zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Buying
/
5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000
5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000-October 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:09:19

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

The has some signs of off, but buyers are still finding it frustrating especially when shopping for a . For folks that are a bit more open-minded, they can score crossover utility in a sportier and more stylish package by going for a luxury (or near-luxury) five-door fastback.

This a quick reminder of what a “five-door fastback” is, because automakers have messed around with the category semantics for so long that body-style labels don’t really mean anything anymore (hence why the BMW X4 has the word “coupe” in its name). The fastback that I am referring to is essentially a sedan with a more sharply sloped roofline in the rear — and most importantly, a trunk opening that is hinged from the roof. This gives the car “hatchback”-like access and typically a lot more cargo space than a similar-sized sedan.

For about $35,000, you can find a moderately equipped Honda or Toyota crossover if by some minor miracle you score one at MSRP and/or you are willing to wait several months. The used market is an option, and you will likely pay about the same amount for a low-mile example.

Or you can live a little bit, and try one of these five used fastbacks and possibly get a better value for your dollar.

Audi A5 Sportback

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

Audi’s best five-door-fastback entry into the luxury space was the sharp A7, but finding quality candidates under thirty-five large is a challenge. However, the smaller can be had within a reasonable budget for folks that want the driving dynamics of an A4 but most of the cargo space of the Q5.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo that is found in a variety of Audi and VW models. It puts down plenty of punch, and of course that motor is paired with Audi’s Quattro AWD system. Sourcing a factory Certified example at this price point isn’t easy, so you will want to cast a wide net if that extra warranty is a priority.

BMW 4 Series GranCoupe

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

Here we go again with , which loves to keep using the word “coupe,” but I’m not sure the automaker really knows what it means. The 4 GC uses essentially the same formula as the A5 Sportback: a turbocharged 4-cylinder motor combined with all-wheel-drive, though the BMW could also be had in rear-drive guise.

The 4 series is a tad sportier than the A5, and I recommend hunting one down with the M-sport package. It doesn’t make the car any faster, but it certainly gives some aesthetic upgrades. You will also find the 4 GranCoupe to have more availability over the four-rings.

Buick Regal GS

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

The last generation was a European car with an American badge, as you could find visually identical cars also called the Opel or Vauxhall Insignia in markets across the pond. What dozens of us wanted was the GS performance in the wagon body, but what we got was a 300 hp V6 in the fastback sedan.

Even so, the If you are embarrassed to be driving a Buick, badge swaps are quick and easy, and

Kia Stinger

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

If you want six-cylinder power but the Buick isn’t your bag, the is your ticket to a practical GT car. You can also get the Stinger with a turbo-four, but you will always question why you didn’t spring for the bigger motor, especially since there are plenty of V6 examples to be had for around $35,000. You can even get loaded GT2 trim cars with CPO coverage that will give you the balance of Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

, so now may be your chance before buyers think this car becomes a “collector’s item.”

Volkswagen Arteon

Image for article titled 5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

You can view the as a stylish but overpriced Passat, or as a bargain Audi A7 (the VW’s dimensions are within a few inches of the big Audi). .

For $35,000, you can land a loaded SEL Premium trim that retailed in the $55,000 range. Also important to remember that all 2018 /2019 model year cars had a transferrable 6-year/72,000-mile warranty, and any CPO car would add an additional year and 12,000 miles. That’s a lot of coverage if you are gun-shy about VW build quality.

The average buyer isn’t likely to forgo their Japanese crossover for European or Korean-sourced fastback, but you don’t read this website because you are an “average” buyer. So hold off on that CUV purchase for now and cruise in style.

Tom McParland is a contributing writer for Jalopnik and runs AutomatchConsulting.com. He takes the hassle out of buying or leasing a car. Got a car buying question? Send it to [email protected]

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Buying
At $5,900, Is This 1984 Nissan 720 4X4 A Solid Deal?
At $5,900, Is This 1984 Nissan 720 4X4 A Solid Deal?
According to its seller, today’s Nissan 4X4 shows “pride of ownership.” Let’s see if it would take swallowing one’s pride to pay its asking price. Opinions were split on how well the design of yesterday’s has held up over the years. Some of you commented that the design still...
Oct 22, 2024
At $8,600, Would You Go Topless In This 1994 Cadillac Eldorado?
At $8,600, Would You Go Topless In This 1994 Cadillac Eldorado?
The seller of today’s Caddy claims they should be selling it at auction but says who’s got time for that? Let’s see if we have the time for this custom convertible at its non-auction price. Many of you agreed that the $950 asked for yesterday’s was “chump change.” Even...
Oct 22, 2024
Someone Willingly Paid $16,000 For A Maserati Ghibli On Cars & Bids. Don’t Make The Same Mistake
Someone Willingly Paid $16,000 For A Maserati Ghibli On Cars & Bids. Don’t Make The Same Mistake
Let’s cut right to the chase: buying a is not a good idea unless you have deep enough pockets for the upkeep. For those not in the know, they’re sirens. They draw you in with their premium Italian image and sweet songs of and then go in for the...
Oct 22, 2024
At $950, Would You Go All-In On This 1984 Plymouth Colt GTS Turbo Project?
At $950, Would You Go All-In On This 1984 Plymouth Colt GTS Turbo Project?
One of the calling cards of today’s Plymouth Colt is its “Twin Stick” overdrive gear change, which gives the car eight speeds going forward and two in reverse. Let’s see if this project car has anything else to offer. Just as Goldilocks discovered when appropriating Papa Bear’s lifestyle and...
Oct 22, 2024
At $18,500, Would You Lean Toward Buying This 2022 Ford Mustang?
At $18,500, Would You Lean Toward Buying This 2022 Ford Mustang?
Today’s Mustang is being sold by a towing yard, which means it’s probably a lien sale. Let’s see if this clean title convertible is priced to put a new buyer on the hook. The general consensus on last Friday’s was that it would be the perfect car for someone...
Oct 22, 2024
Which One Of You Suckers Is Going To Pay Over $32,000 For A 25-Year-Old Toyota 4Runner
Which One Of You Suckers Is Going To Pay Over $32,000 For A 25-Year-Old Toyota 4Runner
The (and Tacoma) have a death grip on used values. It’s been this way for years. Go ahead, go try and buy any TRD trim that’s a couple of years old; it’ll cost you as much as a new one — not that you could buy a new one...
Oct 22, 2024
Copyright 2023-2024 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved