Fastest new car for under 20k?

What is the quickest vehicle one can buy (brand new, showroom stock) for 20k or less. I know this is an odd one. After all, they don't make brand new sports cars for under 20k in this economy.

But what if we had to... Keep in mind "brand new". Nothing used, nothing built in your back yard.

Also, "quickest" is subjective. Could be quarter mile, acceleration, or handling prowess. But with handling we can't go off C&D stats due to those awful Eco tires.

The cheapest one so you can afford 5k for the aftermarket engine and puffer bits.

Base Honda Civic? 158hp?

Not sure if it's fastest, and not sure if you're talking MSRP, or with rebates, or out-the-door.

Consider the Chevrolet Sonic LT hatch with 1.4T and 6-speed manual.

MSRP is $18,330. There's a $1500 rebate now, so even out-the-door, it should be well under $20k.

Fiesta ST without thinking too much about non sporting cars that could be used for sporting intentions.

I place my bet on a work truck--1/2 ton, V8, short cab, short bed, no options whatsoever, bought a year or two old that is still sitting on the lot.

Trackmouse wrote: What is the quickest vehicle one can buy (brand new, showroom stock) for 20k or less.

Kawasaki ZX-10R, $14,999-16,299.

But without researching, I would've guessed Chevy Sonic or Ford Fiesta variants.

Base F56 Cooper?

Andy Neuman wrote: Fiesta ST without thinking too much about non sporting cars that could be used for sporting intentions.

This would be a great answer if not for the fact that its base MSRP is over $21k.

I assume we're using MSRPs right?

EvanR wrote: Not sure if it's fastest, and not sure if you're talking MSRP, or with rebates, or out-the-door. Consider the Chevrolet Sonic LT hatch with 1.4T and 6-speed manual. MSRP is $18,330. There's a $1500 rebate now, so even out-the-door, it should be well under $20k.

I was thinking just this.

U.S. Domestic market only?

GameboyRMH wrote:

Andy Neuman wrote: Fiesta ST without thinking too much about non sporting cars that could be used for sporting intentions.

This would be a great answer if not for the fact that its base MSRP is over $21k. I assume we're using MSRPs right?

MSRP was not specified so I checked autotrader for pricing since 7 were listed under $18k I thought it should qualifying

If we go by MSRP, the Mazda 3 is all I can think of off the top of my head. The base 2L's 16.0 sec @ 89 mph is quicker than the Sonic.

Jetta 1.4T with an APR chip?

mtn wrote: I place my bet on a work truck--1/2 ton, V8, short cab, short bed, no options whatsoever, bought a year or two old that is still sitting on the lot.

My first thought as well. Can you get the smaller Ecoboost V6 for under $20k? I remember hearing some wild stats on that a while back.

Guess I need to specify more. Msrp. No mods. Nothing that's "been on the lot awhile" and let's keep incentives out of the equation, although mentioning them is cool. Also, usdm. No "unobtanium".

Is the sonic really under 20k?

Trucks are not even close. Quick perusal of ford chevy and 'ram' shows that 1/2 tons start at $26k/$27k MSRP. The colorado even starts above $20k (though only by a little).

Now if you are talking about one a year or two old, maybe, but you are bending the definition of 'new'.

Dodge Dart SXT comes in less than 20k, 185HP engine. Fiat 500 turbo does too - 135 hp.

brand new golf 1.8t can be had brand new under 20, and has plenty of go power

GameboyRMH wrote:

Andy Neuman wrote: Fiesta ST without thinking too much about non sporting cars that could be used for sporting intentions.

This would be a great answer if not for the fact that its base MSRP is over $21k. I assume we're using MSRPs right?

If you know the right people, only $29 over $20k. And with current incentives, they are closer to $18.5k.

Fiat 500 and Chevy Cruze both get you 0-60 around 7 sec. or just under.

Fiat 500c - 0-60 in 6.9 sec
Mazda 3 - 0-60 in 7.5 sec
Chevy Cruze - 0-60 in 7.6
Honda Civic 0-60 in 7.6 sec
Honda Fit - 0-60 in 8.0 sec
Kia Rio - 0-60 in 8.2 sec
Chevy Sonic - 8.1 sec
Fiesta - 0-60 in 8.9 sec
Scion iA - 0-60 in 9.0 sec

A VW Golf 1.8 Manual will do the run in 6.8, but MSRP is a few hundred dollars above $20K.
Kia Forte coupe will do 6.9, but the turbo motor puts you $300 north of 20K.

Without digging any deeper, looks like a Fiat 500c is your best bet.

Ok, let's concede a bit. It'll be a max price (out the door) of 20,999$

Robbie wrote: Trucks are not even close. Quick perusal of ford chevy and 'ram' shows that 1/2 tons start at $26k/$27k MSRP. The colorado even starts above $20k (though only by a little). Now if you are talking about one a year or two old, maybe, but you are bending the definition of 'new'.

No I'm not--it can be bought new on the lot, full warranty, never titled. How is that not a new car?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2017&zip=18914&listingType=new&listingTypes=new&engineCode=8CLDR&maxPrice=20000&vehicleStyleCodes=TRUCKS&startYear=2014&showcaseOwnerId=64214697&engineCodes=8CLDR&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=0&minPrice=2000&listingId=418062555&Log=0

Can we ask why we're using such an odd set of parameters for a car?