Buying a new DD based on its future performance potential.(or struggles with automotive ADHD)

I am looking for a new dd to replace my 03 Altima(158k miles and the transmission is starting to act up.) I am looking for new and under $15K that is fun and a manual so my options are limited.

List of possibilities:
Sonic (out because I hate the seating position)
Fiat 500 pop(out because banned in scca autox)
Versa (out because E36M3-box)
Kia Rio (Out because of no aftermarket)
Hyundai Accent (Out because of no aftermarket)
Kia Soul (Out because of no aftermarket)
Mazda 2
Ford Fiesta (out because if I am going with a fiesta it would be a ST or the 1.0 ecoboost)
Toyota Corolla
Yaris. (out because the corolla is the better toyota in the price range)

My current top 2 choices are the Mazda 2 and the Toyota Corolla L(with the manual.) The 2 I can get for $13500 ish and the Corolla for $14500ish.

The 2 has the handling and transmission win because mazda, but the 100hp is giving me 2nd thoughts. That is really the only issue I have with the 2 and that issue hasnt been resolved by mazda or the aftermarket yet. A tune, intake and exhaust will only net you maybe 8-10hp. A rotrex kit might be in the works as well as a turbo kit but neither has had any tangible evidence of being worked on(Dynotronics has said they will start working on it after they get a kit for the 3 2.5 out.)

The corolla has toyota reliability, resale value and an engine shares with the Lotus Elise. There is already a turbo kit for the 2ZR that bumps it up to 240hp. This tickles my fancy because I really like sleepers and no would expect a beige corolla to be fast.

So am I crazy to cross shop a B-segment hatchback with a C-segment sedan?

From that list I would say Mazda 2 because B spec kit

http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstore/B2BDirect/Motorsports/pdfs/contingency/Mazda2_B-spec_flier11.pdf

Would the price of a Mazda 2 or corolla plus the modifications you are planning still be less than a fiesta st?

You could probably get a focus for right around 15, not a st of course, but an se. And I think it'd be more fun than carolla.

Is a corolla as soul sucking and numb to drive as a camry? Because if it is then why are you even considering it?

+1 on the Focus. Nice car

Mustang? Bspec Fiesta?

In reply to Travis_K:

Yes. The 2 is only $13.5k with the trade in of my current dd I will be out the door under $12k for it. The B-spec 2 kit is $2575 which would put it around $15k add a turbo or supercharger kit estimated at $5k and that puts you at $20k.

I'd rather have a low mileage 2 year old car do 15k then you have more interesting choices

100Hp, but love my 2. Can't wait to start modding it. Because B-spec. At 12000 miles now. Loves to rev. A modern Rabbit GTI. Did I mention fun? Yes, fun!
Slow car fast! Stability and traction control off button.

In reply to icaneat50eggs:

The 2 year old low mileage used car choices only adds a sketchy 2012 Sentra SE-R Spec-V from a used car dealer out of Atlanta(only car on their site that doesnt have a full carfax report available online.)

nepa03focus wrote: You could probably get a focus for right around 15, not a st of course, but an se. And I think it'd be more fun than carolla.

This, I got a hatchback SE for 16500 but they did have a sedan se for 15500. Good car, pretty fun to drive, not terribly slow. You could probably find a one or two year old new one for less. Probably hard to find a used one with a stick though.

Use some of your mod money and get an Abarth?

Might find a Lancer in your price range too, not sure about new but certainly a couple of years old.

The Rio has no aftermarket? I didn't think this was the case at all.

It would definitely be on my short-list right alongside the 2 were I shopping these cars.

Out of what you listed I vote Mazda 2. What about a Honda Fit? The 2015 is coming out soon so I would imagine they will be discounting the 2013 cars a good bit.

+1 for Mazda2. You can hop up the Corolla with extra power using parts meant for an Elise, but what about everything else?

There's roughly zero performance aftermarket for Toyota's recent beige boxes.

As far as fun to drive out the box, the 2 wins hands down. There may be some limits on power right now but the suspension is well sorted with a variety of options. IF you must buy new with that limit, right now, Mazda 2. If you can wait 6 months, probably the new Fit.

Looking at a new car with plans to turbo usually equals not really planning to turbo.

If you're really planning to turbo you should buy a used mazda2 and a $4-5000 turbo kit instead of a new mazda2, which is essentially the same thing as a used mazda2 but with a $4-5000 warranty you were going to throw away anyway.

I would extend the search through 3 and 4 year old cars. They are so well made now that it's usually a non issue with reliability concerns. Then you can look at Mazda 3's and Civics also.

ProDarwin wrote: The Rio has no aftermarket? I didn't think this was the case at all. It would definitely be on my short-list right alongside the 2 were I shopping these cars.

Mazda2 B Spec kit....~$2.5k
Kia Rio B Spec kit....~$14k

Just sayin. I drive a korean hatchback and yes the aftermarket is fairly pathetic, at least compared to similar japanese cars.

I'm not sure I agree on your reasoning against the Fiesta. Just because it has a performance model that's more expensive doesn't make the base model a lesser car than your other choices. My vote goes to the Fiesta, Focus, or possibly the next Fit if you really want a brand new car.

Also, I'm with Vigo on the whole aftermarket turbo vs. warranty issue. Just buy used if that's your plan. I bet a boosted Mazda2 would be a hoot!

Matt B wrote: I'm not sure I agree on your reasoning against the Fiesta. Just because it has a performance model that's more expensive doesn't make the base model a lesser car than your other choices. My vote goes to the Fiesta, Focus, or possibly the next Fit if you really want a brand new car. Also, I'm with Vigo on the whole aftermarket turbo vs. warranty issue. Just buy used if that's your plan. I bet a boosted Mazda2 would be a hoot!

Or for the amount of money you're planning on spending maybe look at a used Mazdaspeed 3?

Is the Fiat 500 Turbo allowed in autox? Some of the demo'd out ones at the dealer where I got my Abarth were dangerously close to $15K.

Hyundai aftermarket is there....

http://www.kspec.com/ http://www.sharkracing.com/ http://www.importshark.com/

eastsidemav wrote: Is the Fiat 500 Turbo allowed in autox? Some of the demo'd out ones at the dealer where I got my Abarth were dangerously close to $15K.

There was an abarth at our most recent event. He was in the novice group so I assume he wasn't running super sticky tires or rcomps. Looked we sorted and planted in course though.

I'm not sure what exactly the official word on them is, I looked bit because Im trying to get a friend of mine with one to bring it out. All I can find are vague answers.