Best Factory Sleeper Import for $10k-$20k
 

I'm interested in purchasing a Japanese import after getting rid of my Z last yr. just didn't drive it enough to justify letting it sit in a garage.

What I' looking for is a cheap economy based , high power to weight ratio import, that can be slightly modded and turned into fun to drive car.

Requirements are japanese, 2-4 doors, seats 4 and a 4 cylinder engine, price range $10-$20k .

Mazdaspeed3. /thread.

corolla-s

Like Ricer X mentioned Mazdaspeed 3, or a used subaru wrx and to go a little more unpopular, a mitsubishi lancer ralliart. All are turbo econorides.

Subaru Legacy GT Spec B. All the fun of the STi without the flatbill Ken Block bro-tards.

Why limit to Japanese...Dodge Neon RS, Mitsubishi engine can be boosted to over 500whp...cheap too

my fit is japanese but 5 doors.. and MT.

pretty fun to drive as long as family dont ride along and temps are below 60F.. :ugh:

My first thought was one of the "twins" used. (FRS/BRZ)

I get to drive these at the track often, and they always make me smile.

It seems like you are looking for straight-line "fun" though and most of the fun with the twins comes from the steering wheel rather than the gas pedal. (Although the crappy Prius tires that come stock have such terrible grip that you might think you have 400hp the way the rears break loose so easily)

*edit* probably doesn't look like a sleeper either.

Any older WRX or, for a total sleeper, maybe an Outback. I believe those came with the same turbo engine as the WRX's.

Another option would be the Toyota Matrix XRS with the super fun, hi revving 2ZZ motor. N/A, but you can find relatively cheap blower or turbo kits for it.

Why just Japanese? a gen 1 CTSV with the 6.0 liter motor and six speed. Parts are cheap and its easy to add a blower and other items, 4 doors too.

Volvo S40, trust me you'd never see it coming.

rx-7 FD3s

He wants to drive it not push it.

Legacies with the 2.5T are sleepers compared to the rash of wrx out there. Then again a bugeye or 04-06 wrx is just a hoot regardless of who else has them.

- b