips, Camping, and Hauling stuff.. Even moving across country it works well. Its the best practical, reliable car ive ever owned. I've had my 2003 Element for 10 years and driven 150K miles. It love this car. Its way better than a car and i think the best all over suv ever. Nothing new on the market comes close to this. I love the smooth rubber floor cause i can just wipe down the interior and it has never stunk like an old car. Its also super reliable even with over 210K miles on it. So if you love hauling stuff, camping, hiking... Love sitting on the tail gate to get my hiking boots on.. And other general active fun outdoor living. This car is perfect. The only down side... Is the roof rack. I'm 6 foot 2 and the roof it high. If i have anything on my roof i need a step ladder to reach my bike or roof cargo box. However because i'm tall i have plenty of room inside the car. I can stretch my arms straight forward and not touch the windshield and i have plenty of head room. Seriously its the best car ever.
HeywoodJablomie1988@reddit
As I came here to say this about the Element. Best and most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. You can’t find a better dog park car.
upsidedown-funnel@reddit
It’s a tragedy they discontinued making them.
Any-Investment5692@reddit
For sure! I would buy a new Hybrid Honda Element if they made one.
Svr_Sakura@reddit
Practical is a matter of your current lifestyles.
Practical for a single still standing school teen would be a junk 2 seater. like a smart something or another
Practical for a dad of 2 kids would be a sedan with a large boot. Like a tesla model y.
Car ownership and low maintenance isn’t something that goes together unless you’re talking about ev.
Fun is also subjective to you personally. The smart something or another is on paper a boring car. But since its so low and slow, its fun to drive of freeways since it feels fast( and scares. The gf)
Ludzupaldies@reddit
Lexus IS 350
AdministrativeWar416@reddit
Gen1 nissan leaf. Has the ev torque, cheap to run, and if you're a car guy who can also build a pc, you can personally keep it running.
OKsurewhynotyep@reddit
Mazda CX-30. Zoom zoom.
SchroedingersWombat@reddit
VW GTI. Fast, fun to drive, holds a ton of stuff. I had one for 10 years and aside from maintenance and wear items, never had a problem with it.
L3mm3SmangItGurl@reddit
RIP low maintenance costs.
robdubbleu@reddit
If maintained they’re not bad. And pretty easy to work on yourself, especially for a German car.
L3mm3SmangItGurl@reddit
They're not easy to work on. Require a whole bunch of specialty tools you'll never use again. My buddy had one. Lasted about 13 years before he started getting metal in his oil changes.
Advanced-Raise-7077@reddit
Lmfao no they are not easy to work on…. That engine bay is so cramped and everything that fails is at the most inconvenient spots - Owner of MK6 golf for 5years
AsterXsh99@reddit
Golf 6 good?
00saddl@reddit
Timing chain tensioner should be replaced immediately if it's on the original one. Water pump should be replaced as well.
I've had a mk6 for 7 years and I have had one unforeseen repair: the alternator died one evening. I was able to jump it the following day and drive it to a shop for replacement.
AsterXsh99@reddit
Sounds like a great experience, thank you for sharing Im actually interested in getting one but I always read or hear bad reviews.
Golf is my dream car forever
HankSpank@reddit
Don’t be afraid, just get a low miles one or one with a great maintenance record. My mk7 has been awesome for like 5 years so far. I highly recommend it.
Saffa1986@reddit
They’re great if serviced on time
Tapelessbus2122@reddit
civic si or type r, miata, brz, gr86
serpentarienne@reddit
How’s a brz practical with that tiny backseat?
Tapelessbus2122@reddit
not everyone has to drive a whole family around
UrImaginaryBuddy@reddit
I love my 86 but I dont trust the motor. Low power and I'm too afraid to boost it as I've already blown one motor at 68k miles. Costed me 7.5k to replace.
Tapelessbus2122@reddit
if u've already blown one up and u find the stock one to not make enough power, why not swap an ls3 into it?
HottDoggers@reddit
I have a GR86 and a Miata, and I wouldn’t say they’re “very practical.” They are fun, and low maintenance *if you aren’t driving a 36 year old Miata, but practical? Eh, I don’t think so, especially the Miata.
hi-imma-dino@reddit
86 or miata? In terms of driving?
