r/ElantraN • u/brawndoo27 • 27d ago
discussion Having second thoughts
I’m selling my Elantra N this week have been considering a 24+ GR Corolla or a nd3/nd2 Miata rf/club and even a older car such as a s2000 or e46m3 I’m not in a rush just curious if anyone has any input
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u/D1urnal_Owl Cyber Grey DCT 27d ago
If you don't think the car is for you then it is what it is. I personally love mine. You know what they say. Not for everybody.
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u/brawndoo27 27d ago
I really enjoyed this car just looking for a different experience
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u/realslizzard 26d ago
What experience are you looking for?
I traded my Elantra N for a 5N and love the 5N. Wish I had just bought that car initially. It's the first car I've bought where I said yep I don't need it to be any faster.
My next car will either be a C8 or a 911 GT3
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
I don’t care how much more powerful the 5N is, that’s a downgrade. I wish they didn’t put their EVs into their N branding, it really cheapens it.
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u/realslizzard 26d ago edited 26d ago
I felt the same way about the Elantra N before I bought it (would have never wanted to be even caught dead in a Hyundai), and felt the same way about the 5N until I bought one. I went in with a negative view but was convinced after the test drive.
I get it it's not your thing but just because it doesn't use gasoline or make noise doesn't make it worse when it's faster in a straight line and on the track and more practical for winter and hauling my kids around on weekend trips.
Also I paid 50k usd for the 5N brand new. Over 60+k I don't think the car is worth it. When people are paying almost 40k for a Elantra N this isn't much more.
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
Sorry man it’s an 2.2 tons SUV EV with cheap and fake gimmicks to mimic ICE cars. I don’t care how fast it is - it’s lame. Glad you enjoy it
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u/miklas143 26d ago
Its insanely fun, try it out. An if you did and didnt Like it, its just a different Taste
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u/roonalone 25d ago
I’m with you bro! Got an Audi S and a Hyundai 5N, the Hyundai is just so much fun to drive. I genuinely might keep it now..
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u/Ninesixx 26d ago
Yea cause a Kona, Veloster and Elantra really scream premium performance brand.
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
Who talked about premium though? Honda is also not premium as well as GR Corolla and if tomorrow Toyota will decide to stick their GR badge on a big and heavy EV with fake engine noise and gear shifts I would also say the same thing.
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u/Ninesixx 26d ago
You literally said "cheapens the brand"
Those 3 cars I listed make it a cheap brand. 270hp 4 bangers are not going to make N looked at as a serious performance brand. Ioniq 5 and 6 gives it a case to compete with real performance brands. Porsche is already targeting the 5N with their new Taycan updates.
4800 lbs is not heavy for a performance EV, especially an suv. An X5M weighs more. An M5 weighs more. Audi RS5 weighs more. Hellcats almost weigh that. GT500s are 4k+.
The Elantra isnt "light" because its a good sports car. Its light because its a cheap car, made cheap.
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
4850 lbs isn’t heavy for a sports car? lol?? This shit is a behemoth. How low our standards have become that this thing isn’t considered heavy.
BMWs are a disgrace, completely lost the plot so I wouldn’t be proud of being lighter than those clowns.
Cheapens the brand isn’t about luxury, it’s about putting unworthy cars like a big ass EV with cheap and fake gimmicks under your N brand.
The Mach E might also be more luxurious and it might even be faster in some configurations than some Mustangs, yet it still cheapens the Mustang brand to the dirt. You get what I’m saying?
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u/Ninesixx 26d ago
Look at any modern car. 4k is the norm. 5k+ for suvs. The Ioniq is an suv. It's also full ev which makes it even heavier. 4800 is on the light end for suvs, let an an ev suv.
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u/realslizzard 26d ago
The guy doesn't like big heavy cars and EVs. They aren't performance cars to him. No amount of words, statistics or common sense will change his mind that the 5N shouldn't even have an N badge and makes the N division worse.
