Top 5 UNDERRATED Performance Cars Under $15,000: PART 2 | ReDriven

Thanks to you guys asking for it, welcome to Part 2 of our Top 5 underrated performance cars under $15,000.
MERCH!! - Grab yours here! - bit.ly/3KPWMdG
This time round, we’re going to bend our own rules here as even though we try to make sure the cars we list are all international available, quite a few of these cars were never officially imported to a few big markets like say North America, but we hope they make for good contenders anyway.
What do you think of the list? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date!
#top5
#underrated
#performancecars
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
FACEBOOK: / redrivenofficial

[@LU1S.404]

I gotta say that beef up corolla caught me off guard, what an amazing car that must be

[@mvnorsel6354]

I too had no idea that the ' blademaster ' existed.

[@mattdebyl8806]

The Corolla Blade G thing was their answer to the R32 Golf, 147 GTA, 130i M-Sport and A3 3.2. But like all Toyota’s of this generation is was seemingly pretty underdone. All of those cars are better defined sports hatches. The G was a big donk shoved in a smallish body. But like the Golf (and A3) suffers from pretty serious weight gain. The 130i M-Sport is RWD and would be a lot sharper tool. The 147 GTA is just something else. Pity, you used to be able to get the GTA for under $10k. Now their values are soaring.

[@chrisags208]

Love my Skoda Octavia VRS! It's my daily driver and just so easy to live with. Doesn't stand out in the crowd, but with my Stage 2 Unitronic ECU & DSG tune, can move quite decently. So many people are surprised at how much the boot can hold and can still do 6.9 litres/100km to and from work.

[@mdiciaccio87]

Love mine too! Can I ask who tuned your car?

[@chrisags208]

@@mdiciaccio87 Muller & Muller in Dural, NSW.

[@davidbusch8912]

The boots are massive

[@Cust0mBuilder]

Im SO happy you mentioned the heavily unknown Toyota Blade Master G. Would Love it if you're able to get your hands on one someday and give it a review.

[@sunsetgarage755]

The best all around driving car I currently own is my daily hack, a 2008 manual Octavia RS wagon. It’s so bloody good, that even now getting close to a quarter of a million K’s, I can’t find any reason to part with it. Super reliable with only the switch that unlocks the passenger doors playing up, and a new fuel pump relay needed when it failed at 240,000 kms. Has had a stage 2 tune for many years with no dramas (0-100 mid 5’s), & still get 7.3 k/100 kms on the highway! These cars genuinely have a higher build quality than VW or Audi, or maybe they just don’t have all the extra bells & whistles the other brands have that go wrong. the Czechs know how to assemble a car properly, and the Australian population is largely in the dark about it which makes them a 2nd hand bargain.

[@MartinJones123]

The Blade Master G is something I've never heard of and also something Toyota should've sold internationally as a hot hatch... Please I would love a review of this car... Another underated car is the Holden Astra VX-R or the cheaper Opel Astra OPC... Great video 👍

[@Klooney9mm]

I've love to get one & swap a full set of 2008 Corolla Sportivo body panels & just have slightly better than average set of wheels at the biggest tire width I can get away & see peoples reactions to it.

[@MartinJones123]

@@Klooney9mm That would be hilarious! Even better, make it look like a base ascent 🤣🤣🤣

[@hellothere4342]

@@Klooney9mm a mate at work has a sportivo and I was genuinely surprised how much poke it has. I've always thought Corolla ever had like 100kw but oh boy was I wrong.

[@MartinJones123]

@@hellothere4342 Yeah... They're also pretty cheap and have a manual but it's more of a warm hatch than a hot hatch...

[@hellothere4342]

@@MartinJones123 my mother had the 1.8 Corolla and that was a straight up flaccid hatch. For the Sportivo to have I think it was 140kw something was a pleasant surprise. Not as surprising as this V6 Corolla though. Never knew it was a thing. Shame there's only 5 for sale right now and they're all over 15k

[@DaceJ]

i aint got any money idk why im here

[@Jorgie000]

The Blade Master looks hideous. I want one.

