Best cars for 20-somethings
In the prime of your single years and need wheels that make your day? Have we got a deal or two for you…There’s a beautiful car-buying window in most of our lives that arrives somewhere after your first car, but years before life’s responsibilities pose the unfortunate compromise between the wheels you want and the car you need.
Indeed, this period is possibly the most fun you’ll have buying a car. A time when you don’t have to factor in other passengers, carpool duties, age-related ailments or the many and varied demands of a growing family.
It’s these kinds of considerations that often see absolute gems struck off the shopping list completely.
We’ve chosen five cars that we think represent good, clean fun for the 20-something buyer and won’t blow the budget.
Enjoy the ride, while it lasts (some of us, are jealous!!!).
Mazda MX-5
Why wouldn’t you want a taste of the world’s most popular roadster? It’s been 30 years since Mazda’s MX-5 first rolled off the production line and well over one million examples have hit the road since that day.
Priced from $35,890 to $49,900 plus on-road costs, the Mazda MX-5 is available in soft-top or retracting hard-top (RF) guise and four model grades – Roadster, RF, Roadster GT and RF GT.
Better still, all four variants get the option of either a 1.5-litre (97kW/152Nm) or 2.0-litre (135kW/205Nm) four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, with all power sent to the rear wheels!
The snug cabin boasts plenty of modern technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and satellite navigation, as well as good driver assist technology including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a reversing camera.
Above all, the Mazda MX-5 guarantees smiles – not because it’s the fastest, the most powerful or the most prestigious roadster out there, but because it’s affordable, relatable, liveable and a whole lot of wind-in-your-hair fun behind the wheel.
We love it.
Buy this car: if you’re craving fun and can deal with the one-passenger limit.
Toyota 86
Toyota’s affordable rear-wheel-drive coupe is a fun and versatile car that proves its worth not only on the road, but also on the track (in a national one-make race series).
It’s even got room for four occupants… if you must.
The Toyota 86 is offered in two model grades, the GT and GTS, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to either a six-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission. The manual version produces 152kW/212Nm while the auto is down slightly to 147kW/205Nm.
Equipment levels such as 16- or 17-inch wheels, cloth versus Alcantara upholstery and so on differentiate the two grades, which are priced from $32,180 and $37,380 respectively (plus ORCs) for the manual. Automatic transmission adds $2300.
The 6.1-inch touchscreen is home to your audio, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, rear-view camera and more.
And if you love some after-market action, the Toyota 86 brings cult-like levels of inspiration thanks to a passionate and creative owners’ cohort.
Alternatively, you might like to check out the Subaru BRZ – the two vehicles were co-developed, they share the same mechanical footprint and identical naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.
So why choose one over the other? See for yourself in our 86 v BRZ comparison.
Buy this car: if you like a raw and thoroughly engaging drive.
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is a fun 4x4 that’s unpretentious, easy to drive and will not blow the budget like the Jeep Wrangler you’re most likely hoping to emulate.
Priced from $25,990 to $27,990 (plus ORCs), the pint-sized Suzuki Jimny offering is simple – its sole 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (75kW/130Nm) is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission that drives through a part-time 4WD system and has low-range gearing for tackling the rough stuff.
The Jimny’s pared-back and robust interior still packs the technology you’ll crave – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also features satellite navigation, climate control, voice command, a rear-view camera and cruise control.
The sand-proof rubber floor mats and fold-flat second row seats are crying out for bikes and boards, and the Jimny’s off-road credentials will get you off the beaten track whether it be the coast or country. It’s where this boxy 4x4 shines.
The Jimny is all about fun, frivolity and getting out of town.
Buy this car: if you’re up for some off-road adventure, weekend warrior style.
Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai’s pocket-rocket Veloster is often overlooked – particularly in the Australian new-car market awash with SUVs.
Its quirky silhouette polarises buyers. I mean, how do we relate to it? We haven’t even touched on the asymmetric-door body style. Stop!
Savvy buyers flock to the Hyundai Veloster because of its fun factor and sporty credentials. Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
Priced between $29,780 and $42,410 (plus ORCs), the Hyundai Veloster is available in three model variants – Veloster, Turbo and Turbo Premium – all of which are available with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The entry-level Veloster is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (110kW/180Nm) and the mid and top-spec add some turbo pep to their 1.6-litre unit (150kW/265Nm) – if you’re after that kind of punch.
You’ll find the Veloster’s technology and equipment levels tick all the right boxes, too.
Buy this car: if you like your fun to look a little different from the mainstream.
MINI Cooper Convertible
A nameplate that has been with us for more than 60 years, MINI has maintained its cult status in a market where fickle new-car buyers are spoilt for choice – and it’s fair to say that MINI well and truly holds its own.
In 2020, the MINI is now available in multiple variants including a three- and five-door hatch, Countryman crossover, larger Clubman, a convertible, the go-fast John Cooper Works (JCW) variants and most recently the zero-emissions MINI Electric. Consider most bases covered.
But it’s the MINI Cooper Convertible we reckon is ripe for your 20-something no-regrets phase.
Priced between $41,900 and $58,900 (plus ORCs), the MINI Cooper Convertible is offered in Cooper, Cooper S or top-spec JCW guise.
The Cooper uses a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine (100kW/220Nm), the S steps up to 2.0-litre turbo-four (141kW/280Nm) and the JCW charges hardest with a 170kW/320Nm version of the 2.0 turbo.
All come standard with an auto transmission, the Cooper/Cooper S with a seven-speed dual-clutch and the JCW with a conventional eight-speed unit. A manual can be ordered as a no-cost option.
Argue as you may, but we reckon no other car nails the retro vibe like a MINI and it does so without compromise to comfort or in-car equipment levels. Its overall character is next level.
Get some MINI-made wind in your hair, while you still have it… The hair, that is.
Buy this car: for some seat-of-your-pants, wind-in-your-hair kind of fun.
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