It's so hard to forget that these guys are producing such top quality content free for us all. Obviously they make money from the videos they put out but they're not contracted, there's no real financial security from a TV deal and I would be staggered if they've not been approached by one. Absolutely love you guys and fair play to keeping this up for so long with so much humility without changing the same vibes from when you first started out. Big love from the UK lads!
I’m the owner of the wrx hatch, thanks so much for having my car on the show as an example, was a great experience to meet you both, I’ve watched your videos since before I could drive around 2011. Super nice guys thanks again !
Maybe yes, but what is really the point anymore if prices keep rising? I mean over the last 2 years far too many JDM cars who used to be affordable have become unobtainable for unexplainable reasons. You can blaim video game nostalgia and social media for driving up the prices all you want. Still, with this rate it's probably better to get some euro car instead that used to be expensive and has actually come down in value.
It's just so hard to believe that in the '90s, there were cars you could get for just a few hundred pounds, dollars or whatever. They were clapped out, but you just thrashed them and repaired them and learnt so much about cars. To hear they're worth so much more now blows my mind every time.
You can pick up a Barra powered XR6 variant for 10,000 to 15,000. Worthy of an honorable mention if you wanted to start chasing big power. If you also want big power, all wheel drive, and a terrifying 2 tonne plus kerb weight the Territory Ghia Turbo can be found in that price point. You'll just need a lot of money to keep fuel in it.
Yeah i thought number 1 would be a LS powered Commodore , but i have no idea what they go for , with there being no more V8's being made from 'the 2' id say prices are up. but also as someone mentioned , its a list more for everyone (in every country) , and Holdens are mostly an Aussie thing (a few in the US , and a few in the UK, Chev, and Vauxhalls) Agree with OP though a Barra XR6 , if it was Aus only , would be in there. I had a BA Falcon Auto Barra powered , just above base model , and that thing ripped , Auto took its time lol , but when it did you were flying , and i daily a 500hp Tommie mak , but that Barra Falcon , was alot of power for a 6k car
I have a modded Chevy SS aka Commodore in Texas. I was flagged down by an Aussie who's direct quote was "Beautiful, I miss that sound". Then we bonded over our love of MCM. Keep up the great work guys!
Please do more of these videos. I've always done the sensible thing and saved money where I can to set myself up for the future. Now being a 30+yo with a little bit of financial stability, the tuner in me wants to live a little
Delivery costs, dealer mark ups, inflation; there's a lot adding to car costs these days. Manufacturers also charging the customers for emissions reduction technology that governments required of them has added a lot recently as well.
I Recently sold my Turbo R33 Skyline when the prices of them just went too stupid to consider keeping it. I sold it for heaps and ended up buying a little blue BRZ, and It has been one of the most enjoyable little things ive ever owned, its been lowere and has wheels and that is all, and in its last 5 months its driven me from brisbane to melboure, another 6000kms, and seen planty of track days and wet skid pans, and I wish I had got one earlier. Yes they are slow, but as a fun little zippy track hack and street car, its so briliant! Highly reccomend getting one.
@@ebails9969 I will not sell mine. I got in in 2001 R33 GTR N spec for thousand British pounds. The problem for me there's just nothing out there modern I really like enough.
As a MkIV Jetta owner, I really think if you want a VW from the MkIV generation you should shoot for the 1.8t manuals regardless of the body style. There are plenty of mods out there and you will ultimately end up with a bulletproof car with the right maintenance. Hint, change out all the plastic coolant pipes for aluminum ones and do the 2.0 coil pack upgrade. I bought mine at 118k miles and it is still going strong after over 246k miles.
I don't think it's because they didn't think about it, they've had one on the show before. Makes me wonder why they didn't include it at all, perhaps in australia they're just too expensive for what they are?
@@rollei35mm I went back to check myself but that's not true at all man, they haven't done a single video on a 370z minus talking about it briefly on their podcast. On another note, they have a 4 part series on a 350z.
@@Lucidbkeo fair, but in general 86’s and BRZ’s are more expensive than a 350Z. I’d argue the 350 is a better car for the price, I’m sure people would disagree though.