[@ReDriven]

Totally agree! - AK

[@samrussell112]

I own one and its a wicked sleeper, looks like your average nana car until you need it, then it goes like a cut cat

[@hafentoffen2]

Had my 2003 vRS for over 7 years now and you're spot on. It's fun to drive and the boot is absolutely huge so you can handle the daily boring stuff easily.

[@thtupid]

I remember that I really really hoped Toyota Australia imported the blade Master G when it was first released. Absolutely love it! They also did a regular blade which was fitted with the camry 2az-fe which was still a little faster than the regular corollas we got in aus.

[@-kyoto]

Receiving my S2 Blade G next month. Should be a great daily.

[@shipoffools2183]

I’m checking out the Stegia, seems it may be something I’m interested in and didn’t know about. Thanks for that!

[@liberty0758]

Been salivating over Blade Master G for months. Here in Victoria they're impossible to be found for under 15 grand.

[@isaacsloane5731]

Hit up iron chef imports they should be able to source you one

[@liberty0758]

@@isaacsloane5731 thanks bro, need to save up first, lol... :D

[@Adam-pl6vq]

Paid 6k for mine here in Christchurch NZ. 149km, mint condition and the highest trim spec. Maybe try import?

[@NiasP]

Great work!

[@biffon69]

That’s a sweet list mate! I love all of those cars but I have a particular soft spot for the clio and the blade for completely different reasons!

[@dominicabbott693]

You did it! Part 2 yus!!!

[@vikashjina2202]

Nice list..I stumbled on the Corolla while looking for a toy..but haven't found a manual yet..cant wait till u do a review on one...thanks and keep up the good work..cheers

[@samrussell112]

no manuals released

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

That Blade Master G looks awesome! Never heard of it before

[@wilydimayuga519]

Great list! I didn’t expect that the Skoda Octavia is reliable, there should be a review on it, I reckon. Interesting to look for that Blade, too!

[@mattdebyl8806]

They aren’t that hideously unreliable, but probably best get a manual (at least there are plenty of them around). The EA888 isn’t that bad, despite what this channel says. DSGs aren’t that horrid either, but they can be expensive should they have a problem.

[@jnthepassenger347]

VF Commodore review? Looking at getting one, wouldn't mind seeing what you guys think of them 😀

[@yaboydevesh9919]

Love these

[@vikasgnan4022]

I always had a feeling that the actual most underrated car is the Skoda fabia RS or the VW polo (not golf) GTI with a twin charged, yes, turbo and super charged 1.4 litre TSI engine, especially 2013-14 with the updated (code named CTH) engine. The fact that it isn't mentioned even in any of the list of underrated car videos but is actually an awesome car around this budget makes it THE most underrated car in my opinion. What do you think? If you're convinced please give us an amazing video like always on that car because I'm looking to buy one and need an Aussie feedback on that. Thank you for the awesome videos.

[@lukemothug3744]

Anybody in the feed happen to know if aftermarket coilovers for the Corolla Sportivo can fit on the blade Master G?

[@TheNoobOffice]

I own an Octavia RS and one of my good mates owns a Blade Master, not a G though. Both are great FF fun cars.

[@nickyang1143]

Oh wow the blade! When I stumbled upon that one late night surfing through carsales, i couldn't believe my eyes. A v6 corolla?!!?

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Another great video. (Not so sure about the chap practicing drums in the background though) ☺️🥁

[@johnhannonHanno]

I remember when the EH Holden came out, choice of 149 or 179 cu in motors. 149 was 100hp and the 179, that everyone raved over, was 115hp.

[@davidbusch8912]

And they brought out the twin carb model

[@andy2906]

Pocked up a chip-tuned octavia rs with 191kw 411nm and 6 speed manual for under 10k oh lord it's crazy good.

[@Adam-pl6vq]

Bought myself a blade master not long ago, absolutely love it. Its super quick but just a touch thirsty. You should do a extensive review if you can get your hands on one, so many people don't realize how much of a sleep they are. Then again maybe its best kept that way?

[@Adam-pl6vq]

I may add I paid nothing near your 14k mark. Mine has 149km, great condition with the highest trim (alcantara and leather) and I only paid $6000 NZD for it.

