10 Fun Cars That Cost Less Than $4,000
When considering your next ride, forget top speed for once and instead measure a vehicle's "fun coefficient" - in other words, it's quickness, agility, engine noise output, and overall fun-appeal behind the wheel, divided by price per unit. This may seem like a far-fetched proposition, but why shouldn't fun come first when selecting a new vehicle? One thing is for sure if such a statistic did exist, the cars listed here would blow the others out of the water.
10. Honda Civic CRX
When the CRX was featured on the cover of Road & Track magazine in December 1983, they declared that it was a better performer on the skidpad and in the slalom than the more expensive Lotus Espirit Turbo - $42,000 less to be exact. Although the difference in price is likely not this extreme today, the Honda CRX is still said to be a ton of fun in a sub-100 horsepower package.
9. Mazda Miata
The first-generation Miata's were designed to be a modern version of the Fiat Spyder and Triumph Spitfire (only minus the frequent trips to the shop) and was Mazda's first small car that functions outside of the 'econobox.' Early RX-7 models are loads of fun as well with their high-revving engines, but anyone would be hard-off finding an affordable one in decent shape. First-gen Miata's are low and light, find one with no power steering and a five-speed to really experience an authentic vintage sports car vibe.
8. Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Since it's introduction to the market in the early '90s, the Sentra SE-R has been one of the best-performing small cars in its class. The B13 model came stocked with 140 horsepower and could make it from 0-60 in less than eight seconds time. The Spec V was introduced in 2002 and packed an even bigger punch; equipped with a 2.5L, 175hp engine that was originally intended for the Nissan Altima. All of this coupled with a six-speed manual transmission means the Sentra SE-R Spec V could manage 0-60 in less than seven seconds.
7. Toyota Corolla AE86
Only in production from 1983 to 1987, the Toyota AE86 was sold as a Corolla and is a staple in both drift and anime, which means it is not going to be as inexpensive as any other Japanese car from that era should be. But, it is certainly more fun even in its stock form, all 2,200 pounds of rear-drive glory.
6. Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Anyone who is familiar with The Blues Brothers knows the importance of a good former police car. A newer Crown Victoria doesn't have a 440 cubic inch plant, but what it does have are a 5.0L V8 and other awesome cop paraphernalia. Unfortunately, it will also probably have terribly worn seats and a million miles on the tires, but it will be quick - and other drivers will always move out of your way.
5. Dodge Neon ACR
Initially designed to be sold to sports racers, the Dodge Neon ACR was dubbed the Super Stock Dodge of the '90s - which is a rather underwhelming title but, hey. It was also the "sleeper" Neon with all of the R/T's performance modifications and none of the cosmetic mods. Indeed, it is not an SRT-4, but the ACR was likely less abused in its early years.
4. Toyota MR2
It's okay if your bank account isn't flush enough for a Lamborghini Aventador, most aren't. But there is help out there for those who want that mid-engine, rear-drive layout and it comes in the form of the Toyota MR2. Initially introduced in 1984, the first-generation model featured an angular body, a dual-overhead-cam, four-valve 1.6L engine from the AE86, and a suspension partly designed by Lotus engineers.
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6
It's obvious that this is not an R32, but no one in their right mind would let one of those go for less than $4,000 unless it was stolen or in a serious accident. The mid-'90s Golf MK3 GTI came equipped with a 2.8L VR6 option that gave it a real kick, all-wheel drive not included, bummer.
2. Honda Civic Hatchback
Although any Civic hatchback priced under $4,000 is a steal, this case mainly refers to the fourth and fifth-generation Civic models (which spanned 1988 to 1995). Giving people no need to live in the SI fad forever, even a DX with a five-speed is fun to drive thanks to its light weight and low-rider stance. Even the aftermarket options are endless when it comes to increasing its performance.
1. BMW E46 Touring
The E46 deserves a lot more recognition than it has received in the past. Continuously overshadowed by the E30 - which has been the BMW 3-series body style of choice among both tuners and aficionados - the E46 was featured on the Car & Driver 10 Best list every year from '98-'06. Also available in a station wagon option (touring form), the 2000 model features 170 horses and is the first choice for many consumers. It may seem absurd that a BMW like this is available for less than $4,000, but models with high mileage ranging from the late '90s to early '00s certainly fall into this price range.