used cars similar to focus RS ( $ < 20000)

I know it's boring because it's the idea you started with, but i think the MS6 is a better option than a lot of the others mentioned. I think the G37x might be better in terms of being a real sleeper. Even people who know all about cars don't really grasp how fast a G37 is. Only thing that sucks about the awd is you can't swap in a different rear diff carrier, get lower gearing, and run 12s with stock everything else. 

I personally am just not compatible with R32 resale value. It's a mk4 Golf with 250hp and added weight, for $20k? You could get a VR6 TT much cheaper. Noone thinks those are fast either so the sleeper factor is still there. Assuming you actually made it fast..

In reply to Vigo :

I was told that AWD is auto-only on the G37, as well.

In reply to Knurled. :

Yeah, G35x and G37x are both auto-only, unfortunately

Vigo said:

Only thing that sucks about the awd is you can't swap in a different rear diff carrier, get lower gearing, and run 12s with stock everything else. 

Actually, you can. 07-08 G35x models had 3.692 front and rear diffs, the same ratio as the 370Z and G37 6MT with the vLSD. Grab a 370Z vLSD rear diff and an 07-08 G35x front diff, swap blanges on the rear diff and hey presto! Shorter ratios and a rear LSD. Shame all G37xs were auto only though.

Daylan C said:

I've heard the Focus ST is solid car too if he can give up the RS's AWD.  Those are going to be closer to 20k than 15k though.

This. 

There's ST's all over the spectrum in and out of warranty between $12 and 20k that will deliver tons of fun and are literally the same chassis with 2 less drive wheels.

Only reason i got rid of mine was personal financial goals. and it was really hard to justify getting rid of it outside of not carrying a car payment anymore because it was a good car, cheaply built with cheap materials.. But so is the RS. 

2005-2010 3 series "wagon" and swap the engine with an N54 from a 335xi.

It may be doable for under $20k, especially if he finds the early 325ix and a local wrecked 335xi.

spacecadet said:

Daylan C said:

I've heard the Focus ST is solid car too if he can give up the RS's AWD.  Those are going to be closer to 20k than 15k though.

This. 

There's ST's all over the spectrum in and out of warranty between $12 and 20k that will deliver tons of fun and are literally the same chassis with 2 less drive wheels.

Only reason i got rid of mine was personal financial goals. and it was really hard to justify getting rid of it outside of not carrying a car payment anymore because it was a good car, cheaply built with cheap materials.. But so is the RS. 

 

I've seen STs as low as $9k if you are willing to gamble on one with 100k miles. Not sure how much of a gamble they are at that mileage but I'm considering finding out next year.

I think ill tell him about the Volvo and the Fiesta ST.    He believes FWD cars are boring but compared to the beetle he has now...

(Il mention the  nissan/infiniti m35/37)

We have been arguing about what defines sleeper.  Personally I think the RS is pretty loud and proud.  

Are used 2015+ WRXs going for under $20k yet?  Seems like a good alternative and more modern offering but you lose the hatchback.  

I've been driving a Fiesta ST for a few years and it is very hard to beat on fun for value proposition.  Good examples can be found under $12k, and they are much more lively than a Focus ST (or even RS).  You do pay for it with a very bouncy ride (rear shocks are over damped from the factory, koni replacement helps).   Pretty good in the snow too with decent tires but you won't be picking up speed as quick as a WRX or RS with FWD (maybe a good thing...).

Genuinely surprised nobody's mentioned a 6MT B8 S4 with the sport diff yet.

Pinchvalve mentioned a Lincoln?  Sheer curiosity which Lincoln where you recommending?

Correct if I'm wrong doesn't Lincoln make a version of the TaurusbSHO?

TrulySpooky said:

Pinchvalve mentioned a Lincoln?  Sheer curiosity which Lincoln where you recommending?

 

Correct if I'm wrong doesn't Lincoln make a version of the TaurusbSHO?

Yes, the MKS.  It's a stablemate to the Taurus and was available with the Ecoboost V6

If he likes boxes and unassuming, why not Ford Flex w/ the v6 ecoboost?

That was for my knowledge he insists on a manual. 

My self I would take an auto as long as I have paddles or something 

I'll talk him into yest driving a fiesta 

B8 s4 would be cool

Maybe mk6 R as well

E9x 335i?

Well we went to a dealer to test drive some stuff.   

He drove a fiesta ST and liked it.  He also drove a Cadillac ats (2.0t auto)  and liked it more.   

We are now hunting for a manual caddilac ats.  

My friend to quote my niece "is a bit of a poopoo head sometimes "   so awd wasn't that important to him I guess.

Thanks for your efforts internet!  See ya next time 

In reply to TrulySpooky :

Manual ATS is a good call. I've wanted to try one of those myself.

Definitely drive.  I have not driven a manual turbo ATS, but the 2.0 turbo Regal is all but undrivable with a manual trans.  Extremely difficult to drive smoothly.

In reply to Knurled. :

The ATS is the RWD Camaro platform. Slightly different from the Regal. Your point is still valid though. 

In reply to Daylan C :

Yep... and it may not even be the same engine, either, but the Regal experience makes me distrust GM throttle mapping until proven good, you know?

In reply to Knurled. :

When you put it like that I realize that the electronic side of things that you are actually pointing out the issue with are probably the same.

Fair warnings.  The reviews I have seen say nothing negative but I never see any negative reviews these days.   

If it's just throttle mapping issues would an aftermarket tune fix it?