[@mortis13]

Love my Toyota blade master g! Great sleeper and easy to drive

[@Hapkido82AUS]

It's a pity the Toyota Blade master G ( 🥴 ) wasn't available with the AWD from the awesome Rav 4 V6 ....

[@mattdebyl8806]

The Mondeo and Skoda, I think a potentially better option than either - Volvo S40 / V50, same engine as the Mondeo, but with optional AWD. Understated and without the bling badges. Easily gets more power (just like the Mondeo), but is a smaller car. It’s like the Focus XR5, but completely forgotten and again, AWD. 2.5 5cyl turbo with AWD and possibility of huge power, sounds like an good alternative to an RS3 for like $7k. Total sleeper.

[@sch-corp]

I was sitting there after watching the last one of these seething that the vRS didn't get on...if you do a part 3, the Megane RS 250/265 must be on it!

[@kers225abk2]

Id imagine that Blade Master G would go pretty hard, power to weight ratio would be crazy.

[@RealTavisSoctt]

That would have to understeer so much with an oversized engine right over the front wheels

[@rdmz135]

it still weighs 1.5 tonnes

[@mattdebyl8806]

@@rdmz135 yeah the weight is a real damper.

[@samrussell112]

@@RealTavisSoctt I have one and its surprisingly good, wicked sleeper

[@ReJaggrd]

Is the honda accord euro worthy of this list? they have a fantastic manual transmission and dual wishbone front and back suspsension, and ive seen multiple examples go to 300'000kms, they may be a little low on power but they are very responsive the a few mods and a tune

[@ReDriven]

It very very nearly made the list! - AK

[@daviddenley3512]

Funny you should make this video and include the Skoda Octavia vRS, I need a wagon and currently it is between the Octavia vRS, BMW 320d Estate or the BMW 530d Estate...these are all about the same money but I still cannot choose which hence my nickname "Indecisive"!

[@gangstashots3298]

Do you recommend flushing the engine of a used car? As I have been thinking whether flushing the engine would be great to reveal the true condition with more performance, or leave as is in case of any engine sludge sealing possible cracks?

[@Mike-om4ro]

It depends on how sludged up the engine is. People have conflicting opinions on the matter. Engine flushes don't remove all the sludge anyway, it's almost impossible to remove it all without disassembly.

[@paulembleton3565]

When are you going to do a test on the Toyota Blade Master G???

[@ReDriven]

Very very soon Paul. We're just sorting the filming schedule now. - AK

[@gogarage]

Happy to provide a Toyota Blade Master for a review :)

[@ReDriven]

Really??? Please yes!! How do we make this happen??? Can you message us on Insta?? - AK

[@VolantFool]

I remember when those Clio 182s could be had for under $5000. I'd say if you're gonna spend up to 15k you might as well look at Sport 197s and 200s.

[@TwistedDonners]

I think the reason more people aren't buying the Octavia is that Skoda still has a reputation associated with it similar to the one Hyundai/KIA and Mazda use to have and the fact it's also not as well advised as VW is might also play a part in it as well. After you've done the underrated forbies/utes and luxury cars under 15k could you guys do a video of the 5 popular cars that have now been consind to the scrap heap of history as of this year by any chance? Hoping to pick up a couple of your shirts from the merch store this week all things going well. Hope you all had a good and safe Easter guys and look forward to Friday's video as always 👍.

[@ReDriven]

Great ideas as always bro. Easter was great and we hope you're awesome. - AK

[@TwistedDonners]

@@ReDriven well the other idea I had for a video for yourselves is the 5 best grey imports from each geographical region (e.g Asia, Europe etc.) Also I definitely point people towards your channel who are looking at getting a new (2nd hand) car as you guys are by far the most trustworthy source for 2nd hand cars online. The way your channel is growing I think you'll hit 100k before my birthday this year which coincidently will have one of your top 5 videos released on it lol.

