Best performance cars UNDER $20,000 to buy in 2023 (PART 1)

[@jacobbeattie650]

My DC5 felt old back in 2016. I couldn’t imagine today.

[@markpaterson6024]

Big issue is, “making sure the previous owner isn’t a dickhead” Well there’s your unbreakable firewall right there! 😂 Still, good info here and pretty well researched on the surface. 👍🏼

[@SergiosKolios]

Do a "Best Grand Tourer (GT) cars for UNDER $20,000 (i.e. fast for long highway trips)! Feel free to do more than 5! 😊

[@reitsmaassociates]

Have owned three different 350z’s over the years, my first back in 2003. I currently have a 2004 350z track that shares the garage with my Alpine A110 and volvo V60, many mornings I choose the big Z to take to the office , still great after 20 years ! Thanks for a cool review !

[@ProductofNZ]

You're winning with that line-up. T6 V60?

[@henriklarsson7835]

I positively envy you of that set-up 👍. Got a P1800S from 66’ but Toyota for everyday driving…. Your setup is simply better 😊

[@70XU1]

86 is a mega car. Drove one on track and you'll get it. Mid corner speed to burn.

[@bodezifafeiffer7829]

The lancer ralliart needs to be on this list. They’re criminally underrated.

[@mahcooharper9577]

Went to look at one when they were new, not available with a full set of pedals - so nah

[@benmorrish4119]

@@mahcooharper9577 Mahcoo! Long live the e-gas wags. That’s the true performance car under 20k to buy in 2023

[@mahcooharper9577]

@@benmorrish4119 werri gud :)

[@ket_wav1013]

Auto only mah man

[@jacobbeattie650]

The build quality is terrible. Years ago my friends and I would call it the Rattleart Lancer.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Bloody good video guys. Apart from missing the ultimate car, the Suzuki Alto, you did a fantastic job. Think you saved the best for last, a Subaru neutered by Toyota accountants who removed 2 differentials, 2 doors, the complete turbo charging system to feed the profit gods, ended up building one of the best cars in its class. On ya Subaru (with Toyota fuel injectors)

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

The Hyundai 1.6 GDI has no known common failures unlike the 2.0/2.4GDI. There are specific failure points of the Theta engine, this is the gamma engine.

[@stephenonen5989]

Yeah I was gonna say the Veloster turbo is one of most reliable cars, the GDI engines in general are pretty reliable

[@marcuskonstantinidis7593]

FN2 is criminally underrated for sure. Drive one and you'll want one

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Gt86 is a superb choice for the $$$

[@bpgt1951]

A mate has the Kia proceed gt. Been reliable as though he doesn't thrash it and after about 8 years it still looks better than some 2020 models. Drove it once and I was incredibly surprised. It was a very solid, zippy, fun thing.

[@Jwalker76]

They actually reviewed one of these cars last year. I think they are abit like the little Suzuki on the this list. Not massive power on paper so people underestimate them.

[@Asymmetry0]

@@Jwalker76 150kw (201HP) from a 1.6L also 80% peak torque at 1500rpm, certainly no slouch!

[@Jwalker76]

@@Asymmetry0 oh that's more power than I thought. 150kw is not bad for something that will be so lite and nimble.

[@Asymmetry0]

@@Jwalker76 BRZ level of power but it comes on early. Not huge power but enough to be fun, useable and economical. As a owner its a good all round package.

[@cr7hd287]

I know you've done a video on the Mazda 6 MPS, can you do a video on the Mazda 3 MPS?

[@DumbAccordionTricks]

I recently bought a VE SS ute based on your recommendation... it's a lot of car for the money

[@ArmadaAsesino]

If you're gonna recommend a Focus while reliability is a consideration. Then you should have had the BMW 130i on that list. Autobild actually rated the BMW as one of the most reliable cars they tested. It's one of the best all rounders and you'll have a decent chuck of change left on that 20k budget. Genuinely fast, powerful naturally aspirated 6 cylinder, rear wheel drive, well made, excellent steering, feels planted even above 100kmh, surprisingly economical. If you get the chance to test one do it! I'd drive down from Brisbane if it wasn't so far. Completely it's own thing. It's basically the core underpinnings of what you said was good about the 350Z but with a practical hatchback body on top.

[@pokinacha]

Opel/Holden Astra Opc/VXR. Underrated and quick car with LSD and HyperStrut front end

[@holden2260]

For under 30k for sport sedans one of the best that answers all. Nissan skyline 350gt hybrid/ Infiniti q50 hybrid absolutely love mine blows the doors off most cars on the road love it

[@phathuynh5842]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the subaru Liberty Gt spec.B in the next episode. Great video!