This video was a lot of fun! I bought a BRZ from watching the original BRZ videos you guys did and it was the best purchase of my life. I'm not a huge car guy (don't do track or drifts) but this car is so much fun to drive. I'm sure these lists will be a great help for people who really just want to make driving cars a whole lot more enjoyable. Would love to see what the list looks like at different budget categories!
No Argument, I've Been Watching you Guys for Years. I Just want to add an Appendix to Number 4. The WRX. Often you can get a Turbo Forrester with more features and a better price. I've been rocking one that I modded for more than a decade. I love that it can be a sleeper and I love that you built one as well.
I’ve owned my MK5 GTI for over a year now, absolute fell in love with it, 2006 model and had 86,000kms. The way the car will just go wherever you steer whether you’re taking a corner super hard or just smoothing into it, the mark 5 will never disappoint, and yeah I bought it during our ridiculous increase in used car prices for $9000 (rwc included)
i just bought a 2008 manual wrx and i gotta say it’s been an absolute blast learning to drive it! it’s so quick and handles super well i’m super happy with it and i can’t wait to start diving into mods
I can speak from experience on my 08 WRX Wagon, the first modification you'll want to do is to your savings account for the built motor you'll inevitably be upgrading to when (not if) you spin a rod bearing.
Lets be honest here the falcon should have come first 10K on a turbo xr6 would smash a golf and be more fun + practical all day long and not only that it comes turbo unlike the brz its ready to go straight away and the barra sounds better dont @ me
My fiancee has a Mk4 Golf GTi with wide 18" wheels and honestly for the price we got it for, is such a nice car to drive. Decent enough power and with those wheels it just holds onto the road (Michelin Pilot Sports on it as well).
great video. i love that you are doing this format as i think a lot of the younger viewers dont buy car magazines which do a lot of the comparisons you shared, albeit more for newer cars.
Scored my 86 with 170,xxxkm for 16k… And it drives like a gem! (All highway km, but has a full log book service history)… They do still exist, and it is definitely the best decision I’ve made! 🙌
I went full budget and picked up an 05 Hyundai Tiburon ( Shark) 115k KMs on the clock 2.7L V6 6 speed manual for 5k AUD. Unfortunately not much aftermarket support and sure they are not the fastest but they look great and fun to drive. Under rated and overlooked IMO considering how cheap you can pick them up for and can't afford the next price level.
My first car is my current car and it's my 2007 MK5 GTI Fahrenheit and I honestly love every single thing about this car. I got it for $5800 and only have an exhaust and some rims on it. It's fun to drive, it comes with a turbo and makes some good noises. Both manual and DSG are fun to drive, gets good gas milage, very comfortable, and it'll last forever. I'm not getting rid of this car until it truly dies on me.
I been watching MCM since 2013 and I'm a die hard fan from the states. Great list. I have a 22 WRX and came from a bmw. I think a 2007-2012 BMW 335 is worth a mention. You can get one for 10-15k inline 6 turbo. 300 hp stock rear or all wheel drive. Love you guys keep slinging videos I watch every single one
a shame the prices of the 335s have skyrocketed and are continuing to do so, same with the 330d's now, over doubled in price the last few years, but still for the performance and amount of car you get - they are still incredibly cheap compared to the JDM equivalents!
I am surprised a v8 commodore or turbo falcon wasn’t on the list. The 2000-2010 models all fit the brief well enough and both have phenomenal power and plenty of mods available. Big issue is they are not available outside of Australia- which is an issue for all the international viewers
This is what i came to comment, i definitely think it’s due to the international availability. But even an n/a Falcon, 190-195kw for anywhere between 5-15k is a great car.
They sorta knocked back cars because they're not common in Aus too though. I totally agree, BA-FG Falcon tops this list by all criteria, and LS-powered Commodores are up there too.
I was about to comment that I bet they don't put Ford or holden on the list, the boys have given the local product a bit of hate over the years. just picked up a turbo Territory for $6000, needs work but satisfies my need to modify, probably about $8000 in mods and repairs to get 400kw awd. I've watched then since they where doing $100 shit box mods in a drive way, come a long way, good on em.
