Fun-to-drive New Cars For A Quarter-life Crisis
You're likely familiar with the stereotype of a middle-aged person who impulsively splurges on an expensive new car. But there's also a similar experience at a different life stage: buying a flashy and fun vehicle right after you get your first well-paying job. You might call it a quarter-life crisis car. Most financial experts would argue that the last thing these young people need right now is a big loan. 30,000 that deliver driving excitement without breaking the bank. All of the listed manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) include destination fees. The Mustang has long provided sleek styling. What you might not know is how good the rest of the car has gotten recently. Despite representing the bottom rung of Mustangdom, the EcoBoost is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes a stout 310 horsepower. This entry-level Mustang also comes standard with a surprising amount of racy hardware, including a limited-slip rear differential for improved traction and an electronic line-lock to facilitate burnouts (at the track only, of course). This undated photo provided by Ford shows a 2019 Ford Mustang.
This entry-level Mustang also comes standard with a surprising amount of racy hardware, including a limited-slip rear differential for improved traction and an electronic line-lock to facilitate burnouts. Honda offers a variety of Civic models, but the Si is the one that will get you through a quarter-life crisis. Available as a coupe or sedan, the Si comes with a 205-horsepower engine that provides quick acceleration. A lot of the enjoyment also comes from shifting your gears via the standard six-speed manual transmission. Compared to a regular Civic, you also get an adaptive suspension that enhances both handling and ride comfort, stronger brakes, a unique rear spoiler, Si-branded sport seats, an upgraded 10-speaker stereo, and a unique instrument panel. The Kona is one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs on the market. When equipped with its optional 175-horsepower turbocharged engine, it gets up to speed quicker than just about everything else in the class. It's also fun to drive around turns thanks to its sporty handling.
On top of that, you get a lot for your money. Even a base Kona comes with a decent set of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Our pick, the Limited, has the upgraded engine plus extras such as leather upholstery and a premium sound system. Here's what you don't get with the Wrangler: a quiet cabin, a cushy ride quality and lots of standard features. But it's easy to overlook that when you're getting iconic styling and an SUV that can be a capable off-roader or a rugged-looking boulevard cruiser. It's still the only SUV available that has a removable roof and doors, too. 30K limit, but it's missing features you might expect from a vehicle made in 2019, such as air conditioning. You'll need to spend a little more to get them. The Miata is a two-seat roadster that prioritizes thrills over frills.
You won't find expansive elbow room, high-tech features or generous trunk space here. But the Miata's small size and nimble handling contributes to the fun. Its simple fabric top that can be lowered in just a few seconds. A bevy of upgrades for 2019 makes the Miata enticing, including a revised 181-horsepower engine that gives the Miata quick acceleration. The Golf GTI blends a user-friendly interior, practicality and performance for an attainable price. VW's formula is to take the humble Golf hatchback and transform it with a more powerful engine (228 horsepower for 2019), a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and subtle enhancements such as bigger wheels and sport seats. For 2019, the limited-edition Rabbit trim level is an intriguing pick. It slots right above the base S trim and adds extras such as adaptive LED headlights and special exterior paint colors. EDMUNDS SAYS: It's OK to splurge a little and replace your old hand-me-down car with a new ride. The cars on this list should help keep your budget intact.