[@corbanfraser3582]

Love my 3.0r spec b

[@kristene2372]

Yep got one and love it, but thirsty. Really love my Liberty 2ltr R 7500rpm fun & lot less thirsty

[@nebtriv]

Ford XR5 are just a sweet sounding machine, just find a good maintained one, i never had an issue in years of ownership. The ST are just not special enough and look fugly unless its the newer facelift. Fiestas are next level fun but not enough practicality. The ultimate hidden bargain gem would be a Renault Megane RS250+, good for all out fun not much else. Have owned all of them.

[@aleckucy5718]

BMW Z3 manual 2.2-3L models are pretty underrated in my opinion. Great looks and sounds awesome stock.

[@nqobilemahlaba2230]

Ferrari Enzo!! 😅😅😅 Adam you a classic. Thank you for giving me outstanding advising. Oh yeah.. Thank you for telling me to be a subscriber.. It meant the world to me. Enjoy mate

[@Asymmetry0]

Great video and some great cars there! Would like to see a DC5 video in the future hopefully, was close in buying one when they came out. As Proceed GT owner wasn't aware of the class action. Been running fantastic, that said I do preventative maintenance, change oil every 6 months, only use 98. Same as my STI and WRX before that, no issues on any of them. Recently swap in Blistein suspension in it too. I seen first hand WRX engines running bad fuel torn down, so never used 95 (or E85) any turbo car.

[@lukeholland6578]

Kia Picanto GT for the sport compact list. Incredible car for the money

[@midnigh7x]

I have a base picanto and man it's so fun to drive. I'm sure the GT would be even better

[@Thorold63]

Worked at Hyundai and seen quite a few Velosters with engine fails but more often auto transmission failures, no gears and drive at all. The later the model the better with the Veloster.

[@SACarContent]

Picanto GT, although not a hot hatch can be had now for sun $20k

[@38skippers]

Suzuki Swift Sport ZC32S, 1.6 100kW... a lot of fun.

[@rhotchkiss123]

Brilliant Vid , i love the honesty and a DC5 although older i would love to have on my drive

[@MrHC1983]

If I was to step back towards a performance car I'd go a VF Series 2 SS and do a bigger cam on it then I went on my VE SS when I had it. Not a fan of hot hatches..... maybe that Merc with the 500HP four cylinder but thats pretty pricey so.

[@FredTorpey]

You included a picture of an xr5 interior for the pre face lift st at the start

[@jcopthis2206]

Suprised there is not a mention of a low KM Ford Falcon XR6 N/A or Turbo (high KMS)... Best bang for your buck in terms of parts and heaps of parts. Would smoke anything here in a rolling race

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

Just a boring straight line taxi tho…

[@jaredscott4829]

lol n/a XR6's are slow and aren't smoking many of the cars on that list.

[@jcopthis2206]

@@jaredscott4829 good joke, check out the torque and kw output of any of the mentioned cards against a xr6 turbo

[@jaredscott4829]

@@jcopthis2206 Are you handicapped? Like mentally? There is a rather enormous difference between a n/a and turbo XR6...

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

@@jcopthis2206 an N/A XR6 isnt smoking anything in this video. it also weighs 1.8 tonnes, XR6 Turbo would seriously struggle to keep up with any of these on a twisty road

[@Showmetheevidence-]

You guys do both fun, but still useable reviews & comparisons… Thanks!

[@xianminggg]

Are 208 GTis common in Australia? Hoping to see one reviewed one day!

[@person.X.]

They exist but are uncommon.

[@exhibitD79]

Great video. Keep em coming

[@alpacagramcracker8204]

R36 Passat (and its twin, the VR6 3T Skoda Superb) would be a fun sports sedan/ wagon for next week

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

Or the V6 Passat Highline

[@alpacagramcracker8204]

this too, would be a good shout. anything with a CDV VR6 tbh

[@mikoajsiedlaczek3675]

Volvo C30 T5, BMW Z4, Lex IS350C

[@coreybyrne5389]

What about a third generation WRX?

[@Yorkman7]

There is a reason why the people who run the Nurburgring have Suzuki Swift Sports as their hire cars. They are deceptively fast if not a hot hatch and they are utterly reliable.

[@andrew260z]

As a Honda owner I don't believe you will find a dc5 r or s for under 20K unless it's ratty as hell

[@marcuskonstantinidis7593]

you can pick one up, just higher kms .