HottDoggers@reddit
They’re both different cars. One is a ‘90 and the other is a ‘23, so it’s not a fair comparison. I did test drive a brand new Miata before buying my 86, and only because I couldn’t find a GR86 in the spec I wanted. The test drive did reassured me that I did indeed want a GR86, and not a Miata, so there’s that.
Sea-Foundation-449@reddit
If you don’t regularly transport more than one adult passenger, I would argue the 86 is very practical. It really has a LOT of space back there for such a small, sporty car. I’ve carried more than a few 8” long 2x4s, large grocery hauls, etc.
f700es@reddit
Similar with my 16 Mustang.
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Well if we're talking about practical ...
Hatchback yes.
Coupe ... uhhh, no.
Convertible... well yeah way better than a coupe as you can use it as a "princess pickup" to haul long boards, etc. with the top down and the ends of the long stuff stuck down the passenger footwell...
TheStig827@reddit
If your practical needs don't involve more than 2 passengers regularly, You're fine in an 86. It has solid trunk space, rear seat room, and The rear seats fold down if you need some more. It was designed to be able to fit 4x wheels/tires for track day folks.
abronia@reddit
This is what I'm looking for for my next car, and have really narrowed it down to a Civic Type R, Golf R, WRX, and GR Corolla.
Impressive-Ad1138@reddit
What do you consider fun? I honestly have a lot of fun in my 2001 Continental. Very comfortable and lots of power......
bigheadJovi@reddit
GTI
ChiraqOG@reddit
Mazda 3 speed value for money is insane
JagR286211@reddit
Toyota LC 200.
gabulon97@reddit
Il triciclo a pedali. Se ti piace il mare pedalò.
thisdckaintFREEEE@reddit
Mach-E
RaidersGunz@reddit
Corolla GR Sport/Mazda3
bangbangracer@reddit
The hot version of any boring car. If you can't get that, the one just below that. And to some degree, I'd almost recommend the one below the hot one over the hot one just because you can save some cash.
You get a Honda Civic, but you don't just get the base one. You get the Si or the Type R, most likely the Si since the Type R is expensive.
Kibisek@reddit
Exactly. Got the 180hp standard model instead of the 225hp seat leon cupra (basically golf mk4) and love it. Parts are cheap most fit from 1.6/2.0 golf
Skoowy@reddit
8th gen Honda Civic SI
Horizon317@reddit
I believe any hot hatch there is. I love my Hyundai i20N. I helped move 2 friends of mine and moved myself with it. I fited 6 foldable lawn chairs and a foldable table in it. We also went on a 4 day weekend trip with 4 people, granted one had to have his bag on the rear middle seat.
However if you go oem the Maintenance gets a bit ridiculous, 420€ for stock pads at the front. Endless pads only cost 450€ in comparison. The oil filter kit costs 35€ from the dealer. Buy the same Mahle kit without the Hyundai Logo its 15€.
It has 40k km on the clock now and i ony had to do oil changes, brakes and tires.
L3mm3SmangItGurl@reddit
GR Corolla
HissyFit808@reddit
It’s like people keep forgetting this car exists. Three cylinder turbo, three pedals, Toyota reliability, how is this not the answer?
45pewpewpew556@reddit
I think my Sienna is fun
ProposalCalm8231@reddit
Civic Si. Manual fun, easily 36-40 mpg highway, reliable, family and friends space.
GiantCrazyOctopus@reddit
92 Toyota Corolla FXGT. Runs on next to nothing, bullet proof engine, decent storage. Miss that car every day
Current_Theme7251@reddit
Subaru BRZ
Head-Iron-9228@reddit
Civic, generally. Depending on where you live, a Golf, polo, Audi A3. Seat or skoda models in the same sizing.
Strong_Blackberry961@reddit
Anything American or Japanese. Avoid European cars.
SyntheticSpeech@reddit
Honestly any stick shift 4 banger sedan or coupe
Carma_626@reddit
Honda Fit.