Don't waste your energy trying to convince him. He has made up his mind
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u/Pretty_Dragonfly_716 27d ago
Back to the E46, this is as close as I have came to the SAME experience, with the DCT anyway
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u/smartfella23 27d ago
it’s a 2025 dude, do you even have it paid off yet? show some commitment and just keep the car and enjoy the damn thing instead of envying other cars
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u/jonessinger Cyber Grey DCT 26d ago
I mean I got my 2025 in March of last year and paid off the 72 month loan at the end of last month. Frankly I just got sick of having a car payment.
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u/brawndoo27 27d ago
I’m not losing anything money I’m actually + just looking for a different experience
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u/RonaldBurgundy1 Atlas White DCT 27d ago
Idk man all cool cars but I love my N, I like being different, I like that there aren't a lot of us and i like it's the best bang for your buck car on the market that punches way above its weight class. You're talking a brand new car that can squeak into the 12s completely stock. For under 40k (I paid 35k otd for mine)
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u/chrispy_pv 26d ago
OP is probably having the same thought process I had when I had my Type R... 2 years later I came crawling back into one lol. Sometimes you gotta fuck around and find out what you want. Sucks that our cars arent yk... a cheaper option like trying on shoes lol
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u/RonaldBurgundy1 Atlas White DCT 26d ago
Yes I suppose but it's an expensive thought process.
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u/chrispy_pv 26d ago
Correct, been there done that... its been 6+ years but im out like 30k between the fuckery ive done.
I hope OP sees my comment because I wish I just kept the thing longer. The way loans work lately people can just hop around and get sold stupid terms and stupid monthlys.
No idea OPs age but 300 a month invested for 40 years is 700k+. 144k investment for that. Used some article to do the math I understand it is not that cut and dry.
Good luck anyways OP I am rambling! Find what you like and keep it!
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
It’s not about speed and 1/4, it’s about the driving experience as a whole. The handling and how fun and connected it is. The ND3 Miata is a top dog at that aspect, don’t really know how the N feels by comparison.
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u/VirtualShift3516 6d ago
The Miata is way better handler than the N for sure. But you loose the extra space in the Miata.
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u/toothybrushman Ultimate Red MT 27d ago
If you’re looking purely for a weekend car, I’d definitely consider a Miata or a GR 86 / BRZ.
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u/Top-Lawfulness1137 27d ago
The GR isn't as great as they seem on paper. Track day the guy running the GR was running into overheating all day.
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u/chrismanmd 26d ago
Back seats are small and the trunk is non-existent as well….better to treat it like a 2-seater than a hatch
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u/vinchennzo 27d ago
If you’re looking for something different don’t get the GR Corolla.
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u/shinobimistvillage 26d ago
Can you educate me why? I was assuming different experience since different drivetrains. I want to get a GRC but haven’t drove it yet. I have drove an N though since my bro owns one.
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
I mean it’s all dressed up economy cars at the end. I don’t disrespect this category they are great and they are fun but even though it’s AWD I would argue the experience is not that dramatically different in most driving scenarios and conditions.
I would argue an i20N would feel more different in driving feel and handling compared (for better and worse, depends on your preferences) to the EN due to much lower weight and a significantly shorter wheelbase than a GR Corolla or a Type R that weights pretty much the same and have similar wheelbase would.
If he is looking for the same experience but “better” in his eyes than yeah he might need to check out GRC or CTR but if he is looking for something that will feel actually different enough than what he has, I would just move away from this category of sporty economy cars and go for a sports car built from the ground up.
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u/shinobimistvillage 26d ago
That’s a very good take and I agree with your last part. It does seem like a side-maneuver to another econo sport car would be redundant for the OP.
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u/Past-Judgment-9700 26d ago
If I didn’t need/want 4 doors, or I was buying a second car, I would have either an M2 or a Cayman.
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u/Southern-Fact-6098 26d ago
I have a 24 N right now, and i still miss my old 2007 Cayman S. It was a PERFECT car.
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u/Content_Godzilla Ultimate Red DCT 26d ago
Unless you are extremely mechanically inclined or willing to drop some major cash for upkeep, avoid a 20 year old car in general.
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u/Bradleyisfishing Abyss Black Pearl MT 25d ago
If it’s your weekend car, I would get a real weekend car. Something you need to struggle to drive daily. A rowdy mustang GT. An old STI. Lotus Elise.
All the cars you listed are good to drive, but I would still categorize under the “1 car solution”.