[@Ce0ammer]

Keep on delivering this top quality content!

[@Marco_Siegert]

Good video, one thing would be nice: If you could notice the key dates of each car. Horses, weight, motor etc.

[@BMW1M]

If I wanted a RWD performance car under $20K, it would be a BMW 135i or 335i all day long. A few simple tweaks and you have a 500bhp car with great handling, and more refinement than anything in this list.

[@XeKayeM]

Would be amazing if you were in europe, but here in Oz, with the heat and shit roads, they shit the bed... too unreliable and too expensive to fix.

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

Half the components under the bonnet are plastic.

[@BMW1M]

@@lobsterwhisperer7932 It’s genius right? The cold side intake and manifold were made from special plastic that doesn’t transfer heat, so intake air temps are lower, and power is increased. Even 16 years later they are not known to have any issues with the intake or manifold either. Of course, these days all manufacturers use plastic for their intakes and manifolds - but BMW were amongst the first to use the tech in turbo engines.

[@BMW1M]

@@XeKayeM thr biggest issue with the N54 in Australia is finding a tech/mechanic that understands them. That excludes the vast majority of numpties in the trade. The amount of times I’ve seen and heard stories of owners dumping thousands into misdiagnosed parts and still having an issue is horrific. So yeah, if you don’t know a BMW tech, and don’t have the time or inclination to read up yourself, better off buying a 150hp Toyota

[@ravipeiris4388]

Hey, I love dogs ❤. The Veloster is incredibly unique.

[@anthonydanaher2146]

awesome content thank you for the advice

[@arjunajayasooriya3204]

Can never go wrong with the 350Z - looks as good today as it did when I first saw that car long ago back in '03.

[@gliathvr4]

Can you guys do a "best V8's for under 20k" or something similar? Love the channel.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

$20k sedan? BMW 335i (ya feelin lucky?...) VE SS, FG XR6 Turbo Convertible? NB Series 3 MX5 And can I add Megane RS 265 and Clio 197 to the hot hatch list 😊

[@mackenziewood3968]

For something a bit more weird in Australia it's surprisingly easy to pick up f-body Camaros and Fox body mustang under $20,000 converted

[@kezulu50]

Hello @mackenziewood3968, where's the bet place to look for those ?

[@Jackooo000]

Lancer Ralliart hands down

[@BigCarKilla]

Admittedly auto only, but first Gen IS350. Faster than the G35, large brakes, and short steering rack.

[@Nadbull49]

Notification gang🙌

[@jack73206]

i’m surprised the Mark V Golf Gti or R32 didn’t make this list.

[@SimonBriz]

He is talking about reliable under 20k

[@meganjay30]

VW is fkn trash anyway.

[@fahgina]

R32s are expensive again...

[@Jorgie000]

When talking about the MK3 Focus ST interior you showed the wrong one, you showed the XR5 interior.

[@brycem0]

Hey, nice tshirt 👌 👍 Bought one myself

[@damilolaakanni]

Would you consider the MK4/MK5 Volkswagen Golf GTi or Jetta GLI in this segment? The first generation Lexus IS300?

[@murrieteacher]

The 86 is a very quick car. Quicker against me at the Mt Cotton hillclimb and the go faster stuff available is good value. And then there is the 350Z. I like this car, it is not as quick on the hillclimbs un modified, but the stuff that is available from the USA is well designed and good quality and gives the results the mod claim on the box. I would have one of each sensibly modded because I would not be able to decide which one.

[@sunsetgarage755]

86/BRZ is a good handler & fun to drive, but it’s not quick unless it’s had a decent turbo conversion. Same goes with the MX5.

[@camerongb]

Would you believe I have a 2012 MPS with 40,000kms on it. Might sell it soon.

[@thewangster123]

I know the "car community" frowns on the VW Golf GTi, but surely this should have been in the mix? MK6, MK7 is in that price range. Thoughts?

[@kornkernel2232]

Good options, not sure if they are frown upon. Well FN2 made into this list, and that was "hated" Civic Type R. I guess the one listed here have combinations of being more reliable and cheaper to maintain in Australia, which many Japanese brands does. Also to make the list simple. But would be nice for bigger list, so many great options out there.

[@mahcooharper9577]

Hard to recommend a VW as a second hand buy...

[@-bld-]

Good luck finding any DC5 Type R worth buying for under $20,000. Also, I've heard finding parts can be a nightmare.