They're trying to cater for a global audience, most of whom don't have access to the local product, plus I recall they're not that big fans of the local cars themselves, apart from obviously the engines (to swap into things like Mod Max or the Cresta)
I have a 09 Forester X that I originally bought as a daily. I have installed coilovers, adjustable rear lca's, adjustable rear lateral arms, adjustable 25mm rear sway bar, front and rear swaybar end links, 18x9.5 wheels with super sticky tires. It corners so hard I had to put in a race seat to keep me in place. When I need to pick up a bunch of stuff from the hardware store flip down the rear seats and I have pleny of room. It handles but slow enough to keep me out of trouble with the law and unless you know what it is most people don't give it a second look. Perfect!
From a non aussie, I'm interested why you don't include some of the aussie muscle from a few years back in this list? Xr6, XR8, commodores etc they seem so cheap
I got my 98 Civic D16Y7 coupe about a year ago for 3000 bucks. With only 160k miles. It's my first civic and I'm super excited to continue working on it. I definitely would like to get a bigger motor in there. But for now it's just my daily. Loving it.
Got a Mk7.5 Golf GTI as my first car and it’s been a great car to drive on street and track. Get some good tyres, sway bars and springs and it can do everything pretty well. Great video guys.
Almost bought one, but saw I could afford a BMW M140i Finale Edition for almost the same price. RWD is so much more fun and who doesnt like a straight 6 turbo!
@@nsmaori Yeah, I consider myself pretty lucky. Managed to get one for a decent price about a year ago have put 20,000kms on it and could probably sell it for the same if not more. The prices on the MK7/7.5 GTI's and R's has just gone crazy over the last 8 months.
I had a mk6 GTI as my first car, and now I have modded mk7. Perhaps not as engaging as some of the RWD cars, but they are still brilliant cars. We're lucky that our early motoring years have been so good!
Great video lads. Here's what I find mildly interesting. The Hilux is overpriced on the used market here in the UK. It's subject to "Hilux tax" however Jimmy's can be bought at less than half what they sell for in Australia.
Hilux's are way overpriced here in Australia too. They hold their value a lot. They are also not as "ultra" reliable as people like to think. The D4D engines were prone to injector failures which could cause pistons to crack etc. Some of the newer diesels engines have DPF issues as well.
All Japanese cars in Australia hold their value really well. Not just Hilux's. Yes its also due to marketing even though they have some underlying issues. Jimny's are the most surprising in terms of going up in Value. It's also based on our population too. Less cars, harder to find really good ones
@@KuroRyuu86 not all Japanese cars, but a lot do I guess. For example, a Triton doesn’t hold its value like a Hilux does. Comparing dual cab utes, you will pretty much always have to pay a higher price to get a Hilux new or second hand than you would with most other brands, thus the “Hilux tax”. It’s really a Toyota tax if you look at the bigger picture. I wouldn’t consider a Hilux fast or cheap (not a diesel 4x4 one like they were suggesting), so I don’t really agree with it making their list.
Had a 07 s3 for a few years. Basically a gti. Nightmare car, so many issues and gremlins even for a qualified mechanic and fab engineer. Cost me a fortune chasing issues with it. Can't believe you guys put this as number 1. They're cheap to purchase for a reason
The BMW e87 130i would fit in this list! 265hp, RWD, 50/50 weight ratio, 4 doors, confortable and sounds mad! N/A engine means not much power to gain but reliable and easy to work on. I bought one about a year ago for $10k in australia !
I’ve got an RS Sedan Impreza and it is an absolute dream to drive, motor is quite reliable and it performs well, the ej204 does lack power but it makes up for it in handling. Ive upgraded the sway bars so far and it made a massive difference in the grip that it has. Really good choice for a first car.
Got an 86 GTS with an HKS supercharger waiting to be popped on. Viable alternative to turbo considering these high compression engines don't like a ton of boost anyway. Can't wait to fit it all up.
Would have thought a 350z would have been a good alternative to a brz/86. Would have been nice to see the locals getting a mention. Buy a bf falcon for 3-4K, turbo it easily and have a semi sleeper for way less than 10k. Even a commodore ss, decent tune,cam and exhaust and you have a fun streeter. Spend the 20-25k that some of the cars mentioned in here would cost (not just the cheapest examples they used) and you can have a very fast car.
Hey man I just moved to AU and need a car soon. I've really started to like Commodore's and Falcon's but I've been looking for a xr6 BA or BF Falcon lately, what websites would you use? I can only find ones for like 6-10k
Locals wouldn't be getting a mention as they don't meet the criteria. It's not just about how fast they are. It's about handling which falcons and holdens are terrible at. Also not very practical with the amount of fuel they gussle.
