We recently had the chance to drive the all-new 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. The second generation Veloster is a huge improvement over its predecessor, and the $22,900 starting price for the Turbo R Spec model is very attractive. For that price you'll get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque going out to the front wheeld through a six-speed manual. We enjoyed our time in the Veloster, but wanted to know what $23,000 or less would buy on the used market.
2012 Volkswagen Golf R (Mk6)
While 201 hp isn't a low figure, some enthusiasts may crave a bit more power and more conservative looks. For less than $20,000, you can pick up a previous generation Mk6 Volkswagen Golf R. In the United States, the Mk6 Golf R was sold in 2012 and 2013 in two-door and four-door variants, with a manual transmission only. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Although 0-60 times for the Veloster have not yet been announced, the old Golf R will likely be quicker thanks to AWD grip, resulting in a 5.7-second 0-60 time.
2012 Volvo C30
People who buy a Veloster are likely looking for a unique looking car. The Golf R may be quick, but it is a bit boring in the looks department. Our next option is more unique: the Volvo C30. Volvo sold the C30 from 2008 to 2013, and prices vary drastically based on age and mileage. We found examples starting at around $5,000 and topping out at around $20,000. Power comes from a 2.5-liter inline-five turbo producing 227 hp. There was also an available tune from Polestar, which upped it to 250 hp. Volvo sold the C30 with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual, and we highly recommend the manual.
2013 Ford Focus ST
Hyundai made improvements to the Veloster by adding headroom compared to the previous generation. Still, the back seat is still a bit tight on leg room. Buyers who need a larger hatchback can now enjoy a used Focus ST. Ford has sold the Focus ST since 2013, and used prices have tumbled down to around $12,000 on the low end. Power comes from a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 252 hp. Like the Veloster R Spec, the only transmission choice is a six-speed manual.
2012 MazdaSpeed3
Our next option is a slightly forgotten one: the MazdaSpeed3. The first generation Speed3 was sold from 2007-2009, after being replaced in 2010 by the second generation, which was sold until 2013. The Speed is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo four-cylinder producing 263 hp. First and second generations cars can be found for less than $10,000, while lower mileage examples cost around $12,000 to $13,000.
2007 Saab 9-2X
For buyers who want something quirky like the Veloster, we would recommend the Saab 9-2X. All Saab cars were a bit odd, but this one was strange for a different reason. The 9-2X wasn't actually a Saab, it was really a Subaru Impreza with a Saab badge. Although it only lasted for two model years, 2006 and 2007, we think the 9-2X (also nicknamed the Saabaru) is an incredibly cool car. The 9-2X Aero was powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four turbo producing 230 hp, with an available five-speed manual. It is also one of the cheapest cars on our list, topping out at around $7,000.