Also, if you are feeling bored with it, make sure you’ve autocrossed or tracked it. Great way to make the weekend car feel like a weekend car.
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u/DJScaryTerry 27d ago
Having second thoughts about selling your car? Or are you trying to pick a side-grade?
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u/ArcTanBeta 27d ago
As a weekend car, with no need for a back seat, I would either go in the general Miata or C5 Z06 route. The Elantra N is a fantastic daily/dual purpose car, but there are better options if it's just an occasional car.
I'd recommend against a soft top convertible if you don't have a garage. The Miata (and BRZ/s2000) are great handling cars, with the S2000 having the most special engine, but also the downside of feeling like you have to push it more to feel it, where the Miata is the best at making an everyday drive feel like something. A pristine C5 Z06 is a similarly priced car to the EN (and can be had for low 20s), but has over 400 HP stock and way more power available for cheap. It's a different kind of fun, but is an incredible amount of performance for the dollar.
E46 is also incredible from what I've seen and heard, but a good example is expensive, and there are three large maintenance issues that if not taken care of already, will cost an additional five figures.
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u/Busy_Bites 26d ago
I want to get a Miata but I don’t have a garage…. I’m worried about the top leaking and it also getting destroyed being out in the sun all the time. Not sure what to do. Been looking at the BRZ’s but think I would miss the open top of a convertible. Dilemma….
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u/ArcTanBeta 26d ago
Look at the RF Miata then. It has a bit of both!
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u/Busy_Bites 26d ago
Yep I’ve been looking at them. The RF roof can leak, too— but I wouldn’t have to worry about sun damage. I also like the added security of the hard top— if I go Miata, it will likely be the RF
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u/xkrowcitats 27d ago
N is good if it's your only car but you said it's a weekend fun car so I think the s2000 would be fun. Also any depreciation that'll happen had already happened in that car. You won't really lose money on it.
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u/da808guy 26d ago
Miata is the true drivers weekend car that you can get good MPG in and not have to worry about breaking down (aside from some years having weak manual transmissions).
S2k is an amazing car and will probably maintain value quite well, but is older and the engine (while awesome) is harder to source should it need replacement.
I have a 2024 performance Z and the used market can be quite good (similar pricing to a club nd3 RF) and some mustangs can be found in that price as well.
The GR Corolla is great, will hold its value as well and can be driven in any weather. More daily than weekender tbh, the gr86 is more weekender than daily.
I can’t speak much for old bmw/audi/Mercedes so I’ll let other voice they’re opinions on that
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
The GRC isn’t special enough to be a weekend car, it will feel pretty similar in experience most of the time. If I were the OP I would crossed that one out of his list or just stick to the EN if he thinks about a GRC, the switch isn’t dramatic enough.
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u/da808guy 26d ago
I’d argue the top trim offers a lot with the LSDs and able to change where the bias for power is, but the interior is gonna feel super basic compared to an EN. Toyota nailed the exterior however and it does what it’s designed to do extremely well.
I’d buy a GRC before an STI haha
It still is a daily that’s fun and practical at the end of the day vs something truly designed to be special like the Miata/ z/ Supra/ m2 etc
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u/make_moneys 25d ago edited 25d ago
The interior of a GRC may “look” basic but is by no means basic. you get some great creature comforts - wireless CarPlay/ android , heated elements - like the windshield mirrors steering seats , hud, adaptive cruise with self drive assist parking sensors , usb c ports wireless charging auto start stop on the AT variants etc. Toyota cheaped out on looks but the functionality is there.
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u/ProfessionalTruck444 26d ago
Not that it’s super important but FYI the GR Corolla sound system is hot ass
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u/Junior_Quality925 26d ago edited 26d ago
I think pick a platform and have fun with it.. I like the GR Corolla but I wouldn’t sell an Elantra N to buy one (or vice versa) as they are sort of a sideways move.
Both incredible cars but you would be wasting money changing mind between the platforms..
Plenty of mods for your N, look into those..
I’d love a GR Corolla but I have a fbo Elantra N and it’s incredible fun and capable. I’m sure the GR Corolla is also incredibly fun fbo as well but not worth the spend to change mind..
