Mitch is from New York (the state, not town) and day by day drives a Hyundai Veloster with 130,000 miles. Now that he’s about to complete graduate faculty he desires to deal with himself to a enjoyable secondary automotive, nevertheless it must be comfy 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, in search of a second automobile. My day by day driver is a handbook, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I will likely 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 popular; would contemplate a “flappy paddle” handbook/tiptronic kind
Total 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 thought 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 could 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 contemplate as much as 15k
Fast Info:
Funds: 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
Knowledgeable 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a nice automotive for the commute to maintain your gas 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 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 kind of uncommon instances the place I make a WCSYB suggestion and I contemplate 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 choice, so these are wanted automobiles by wagon nerds. Below the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated straight-six that makes a decent 215 horsepower. This automotive 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 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 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 search out one with a handbook.
Certain, the Corvette is rear-wheel drive and fairly low to the bottom, so it isn’t precisely excellent for winters in Upstate New York, however that simply means you must be capable of get a greater deal on those which might 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 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 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 needs to be a lot simpler than they’d be in the event you purchased one thing that’s extra of a hidden gem. It also needs to 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 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 at present priced at $11,500, however I’d be keen to guess 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.)
Knowledgeable 3: Owen Bellwood – Appears to be like Like A Enjoyable Mission
Mitch, congrats on attending to the tip of grad faculty – 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 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 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 won’t be the primary automotive 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 automotive your uncle may personal, why not take house a splash 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 every kind 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 a complete 14 inches longer than a Miata. Which means that as soon as once more, the Alfa Romeo Spider is the right 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 in 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 received 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 while you need to get your arms soiled. You’ve 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 baggage right here? Need to transfer to a entrance mount? You’ve received hundreds to play with.
The GD platform has unbelievable aftermarket assist, and also you don’t have to push it to transmission-shattering energy ranges to have a superb time. The wagon physique ought to have greater than sufficient room in your 6’2″ top. Why not get the automotive you so clearly need? Be part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be part of us. You already know you need to.