End thread.
ottrocity@reddit
Fiesta ST
Deflorma@reddit
Scion xb
UpbeatAd9896@reddit
I think a Mazda 3 fits the bill
janelgreo@reddit
Civic hatchback or Acura Integra A-Spec. Hatchback is extremely practical in terms of trunk space and it being Honda, it’ll be fun to drive.
MiracuIousPeanut@reddit
Honda civic hatchback hybrid sport touring
Litig8or53@reddit
Tesla Model 3.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
Honda Fit
AsterXsh99@reddit
What year? I have 2010 civic manual it’s very boring
frozt@reddit
1st gen Honda fit for looks
2nd Honda Fit for features
Must be stick shift for more fun
Echo-RS@reddit
This is the answer. I fit 12x15” tires in mine yesterday without even folding the seats or removing the rear parcel shelf. Spent all weekend lapping sometimes with four people in the car last weekend too, plus two drivers on Sunday. It’s fun to catch up to faster cars in the braking zones or mid corner.
tenfootfoot@reddit
KIA Niro
Human_Entertainer_33@reddit
Lexus GS350
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
Civic Si, BRZ/FRS/GT86… any honda actually…
GTI if you keep up on stuff
Miata of you don’t need the space
Newer Corvette/Camaroes get half decent milage
justhereorthereagain@reddit
Camry Corolla civic accord
TheyVanishRidesAgain@reddit
When did Corollas get fun? All the ones I've ever driven were incredibly unpleasant.
justhereorthereagain@reddit
Find an open, wet parking lot and a stick shift.
Plenty of fun.
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
Or an open, wet parking lot and Burger King trays.
AsterXsh99@reddit
Most boring cars
yaris_girlie@reddit
Yaris
No_Range_3884@reddit
Not a car, but a Nissan frontier pro4x. Off-road capable for fun, a bed for utility, an okay rear seat. 6 cyl non turbo, “old” powertrain. Affordable compared to most every other truck. Gas prices your only major ick at the moment.
Delicious_You_2370@reddit
Rabbit GTI fun and has room with a hatch
Critical_Habit8818@reddit
tesla
Buildinggam@reddit
I have a '95 Honda del Sol, it has 194,000 mi. As far as repairs and maintenance go, I've put in maybe $2,000 because I live in an expensive area with high labor rates for shops. That is also with over 30,000 MI of mostly racing. It is far more practical than a Miata.
Rex_Steelfist@reddit
A well maintained GTI should tick all of these boxes
dayglo98@reddit
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2013-2016.
Looks good fun to drive (manual at least) and decent trunk. Had my 2013 for 5 years now and only thing I had to replace was my slave cylinder.
adrianbarrow@reddit
Not really low maintenance costs but Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
YogurtclosetAny8055@reddit
Low maintenance cost is a dream........
XMAN2YMAN@reddit
Corvette. It’s fun, has a ton of space, and pretty reliable.
ithinkfresh@reddit
Tesla Y. I got a 2022 used for $18k after tax credit. Only maintenance is air filters, tires, and wiper blades.
WhiteBeltKilla@reddit
S550 Mustang… it just works…oil change and drive on
chetmanley1986@reddit
1998 Chevrolet Astro Van
white-on-white-grime@reddit
2002-2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Spec-V
jetpack324@reddit
I’m gonna just piss off most Redditors and say the Tesla Model Y. It’s so very practical with all the cargo and people space; and yet it’s the fastest average vehicle on the road. Maintenance costs are windshield wiper fluid….thats it. Yes a very expensive battery replacement at 400-500k miles, but no ICE car has that average life span right now, so just buy a new car like you always have. Don’t be a hater of the car just because the CEO is an asshole. 99% of corporate CEOs are total assholes like Musk. Ford CEO - asshole. Toyota CEO - asshole. Etc….
Aggravating_Fee_3336@reddit
Honda civic
Additional-Soup-865@reddit
civic si
SwimmingExpert6110@reddit
Civic Si, Type R, the GR Corolla, Subaru WRX (one that has not been modified) or BRZ if you don’t need a backseat.
lsjuanislife@reddit
Model 3 performance. G80 m3 Nsx Jag ftype
Wild-Range5433@reddit
Bolt ⚡
scoobaruuu@reddit
STi, no question. The epitome of a fun+practical car. I'm shocked to not see it posted here.
funtasticassembly@reddit
Most EVs. Model 3 being an obvious one
slowcarfast93@reddit
Civic SI
Smash_Brother@reddit
Civic SI all day.
BoosterGoose91@reddit
Depends on your view of practical, specifically a car in northern canada, being practical pretty much narrows it down to subaru for me, purely based on the AWD system and in some cases the clearance for example the older outback, I had an 08 outback xt 5spd, and I went up mountain roads that 4x4's ate the ditch. Its not an unbelievably reliable vehicle but seeing as the EJ motor is over 20 years old, there is alot of platform support and a huge community for it. If bad ass winters are not an issue, or leaving the pavement in general then you can scratch subaru off the list.
andresAtMudra@reddit
Model 3 or model 3 performance
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
Lmfao
80s-quicksand@reddit
No it doesn’t.
The Model 3 Performance does 0–60 in 2.8 seconds. That is completely absurd for a car that looks like it should be taking someone to Trader Joe’s.
Being able to silently embarrass almost every Corvette short of a ZR1 while sitting in climate-controlled comfort is funny every single time. If that gets old fast, you may just be dead inside.
im_a_dj_on_reddit@reddit
No one in a Corvette is embarrased by your model 3, trust me. We all know you think you're Lewis Hamilton because you got a budget appliance that can 0-60 in 2.8s, and we're all very happy for you.
Please try not to hurt anyone and keep it in a straight line. You're under braked and driving one of the heaviest cars on the road, just get your Oreo's home safely and pat yourself on the back when you get there.
andresAtMudra@reddit
You obviously haven’t driven one lol
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
Obviously, what? You people really just sit here and start throwing words around lol
Yes you can “obviously” tell I haven’t driven a model 3 performance. Good work detective.
I had a model 3 performance for a year. Waited until it was smart for me financially to get out of it. Fast as hell and then nothing else with a bland low quality interior and not very comfortable seats either
PwillyAlldilly@reddit
I agree with what you said because fuck Tesla, but like god I wish you didn’t say a Honda fit was fun.., like saying a pt cruiser is fun…
andresAtMudra@reddit
You found an 08’ Honda Fit rental fun lmfao. Your point it moot
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
Using words like “moot” really exposes you as being more of an Internet hermit crab type of guy.
Yea, the Honda fit was pretty fun. People that are actually car guys would appreciate the low center of gravity and engaging driving experience.
Keep on talking bro
NakedJamaican@reddit
What’s wrong with “moot”?
andresAtMudra@reddit
He’s just mad he had to google what it means lol
andresAtMudra@reddit
Im a car guy. I used to buy and work on old bimmers. E36 and E30’s, work on my own motorcycles too.
The model 3 has the lowest COG out out any of the csrs mentioned here btw … keep talking though
maldoricfcatr@reddit
I love that my older Mazda 3 hatchback engines are timing chain--no belts. My 2008 has about 120K. The 2010 I bought last year at 320K still had fordmoco sparkplugs in it. Gap increased on plugs about .015 inch. I do like the 2008's 5 speed manual transmission more than the 6 speed in the 2010.
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
Sounds good thanks for the talk
andresAtMudra@reddit
No worries, hit me up when you need rental suggestions
MultipleOrgasmDonor@reddit
I have, tons. The guy above is right.
Even 3.0s 0-60 in the full spec hummer EV somehow manages to be boring an unengaging
adamisapple@reddit
The build quality is so iffy that I don’t think you could confidently say the majority of them have a low cost of ownership
andresAtMudra@reddit
20 thousand less parts than a normal car, so yes its a much lower cost of ownership. You literally dont replace the brakes really ever on these cars
maldoricfcatr@reddit
Back when I could buy from R1 concepts directly 4 years ago. Sedan was $200 and my hatchback was $230 for 4 rotors and 2 sets of pads.