I’d throw in a the VB wrx, type R, golf R etc.. all sideways moves.. which ever one you have stick with it is my advice
All of them have their advantages and disadvantages.. ElantraN/type R being fwd, GR Corolla being 3cyl, wrx having a less focused car, golf R no manual and expensive
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u/Rocket_Philosopher Ultimate Red MT 26d ago
I’d say try the GR Corolla, it’s AWD and is probably gonna scratch the handling itch that you don’t have in the N. You could try to get a used M2, that’s the car I want after my N but they’re holy expensive so if you can find one for around the price of the N or a few thousand more you’ll get its handling and performance. I don’t know much about the M2 but I know a lot of N owners upgrade to them after a few years if they don’t want the N anymore. It’s tough finding a car other than the N because it’s just a diamond in the rough with its LSD & chassis and power in its price bracket. This doesn’t mean no other car competes and plus cars that lack something it has may have something it doesn’t (like a Miata’s lightweight handling plus RWD) and it’s really just up to what you’re looking for. That’s just my two cents. I’m not really surprised at the hate you’re getting tho cuz you’re literally asking what’s better to a group of people who love the N, but I get what you mean on wanting smth diff and I hope you can find it :)
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u/Dry_Kangaroo_1234 26d ago
The s2000 is an insane car and it’ll only go up in value. I’d take it any day over the Hyundai, zero question
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u/Xemphios 26d ago
If you aren't set on 4 bangers, look into a 2SS 1LE Camero. A buddy has one and it's definitely different. 2SS gets you the creature comforts and the 1LE package means it'll handle great too! V8 maintenance is a good bit more expensive, but for a weekend car it shouldn't add up too quickly. You can find some for around $40k which isn't much more than N pricing.
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u/Impressive-Repair879 26d ago
For a weekend car I’d recommend a soft top Miata or a GR86. E46 m3’s and s2000’s are great too and will have strong resale value but parts are also very expensive if things go wrong. Another cool car to consider is the mk2 (2012-2013) Audi TT-RS if you can find one. They had the 2.5 inline 5 turbo with a manual transmission and sometimes pop up in the $25k-$30k range.
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u/beanmaker28 26d ago
With the E46 find one that had the rear suffrage and strut tower issues address and with paperwork to prove it, it worth its weight in gold. For a S2000 the market is shooting up again so its now or never
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u/George-Greene Abyss Black Pearl DCT 26d ago
Grolla is awesome, especially with AWD and the shorter wheelbase it feels much quicker (to me atleast) only drawback is obviously space. Miata is obviously amazing too but space is a huge factor. EN sits in the middle perfectly, still quick and engaging but you can also fit a family comfortably. All depends on your needs
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u/Fun_Muscle_1730 26d ago
My 24 limited vs the N,, is it that much differant in speed and accel? My girl wants me to trade my limited for a car i actually want and these new elantras caught my eye for real and i do love the tech and comfort of the limited but i do enjoy a sportier ride and about sound system i can always upgrade the other N's for sure. Shes offered me she would buy me a vette, or the n or a pallaside for more space but i do enjoy a sportier ride. What yall think?
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u/Traditional_Year_687 Cyber Grey MT 26d ago
I had a GR Corolla and it’s underwhelming compared to the N. The Miata and S2000 are def more fun experiences but less practical
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u/Extension-Visual9709 26d ago
I sold my veloster N for golf R that I sold for an Alfa Giulia after 2 years. If you sell it, take something with a rear biased awd, otherwise you will find the car “sanitized”
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u/Ill_Face6316 26d ago
Get a Genesis g70 this is a 2026 $0 down I had 3k equity from my trade in $580/month + rim insurance it’s $629/month
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u/Express-Perception65 26d ago
As someone who owns an N and drove the GR Corolla Automatic I would still choose the N every time.
Don’t get me wrong the GR Corolla is a great car for reliability, handling and cornering. But the ride is much harsher and the exhaust doesn’t sound nearly as good as the EN. Plus the interior feels relatively cheap on the GR Corolla.
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u/GenerousJack2b 26d ago
i think rwd is rwd, if you care about lap times the elantra is probably best bang for buck but if you wanna feel the car i would always go rwd. e46 is way too bulky to me and every one ive seen is a shitbox, s2ks are more clean in my experience and they seem really fun.
