In This Story
Nick is on his third VW GTI. His present one has 120,000 miles and it’s time to maneuver on to one thing else, he desires one thing with the same stage of sportiness however wants extra space to haul issues. What automobile ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation.
Hello there! Very long time reader, first time messager. Love these articles and thought I’d give it a shot as I’ve been automobile searching for a number of months and I’m fairly caught. I’ve bought a 2010 VW GTI thats bought round 120k miles on it (that is my third VW GTI BTW). It’s bought some rust spots and is beginning to make some actually random squealing and squeaking sounds so it’s about time I get one thing new (or at the least new to me). I’ve not too long ago purchased a home that I’m updating and located the GTI a bit restrictive with hauling issues out of your normal residence field shops and wish one thing with a bit extra utilitarian-ism however nonetheless enjoyable to drive! Im not against used vehicles in any respect as that’s just about all I’ve ever purchased prior to now. I can spend as much as $40,000, however I don’t need to supply one thing from the opposite aspect of the nation.
Fast Info:
Finances: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Each day Driver: Sure
Needs: Enjoyable, extra cargo area
Doesn’t need: One thing too far-off
Professional 1: Tom McParland- Stick With What You Know
As a GTI proprietor and a longroof fanatic, I actually wished your resolution to be a wagon. However the rarity issue makes them a problem, and many of the “compact” wagons don’t actually provide way more in the way in which of cargo area in comparison with your GTI. I’m going to counsel an Audi A5 Sportback. I do know what most of you might be thinking- “Isn’t the A5s 21 cubic inches of cargo area much less than the Allroads 24 cubic inches of cargo area?” That’s right, however the issue with cubic inch measurements is you possibly can’t droop issues in mid-air so what’s most essential is the usable area on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 provides extra room beneath the hatch.
Underneath the hood is the two.0 turbo motor that’s shared with the present GTI, and can present loads of punch to your commute. For those who do really feel the necessity for extra velocity, aftermarket tunes will crank up your energy at an inexpensive value. Inside is all of the accouterments of your typical German luxurious automobile. Stock is pretty plentiful within the tri-state space and chances are you’ll dig one thing like this 2023 Premium Plus mannequin with the sporty packages.
Professional 2: Owen Bellwood – Did Somebody Say ‘Enjoyable, Extra Cargo House?’
Nick, the GTI is a good automobile, and it takes an actual fan of a bit runaround like this to stay with three of them, so good work sticking to the small automobile mission on this method. Clearly it’s a disgrace when somebody trades in a small automobile for one thing greater, however I’m right here to inform you that you simply don’t want one thing that a lot greater to nonetheless have enjoyable and get much more cargo area.
So Nick, it’s time to fulfill your new automobile: the Hyundai Elantra N. I actually consider this glorious little(ish) automobile ticks your entire packing containers and may are available in nicely beneath funds. The Elantra N is an absolute hoot to drive, and it’s bought some nice styling tweaks to make it stand out from the opposite Hyundai’s you’ll see driving round city. It’s additionally bought an even bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with a complete further cubic foot of the stuff to play with. Certain, a wagon would in all probability provide a bit extra space, however whereas one thing like a Volvo V60 would pack within the practicalities, it wouldn’t be almost as cool, or as enjoyable, as an Elantra. Nick, make the suitable alternative.
Professional 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s large my man. I can not even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want extra space however you need to keep sporty. Effectively, amigo, I’ve bought the proper automobile for you, nevertheless it’s going to take a bit bit of labor in your finish to make it occur. Belief me, although, it’ll be value it.
Buddy, you want an F31 BMW 328d xDrive WAGON. The 328d is healthier suited to your wants than another automobile. There aren’t many vehicles (for beneath $40,000) which are going to mix the sportiness and energy you want with the hauling functionality you want. Let me stroll ya by it. The 328d comes with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel motor that places out 180 horsepower and a beefy 280 lb-ft of torque. I promise you, with some gentle tuning you’ll be capable to finest these numbers by a great distance. On high of that, the F31 3-Sequence is a good dealing with automobile, so that you’ll be capable to have some enjoyable within the corners too.
In terms of practicality, nicely, it’s almost not possible to beat a wagon. With the rear seats up, it has 17.5 cubic ft of cargo room. Drop these rear seats, and also you’re working with a large 53 cubic ft of room. Consider all of the shit you possibly can match again there, Nick. The chances are limitless. It’s additionally loaded up with all the trendy tech you possibly can ever need.
It seems like the proper automobile, doesn’t it? Effectively, there’s a catch. You see, BMW didn’t make too many 328d Wagons for the U.S., in order that they’re a bit laborious to return by. You’re going to must develop your search space a bit and be keen to journey to get the automobile you need, however I promise it’ll be value it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should purchase goes to return in nicely beneath your $40,000 funds, so that you’re going to have some further money to take a bit journey to select it up.
As a result of I’m a very good man, I discovered you an ideal instance with simply 41,000 miles on the clock, a spotless file and an amazing worth. Remember, that is the most costly 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one situation is it’s nowhere close to Rochester. Nick, that is the automobile for you.
Professional 4: Amber DaSilva – Why Compromise?
Nick, from a proud former Rochester resident, you’ve picked a very good place to place down roots. Sadly, my esteemed coworkers have given you nothing to place in your shiny new driveway — a sedan? A diesel wagon? You need enjoyable and cargo area, Nick, and I’m right here with probably the most right reply that will help you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Sort R. Your $40,000 funds isn’t fairly sufficient for the newest FL5 technology, however the FK8 is arguably the extra fascinating each day driver — it’s extra keen, it feels extra prefer it’s tugging at its leash always. You’ll by no means be bored behind the wheel of an FK8 Sort R. Except you’re dodging potholes on Monroe Ave, perhaps.
As for cargo area, the Civic beats out the GTI for each quantity and ease of use with its extra sloped hatch that grants simpler entry to the load ground. Even Andy’s esteemed 328d, which he’s at the moment bragging about in Slack, solely manages an additional seven cubic ft of area above the Civic. It’s not even an M-Sport automobile!
Nick, get your self a Civic Sort R. All of the enjoyable you possibly can need, all of the cargo area you want, all for $39,200 — almost a grand beneath your funds. All I ask is that you simply put a few of that $800 in the direction of a Pabst Smear at Lux in my honor.