@@tommyh4940For the Commodore I'll give you the handling part but I bet the Hilux handles worse (I've owned both) so I don't see how it is included but the commodore isn't. They are cheap, NOTHING is more fun starting out (Sorry Mum) and they are very practical, nothing carries more people over big distances more effortlessly than a Falcon or Commodore. As for the fuel, do you think these cars are economical when driven in a "fun" manner? My 21yo Calais is great on juice, but I don't have it open full tap all day lol.
MK6 GTI owner here. I couldn't agree more with it being the number one. It's such a good all around car and you can unlock so much more from it pretty easily. VW haters will always hate, but I can't help but think that if you put them in the seat and let them have a go, they'd be hard pressed not to have a smile on their face.
I have a 01 Audi A4 with the 1.8T, it currently has about 100hp more than stock and definitely a fun car. I also have a 2014 Audi A4 with the 2.0T and it's definitely more expensive to modify but a joy to drive!
Mazda 3's definitely don't have the same aftermarket part availability as most other cars but they are definitely cheap and capable of decent power increases with a turbo. A 2010 mazda 3 in Canada can run around 3k$ CAD. Very fun car to drive and might end up keeping mine to use as a project car.
One of my "In my mind" builds that I've always wanted to do is to take the AWD system out of a MAZDASPEED 6 and swap it into a MAZDASPEED 3. Every MS3 I've driven was super fun but it's torque steer is bonkers lol. I think with AWD it would be on another level.
@@jdmmike7225 there's a video of a company that swapped the drivetrains but its a lot of effort, and the Speed6 transmission is weak if you want to add power. Honestly wider tires is a much cheaper and easier solution. I have 8.5 inch wide tires with flares and its reduced the torque steer greatly
Love my MK7 GTI. Went stage 2 at 30k miles and I recently hit 100k with zero issues. I assure you that these cars are all things to all men. You genuinely can’t compete with a GTI in terms of the all around sports car
I'm actually a little disappointed the falcon (ba-fg) with the mighty barra isn't on that list. Cheap as car, mods are readily available heaps of power to be made. But other than that, you did pick some nice cars.
I’m moving to Sydney next month. Been looking at cars but WRXs are not $10k… not in Sydney! $15k for a ropey one or $20k plus. If you can find me one for $10k that isn’t rooted I’d buy it!!
As a truck enthusiast, I am SO glad you guys included a truck. Watching this in the middle of a true dual/x pipe from the headers back install on my truck.
I know the mk4 GTi is known as the fat one, but with suspension and sway bars you can dial them in quite nicely, and the 1.8t engine is a peach. I had one as my first decent car (wow nearly 15 years ago) and with Boltons and a good tune they're a fantastic daily. I then moved on to a 350Z which I feel at least deserves an honourable mention here. Smooth 6cyl NA engine and great chassis balance, they're a great choice for an up and coming hooligan on a budget. Especially if you like doing skids
Another great option is a Mk2 Focus St. At least in europe they're still relatively cheap (prices are rising, tho) but you get a 2.5l, 5cylinder turbo engine. Heaps of space and very practical for daily use. It's such a good (volvo) engine - so much fun to drive. Love that thing.
I was looking for a used car for a long time and the one that spoke to me was a manual 2011 civic. Completely stock but it's still a fun / reliable car.. 2-3 years later and no regrets.
I want to start learning how to do tunes and mods on cars. This video helped me find a starting car for a project. I'm going to continue watching this channel to help improve my mechanic skills and learn what different parts go wear/ what each part do. Thanks!
Good luck finding a reasonable condition WRX for 10k. I recently looked at 1998-2009 models for 6 months before buying one and anything selling for around 10K was a high mileage $hitbox that required a lot of work and money. You can however find fairly good ones for around 15K +. Even a clean early WRX for 20K is a bargain compared to 40K for a flogged out EVO.