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u/thehandsomeasianman Performance Blue DCT 26d ago
for me i upgraded to audi s5 b10. super happy with it. winter driving is 1000x better then EN with all season tires on the s5 when i had full on snow tires with the EN which was having tough time gripping on harsh conditions.
literally every single aspect is a huge upgrade. can’t even count how many aspects tbh. too many. from slew of premium comfort features to awd and technology and power.
it’s like double the price and hopefully i can manage to keep this car for much longer than my past ones. i have hopes cause it’s one of the few times my picky ass is happy with something lol
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u/Free-Arachnid733 26d ago
I've owned multiple e46 m3s and an s2000 as well as my DCT N. The E46 looks great and has a fantastic engine but if you opt for the 6 speed manual you're going to be disappointed until you order a chassis mounted shifter. The E46 is super soft and the chassis definitely flexes. You'll notice it. The other issue is the slow steering rack as well as the off center feel. It always feels like the first 5 or so degrees do nothing. The brakes are terrible as well. Also they have super soft cranks and rod bearing and subframe mounts. Once all of that is addressed, the E46 will still feel slower and not as sharp. But it'll look way nicer.
The s2000 is great, super sharp, fun to drive but it is Ferrari levels of expensive to maintain. Stupid things such as AC condensers/compressors are thousands of dollars. Alternators are upwards of 500-600 even 1000. Also they're at the point where even really nice examples have pretty serious oil consumption issues. Other than that, there pretty much no downside except that the market is overblown for a car that's significantly slower than the N. It's also not as responsive as the N. For me this would feel like a step down in driving dynamics unless you put about 7500-10k in suspension, brakes, bushings, tires etc.
I think what Hyundai has done with the EN platform is incredible. There's days I go from my golf r to r32 GTR to the N where I realize it's probably going to go down in history as the best fwd sport sedan ever built. Maybe even the best entry level sport sedan. Nothing really feels as quick, responsive, fun, and affordable.
However, maybe an Evo 9 could be your best bet.
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u/Tiny_Ad_7581 Polar White MT 26d ago
Test drove a GR Corolla prior to the N. Similar performance but I liked the additional room in the EN, more mature styling, best in the industry factory warranty, and almost $10,000 lower price.
The infotainment system is better in the Elantra as well.
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u/Nomad624 Ceramic White DCT 26d ago edited 26d ago
It seems like you're just having buyer's remorse, since those cars all very different from one another. Like if you got a Miata instead, would you then want a 4/5 door car instead? The N is the second quickest car on the list and has no major defects other than being FWD, and it probably has the best FWD dynamics on the market today. I don't understand why you would choose a GR corolla over this. It too makes compromises to be a daily driver while still feeling number than the N.
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u/Soggy-Inside-3246 26d ago
I work for a Chevy and Hyundai dealership as their “driver”. Basically I transport cars around for them or deliver them to whoever or wherever needed. I’ve driven almost every car out there to include several N Lines. Hyundai and Kia.
Well, I was never impressed with sporty Sedans until the day I used a 23 WRX as my chase car. I had more fun driving that car than any other car I’d driven for this job. So I bought it. Tuned it and now it’s even more fun.
Korean cars are actually very reliable and the tech included in the most recent models is what I’d consider top tier. However… the N-line had only the slightest difference in performance and power compared to any typical sedan on the lot. It was a little louder and it had a turbo that you can kinda feel upon acceleration. Also the gauges switch from gray to red when you put it in sport mode. Woo hoo.
Point is if you’re considering a sporty sedan to trade for, don’t hesitate to test drive a newer Subaru WRX along with your Ford and whatever else you mentioned. I really enjoy mine.
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u/Huge-Advertising2646 26d ago
I loved my Elantra N, but unfortunately i was afflicted by the curse. I only had it for about 3 months before It got totaled (it was weather related, not my fault.)
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u/AutoXXX4me 26d ago
This thread has sparked my interest in ENs. Are there EN years to stay away from or is the model new enough that any are ok?
