Mitch is from New York (the state, not the town) and day by day drives a Hyundai Veloster with 130,000 miles. Now that he’s about to complete graduate college he needs to deal with himself to a enjoyable secondary automobile, but it surely must be comfy sufficient for his 6-foot 2-inch body. With a funds of as much as $15,000, what automobile ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation.
I’m in my early 30’s, searching for a second car. My day by day driver is a handbook, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I might be finishing graduate college in a few months and I’m seeking to get one thing with a bit extra pizzazz, possibly a minor challenge or improve right here and there.
Handbook transmission most popular; would contemplate a “flappy paddle” handbook/tiptronic kind
General I would like one thing enjoyable, comparatively sporty, comparatively dependable and with character and quirks (ffs I drive a 3 door hatchback and have a love for the bugeye WRX). I like the concept of a hidden gem (i.e. the Saab 9-2xaero as the most affordable WRX round). One thing for use on weekend enjoyment cruises by means of the north east. Additionally of notice… I’m 6’2 and can be described as ‘rotund’; so, sadly… Miata just isn’t the reply. Worth is considerably negotiable, I’d prefer it to be ideally lower than 10k however would contemplate as much as 15k
Fast Details:
Finances: Ideally round $10,000, as much as $15,000
Location: Upstate New York
Each day Driver: Sure
Needs: One thing extra attention-grabbing and enjoyable in comparison with Hyundai
Doesn’t need: A boring computerized
Knowledgeable 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a nice automobile for the commute to maintain your gasoline prices down and I think about it’s enjoyable sufficient to not make your day by day drive too boring. Now, in case you are searching for one thing that has each extra pizzazz, I’ve discovered your subsequent journey: It is a 2006 BMW 325xi wagon with a handbook transmission. That is a kind of uncommon occasions the place I make a WCSYB advice and I contemplate shopping for the automobile for myself. BMW 3-wagons are uncommon specimens; you mix a 3-wagon with three-pedals and have your self a unicorn.
The E91 physique model was the final wagon BMW made with the handbook choice, so these are wanted automobiles by wagon nerds. Underneath the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated straight-six that makes a decent 215 horsepower. This automobile isn’t a rocket-ship however the energy supply is extremely easy and that glorious motor is paired with what was arguably some of the satisfying handbook gearboxes of the time.
BMWs of this classic can begin to be heavy on upkeep, however this instance appears to be nicely cared for by an fanatic who has upgraded it with some very tasteful and fascinating mods. At $11,000 it’s proper within the candy spot of your funds, and I believe you’ll select this over your Hyundai in your commute.
Knowledgeable 2: Collin Woodard – It’s Fairly Apparent
I do know you need one thing distinctive and never utterly apparent, Mitch, however I’m going to utterly ignore that as a result of, I’m sorry, what you want is a Chevrolet Corvette. You need one thing enjoyable to drive that’s additionally dependable and has character, in addition to room for a tall, broad American? That’s a Corvette. Plus, it shouldn’t be that tough to seek out one with a handbook.
Certain, the Corvette is rear-wheel drive and fairly low to the bottom, so it isn’t precisely best for winters in Upstate New York, however that simply means you need to be capable to get a greater deal on those which might be at the moment on the market. Throw a set of Blizzaks on there, don’t do something silly and also you’ll be nice. Again after I lived in Boston, I used to usually stroll previous a home with an proprietor who refused to cease driving their Corvette within the winter, and if it labored for them, it ought to give you the results you want, too.
Because it’s a Corvette, there’s additionally a ton of aftermarket assist, and doing little initiatives right here and there and even overhauling your complete inside must be a lot simpler than they’d be in case you purchased one thing that’s extra of a hidden gem. It also needs to be dependable sufficient that you just’ll be capable to spend your time personalizing it to suit your wants as an alternative of wrenching away making an attempt desperately to get it operating once more.
It appears like your choices are fairly restricted if you’d like a Corvette with a stick in your space, however right here’s a C5 that most likely isn’t too far of a drive. It’s at the moment priced at $11,500, however I’d be prepared to wager they’re prepared to barter. In any case, who buys a handbook Corvette in states which have winter whereas it’s already winter? (And no, I don’t care that winter doesn’t formally start for one more month. It was within the 30s after I wakened. It’s winter.)
Knowledgeable 3: Owen Bellwood – Appears to be like Like A Enjoyable Challenge
Mitch, congrats on attending to the tip of grad college – the world actually is your lobster now! A second like this deserves a very particular set of wheels to have a good time, and whereas I do love the Veloster, and the recommendations my colleagues have made, I feel there’s one thing higher for you on the market.
You need one thing enjoyable, you need one thing particular, you need one thing that wants a number of upgrades. Mitch, what you need is an Alfa Romeo and particularly you need this pretty Alfa Romeo Spider from 1988. It’s excellent.
It won’t be the primary automobile that involves thoughts for you, however isn’t that why you’re asking Jalopnik for recommendation? So as an alternative of driving round in a BMW wagon or a automobile your uncle would possibly personal, why not take residence a touch of European aptitude to brighten up your day? The Spider is a good selection, it’ll provide the likelihood to work in your wrenching, is fairly sporty and comes with all types of traditional Italian quirks.
If all that wasn’t sufficient to persuade you, then don’t fear as a result of I’ve checked and this automobile is a complete 14 inches longer than a Miata. Because of this as soon as once more, the Alfa Romeo Spider is the proper automobile for you.
Knowledgeable 4: Amber DaSilva – You Already Know What You Need
Mitch, let’s be sincere with one another right here. You have already got a automobile in thoughts. You get a gold star in your choose, contemplating it’s roughly the identical one I had in thoughts after I learn your message, however there’s one thing you’ve bought your coronary heart set on. Go chase it, Mitch.
You desire a automobile that’s usable and dependable sufficient for weekend cruises, however can nonetheless be tinkered with while you need to get your palms soiled. You may have a love for Bugeyes, you just like the rarity of the 9-2x Aero — simply get one! They’re nicely inside your funds, like this clean-looking PA automobile for simply $6,000, which leaves you loads of room for mods. Don’t just like the Airlift luggage right here? Need to transfer to a entrance mount? You’ve bought hundreds to play with.
The GD platform has unbelievable aftermarket assist, and also you don’t must push it to transmission-shattering energy ranges to have a great time. The wagon physique ought to have greater than sufficient room in your 6’2″ top. Why not get the automobile you so clearly need? Be a part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be a part of us. You realize you need to.
