Top 10 Cars for Summer Under $30,000

9. Mazdaspeed3

Sit behind the wheel in a Mazdaspeed3 and you’ll be in for a treat. In many ways, things don’t get much better than this for someone in the market to buy a new hot hatch. It’s mechanical limited-slip differential makes fast cornering a lot of fun, and it has the sort of personality the term “hot hatch” implies.

2013 Ford Focus ST VS 2013 Mazdaspeed3: Video

The 2.3-liter four cylinder in Mazda’s turbocharged street machine makes 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. At $24,995, it’s a real bargain too. Still, some people would say you’re better off steering clear of something as aggressive as this.

Loose hands and a lead foot can quickly take you from fun to frightening when the turbocharger’s torque kicks in.