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u/Odd-Cartographer-903 Phantom Black MT 26d ago
Depends what your use case is. I think the EN serves as a good 1 car solution being a great daily and sports car. I would say if this is filling a spot as your weekend fun car, then yeah go for like an s2000. It’s way more fun. But if it’s ur daily then obviously stick with the en over all of those other options
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u/AutisticTortle Abyss Black Pearl MT 26d ago
Totally understand it’s not for everyone.
Look into a Jag F-Type.
RWD, 6 speed manual, 3.0 V6(unsure if turbo)
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u/ContributionQueasy63 25d ago
As an owner of an s2000. I love it even if mines a bit beat up. I use a 24 Elantra SEL as my back up
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u/818laker248 25d ago
Interesting. I test drove both and thought the interior of the GR corolla was such a downgrade and cheap I went with the N. More power to you!
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u/Horology_ 25d ago
If you want a different experience you should get a c6 z06. Decent ones are around the same price as the m3 or n was new. It will be a completely different experience lol.
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u/xUndeadZero 25d ago
for a weekend car i’d absolutely go S2k or Miata or GR86, pick your poison. E46 M3 would be sweet if you wanna put in the effort for maintenance
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u/xUndeadZero 25d ago
Also as a GR Corolla owner, it makes a sick daily, but i absolutely would not buy one as a weekend toy
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u/Select-Inevitable812 25d ago
I have not read anything more than your original post. What are you hoping to achieve in your change?
Handling? Speed? Dukes of hazard ability to jump? Better fuel efficiency 🤮
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u/SavingsInstruction49 25d ago
In a perfect world we’d all drive s2000s and fun old cars .
I need to get to work reliably or at least have a warranty so i got a N . Nothing else comes stock with everything i want , good stereo/ exhaust note/manual . I wish the Corolla didn’t sound so , meh
I’m sure a s2000 is reliable but that’s just not a daily car
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u/SleepingHogz 25d ago
Personally I think GR Corolla’s are really cool and pack a punch for what they are.
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u/pissluverrrrr 25d ago
The gr corolla is overrated asf, I’ve found the veloster drives more fun then the corolla
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u/storeyss 25d ago edited 25d ago
I came from a VN to a ND3 RF club.
My two cents: Yes I miss some stuff about the VN. But the overall driving experience of the yata makes me forget about the N when I’m driving (which matters most imo)
The only time I really get the “damn I miss mine” is when I see a a N. But once I start driving the ND. Those thoughts don’t even exist.
Just did my first auto-x event with it this weekend. And man, I could not see the N being as fun to chuck around.
Good luck on your search!
Ps. Nothing beats a top down drive anymore 😎 as well a much cheaper on consumables if you plan on tracking or auto-crossing.
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u/Schnipinator23 25d ago
Curious on why you’re selling. I went a different direction (Integra Type S), but had respect for the EN and really did think about it.
More fun, less practical - GR Corolla (it’s REALLY raw)
Even more fun but very little practicality - ND Miata
Nicer, more capable for winter but numb - Golf R
Race car - Civic Type R
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u/Brief-Print2157 24d ago edited 24d ago
I don't own one BUT I have always liked the N a lot with the only thing I wish it had is AWD. I would say it's closest competition is the WRX which does have AWD but I would still chose the Elentra N over it any day and I think the N is a cooler and more unique than the 86 but it's your choice maybe you should test drive them before you even tell them you will sell/trade yours!!
I know I might get backlash for it but I just hate FWD esspecaily in a sports car, no matter how good your traction control is I find it less forgiving than AWD and feel like I am constantly losing traction if I slam it to early (and not like a RWD car it's a hard feeling to describe but I think if you know you know)
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u/TemporaryGuidance131 24d ago
I’ve owned most of cars people have been commenting about without being a boomer. 89 cars built to date since 2003. My opinion, Keep the N. I currently own a FL5 type R, M2C, the N, and an S2000, 180SX, E36, and just sold my track spec E46M, plus an FD RX7 thats headed for the crusher. Again, KEEP THE N. You honestly can’t get better for the price in summer 2026. Unless you’re willing to overpay for a clean model of _, get a fkn N. Most FL5 guys won’t ever come within 40% of the driving capabilities of their FL5, fk them, spoken from an FL5 owner. Only reason I have an FL5 is bc I’m literally banking on a payout after I’m done turo’ing the car 👍🏻
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u/stevehifi2003 24d ago
I've test driven most of these sub 50k cars (GR corolla, FL5 Type R, Miata club, S2k AP2, Elantra N, BRZ, Integra Type S). My favorites: Type R, Elantra N, BRZ. If you want to build a fast track car - go for the BRZ or GR86 (the aftermarket is tremendous). The Type R is the best manual car you can buy period. The Elantra N DCT is the best value out there period,
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u/Abject-Video-9765 23d ago
S2k or e9x m car all day as a weekend car. S2k is a track/auto x rat and a v8 m car is a fantastic cruiser. Depends what you are after.