[@michaelscurr9046]

My Datsun 120 y bother was my best ride under 20 grand, I must admit it was was a bit soft and sloppy like grandma I still have it actually .

[@RomVlad]

Corvette needs to be on the list.

[@s.baldrick3807]

The Only Corvette's you'd see for under $20k in Australia are rusted out C4's

[@ShubhoBose]

Was expecting the Miata too!

[@starstar5657]

you left out the MX-5. NC would be under the $20k figure.

[@hanz2231]

Make a video teach us where to find good deals on used car!

[@somesh7784]

R u going to mention xr6 in next part

[@420basco]

i wish the dc5 had come here :((

[@graemelow7516]

Boxter should make the list for convertibles - what’s not to love ! IMS bearings…….

[@williamhorsbrugh5890]

Definitely should feature a caldina gt four at some point

[@Jonathon29]

True, but imports don't count.

[@mcglsr237]

Haha "try your best to um, ascertain that the previous owner isn't a dickhead." Sage advice. Seriously wise words right there 👍

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

Best performance car under $20k, the answer is always Megane RS. Nothing else mentioned comes close

[@kacpernadolski2000]

Type R and 350 better 😉

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

@@kacpernadolski2000 350Z is a GT car, it wouldnt know which way a Megane went on a back road. Which Type R under $20k? Surely you dont mean the rubbish 8th gen haha

[@kacpernadolski2000]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t ep3 is below 20k but im not sure if which continent we are talking about. The fn2 is also below 20k which is quite a good car but i still prefer ep3. Also 350z is not a gt car. Its a sports car. It handles the road really well and also if we talk about back roads the 350z is imo better car - the sound, rwd characteristics and the n/a power delivery is more enjoyable. Cars shouldn’t be considered all the time in terms which is fatser there, which accelerates faster, which has more power, blah blah blah because all of that crap doesn’t matter - i think what matters the most is how the car feels, what feedback does it give back to you, how it handles the corners, how enjoyable it is etc

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

@@kacpernadolski2000 EP3 is only available as grey import. Its also ancient

[@louisvuitton56]

Maserati all day every day

[@Richard.2210]

The bloopers😂

[@ishtikhan1674]

Toyota crown athlete 👌 🙌

[@lavine0823]

Wow this list could be the most controversial 😊 Most of those cars cant be classed as performance, swift,veloster and proceed are warm hatches at best... Scirocco R, Megane RS, BMW Z4, E82, MX-5 (purely for fun) Polo GTI, S3, TT or TTS, Lancer Ralliart, WRX, SLK, Mini JCW, Astra OPC, Volvo V40 T5... Those are just some of the rides I would choose, all are under the 20k treshold and most are less problematic than the cars in the original list... Essentially if you just want performance, presitge, and attention with heaps of headaches you could get a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte sport....above budget at $26k

[@erwark]

Gen 1 BRZ here. Awesome car, been very reliable. Main criticism is a lift-back would have been awesome as my daily, but that would affect the very low centre of gravity.

[@zorankarabeleski392]

Integra Type S Accord Euro Luxury CL 6 speed manual

[@Jwalker76]

I got to say those skylines that you showed. I just can't imagine telling my friends I bought a skyline then show them that.

[@rotarpowered6665]

I know exactly what you mean 😆

[@thatpersiandude7386]

For the money they’re amazing cars, Good looking, luxurious, super reliable and have the performance to back it up. unless you’re talking manual R34 gtt or above Rest of the “real” Skylines are shitboxes compared to the v36

[@pcoppleman]

Nissan crossover NJ50 (4wd) or J50 (2wd) 370GT 7spd auto 2009 onwards.

[@rc70ys]

I’m surprised no Abarths were mentioned I’ve been considering buying one and have seen many under $20k ! For sale. Are they as bad as the rumours suggest ??

[@mahcooharper9577]

Having worked at a Fiat dealership, the 500 is absolute garbage. The Abarth, funnily enough, was the best but you still wouldn't catch me spending money on one.

[@rc70ys]

@@mahcooharper9577 That’s a shame I’ve been looking to buy one but manual heard some stories on autos

[@mattdebyl8806]

@@rc70ys join some groups. They’re actually a reliable little nugget. Actually more so than pretty much anything in its class. These guys are just guided by some mission to exclude anything euro, unless it has a ford or Holden badge on it, because they’re suddenly ‘Aussie’. The MTA ‘auto’ can have some issues, but they’re not *that* bad and are probably way way better than most of the entry level DSGs and certainly better than CVTs (like found in the Swift Sport). The main issue with the MTA is there are few specialists here in AU that actually fix them. Everyone is just stupid mechanic ‘whole box replacement through Fiat at some astronomical figure’.

