Ask the Best and Brightest: Hot Car for $24 – $28K?

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

From TTAC reader Thomas: I'm looking to buy a new car this summer but I'm stumped on which car I want. I need a car that not only has good gas mileage but has a great looks. I'm looking to spend $24k to $28k. Possibly splurge to $32k. Hopefully not. I'm 21 and this will be my first new vehicle so I need it to be hot. Ha. I love the new Malibu. First off, it's a Chevy which I love and the aggressive new look is amazing. But there's no manual and how does the four-cylinder automatic accelerate? The second car under consideration is the Audi A4. I love the car, the class, but the price is killing. I do prefer the look of the Malibu over the A4. Well, give me some ideas please. Thank you very much.


Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Sylvialegacy Sylvialegacy on Apr 20, 2008

    So I didn't wade through the entire list of cars people wrote down... but I did notice on the first and last page that no-one mentioned the Subaru Legacy? If you're all about that A4 AWD thing, you could rock a 2.5 turbo legacy and have a nice quick 4-door. Other than that, I have nothing to add. Enjoy debt?

  • Tsgtsfitz Tsgtsfitz on Apr 20, 2008

    There are 2005 Acura RL's in Denver for $25k-28k (290-300hp, Navigation, AWD, bluetooth). Luxury, technology, and reliability, why bother with anything else.

  • Sanman111 Sanman111 on Apr 20, 2008

    I have to disagree with KnightRT on one thing. It seems as if the resale value of Bmws sinks like a stone after the first few years. A 90's vintage 3 series seems to run about the same as a 90's vintage civic si.

  • Ricky Spanish Ricky Spanish on Apr 21, 2008

    Honda Civic SI Sedan I picked mine up for a shade over $20,000 and it kicks some serious ass - I can't get it to understeer!

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