[@buzzliteyear11]

Yo homie I just Googled Toyota Blade Master G...dope as hell

[@dawso2o2]

Do you wana 07 ssv sedan to review let me know Newcastle I’m in good to see your talking to camera has gotten better lol 😆

[@ReDriven]

Totally Wayne. Hit us up on Instagram and we can sort the details. - AK

[@petewitt2867]

I just watched this vid and realised you’re shouting in Newy. Rad

[@saairgunner5925]

Sorry, I don't have a Toyota Blade runner, nor do I know anybody who does. But I love your videos.

[@garyhenderson4376]

Was the Stagea ever in sedan format ?

[@mattdebyl8806]

Believe it is called a Skyline.

[@maxpower7774]

Lotsa 2.4l Blades in NZ, as far as I've seen exclusively driven by women, the Master G is a much more rare beast but also a fav of the females, like my colleague who was warned they were thirsty and chewed through front tyres. She now wants to off load it because... It's thirsty and has made short work of the front tyres. I'm told the 2.4 is a still decently quick but better handling car.

[@samrussell112]

the 2.4L uses the same amount of fuel as the 3.5

[@Adam-pl6vq]

@@samrussell112 I have a 3.5 and its pretty thirsty when you get loose with it and around town.

[@robertceroli3512]

Why didn't Toyota launch the V6 corolla in Aus .Like the Aurion or RAV4 with the V6 I believe it would have sold reasonably well .would have been a throw back to the Torana 6cyl in a compact car

[@mattdebyl8806]

The RAV4 is only fractionally heavier and has AWD, is more practical and just more suited to buyers here.

[@joelblake2382]

Again Tiburon man, outstanding car

[@MrDamburger]

Mate what about the gt four caldina! or even the 150hp zt which i have, which actually goes very well. And also an altezza!

[@MartinJones123]

How about the Corolla Sportivo as well...

[@damilolaakanni]

The Altezza would have fit this list better...it was sold outside Japan as the Lexus IS200/300.

[@ReDriven]

Mate we LOVE the GT Four Caldina and featured it in our Fast Wagons Top 5 vids a little while back. - AK

[@ReDriven]

@@MartinJones123 Awesome thing but a Corolla with a V6 surely must be more underrated. - AK

[@ReDriven]

@@damilolaakanni We just don't feel it's all that underrated mate. There are loads around and they have a huge following. Superb car but again, not what we'd call "underrated". - AK

[@CheerUp111]

Yeah, boyeeeeee! That G is dope. They where under 15k.

[@lovacable]

There's very rare V6 Clio also.

[@mclouj]

Heyyyyy that's my Clio @1:17

[@brent1835]

Not a blade master in australia for less than 15k..

[@rc70ys]

Mondeo is a great car I had a titanium model Power steering failed and leaked

[@hellothere4342]

Hell yes to the XR5 Mondeo.

[@mjose0]

It's just slow unfortunately. I had one: adored the manual, the features, the quality, the ride, the space, but the 5 cylinder felt mega-doughy, underpowered to the chassis, and I found myself driving it flat out practically everywhere. Needed an ECU tune as a bare minimum.

[@marty3469]

Yup Mondeo ST220 , nearly bought one but went the Focus xr5/ ST225 instead 9yrs ago and still have it, great fun and never broke down, keep up the oil change(5k kms) and it'll last long time

[@hellothere4342]

@@mjose0 I still have one myself. It certainly wasn't a fast car, adequate would best describe it. But it is still an enjoyable car to drive when the weather is just bad. For when I needed to feel some go juice I have my motorcycles for it.

[@mjose0]

@@marty3469 Better chassis for that engine and another adorable (and really affordable: even new) car. Did you tune it?

[@mjose0]

@@hellothere4342 Likewise!

[@stevep9041]

I can understand why the Stagea is fully tinted. That’s how I’d prefer to drive it.

[@ReDriven]

Hey!!!! That feels like an attack at my precious car......wait, are you having a go at me?? Steve, I thought you were my mate! - AK

[@stevep9041]

@@ReDriven You seem like the sort who can handle a dig. 👍

[@jlj6586]

The among us boost controller adds 500 horsepower to na cars

[@MartinJones123]

Sussy baker amogus imposter...

