You Won’t Believe These Rear-Wheel Drive, Track-Ready Weekend Cars Under $30k

When Rob’s beloved BMW 135i, his weekend joy and occasional track day companion, met an untimely end, he was left with a void not easily filled. Now, with $30,000 burning a hole in his pocket and a desire for a new adrenaline-pumping, rear-wheel drive machine, Rob is on the hunt for a sub-5 second 0-60, manual transmission car that can fit a car seat. The contenders are plenty, but which one will check all the boxes for this car enthusiast?

Tom McParland’s Bold Suggestion: The Pontiac GTO

Tom suggests steering away from the usual Bimmers and diving into American muscle. Specifically, he recommends the 2004 Pontiac GTO, a car that many overlook despite its powerful 5.7-liter GM V8 engine producing 350 horsepower. “While its design might seem understated, the GTO has aged gracefully compared to its contemporaries,” Tom notes. More importantly, it’s relatively affordable at around $22,000, leaving ample room in the budget for any necessary track modifications.

Inside, the GTO offers a straightforward and functional space, albeit not the most luxurious. It has enough rear space to fit a child’s car seat, making it a practical choice for Rob’s specific needs. Its credentials as a former Australian Supercar series competitor (a counterpart to NASCAR) also attest to its track capabilities.

Collin Woodard’s No-Brainer: The Ford Mustang GT

For Collin, the answer lies in America’s favorite muscle car, the Ford Mustang GT. Although it might seem like an obvious choice, it’s also one of the most effective. “You can easily find a used manual version for under $30,000, and it’ll hit 60 mph in under five seconds,” Collin says confidently, pointing to a 2015 model in Racine priced just under $27,000.

The Mustang GT offers the perfect blend of speed and practicality, with enough room in the back for a car seat and the potential for some light track preparation. “Car and Driver clocked it at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph, so power won’t be a concern,” Collin adds. Despite being a common sight on the roads, its performance prowess makes it a solid contender.

Amber DaSilva’s Tweakable Choice: The Subaru BRZ

Amber approaches the problem from a different angle, taking into account Rob’s willingness to tinker with his vehicle. She recommends the Subaru BRZ, highlighting its aftermarket potential. “The first-generation BRZ may be notorious for its lack of power, but the extensive aftermarket can more than compensate for this,” Amber asserts.

Amber found a 2018 BRZ tS priced at $24,367, leaving sufficient room in the budget for modifications. She suggests investing in a 50-state emissions-compliant turbo kit like the one from Works, which costs around $5,200 and adds around 90 horsepower. “It should get you to 60 mph in less than five seconds,” she promises. With the BRZ, Rob can custom-build a car that matches his driving style perfectly, much like he did with his old 135i.

Lawrence Hodge’s Underrated Gem: The Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Lawrence’s pick is the often-overlooked Hyundai Genesis Coupe, particularly the 3.8-liter V6 version. “While not as flashy as some rivals, this car is a hidden gem that ticks all the boxes,” he says. Available from 2010 to 2016, the Genesis Coupe combines performance and affordability, making it ideal for tuners.

Lawrence found a 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring with just under 49,000 miles on the clock for $12,988. It comes equipped with a six-speed manual and a few luxury features like heated leather seats. “With its 306 hp V6 and low price tag, it’s a perfect canvas for Rob's next project,” Lawrence concludes.

Wrapping Up

Rob’s quest for a new weekend warrior is filled with diverse choices—from American muscle and practical sportscars to highly modifiable imports. Whether it’s the Pontiac GTO’s raw power, the Mustang GT’s blend of speed and space, the BRZ’s aftermarket potential, or the Genesis Coupe’s underrated performance, each option promises a unique driving experience under $30,000. The final decision, as always, comes down to what ignites Rob’s automotive passion the most.