My maintence totals on my 2008 is one tune up and serpentine belt. New shocks with upper rear shock mounts. Sway bar end links. Replaced the flywheel and clutch. I did the brake pads twice and rotors once. That's all I can remember for having it for 18 years.
80s-quicksand@reddit
Well you clearly did a poor job of maintaining your car since in 18 years you apparently did one oil change.
adamisapple@reddit
Doesn’t matter if they don’t put the parts together correctly
flagrantstickfoul@reddit
WRX. Four-door rocket
ThineCarelessOne15@reddit
Toyota Camrys last forever
El_mochilero@reddit
Base model C6 Corvette.
Without the upgraded brakes from the higher trim models, I got my pads and rotors done cheaper than my Subaru forester. Engine work on the LS2/3 is the same as a Chevy truck.
The trunk is WAY bigger than anybody expects.
tinysideburns@reddit
Ford Mustang Mach E. I love mine.
MacMavenAl@reddit
Mazda 3 sedan or hatch. Handles really well, 6 speed auto tranny (no cvt), responsive 2.5L engine, 2.5L turbo option. If driven responsibly, decent gas mileage. VERY Reliable.
CowboysFTWs@reddit
Used model 3. Almost no maintenance.
CoffeeCreamy@reddit
He said fun
CowboysFTWs@reddit
0-60 in 2.9 seconds not fun?
CoffeeCreamy@reddit
No. Who cares about 0-60 in an ev. Not to mention the interiors suck, they sound like a vacuum and have 0 modding potential.
CowboysFTWs@reddit
lol Everyone? One of the performance metrics everybody tracks. Stop being a hater.
nastybushwoogie@reddit
Ford crown Victoria
Appropriate_Two8569@reddit
Torsion bar lifted old Ford Ranger regular cab 4x4 flare side. Cheap to maintain, and more fun than most cars I’ve ever owned. Just plan on filling up every 120 miles, because the fuel gauge won’t work.
unpolire@reddit
Miata. VW Golf.
Valyrian_st33l@reddit
ek civic hatchbacks
StrawberyVillain@reddit
I like my alltrack. Closest thing we got to a golf r wagon. Its just lifted. Been super cheap to maintain both my vws reddit is an echo chamber
RideShinyAndChrome@reddit
Celicas, this was literally the entire purpose of them. A dailyable, practical and fun car
44mac@reddit
Subaru BRZ
th0rpe@reddit
10th generation Honda Accord, with the 2.0T and 10-speed.
Competitive_Race3768@reddit
Lexus RX350
FlimsyRexy@reddit
I have a wrx and parts are affordable and I have an absolute blaste with it. Also has been very practical for me.
QuickCharisma15@reddit
Civic Type R, Camaro SS, Mustang GT, Challenger R/T or Scat Pack, Elantra N, Charger R/T or Scat Pack, Durango R/T, SRT Grand Cherokee or Trackhawk, Jeep Wrangler 2 door manual soft top, GR Corolla, Civic Si, Lexus LC500, Lexus IS500, older Corvettes
Numerous-Doctor-6998@reddit
Crown Victoria.
Nemesis_Destiny@reddit
K-swapped Honda Fit/Jazz
Dr_StrangeloveGA@reddit
Pickup truck with a car trailer holding a... Miata! Or a Triumph Spitfire!
'cause you're going to need the trailer for the Spitfire, may as well go ahead and put a wench on it while you're doing it.
(No, I did not misspell winch)
oldfartjr@reddit
‘65 Chevy Impala
jking7734@reddit
How about a Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing? Cadillac sedan with 660+ horsepower. Seats for passengers or kids and a real truck
SyntheticOne@reddit
Most EVs.
Better performance, fewer parts to break, less maintenance and you will save on cost per mile EV vs gas car... with electric costing 1/5th the cost of fossil fuel.
Hint: many EV buyers find better value in buying a used EV to save on intitial 2 years of depreciation.
Economy-Flower-6443@reddit
They said car not EV
SyntheticOne@reddit
My bad.
I foolishly thought that OP was looking for smart, actionable ideas!
