The 5 best driver’s cars you can buy for $30,000 to $40,000

The next step up from our under-$30,000 fun-to-drivers is here!

BarackObama

Dec 11, 2024 - 11:27

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The 5 best driver’s cars you can buy for $30,000 to $40,000

To follow up our story on The 5 best driver’s cars you can buy for less than $30,000, we are moving one step up the price ladder. The driver’s cars that are priced between $30K and $40K MSRP are not only more numerous, but they offer a great deal of variety in terms of which wheels are driven as well as a general driving character on the road or track.

Because there are more than five candidates this time, there will be the Top 5, followed by the runners-up. Your opinions, like your mileage, may vary, so here are our picks, in no particular order:

2025 Toyota GR Corolla - $38,860

There are some major changes in store for the 2025 version of the GR Corolla, not least of which is the fact that only one model remains under $40,000 - the Core model with the six-speed manual. The other big change is the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on all three models of the GR Corolla.

In addition to the Core and Premium trims, a new top-level Premium Plus has been added. All trims receive increased engine torque, retuned suspension, a new front bumper for improved cooling and aerodynamics, plus rev-matching and improved clutch feel on the manual transmission.

The Core model features all of the standard GR Corolla goodness like 300 horsepower from the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder, the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system with four modes of front-to-rear balance, 18” cast alloy wheels with Michelin PS4 Tires inside wide fender flares, front & rear limited-slip Torsen differentials, and fabric sport seats.

2025 BMW 230i Coupe - $39,200

Just as with the GR Corolla, there is only one BMW 2-Series Coupe in our price range. The good news is that it is the rear-wheel drive model, giving you the throttle-balancing abilities that classic BMWs have become known for. It’s a feature, not a bug.

The 230i comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out 255 horsepower. Suspension is fully independent all around, with a lightweight five-link rear axle and vented discs at all four corners. An 8-speed Sport Steptronic is the only transmission.

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If you really want to keep this car under $40K, there is one relatively inexpensive option we’d suggest - one of the seven less-expensive optional colors priced at $650. The only standard color is non-metallic white, so knock yourself out!

2025 Subaru WRX Premium - $35,750

With the base model WRX discontinued for the 2025 model year, the Premium trim is now the entry-level WRX. Two WRX Premium models squeak in under $40,000, the six-speed manual version and the automatic SPT (Subaru Performance Transmission) with paddle shifters. There’s even room to add the upgraded 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and power moonroof package (only available on the six-speed) for $1,865 and still keep it under the limit.

The WRX Premium has the same 2.4-liter, 271 horsepower four-cylinder Boxer engine as all other WRX models, driving all four wheels through its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. You also get LED fog lights, a trunk lid rear spoiler in body color, 18” alloy wheels with summer performance tires, aluminum alloy pedal covers, plus heated front seats and exterior mirrors.

2025 Hyundai Elantra N - $33,950

The Hyundai Elantra N comes up as one of the better values here. Unlike the BMW, it comes fully equipped from the factory with your choice of a standard six-speed manual or an eight-speed DCT for $1,500 more. There are three no-charge exterior colors and three more with a $470 upcharge. Standard equipment includes a 2.0-liter, 275-horsepower, turbocharged inline-four driving the front wheels, along with vented discs all around and 245/35 Z-rated Michelin tires on 19” alloy wheels. The sports seats are finished in a combination of black leather and Alcantara.

The Elantra N is one of Hyundai’s track-focused N cars, overseen by none other than Albert Biermann, the man who previously put the M in BMW. During his time at Hyundai, he placed his high-performance stamp on these N vehicles, making them exceptional driver’s cars. Zero-to-60 comes up in 4.8 seconds for the automatic and in 5.1 for the six-speed manual. Estimated top speed is 155 mph.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI - $32,175

Here's another decent value at the lower end of the price range. Unlike the GTI, which has dropped its manual transmission and won’t be available until early 2025, you can still get a six-speed manual in the Jetta’s high-performance variant. A seven-speed DSG is a no-charge option. The sole current trim level is the Autobahn, which gives you a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower driving the front wheels through a limited-slip diff.

A multi-link axle brings up the rear, while adaptive chassis DCC with electronically-controlled shock absorbers keeps the wheels firmly planted. Dynamic steering, 18” alloy wheels with all-season tires, a power panoramic sunroof, leather seats (heated and ventilated sports seats in front), and LED lighting are also included.

Final thoughts

We were limited to choosing five driver’s cars, but the field was much larger than that so we have included five runners-up to give you even more choices. By all means, shop them all and if one of these scratches your performance itch, go for it! In order of increasing price, they are: