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5 Fantastic Fastbacks You Can Buy for Under $35,000

Photo:  Raphael Orlove/Jalopnik
Photo: Raphael Orlove/Jalopnik

The used car market has some signs of cooling off, but buyers are still finding it frustrating especially when shopping for a crossover. For folks that are a bit more open-minded, they can score crossover utility in a sportier and more stylish package by going for a luxury (or near-luxury) five-door fastback.

This a quick reminder of what a “five-door fastback” is, because automakers have messed around with the category semantics for so long that body-style labels don’t really mean anything anymore (hence why the BMW X4 has the word “coupe” in its name). The fastback that I am referring to is essentially a sedan with a more sharply sloped roofline in the rear — and most importantly, a trunk opening that is hinged from the roof. This gives the car “hatchback”-like access and typically a lot more cargo space than a similar-sized sedan.

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For about $35,000, you can find a moderately equipped Honda or Toyota crossover if by some minor miracle you score one at MSRP and/or you are willing to wait several months. The used market is an option, and you will likely pay about the same amount for a low-mile example.

Or you can live a little bit, and try one of these five used fastbacks and possibly get a better value for your dollar.

Audi A5 Sportback

Screenshot:  Autotrader.com
Screenshot: Autotrader.com

Audi’s best five-door-fastback entry into the luxury space was the sharp A7, but finding quality candidates under thirty-five large is a challenge. However, the smaller A5 Sportback can be had within a reasonable budget for folks that want the driving dynamics of an A4 but most of the cargo space of the Q5.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo that is found in a variety of Audi and VW models. It puts down plenty of punch, and of course that motor is paired with Audi’s Quattro AWD system. Sourcing a factory Certified example at this price point isn’t easy, so you will want to cast a wide net if that extra warranty is a priority.

BMW 4 Series GranCoupe

Screenshot:  Autotrader.com
Screenshot: Autotrader.com

Here we go again with BMW, which loves to keep using the word “coupe,” but I’m not sure the automaker really knows what it means. The 4 GC uses essentially the same formula as the A5 Sportback: a turbocharged 4-cylinder motor combined with all-wheel-drive, though the BMW could also be had in rear-drive guise.

The 4 series is a tad sportier than the A5, and I recommend hunting one down with the M-sport package. It doesn’t make the car any faster, but it certainly gives some aesthetic upgrades. You will also find the 4 GranCoupe to have more availability over the four-rings.

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