Mitch is from New York (the state, not town) and each day drives a Hyundai Veloster with 130,000 miles. Now that he’s about to complete graduate faculty he needs to deal with himself to a enjoyable secondary automobile, but it surely must be snug sufficient for his 6-foot 2-inch body. With a finances of as much as $15,000, what automobile ought to he purchase?
(Welcome again to What Automotive Ought to You Purchase? The place we give actual folks actual recommendation about shopping for vehicles. Would you like us that will help you discover a automobile? Submit your story on our kind.)
Right here is the situation.
I’m in my early 30’s, on the lookout for a second car. My each day driver is a handbook, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I might be finishing graduate faculty 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.
Guide transmission most well-liked; 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 concept of a hidden gem (i.e. the Saab 9-2xaero as the most cost effective WRX round). One thing for use on weekend enjoyment cruises by way of the north east. Additionally of word… I’m 6’2 and could be described as ‘rotund’; so, sadly… Miata 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 fascinating and enjoyable in comparison with Hyundai
Doesn’t need: A boring automated
Skilled 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a nice automobile for the commute to maintain your gas prices down and I think about it’s enjoyable sufficient to not make your each day drive too boring. Now, if you’re on the lookout 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 type of uncommon occasions the place I make a WCSYB advice and I take into account 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 fashion was the final wagon BMW made with the handbook choice, so these are wanted vehicles by wagon nerds. Below 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 wonderful 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 properly 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.
Skilled 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 onerous to search 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 need to have the ability to get a greater deal on those which can be at present 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 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 give you the results you want, too.
Because it’s a Corvette, there’s additionally a ton of aftermarket assist, and doing little tasks right here and there and even overhauling all the inside ought to be a lot simpler than they might be should you purchased one thing that’s extra of a hidden gem. It also needs to be dependable sufficient that you just’ll have the ability to spend your time personalizing it to suit your wants as a substitute of wrenching away making an attempt desperately to get it working once more.
It appears to be like 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 present priced at $11,500, however I’d be keen to wager they’re keen to barter. In spite of everything, 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.)
Skilled 3: Owen Bellwood – Seems Like A Enjoyable Challenge
Mitch, congrats on attending to the top of grad faculty – the world actually is your lobster now! A second like this deserves a very particular set of wheels to have fun, and whereas I do love the Veloster, and the strategies 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 just a few 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 automobile that involves thoughts for you, however isn’t that why you’re asking Jalopnik for recommendation? So as a substitute 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 superb selection, 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 automobile is a complete 14 inches longer than a Miata. Which means as soon as once more, the Alfa Romeo Spider is the right automobile for you.
Skilled 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 to your decide, contemplating it’s roughly the identical one I had in thoughts after I learn your message, however there’s one thing you’ve received 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 wish to get your arms soiled. You will have a love for Bugeyes, you just like the rarity of the 9-2x Aero — simply get one! They’re properly inside your finances, like this clean-looking PA automobile for simply $6,000, which leaves you loads of room for mods. Don’t just like the Airlift baggage right here? Need to transfer to a entrance mount? You’ve received 1000’s to play with.
The GD platform has unimaginable aftermarket assist, and also you don’t have to push it to transmission-shattering energy ranges to have an excellent time. The wagon physique ought to have greater than sufficient room to your 6’2″ top. Why not get the automobile you so clearly need? Be part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be part of us. you wish to.
