Fun, Reliable, & Affordable Cars You Should Buy (2025 Best Daily Drivers List)

Summary

In this video, the host explores a curated list of the best daily driver cars under $25,000, highlighting vehicles that are fun, practical, reliable, and stylish. From iconic hatchbacks like the Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST to the sporty Honda S2000 and BMW 328i Wagon, each car is chosen for its balance of performance and usability. The video also includes personal recommendations for modifications to enhance daily drivability. Whether you're a car enthusiast or looking for a versatile ride, this list offers something for everyone, all while keeping the price under budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Focus ST and Fiesta ST are affordable, fun, and reliable hot hatches, both under $25,000. Modifications should focus on improving drivability without compromising comfort.
• 😀 The Honda Fit is a highly practical car with excellent reliability and low ownership costs. It's perfect for daily driving and fun to drive, especially with a manual transmission.
• 😀 The Honda S2000 is a great option for a two-seat, high-performance car. It's a bit unconventional as a daily driver but offers an engaging driving experience.
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• 😀 The 2008-2011 BMW 328i wagon is a solid choice for a daily driver, with a bulletproof straight-six engine and a manual transmission. It's perfect for a more engaging, practical ride.
• 😀 The Volkswagen GTI is a long-standing, reliable option for a fun, practical daily driver. For more power, the Golf R models are also a great choice, all under $25,000.
• 😀 The Volkswagen Tiguan is an underrated option for a practical daily driver. It's versatile, and with modifications, it can be a high-performance vehicle.
• 😀 Diesel-powered luxury SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne Diesel and BMW X5 Diesel, offer old-money vibes and a unique driving experience, though maintenance can be pricey.
• 😀 Affordable luxury cars, like the 2013-2020 Mercedes S-Class or the Bentley Continental GT, are available for under $25,000, though maintenance costs are high.
• 😀 The list covers a wide range of vehicles that combine fun, practicality, and affordability, aiming to help viewers find their next ideal daily driver under $25,000.

Q & A

What makes a good daily driver according to the script?

A good daily driver should be fun, reliable, comfortable, economical, practical, and not embarrassing. It should also contribute positively to your vibe and aesthetic while being reasonably priced.

What are the key features of the Ford Focus ST as a daily driver?

The Ford Focus ST has a 252-horsepower turbocharged engine, a six-speed transmission, decent gas mileage, and good reliability. The script highlights its fun factor, practicality, and modifiability without affecting daily drivability.

Why is the Fiesta ST a good option for a smaller, fun daily driver?

The Fiesta ST is a small, fun, and practical car, with a 1.6L turbocharged engine and 197 horsepower. It's praised for its better climate control and Apple CarPlay compared to older models like the Mark III Golf, making it a great choice for those seeking an affordable yet engaging ride.

What modifications does the speaker recommend for the Focus ST and Fiesta ST?

The speaker suggests a mild tune from COBB, a new clutch spring, a rear motor mount, solid bushings for the shifter cables, and potentially a front mount intercooler to manage heat when driving hard.

Why does the speaker recommend the Honda Fit as a daily driver?

The Honda Fit is affordable, reliable, and fun to drive, especially for those who enjoy driving a slow car fast. It’s practical, versatile, and the speaker recommends the manual version to avoid issues with CVTs.

What makes the Honda S2000 a unique choice for a daily driver?

The Honda S2000 is a two-seater sports car that offers an engaging driving experience with its high-revving engine, cool design, and good gas mileage. Although it’s not the most practical, it’s ideal for someone who enjoys spirited driving and doesn’t need to transport more than one passenger.

Why does the speaker find the BMW 328i Wagon a solid choice for a daily driver?

The 328i Wagon offers a bulletproof, normally aspirated straight-six engine with around 230 horsepower. It's a practical yet fun car, and the speaker highlights its ability to last a long time if well maintained, making it a reliable daily option.

What’s the appeal of the Volkswagen GTI as a daily driver?

The Volkswagen GTI is a classic choice known for being a fun, small, economical, and practical car. The script suggests getting the newest GTI within your budget, as the model has evolved to become safer, faster, and more comfortable over the years.

What does the speaker suggest for modifying a Porsche Cayenne Diesel for off-road use?

The speaker recommends lifting the car, adding knobby tires, aftermarket wheels, off-road lights, and a tent, turning it into a more rugged vehicle while maintaining some class for camping trips.

How does depreciation play a role in selecting cars under $25,000?

Depreciation makes some high-end cars, like the sixth-generation Mercedes S-Class and Bentley Continental GT, available for under $25,000. This allows buyers to own expensive cars at a fraction of their original cost, though maintenance costs can be high.