Yeah not sure where they are getting their information from. A good G3 WRX like the one in the vid that hasn't done over 200,000km, will go for around 20k
Most of the cars on their list are off the mark price wise. You can still find an evo in the 40K bracket that isn't flogged though - and a TMK VI < 100K unless you want a red one with the decal pack. Their prices were off. I recently bought a 4x4 and the only hiluxs for 15K were old (like late 90's, early 00's) and had 500K + on them and mostly not turbo diesel. Not hating, but it kinda seems like they went "sort by lowest" or "sort by highest" depending on the point they were trying make.
On the narrow-body 3rd gen WRXs, a good thing to look out for is the difference between the MY07/08 and the MY09/10s, the earlier models have a TD04 Turbocharger, make around 167Kw from factory and have thinner sway bars/softer dampers compared to the later 09s, which have a VF52 Turbocharger from factory and make 195Kw and 343Nm out of the box. 09 and 10 are also available as a sedan while the 07 and 08 aren't. There really isn't that much of a price jump between the two, if any at all and a pretty nice, factory one can be had for around $15,000 AUD
My first car is an EP3 Civic Type R, they're still quite underrated and not the prettiest stock but the chassis feels amazing and is pretty light weight, the engine is super fun, reliable and can handle a quite some power (K-Swaps everywhere) , its practial as a hatchback can be and because they're so underrated they are relatively cheap. bought mine for 8 grand and its already double the value where I live in the condition I got. Also you don't see these things on the road often which makes it relatively rare as well. Can only recommend. One would be amazed how many expensive cars get eaten up in the corners with a decent driver behind the wheel
You have directed people to flat fours that are used, what's common on flat fours with more than 120k, oil burning, coolant leaking, and many blown head gaskets. A flat four may be good when new, but too many people are trying to dump the crappy ones.
What could be an alternative to a GTI is a focus xr5 turbo or even a focus ST. I'd prefer the golf but those focuses are also an option for around the same price
Focus ST and Fiesta ST deserve to be on the list too! Bigger and more power, little less handling. Or you can go small and zippy but a bit slower in the straights. Similar price to the gti
Ditto on the Golf. Been driving a 2.0L diesel golf for some time. Amazing car. Handles so well. Wife loves it. Absolute rocketship. Has more power and torque than my 3.0L prado and does 5l/100km.
It's insane how car prices have fluctuated, I've been looking for a DC3 Integra lately and can't even find one under $10,000 anymore. Before covid you'd see a tonne of them with rough paint jobs for 2-4k, nowadays there's only a handful for sale and all overpriced. Nothing is "attainable" anymore. Civic's may be cheap now but watch a year from now they will be over 10k too just for a boring base model.
Toyota Crown Athlete GRS184 - 2007, 69.000km, 380.000 yen, grade 4. Imported one like 1,5-2 years ago! They're cheap, luxurious, beautiful, fast and quite economical. 3,5l v6 - 315 hp - 400N-misch Only "downside" is that they aren't produced with a manual, but I actually appreciate that, being my daily. Lot of Lexus parts, easy to maintain.
I bought my 2016 GTI Autobahn because of the Golf R series. Bought it in Feb 2020 for $13.5k us and in April 2020 received a letter from the dealership I bought it from offering $18.5k trade in value for me to bring it back. I do love it, and it is fast, handling is amazing, it hooks like you wouldn't believe, however the only real "racing" I do is pulls from stop lights, so if that is really what you want out of a car pony up the extra dough and get the golf r. Really though a golf r is all I would want to trade up to, I love my little gti!!! Thanks so much for inspiring the purchase and thanks for all the great content!
Is200 is soooooo sloooow though. Like, so so slow. Probably the most comfortable car you'll drive, but my god 1gfe is a bucket. And even if you get a beams 3s one, they're still slow
Evo 7s are definitely not selling for 40k-50k. In Australia right now, it's 20k-25k for the auto 7 GT-A, 30-35k ish for 7s, 40k-50k for 8s and built 7s, 45k + for 8MRs, and then 55k+ for 9s.