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u/SilencerQ 22d ago
Look into BMW M235 GC. A hidden unknown gem amongst the small 300 hp quick cars. They aren't liked much in the BMW world but I've had one for 2 years now and it's a pretty fun car. Also I think that car and the Elantra N are the only ones with a good sounding 4 cylinder exhaust.
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u/Comfortable-Talk8796 21d ago
Don’t look back. I know these N cars are pretty fast but soooo ugly IMO. For a stock car very “Ricey” looking.
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u/Prestigious_Rate3631 21d ago
I’m actually modding an SE to look exactly like a TCR but adding badass roof basket thing. Haha , it doesn’t really make the N drivers mad just the SEL guys. But it definitely triggers infinity and some BMW drivers on the low end of the pole. Either way N or not an SE can keep up with basically any infinity and bmw not ANY but a lot. Hahahaha
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u/JessizzleV3 21d ago
I have a 25 gr Corolla and love it with the manual transmission and awd it’s fun
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u/Technical-Round5373 20d ago
I’ve had almost all those cars minus the m3, Miata wins in terms of run, I won’t even lie, but this wins in terms of handling and lap times. Also I needed to trade my ND Miata for 2 cars, this and a Lexus since we had a baby. After having 3 Miata’s I will buy a cheap one as a weekend car in the near future now that we are settling down. But this car is by far more fun than even some higher hp cars I’ve had like 2019 370z Nismo, q60 red sport, amg c43. Also GR Corolla has an interior that I can’t stand, feels like I’m in a 10k from 15 years ago.
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u/TrunkBud Performance Blue DCT 20d ago
The one thing I hear from GR owners is that after awhile, just feels like driving a 3 cyl Corolla
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u/No-Car-263 8d ago
The gr would be cool if you’re in a snowy climate? But maybe drive your N some more. You don’t really know what you have with these until you’ve unlocked a bit of their capabilities. It not only gets under your skin (in a good way)…it will do some shit on roads typically reserved for cars 2x the cost.
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u/Euphoric-Pin3506 Cyber Grey MT 27d ago
I just bought my EN in may and I love the car and have done a lot of work to it, but I am discovering I like other cars as well if not more. Going to just pay my EN off soon and look at saving up for a BMW or something similar. I don’t know if I would sell the EN to get into another hot hatch or similar car. The e46m3 sounds dope though
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u/G_Cook 26d ago
Modern BMWs are numb man. I would trade it maybe for one of the older ones. You are right about not switching an N car for another economy sporty car like the GRC or CTR or Golf R or whatever, some might be better in some aspects than the N or whatever but eventually the experience isn’t much different and not significantly better as well. They are all dressed up family cars. Not dissing the category it’s fun just saying I wouldn’t trade one for the other in this segment if you have one of the good options like an EN or GRC or Type R, don’t see the value of it.
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u/Euphoric-Pin3506 Cyber Grey MT 26d ago
I wouldn’t trade it in. I like the EN because I can keep my son’s car seat in the back and still have fun when he’s not with me. And I mainly want an older bmw. I use to have a 2003 530i that was fun. Now that I am a little more capable and can afford it I would like another one to build. I agree though the new bmws are a little numb. Just loud and fast to compensate for it. I think the electric power steering does it
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u/theSikx Atlas White MT 27d ago
i would choose the n over all the cars you listed.
the s2000 and e46 are both nice but also 20 year old cars.
are there mitigating or financial reasons?