Speed on a Budget

Let’s face it; most of us, speed, won’t ever be able to afford a vehicle that costs over $100,000. In fact there are some of you reading this now that could cut that number in half and know that might be the most you’ll ever be able to spend on a vehicle. Does this mean we’re forced to live in a world where all we ever get to purchase is the bargain basement models that are stripped down and devoid of those features that make the vehicles fun to drive? Not at all; you can still have a fantastic ride for a great price, and here are some you can have without the need to look on the used part of the lot to find what you want.

Nissan Juke AWD – On this list the Juke comes in the tenth spot, but still gives you a time to sixty mph of 6.9 seconds, making a respectably speedy player. This fun to drive CUV is a car you can enjoy with more space in the back and the inclusion of AWD that makes for a great vehicle to enjoy on any road. This does come with a manual transmission, but if you want that you have to settle for FWD.

Volkswagen Golf 1.8 TSI – The GTI doesn’t make the list because of price (all these vehicles are under $25,000) but the STI is a car that can still delivery some driving excitement. This car will reach the sixty mph mark in only 6.8 seconds and offers you the looks and enjoyment of the Golf which is offered with a manual transmission.

Fiat 124 Spider – This car comes in as close to the cutoff price as you can get but it’s one that is perfect for you when you want a roadster that is quick and fun. With a time to sixty of 6.7 seconds and many of the same bones as the Mazda Miata this Italian is a great choice for fun and savings.

Hyundai Sonata Eco – This is a surprising player in the market because it’s really supposed to be a gas friendly model, but it’s also quick. This car reaches sixty mph in only 6.7 seconds and the turbocharged engine is a lot of fun to listen to as it delivers the fuel economy you want in a sedan that’s made for fun and family.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – With a sporty hatchback look and the confusion of still not having a real category to compete in the Veloster is a choice you might make for some fun on the road. The time to sixty is 6.7 seconds and the price is right for this car. There is still room for some stuff inside, but this car is really for those who want something a little different.

Honda Civic Coupe – With the looks we want from our Civic to the time to sixty that makes this a great choice the Civic Coupe is still a strong player in the automotive industry. The sixty time is only 6.6 seconds and the engine is turbocharged to give you better power and fuel mileage from this little sporty version of the Civic.

Mini Cooper S – The Mini Cooper is a car that offers style to go along with the price and speed we want. The Cooper S can sprint to sixty mph in only 6.6 seconds and still comes in under the price threshold we set. How can you turn your nose up at these European looks at this price and speed?

Ford Focus ST – the Focus ST is the step down from the RS and it’s made to be a lot of fun at a good price. The Focus ST can reach sixty mph in 6.3 seconds and still give you the great looks of the hot hatch without the high price tag.

Mazda Miata Sport – We know the Miata and this is one that does make it under the price mark to give us a lightweight and fun car that can sprint to sixty mph in only 5.9 seconds while delivering the exhilaration we want while driving.

Ford Mustang V6 – You can pick your jaw up now. This version of the Mustang does make it under the price mark and delivers a wonderful 5.5 second time for the run to sixty mph. This is a car you can show off and love that will garner looks from all around while you enjoy the fun of one of America’s favorite sports cars.