[@davidcisme1615]

So the FG XR6 Turbo's are under that price point, have 270KW's as standard with a bottom end known to do 1000HP, will be just as thrashed possibly as most of the other cars you mentioned but the Barra is known to be just about bullet proof - and with about 5K put into them for 1000CC injectors, K&N filter, other base mods and a tune, gets up to 300-320KW's KW's on the stock GT3275 turbo and for another 5K for bigger exhaust, intercooler and tune gets you closer to the 400KW mark - I know one person with 398KW's on BP98 - so why isn't this called best Performance small cars under $20K? Might Car Mods did a similar video and again no Falcon, yet they have a Cresta with the same engine?

[@Nickubus99]

Maybe too Aus specific? You are right though mega car.

[@shimmy1701]

Yeah the 86

[@TheDevilsWisper]

I'm driving my Daihatsu Hijet from Brisbane to Sydney if you'd like to review one. ;)

[@EL8888]

First ! Great topic

[@jackmehoff1840]

include the Lexus IS v8 please

[@markmcgrath9098]

They cost a lot more than $20k in Oz

[@_JSizzle_]

MX5? Or am I being too obvious

[@mahcooharper9577]

Might be in the convertible video next week

[@love-w3t]

What about a 2010 Audi s3

[@sunsetgarage755]

Totally there with you on that one. Unfortunately these lists assume the buyer has no mechanical competence & not much cash for regular maintenance.

[@ReDriven]

@@sunsetgarage755 We do assume exactly that mate as that is the vast majority of the market. Yes there are those of us out there that are handy with a spanner but we are very much the minority. - AK

[@1morgaming650]

Can y’all update this for 2024? Hehe

[@rsg5850]

Integraaaaaaa

[@ildar0709]

I have a ceed 110hk diesel, hot enough for me😪

[@ket_wav1013]

Kinda disagree with the gt86 being great value, $20k gets you the bottom of the barrel 2013 gt model with 150k+ kms on the clock. 20k for 120kw at the wheels? I understand thats not what the cars built for but they're not exactly cheap, particularly when you can buy a 2013 VE SS for that price if not cheaper

[@taydencornish]

Having been a huge Honda fan for many years and have driven all of these cars, I would pick the fiesta out of the lot and definitely not the fn2r. Veloster absolutely last, I'd rather ride a rip stick, horrible quality interior, horrible seating position.

[@TwistedDonners]

I'm suprised the Yaris GT didn't appear on this list but I have a feeling it could turn up in next week's video. BMW Z4, Saab 9-3, Lexus IS250, G3 Subaru Impreza WRX and TRD Aurion 3500 are my suggestions for next week's list guys. Good job as always and look forward to Friday's video 👍

[@fugawiaus]

Is the Yaris under 20 grand? They’d never put a Saab or z4 on any list unfortunately. I’ve got a z4 and absolutely love it.

[@fugawiaus]

Is the Yaris under 20 grand? They’d never put a Saab or z4 on any list unfortunately. I’ve got a z4 and absolutely love it.

[@honorview8525]

i disagree with the is250, preformances thats nothing the is250 is, u'll be looking at the is200t and and is350

[@leung545]

GR not GT

[@evorobin]

Mk2 S3 👍

[@jameslovett8697]

Cheapest FN2 Type R for sale is literally $33.5k.....

[@glug307]

God loves you guys!

[@ReDriven]

Excellent

[@zedafruta]

i have one cool car small hatchback Peugeot 208 GTI By Peugeot Sport, and it's amazing, if you have the chance to try one, it's one of a piece small car. =)

[@apurwaasuramana5202]

Z4s are crazy cheap rn and under 20 you can even get a manual

[@ReDriven]

Parts aren’t :(

[@joebot2127]

Isn't there some rule about not taking car advice from a guy in a Renault Tshirt?

[@ReDriven]

Hahah hope not! It’ll stop people buying them

[@Mort849]

Where is the commodore are you even austrailian?

[@PureLeeful]

The answer is on your t-shirt! 😉

[@Cameron_McCaw]

No abarth 595? :(

[@Stupidrandomname1]

Betting a is350 f sport appears next vid

[@customregina9383]

I am surprised there's no Lexus 🤔

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

sad that in this age there is no fun car at $20000 brand new