The original post: /r/whatcarshouldibuy by /u/No-Necessary7135 on 2025-03-06 04:03:15.

Hey everyone, I’m in the market for a fun second car that I can take to HPDE events a few times a year, and also occasionally fit my kids in the back for short weekend drives. I already have an Audi S5 as a daily, so this new car is purely for enjoyment and track usage. I’ve considered used, but around me, good used options are priced about the same as new—so I figured I might as well get the warranty and peace of mind.

I’ve narrowed it down to two new cars:

  1. 2025 Honda Civic Si (~$30,467) =================================

My Thoughts:

  • It really reminds me of my old 2002 RSX Type-S in spirit. I like that it has shift lights like the Civic Type R, plus Google Built-In.
  • The single-zone AC is a small bummer, but I’ll mostly be in it alone, so not a dealbreaker. Same for the spartan back seat—I rarely have adult passengers, so it’s good enough for short stints and kids if needed.
  • Reliability and resale are huge pluses.
  • However, it’s “only” 200 hp—worried I might outgrow the power if I get more serious about track driving.
  1. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N (~$33,275) ====================================

My Thoughts:

  • Contrary to internet chatter, I don’t think the interior felt that cheap. The seats in particular look and feel awesome.
  • On my test drive (a 2022 model), I noticed a slight burning oil smell, but that might have been a heavily abused demo car.
  • The car itself felt like raw, stupid fun—tons of torque, even some wheel hop. It actually reminded me of a Civic Type R’s attitude.
  • I wonder how that torque steer and potential wheel hop will play out on track days. Also, I’ll have 4–8 hour drives each way for some of these events—might get tiring if the ride is too stiff or the exhaust too droney.

My Situation & Questions:

  • This is a second car for weekend fun and track events. My wife tolerates sporty cars but isn’t big on super loud or harsh rides.
  • I have kids, but they’ll only be in this car occasionally for short drives—my S5 does family duty.
  • I plan to drive 4–8 hours to certain tracks, so I do care about highway comfort.
  • The extra $2–3k for the Elantra N isn’t a big deal, I just want the best balance of comfort and performance.
  • How does each handle HPDE for a beginner? Is the Elantra N’s rawness and torque steer manageable on track? Will the Civic Si’s lower power leave me wanting more?
  • Any personal experiences with either car’s comfort on long drives, or how it behaves on track?