[@spikechurchill7478]

The Toyota blade is expensive to repair because there is no room in the engine bay most major things are pretty much an engine out job. That adds to the labour time. And the Skoda Craptavia is a shit box, poor reliability, crap customer support and really horrible resale value, it’s not worth the headache. I took a 30 k loss to get rid of mine and it was only 2 years old. Met a lot of nice tow trucks drivers though. That was the only plus.

[@lukemothug3744]

You must have owned a master g or know somebody who does that had the engine out for repairs.

[@richieduck67]

Where is the Subaru Liberty GT or Spec B?

[@ReDriven]

Hugely popular mate, not what we'd call underrated. - AK

[@blowurn0se]

Never seen a Skoda that’s good lookin. Headlights are also weird for some reason.

[@mattdebyl8806]

Strongly disagree.

[@dimsoneill]

Better get to specsavers....WRC cars look pretty $hit hot!

[@erikaepler8597]

I had the 1st gen Octavia(2003) with just 150hp. It was very practical, aged very well and was suited for speeds over 200km/h.

[@dimsoneill]

Love my 2020 Octavia vRS 245 Wagon. So far, faultless and mega fun to drive.

[@dielaughing73]

Why did I never know there was a car called a BLADE MASTER G?!

[@nigelcreighton2411]

The Renault Clio V6 would be a little more than $15 grand as would the BMW Z3 M coupe, spewing about that……

[@allanmaccaul1465]

Iron chef imports import blademasters...😉

[@angusnz7910]

My sister inlaw (58) brought a new (second hand) car 2 years ago, and when she told me it was a Corolla I thought yup that sounds about right for her. Turned up to show me and yup it was a tidy Corolla. I took it for a drive and man was I surprised. The only jarring note (and you didn’t mention it) is they are cvt only, and a bad one at that. To this day she has NO idea what she’s got. She like it’s size for town, comfort, and says it’s surprisingly sprightly compared to her friends one on a trip 😂 Can’t say Ide ever buy one…but as a ‘older’ person myself I like stealth…and they don’t come much better than a Master G

[@mjose0]

Zero. Is the amount of v6 Corollas for sale in Australia.

[@damilolaakanni]

I never knew Corollas came with V6s. The highest performance corolla most markets got (until now) was the S/XRS with a pretty powerful four cylinder engine and a six speed manual transmission. And they were all sedans (except if you got the very similar Matrix which was exclusive to North America). And the engine in the Evora and Emira is not the 2GR-FE, it's the 2GR-FKS, although they're similar. The 2GR-FE was discontinued in ~2016.

[@ReDriven]

Mate there are dozens for sale. They're not advertised as Corollas, they're the Blade Master G. - AK

[@mattdebyl8806]

They aren’t a Corolla.

[@justsumguy2u]

I couldn't buy any of those, because they have the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car.

[@ReDriven]

Or you're in the wrong part of the world mate! - AK

[@NissanR33Ztune]

I’m confused.... unless things have changed and no one can drive a MT anymore performance .... oh wait you said performance not fun cars to drive.... 😂 my bad....

[@mitchrowe7627]

Token comment to help the boys

[@ReDriven]

Love your work!

[@ravipeiris4388]

European cars like Renault and Peugeot seem to get a pass for their poor build quality and reliability 😢.

[@Etency]

I may be minority and possible I am highly BIASed, but I will never buy or own a Škoda car, until they change their name... All it takes is to look up what that very word means in the Chech language. When your car whole brand name means "Damage/Injury" That to me is very similar to tattooing "Idiot" on one's forehead... Sure, cars are "alright" (mostly due to VAG taking over) and they're priced well (they can't be equal or more than Volkswagen itself, which is already a relatively "mainstream" oriented brand). If I am considering going budget I would go with the Koreans in some form or another. Driving "Self-harm" or "Pity" is not worth me saving a few bucks on...

[@skilgour44]

Must be globally available... and then puts two grey imports on the list. I’d like to know what this channel has against promoting Australian cars. They weren’t just sold here...

[@lukemothug3744]

Bogan cars coming soon.

[@skilgour44]

@@lukemothug3744 sure. Regardless of whether they're bogan cars or not, they deserve more respect. It's not the car's fault bogans like them. They were very good cars, particularly considering the small development budgets they had available to them.