If you want power, go the Corolla 1.8l 100kw engine, also very reliable.
Focus I find like the Last model Laser have a very poor turning circle which when trying to park in tight spots or even normal spots can become a major pain in the ass and gets very frustrating, also very boring to drive like most
Fords.
The Mazda 323 is a fairly Good car, although based very similar to the Last Laser so aging very fast, also boring. The 323 also has a better turning circle than the Laser does and They are very good for car audio.
Lancers are built cheap and sold cheap, also a very slow engine, my advise stay away. Im not saying they are unreliable just built cheaply and after 3 years or so that starts to tell in noise and rattles entering the cabin.
My one piece of advise would be, Why buy brand new and lose 50% of the cars value in the next 2 1/2 years, buy a better quality car that is 2-3 years old with up to 40,000Ks and full service history. You still get a fantastic car and not pay top dollar and the car is only just run in.
I bought my WRX at 4 years old with 43Ks and full Subaru service history for $28K and there is not a new car on the market for that price that offers me what the WRX does, worth thinking about.

i drove a new corolla.. i'd rather walk. the mirage was jsut as quick, and felt better on teh road.
it's also a darnsite cheaper.
the astina/323 was HEAPs better than the corolla. WORLDS apart.

if i was u i'd wait for the new Mazda 3 to come out. or if u can't wait go for the Focus

I'm with Urban Rex. If you get something a couple of years old you can do a lot better. $25k doesn't buy doesn't buy much when it comes to new cars.

I also agree with buying a near new car. My car, a 2002 camry V6 touring, (go ahead and laugh all you like) was only one years old with 11,114km and olnly cost me 23grand. Yes it may be a old mans car but it has more grunt than any new car that is on the market in your price bracket. It also has the toyota reliability.

I would have bought a 200sx/skyline if insurance isn't such a hassle as i am only 20.

New cars worth having a look would be Mazda 323, Corolla (looks like crap imo), pulsar. I personally won't be a holden or ford. (no offense to anyone driving them) IMHO their quality is not very good if you go for the lower models.

Phat Devil

g'day,
i'd go for a 3 series BMW. the model is e36, they're really nice and one of the most popular bmw's around so parts aren't a huge problem. with the bmw name, your getting reliability etc. i have never heard of anyone having a problem with one of these. for 15k you can get a decent one, for $20k you can get a really nice one, leather interior etc. then spend another $5k on a bodykit, it'll look really sweet. if you want i can send you pics on what a $25 e36 3 series bmw can and will look like.

If you have to get a new car as MrBob says, look at the Astina's...

If you can get a car a couple of years old the choices are endless...

I don't think u stated whether u are after 2doors, 4doors, sports, luxury, whatever...

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm basically looking for something with 4 doors and thats not too shabby off the line. not really concerned about looks, just something reliable, zippy and comfy.

what do you guys think of the mazda6's? are they worht the extra money over the 323's?

thanks again

Mazda 323 - or - my vote - Astra... I've only done 7,500k's in mine, but they are bloody awesome cars... the 2.2L engine is more torquey and faster, but, the 1.8 is nice to drive too... Personally i give them the thumbs up, i haven't had a single problem with mine to date... My mum has the mazda (02 model, SP20) and she hasn't had a single problem with her's either... I personally prefer the astra, because everytime i drive it i smile Good drivers car....

Aaron

if u can wiat for the mazda 3, i saw it at the motor show and i loved it. looks better than the 6 IMO. and alot cheaper. they are coming out at around teh $22000 mark. and well worth every cent!!

definately but arnt they about 45K?

Ive driven a few Mazda 6's and they are in my book an awesome car.

why not go second hand and get an ex demo Honda Accord or Honda Integra??