Neil542@reddit
Civic si
Pluto-424@reddit
Honda S2000
Moreofyoulessofme@reddit
Any car you’re not scared to redline can be fun. I swear I have more fun in my 2023 f150 platinum 3.5 TT than I do in my Audi R8.
That said, my wife’s 2024 integra a spec checks the boxes. Super fun little sedan
Ragnar-Wave9002@reddit
Rav4 or ford escape.
Get the high end trim, hybrid, awd.
Gets you everywhere and has a good stock stereo
demdareting@reddit
Any Honda or Toyata. Honda Civic Si Toyota Corolla GR(a bit exoensive)
Carguycr@reddit
BMW M5 touring
MycologistAny1151@reddit
Mazda
devo9er@reddit
Kia Stinger GT
Huge hatchback, 4 doors, AWD, and 365hp/Tq stock.
Can easily and safely be tuned to 450whp for under $1000. Reliability is better than most.other performance cars in this range.
BigErn13@reddit
I love my gti, it's a daily driver and is quite fun when it needs to be.
Final-Inspection9960@reddit
Chevy Cruze or Sonic with the manual transmission. Oh wait you said low maintenance costs. Nevermind these cars vital engine cooling bits are made with the shittiest plastic and break at the most inconvenient times
AsterXsh99@reddit
I don’t know why they made them like that, Chevy knows only how to make big cars and trucks
Final-Inspection9960@reddit
They’re shitty economy cars but if you are a half decent mechanic you can find them for pretty cheap. And there’s a surprising amount of aftermarket support for them. I miss mine oddly enough even tho it had a perpetual leak the entire time I owned it
PowerfulFunny5@reddit
It used to be any small/compact car with a manual transmission fit that requirement. (They weren’t quantifiable fast, but there’s an amount of fun running any vehicle at its max). But it’s harder to find cars with manual transmissions.
pizzatime86@reddit
Depends on what you define as “low maintenance costs” if you’re able to work on it and do relatively simple repairs then it opens up a world of possibilities. But if you’re the kind of person who takes your car in for fluid changes and stuff than you’ll be pretty limited
Iwannasellturnips@reddit
Bolt.
paulcthemantosee@reddit
My 2007 STS was a blast until to fools totaled it.
Jmann356@reddit
I may get flamed for this since it’s German but Golf GTI
AsterXsh99@reddit
Is golf 6 good in general?
AsterXsh99@reddit
Are the ones in US very different in feeling?
Beneficial-Door-3985@reddit
Stinger GT is the answer.
Big-Energy-3363@reddit
2022 up WRX with manual . Ez 300hp
Old-guy64@reddit
Much depends on what you consider “fun”, and what constitutes practical.
If you want a Boony-bouncer, that might look like a jeep or 4x4 pickup.
If you’re looking for a canyon carver, then Miata, Mustang, Camaro, C5-7 Vette, Toyota 86/subie BRZ if you know and drive within your limitations.
If you’re looking for straight line speed, maybe you want an old or new muscle car.
jordyb3231@reddit
Subaru liberty, just look after them and service early
WarlardTheTitan@reddit
I really love my Lexus gs350. Sports car horsepower and balance with luxury car comfort and large full sized sedan leg room and features. It’s very common to see them sell for $10k+ with 200k miles. I’ve seen several examples hit 300k miles.
WarlardTheTitan@reddit
And optional awd for non fsport trims.
Captain_Sheppard@reddit
2 door 1st gen RAV4 with a manual transmission and AWD. Adorable, small SUV, good gas mileage, and great for snow or offroading
Brixmis51@reddit
Suzuki swift.
duco_kapitein@reddit
Honda Jazz / Fit
useful_tool30@reddit
Most mazdas
eggsovertlyeasy@reddit
Manual Honda Civic
HottDoggers@reddit
Tacoma is always the answer
Overall_Lavishness71@reddit
Focus st
Fattbut360@reddit
240sx if you keep it stockish.
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
Smearly subaru forester, it's super practical, looks good, and fun to drive.
Relevant_Election530@reddit
Kia Stinger
If you don't put the Pilot Sport 4s's on it it's pretty cheap to run and they'll go over 300 000km
Professional_Tonight@reddit
I'm going to be downvoted so hard...
