Mitch is from New York (the state, not the town) and every day drives a Hyundai Veloster with 130,000 miles. Now that he’s about to complete graduate college he desires 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 finances 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, in search of a second automobile. My every day driver is a handbook, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I shall be finishing graduate college in a few months and I’m seeking to get one thing with a bit extra pizzazz, possibly a minor venture or improve right here and there.
Guide transmission most well-liked; would take into account a “flappy paddle” handbook/tiptronic sort
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 cost effective WRX round). One thing for use on weekend enjoyment cruises via the north east. Additionally of be aware… I’m 6’2 and can be described as ‘rotund’; so, sadly… Miata is just not the reply. Worth 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
Desires: One thing extra attention-grabbing and enjoyable in comparison with Hyundai
Doesn’t need: A boring automated
Professional 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a superb automobile 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 in search of one thing that has each extra pizzazz, I’ve discovered your subsequent journey: This can be a 2006 BMW 325xi wagon with a handbook transmission. That is a type of uncommon occasions the place I make a WCSYB suggestion 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 model was the final wagon BMW made with the handbook choice, so these are wanted vehicles by wagon nerds. Underneath the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated straight-six that makes a good 215 horsepower. This automobile 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 think you’ll select this over your Hyundai on your commute.
Professional 2: Collin Woodard – It’s Fairly Apparent
I do know you need one thing distinctive and never fully apparent, Mitch, however I’m going to fully 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.
Positive, the Corvette is rear-wheel drive and fairly low to the bottom, so it isn’t precisely supreme for winters in Upstate New York, however that simply means you need to be capable of 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 superb. Again once I lived in Boston, I used to frequently 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 assist, and doing little initiatives right here and there and even overhauling all the inside must be a lot simpler than they might be in case you purchased one thing that’s extra of a hidden gem. It must also be dependable sufficient that you simply’ll be capable of spend your time personalizing it to suit your wants as a substitute of wrenching away attempting desperately to get it working once more.
It appears like your choices are fairly restricted in order for you a Corvette with a stick in your space, however right here’s a C5 that in all probability isn’t too far of a drive. It’s at present priced at $11,500, however I’d be prepared to guess they’re prepared 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 once I wakened. It’s winter.)
Professional 3: Owen Bellwood – Appears Like A Enjoyable Venture
Mitch, congrats on attending to the tip of grad college – the world actually is your lobster now! A second like this deserves a extremely particular set of wheels to have a good time, and whereas I do love the Veloster, and the strategies 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 number of upgrades. Mitch, what you need is an Alfa Romeo and particularly you need this pretty Alfa Romeo Spider from 1988. It’s good.
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 a substitute of driving round in a BMW wagon or a automobile your uncle would possibly personal, why not take dwelling a touch of European aptitude to brighten up your day? The Spider is a superb selection, it’ll provide the probability 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 an entire 14 inches longer than a Miata. Which means as soon as once more, the Alfa Romeo Spider is the right automobile for you.
Professional 4: Amber DaSilva – You Already Know What You Need
Mitch, let’s be trustworthy with one another right here. You have already got a automobile in thoughts. You get a gold star on your choose, contemplating it’s roughly the identical one I had in thoughts once I learn your message, however there’s one thing you’ve acquired 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 if 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 effectively 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 luggage right here? Wish to transfer to a entrance mount? You’ve acquired 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 a very good time. The wagon physique ought to have greater than sufficient room on your 6’2″ peak. Why not get the automobile you so clearly need? Be part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be part of us. You realize you wish to.
