Best New Cars Under $35k
NEIRAD enilno edition
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In these tough times many people may not have the spare cash to drive a brand new Ferrari off the showroom floor. But that doesn't mean you can't still have a hot car with all the great deals out there. As dealers try to unload their new models, Neirad takes a look at some great deals in automotive America.
1.2009 Subaru STI $34,995
Sporting a 305 HP 2.5 liter turbo boxer engine, this Subie is truly a sports car on a budget. It cranks to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds, comparable to the new BMW M3, and is faster than the pricier Audi S4. There are compromises when buying a cheap Japanese sports car. One being the interior, which is much less luxurious than any of it’s German rivals and another being the exterior, which is also not as appealing as any of it’s German rivals. Although only coming in a hatchback at the time being, it’s likely that a sedan model will be in its near future.
2. 2009 Audi A3 $26,920
The A3 is available with both a four cylinder two liter turbo engine producing 200 hp and a 3.2 liter V6 producing 250 hp. The 26,000 price tag from the very base model A3 does not come with Quattro however, Audi’s world renowned AWD system, for that, the price tag is bumped up to around 30k. The V6 model, which comes with Quattro, is a mere $7,000 more than the 2.0T. Although producing 50 hp more, with an aftermarket tune from a reputable company such as APR around 1000 for a 1+ file (injectors and a chip) the 2.0T would be faster than the 3.2.
3. 2009 BMW 128i $29,400
At only 29,400 the 128i is the cheapest car in the BMW lineup. It’s not a slug either, weighing in at just over 3,200 pounds the 128i is able to crank to 60 mph in six seconds. The faster of the 1 series, the 135i comes equipped with a three liter twin turbo engine which pumps out 300 hp. The 135i reaches 60 mph in just over five seconds, but is more expensive with an MSRP set at $35,850. It’s not my first choice, but the 128i is definitely a bargain at under 30k considering you get a quick car backed with German engineering.
4. 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T $30,545
Dodge finally did something right by developing the new Charger. Most people can see looking at the ailing automaker’s lineup there is a reason Dodge is begging for a federal bailout: the automaker manufactures nearly nothing that anyone wants. Even the Challenger is produced in three trim levels, the SE, the R/T, and the SRT8. The SE comes with a 3.5 liter V6 only producing only 250 hp, which in my opinion, is unfit for the sporty looking Challenger. The R/T however comes with a 5.7 liter V8 producing 370 hp, enough to spin the tires through 2nd gear.
5. 2009 VW GTI
The ’09 Volkswagen GTI has always been a favorite of young drivers, and rightfully so. By getting almost 31 mpg highway and producing 200 hp by way of a four cylinder two liter turbo engine (the same that’s in the A3), I can see why parents are purchasing this car for their kids. Weighing 300 lbs less than the A3, the GTI may be a more tuner friendly car, as lighter cars are capable of faster acceleration. The only drawback of the GTI is its front wheel drive, with torque steer being ever so prevalent; it is not hard to figure out why someone would opt for the AWD A3 over the GTI.