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa electric
zablockifeller@reddit
Crown Victoria (especially if it’s a police one)
-pinhead_larry-@reddit
Chevy Cobalt
Base model coupes are fun, bonus points for SS
Shot-Complex6270@reddit
Peel 50 or a ford pinto
dazzlezak@reddit
Reliant Robin with an LS or 5.0 swap.
Insomniac427@reddit
I’m loving my mustang ecoboost! I have 3 kids and have no prob lugging them and thier stuff around. If the wife comes too we gotta take the SUV so it’s not for everything but I drive it 90% of the time. Granted we are not the tallest family so your results may vary if you need a real back seat often…
TheyVanishRidesAgain@reddit
Acura ILX. It's the Civic Si for grownups. Depending on year, it can be had with 6MT or DCT.
magtrash225@reddit
S2000
jacklogicc@reddit
Outback with the turbo
IMG0NNAGITY0USUCKA@reddit
Mazda 2
Guerrrillla@reddit
Aka the Toyota Yaris?
angrycanadianguy@reddit
Ok, it's old, and therefore finding one thats in good, well maintained condition is getting progressively more difficult, but an 03-06 Matrix XRS/Vibe GT is amazing. Same drivetrain as a Lotus Elise in a hatchback/CUV/wagon (depends who's arguing about it) package. Other than a handful of 03 Matrix's, they only came with a 6sp manual. The 2zz-GE revs to over 8000rpm, and has Toyota's answer to VTEC (VVTL-I). The rest of the vehicle has a bunch of little features that make it insanely practical, such as the front passenger seat folding flat, the rear glass opens separately from the hatch, and the rear seats having hard plastic backs instead of carpet.
Geoarbitrage@reddit
92-95 Honda VX. I had a 94 that lasted 29 years before salt & rust killed it. Most reliable, efficient and maintenance free vehicle I ever owned.
Sweatyfatmess@reddit
A fun car is a car that you don’t worry about getting hurt in or damaging. You can jump a minivan from a ramp just as easily as a Ferrari. A practical car is a car that will transport you and the stuff you need to have with you. The lowest maintenance costs are for a car that you don’t own. Therefore, the answer to your question is a stolen minivan.
Sad-Tap3687@reddit
Integra Type S - more cargo capacity than a small SUV, roomy seating.
NakedJamaican@reddit
Miata is not always the answer.
In this case I’d vote for a Mazda3
seeker-0@reddit
Mazda 2 with a manual.
maldoricfcatr@reddit
Well I have 2 Mazda 3 hatchbacks with manual transmission. One of them I bought with 320K miles (still had factory spark plugs).
Daughter has Mazda 3 skyactive hatchback. The auto transmission and 2.0L engine in hers gets 36 mpg highway @70 mph.
CR123CR123CR@reddit
Early 2000s Honda accord Coupe w/ V6 and 6sp manual transmission.
Handles similar to a civic but with an extra 100HP
Decisively medium on fuel costs but the system is pretty reliable and takes a lot of abuse. Only big thing is it eats sway bar end links for breakfast if you're driving it rough but $30 and 20 min is all you need to swap em out.
Only other big things with it is make sure the timing belt is done and the o-ring on the power steering pump hose fails every 60,000km or so replace it as soon as it does or else the power steering fluid will kill the alternator as well
idownvoteanimalpics@reddit
The k4 manuals are super fun as well
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
1998 Suzuki Carry. /s
bigcee42@reddit
Civic Type R.
Aromatic_Glove15516@reddit
Not as cheap on maintenance as you think
udonkittypro@reddit
Honda Civic
FrankCastillo95@reddit
A V8 pickup truck with exhaust work.
320_banit@reddit
kia soul turbo
dirtyllama720@reddit
Older accords.
I have a 94 as my daily and so far has far less problems than my much newer car, gets about 28 mpg if I behave myself. and is surprisingly quick, but handles well.
mds818@reddit
Ibiza 6l cupra (diesel)
E92 is surprisingly practical for a coupe