Was thinking that myself. Get the odd mental later model that people ask 80k for but they have ridiculous amounts of work in them. 7s are actually super affordable. Couple of
@@tasshuffler8905 yeah there's some dude right now trying to sell his balls-to-the-wall track 7 for 85k. It's fully built driveline, brakes, everything and puts down a ridiculous 570kw to all 4 wheels, must be an absolute rocketship. I don't know if anyone is actually going to pay that much though
Anyone else disappointed that they didn't mention the Fiesta ST? or even a Focus ST as an alternative to the BRZ/86 or even the Subaru. You can get them for around $15-20k. They've got the mod support and are a very versatile machine. Or even a Suzuki Swift Sport (the new ones are 30k and turbo)
I know a lot of ppl probably don’t like the car I’m about to mention but I think the Hyundai Veloster coupe turbo is worth a mention. 1.6 turbo, modern, stylish, good on fuel etc with some aftermarket support. U can pick one up starting around $15K
I recently purchased and modded a 2005 Tacoma (Hillux). Would love to see you guys do a proper TRD Off Road style one and continue your streak of the greatest 4WD channel on the internet.
I don’t think I’ll ever sell my 2008 Mazda 3 MPS . The torque is always there and it’s just too fun to drive 🔥. was always hoping MCM would say something about it !
Thanks for including the Hilux! I've owned 7, for me better than any car. As for the Golfs, they're cheap because they break but I think most know that.
Audi TT are a nice alternative to the GTI, if you don't need as much practicality. And since a lot of people don't like them, they are sometimes cheaper than GTIs. But have a nice lightweight aluminum chassis and with good suspension mods can be very fun track toys. They also have a good aftermarket support due to a lot of Golf parts being compatible. Great video, love the channel!
Could you not say the same about the s-line A3? They also have the chance of being AWD if you can find a quattro. I really wanted a TT but was limited on the practical front as you mentioned. Maybe another day :)
3:30 that they were engineered during the height of the Bubble economy in Japan, you can the when you work on them, I had an EG Civic Special Edition 5 speed, 1994, for 13.5 years, and after I found myself with a Cadillac unexpectedly, sharing this news with a friend resulted in a burning desire to buy my Civic.
I love this content! So much more relatable than all the supercar channels that others are doing. Along those lines - I sold my NC Miata with the BBR200 cams/header, springs and a lovely exhaust with 110kkm for 14.5k EUR. Loved the car, but need more seats for my kiddos so I bought a crashed copart Porsche 996. My next cheap project (until reality hits 😂)
As an alternative to your alternative for the WRX, I have a 2011 Lancer Ralliart. Same 2.0l turbo engine as the Evo X, for half the price. Ive thrown a few mods at it, (turbo, injectors, coilovers etc) and boy oh boy is it fun to drive!
even the base NA lancers have a fun little community around them of people building themselves little budget evo's, lots of rice but fuck it if its their doorway into learning more about cars and the culture around it let em have their fun I say!
I know it wasn't mentioned, to be fair I don't know if they were ever sold in Austrailia, but the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 mainly the first gen you can pick up for between 6‐9k in the US, second gens being closer to 15k if its clean. Stupid fun turbo power thats fairly reliable if you don't go too crazy without a good tuner, its a hatchback with a 6speed manual trans and lsd's from factory. Insane bargain for what you're paying
@@moshikito4717 The second gen ones were the better car with an OEM LSD but their chassis left a lot to be desired. Especially when compared to the Megane RS
Mazdaspeed/MPS 3s and 6s are proper shitboxes second hand, they get thrashed to hell and ironically don't take it as well as Subarus. If you had the opportunity to buy one brand new, it was no doubt worth it but trust me when I say stay away from these unless you have good mechanical experience or deep pockets and plans to rebuild it eventually. When I bought my BK MPS3, I was under the impression based off people's opinions who had never owned one that they were bulletproof reliable but then I joined the MPS owners pages and forums... I wish I did so before I made the purchase because when new members joined and asked about buying one or showed off their new purchase, a lot of the members would strongly discourage it or list first ownership service items to hopefully avoid a list of potentially serious problems.
I'm pretty surprised a commodore wasn't on the list especially since you guys are aussies. idk maybe its different in nsw but in qld commodores are everywhere and there cheap as too. anyway love the videos keep up the great work I really appreciate all the work you guys put into your mad builds and would love to see yous do a commodore, I think it would be sick. luv yous.
love my little civic, i had to buy a cheap car (bought it for 1k) fast cause my daily driver died, didnt even expect to drive it that long, but almost 2 years later that little trooper just keeps running, its the most reliable car i ever had and i really love it now^^
Renault Megane RS. Hands down the best 15k performance car for out-of-the-box fun. It isn't super modifiable, but it has massive brembos, an unbelievably good chassis, 2.0 Turbo, good seats. Stock for stock is more than fun than all the cars on the list.
