Mitch is from New York (the state, not town) and every 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 automotive, but it surely must be snug sufficient for his 6-foot 2-inch body. With a finances of as much as $15,000, what automotive 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 every day driver is a handbook, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I will likely be finishing graduate college in a few months and I’m trying to get one thing with a bit extra pizzazz, possibly a minor venture or improve right here and there.
Handbook transmission most popular; would take into account a “flappy paddle” handbook/tiptronic kind
General I need 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 thought of a hidden gem (i.e. the Saab 9-2xaero as the most affordable WRX round). One thing for use on weekend enjoyment cruises via the north east. Additionally of notice… I’m 6’2 and could be described as ‘rotund’; so, sadly… Miata just isn’t the reply. Value is considerably negotiable, I’d prefer it to be ideally lower than 10k however would take into account 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 automated
Knowledgeable 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a positive automotive for the commute to maintain your gas prices down and I think about it’s enjoyable sufficient to not make your every day drive too boring. Now, if you’re searching for one thing that has each extra pizzazz, I’ve discovered your subsequent trip: This can be 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 take into account shopping for the automotive 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 possibility, so these are wanted automobiles by wagon nerds. Beneath the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated straight-six that makes a good 215 horsepower. This automotive isn’t a rocket-ship however the energy supply is extremely clean and that wonderful motor is paired with what was arguably one 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 effectively 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 finances, and I believe you’ll select this over your Hyundai to 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 preferrred for winters in Upstate New York, however that simply means you must have the ability to get a greater deal on those which are presently on the market. Throw a set of Blizzaks on there, don’t do something silly and also you’ll be positive. Again after I lived in Boston, I used to often 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 be just right for you, too.
Because it’s a Corvette, there’s additionally a ton of aftermarket help, and doing little tasks right here and there and even overhauling your complete inside needs to be a lot simpler than they’d be for those who purchased one thing that’s extra of a hidden gem. It must also be dependable sufficient that you just’ll have the ability 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 seems to be like your choices are fairly restricted if you need 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 presently 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 an additional month. It was within the 30s after I wakened. It’s winter.)
Knowledgeable 3: Owen Bellwood – Seems to be Like A Enjoyable Mission
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 rejoice, and whereas I do love the Veloster, and the options my colleagues have made, I believe 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 couple of upgrades. Mitch, what you need is an Alfa Romeo and particularly you need this beautiful Alfa Romeo Spider from 1988. It’s excellent.
It may not be the primary automotive 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 automotive your uncle may personal, why not take house a touch of European aptitude to brighten up your day? The Spider is a good alternative, it’ll provide the likelihood to work in your wrenching, is fairly sporty and comes with all types of basic Italian quirks.
If all that wasn’t sufficient to persuade you, then don’t fear as a result of I’ve checked and this automotive is an entire 14 inches longer than a Miata. Because of this as soon as once more, the Alfa Romeo Spider is the proper automotive 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 automotive in thoughts. You get a gold star to your decide, contemplating it’s kind of the identical one I had in thoughts after I learn your message, however there’s one thing you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on. Go chase it, Mitch.
You desire a automotive that’s usable and dependable sufficient for weekend cruises, however can nonetheless be tinkered with if you wish to get your arms soiled. You’ve got a love for Bugeyes, you just like the rarity of the 9-2x Aero — simply get one! They’re effectively inside your finances, like this clean-looking PA automotive 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 acquired 1000’s to play with.
The GD platform has unbelievable aftermarket help, and also you don’t must push it to transmission-shattering energy ranges to have a very good time. The wagon physique ought to have greater than sufficient room to your 6’2″ top. Why not get the automotive you so clearly need? Be a part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be a part of us. You already know you wish to.
