deepbluejh

Depends...

If the car MUST be new:

New $25k daily driver: Mazda 3 hatchback
New $25k sports car: Mazda Miata or Subaru BRZ

WolfpackS2k

I refuse to buy another FWD car so these decisions are rather easy, due to limited options:

2 doors - BRZ

4 doors - WRX

bkowa092

2013 Mazdaspeed3.

superstuddc27

Cayman S Used, Lotus Elise used, or a Termy mustang in mint condition

JonBoy

For just driving on the street, probably Focus ST or BR-Z/FR-S. Fast enough to keep it fun, fairly practical and warranty to keep me from worrying.

If I planned to track it, probably Civic Si just because I trust it to take the abuse, not overheat and not blow the engine.

ZDan

Miata. Or if allowed a few bucks over $25k, FR-S. Those are really the only two 2014 brand new cars I would consider buying for myself. For wife, Mazda3.