N15 Pulsar SSS/N15 Pulsar VZ-R are also great alternatives to the ol' Civics! VZ-R's are pretty common here in NZ, and I've seen a few for sale in Aus. Very similar to the Civics: generally 2 door hatches, 1.6L SR16VE punches out 170 odd hp at the crank thanks to VVL (Nissan's answer to VTEC). Not as good through corners though! Would love to see you guys do a build on one! Great list, nice to see this sorta content from you guys!
The sss in aus was a 4 door hatch with an sr20. The 2 doors you generally see here are imported as we never got them here. To get a vzr here for under 10k is pretty rare
@@yeenah3111 yea, I probably should have explained that more clearly hahah. We have bugger all sss's over here - missing out on that 20de goodness! Prices in Aus are out the gate, VZ-R's are like 3-10k here. 10k here will get you a well worked 20ve with all the sauce. Still quite slept on as well, not many people seem to know about 'em.
Love this episode guys, but would have been good to see an honourable mention for the Australian bang for buck cars.... Falcon and, dare I say it Commodore. Being a Ford fan, I prefer the blue oval offering, but either marque can provide budget fun that's easy to find parts for, is P plate friendly in NA form and can make bulk power with boost or V8 options.... One day when I finish my EL Fairmont turbo I'll be doing a "my crap car" video for that other channel.....
2013 Opel Astra OPC, 206kw & 400nm, brembos, pneumatic adjustable seats, mechanical LSD and electronically adjustable dampers. Not a great deal of local aftermarket support, but alot of kit stock which makes for fantastic bang for your buck. 10 - 15k
have a lancer myself. although it lacks in power its such a fun car to drive n i enjoy it so much. there is also a decent community around the lancers as well
Cool video dudes. Both my cars fall into this category, Toyota Starlet and Alfa 147 GTA - one at the lower end and one at the higher end. Neither quite make the grade in the aftermarket and support area but in terms of bang for buck they are pretty awesome. The Starlet is as unkillable as a Hilux, super lightweight and fun to chuck around while the Alfa comes with 190kW from the factory, sounds amazing and has way more Euro style than any Golf. A BRZ is next on my shopping list :)
The Alfa wouldn't qualify as cheap, with prices for decent ones going up quickly (at least in europe, going to €30k) and running costs for the tyres and fuel for that busso engine are probably not cheap xD
I’d love to see you guys do a recent BMW making big power. the turbo 6s that BMW make/have made (N54, N55, S55, B58, S58) are in loads of cars, M and others and there must be bargains out there for like a 330i that you could mod to make it a track weapon
Hey guys great video! im not sure if you guys get them over there but the Mazda MPS is a very comparable car to theGTI golf for around the same money (least here in NZ). Would actually be awesome to see you guys mod one to be honest. Plenty of aftermarket parts for them! Keep up the good work!
MPS is ridicuously overpiced. Can get a gti for half the price and smoke an mps from stock. Launch control, DSG Gearbox, crazy aftermarket support for like 5k. Even a MK5 GTI will make 300hp with a downpipe and remap and have all the daily comforts of a mercedes.
Ford Fiesta ST is a 135kw turbo hatch for 10-15k that goes quick and has loads of mods and aftermarket parts, people push them to 200kw and more without issues. Hyundai excel is the hidden gem everyone ignores. 1.5L twin cam thats extremely cheap, easy to work on and there's actually a HUGE following of them used in all kinds of racing especially in Australia with loads of aftermarket parts.
Question is, how long will these stay bang for buck after an MCM video + MCM tax haha. Also - an alternative fun little known turbo hatch would be the Mazda 3 MPS. Everyong has forgotten about them.
The Subaru Legacy GT is one of the best cheap cars you get for the cheapest price. A year and a half ago I bought a completely rust free clean title 2005 legacy GT wagon with a 5 speed for $6500 and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned
Maybe not for Australia, but for Europe at least one of the best bang for buck (at least for now) is a 2014 Ford Fiesta ST. 182 bhp, turbo, reliable, 1050kg, fun to drive, lots of aftermarket parts, 5 seats. Get them while you can.
