12 best cars for under $30k

"The average price of a new car is fast approaching the $30,000 mark. But the entries that make up this list are anything but "average." After several meetings-and some very heated discussions among our staff-we've come up with a dozen of the most enjoyable machines that are sure to elicit a smile and/or raise the pulse rate of anyone who loves cars. Foreign or domestic; coupe, sedan, 5-door or convertible; supercharged 4-cylinder all the way up to a good ol' pavement-thumping American V-8, there's a wealth of riches to be had for less than thirty large in today's automotive marketplace.

There can be only one…After our editorial staff put each car through its paces by logging plenty of test miles on both an autocross course of our own design and a half-street/half-freeway loop around Southern California, we sat down to make the very difficult choice of selecting one winner-the very best from a great group of cars."
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S4cabriofox - 11/12/2006 9:16:53 AM

-2 Boost

I already read this article, and I think the A3 should've been included. I skipped over it. The A3 is better than the GTI, it really is.

S4cabriofox - 11/12/2006 9:17:09 AM

-1 Boost

I already *saw* this article.

mstangpny07 - 11/12/2006 12:45:23 PM

+1 Boost

The GTI is a better value, though

audiot - 11/12/2006 1:01:38 PM

+3 Boost

I like the A3 a bunch. The only reason I can see they excluded it is, the price point. It really is in 3-series, A4, IS territory with a few options included. I can see choosing the A3 over those cars for the hatch. But I think Audi is in a bit of a pickle marketing this car. You have to love it to see why it's so good, whereas I think the other 10 cars they chose are easier to see. The GTI "represents" this car and is several thousand cheaper, even if it is not as pretty. IMHO.

S4cabriofox - 11/12/2006 7:30:03 PM

+1 Boost

audiot, I agree with everything you said.

You have to drive the A3 to see its virtues- otherwise, people will assume the GTI is just as good. Audi priced it too high. It may not be an issue for me in particular, but it is for others, I'm sure.

audiot - 11/13/2006 4:00:52 PM

-1 Boost

Enjoy your A3. I was very close to getting one, and still might. I think its styling is among the best designs for any car on the road. I like the sportback.

awsomeaudi - 11/12/2006 1:45:54 PM

+5 Boost

When is the nissan z under 30k i always seen them at 35k

kart1 - 11/12/2006 2:28:44 PM

+3 Boost

I guess they counted it under 30k when you get the lowest model, which will run just below 30k with manual transmission.

aefsc430 - 11/12/2006 1:50:27 PM

-1 Boost

I really would've liked to see an S40 or V50.

lexusis350 - 11/12/2006 3:35:12 PM

0 Boost

This article came from a magazine. The Nissan 350Z was said to be the best value.

02WRX - 11/12/2006 4:38:50 PM

0 Boost

I don't understand the point of this comparison. It doesn't make sense to have two-seaters like the 350Z against sedans. Is there anyone who cross-shops Miatas and WRX's? What about Mustangs and GTI's? What sort of car buyer is this test useful to?

audiot - 11/12/2006 7:14:57 PM

+2 Boost

Your question is worthy of a discussion in itself. I personally look at all different kinds of cars when I'm in the market to buy. I don't know what I want. This kind of article works for me, because I'm pretty open.

chewy - 11/12/2006 5:55:07 PM

+2 Boost

Most Zs are over 30,000.

speedracer54 - 11/14/2006 7:19:25 PM

0 Boost

I don't understand why the Acura TSX isn't on the list? I got the magazine and i look though the cars and its all about speed. The TSX only feels underpowered in the automatic version. I know the TSX wins a lot of awards and stuff so maybe im just not used to not being recognized. (i have a '06 TSX). The TSX was recognized by AOL very recently tho. http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/luxury-cars-under-30k/20061106141209990001

donthegreek - 11/16/2006 11:07:04 PM

0 Boost

I just bought a leftover new 06 A3....my 1st Audi....love it!!!!
Sticker was $30,115.00 with auto dsg/premium package (leather etc)and cold weather package. :)