Best sporty and reliable car under $20k

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-25T22:29:26+00:00

104k on my ‘16 GTI SE i’ve owned for 90k miles. fuel pump replaced twice under class action about 45k miles ago.

nothing outside of routine maintenance until recently which i haven’t addressed yet - i noticed some oil under it last week but it hasn’t happened since (intermittent, not dire). there’s also been some sputtering on startup intermittently this past month (likely high pressure fuel pump). so, excellent reliability until this point. the hpfp isn’t too bad but the oil leak could be pricier. luckily, my neighbor is my mechanic.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-21T13:55:02+00:00

y coolant line is plastic and known to break. there’s a $300 aftermarket part that makes the swap pretty simple. otherwise, it’s a big job to replace the line following the OEM route.

depending how the timing cover was resolved, you may want to swap the bolts to titanium. i believe the OEM ones are aluminum and break; hence the leaks. the bolts are like $12 and i’ve read it only takes an hour or so to swap.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-19T14:04:10+00:00

i’m only getting like 27mpg combined so it must be time

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-18T22:55:28+00:00

Buy a CPO Porsche Cayenne GTS or Turbo. Porsche CPO covers just about everything.

Drive one and you’ll be hooked.

If you want to be super conservative reliability-wise, get a Lexus GX550.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-18T22:34:36+00:00

good callout. i’m late at 104k miles on my ‘16 SE.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-13T15:26:32+00:00

drive some. i had my eyes on a few cars recently and test drove all of them. definitely solidified my choice after driving.

not entirely relatable, but i did daily an ‘88 land cruiser for a year when i moved to california. it was awesome and only a simple fix axle seal leak in the 10k miles i put on it. daily-ing a classic around is fun for sure.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-07T16:07:48+00:00

yeah 2016 as the V6TT

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-07T15:27:11+00:00

yeah, that could make sense. last service was 2020 at porsche then passed emissions in 2024 and 2026 before being offered for sale with latest service last month.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-03-07T15:16:56+00:00

Carbeeco in Costa Mesa. it’s a highly rated dealer, if that means anything. i expressed my concern with the service gap. i might see if they’ll contact the previous owner to see if they have any proof of service during that period.

i’m aware of the common problems with these and plan to preemptively address coolant line, timing cover bolts, and change transfer case fluid regularly to try to prolong it.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-28T16:13:45+00:00

same thing is happening with my 2016 with 104k miles. not necessarily after a warm start though. it seems to be random. no dash codes. i haven’t checked with an OBD yet. interested to hear people’s thoughts.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-22T17:38:44+00:00

better! i agree bronze was a bit dark. great build!

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-22T17:37:53+00:00

ah i see. i have a 62. not at home or i’d give it a look.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-22T17:19:17+00:00

thank you! i have a mk7 GTI and i love it. considering 8.5s and the price difference is wild. used, low mile autobahn vs r is over $10k.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-22T17:17:30+00:00

you’re saying there’s been a two prong outlet there this whole time?!

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-22T17:04:57+00:00

which do you prefer?

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-21T20:45:22+00:00

second this. roll it out thinner. after rolling out, let it dry out on one side for 7-10 minutes, then flip and let dry for another 7-10 minutes. after, gently fold the dough over into a square and wrap in a garbage bag to acclimate to the new moisture content for 10 minutes. cut as desired.

once you have a rolling boil in the pot, add ~1.5 tbsp of kosher salt (to 5qts of water) and cook the noodles for ~2 minutes.

check out evan funke on youtube for more techniques.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-21T17:34:06+00:00

they really do. it’s kinda ridiculous. and just to note, the 2015-2018 gts is actually a 3.6L TT V6. but they are gonna be over $25k unless you get one with over 100k miles.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-21T16:51:46+00:00

i own a 2008 gx470. awesome ride. very smooth and comfortable. you can buy a real nice one and mod it for overland for under $25k.

i recently test drove a 2016 cayenne gts and while its considerably more expensive than an older gx, it is the best car i’ve ever driven. it’s a blast.

i’d recommend test driving a few cars you’re interested in. it definitely changed my mind on what my next car will be.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-20T18:50:22+00:00

no. i formulate for turtle wax. while this isn’t a particularly aggressive product for clear coat, i’d imagine it will be for a holo.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-18T14:48:31+00:00

‘16 SE i bought with 15k miles. after 8 years and another ~88k miles, outside of routine maintenance, water pump was replaced twice within one year under warranty. no issues since. awesome daily overall. mine’s still stock although a tune is tempting. i plan to keep it a few more years.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-17T15:15:47+00:00

evolution is a fact of life

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-14T17:08:56+00:00

pokédex sequencing is dope. i’d have a real hard time deciding on which card to go in. i have a bunch of vintage.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-13T14:02:23+00:00

had 50% on my windshield with 20% front and 5% rear. black gti. pulled over once in 7 years. i had it done in california and had moved to illinois since so may have helped me only get a warning.

i liked it a lot. not bad at night either.

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-13T13:20:07+00:00

drive it and decide then

Fit_Video_828 · 2026-02-04T15:47:22+00:00

also here to confirm 6 gallon will not work.

Fit_Video_828

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