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 faculty he needs to deal with himself to a enjoyable secondary automotive, however it must be snug sufficient for his 6-foot 2-inch body. With a price range 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, on the lookout for a second car. My every day driver is a guide, naturally aspirated Hyundai Veloster with 130k miles. I shall be finishing graduate faculty in a few months and I’m seeking to get one thing with a bit extra pizzazz, possibly a minor mission or improve right here and there.
Guide transmission most well-liked; would think about a “flappy paddle” guide/tiptronic sort
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 observe… I’m 6’2 and could be described as ‘rotund’; so, sadly… Miata shouldn’t be the reply. Value is considerably negotiable, I’d prefer it to be ideally lower than 10k however would think about as much as 15k
Fast Info:
Funds: 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 computerized
Knowledgeable 1: Tom McParland – Unicorn!
The Veloster is a wonderful 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 on the lookout for one thing that has each extra pizzazz, I’ve discovered your subsequent trip: This can be a 2006 BMW 325xi wagon with a guide transmission. That is a type of uncommon instances the place I make a WCSYB advice and I think about 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 type was the final wagon BMW made with the guide choice, so these are wanted automobiles by wagon nerds. Underneath 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 probably the most satisfying guide 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 price range, 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 arduous to search out one with a guide.
Certain, the Corvette is rear-wheel drive and fairly low to the bottom, so it isn’t precisely perfect for winters in Upstate New York, however that simply means you must be capable of get a greater deal on those which can be at the moment on the market. Throw a set of Blizzaks on there, don’t do something silly and also you’ll be wonderful. Again once I lived in Boston, I used to commonly 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 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 must also be dependable sufficient that you just’ll be capable of spend your time personalizing it to suit your wants as a substitute of wrenching away attempting desperately to get it operating once more.
It appears to be like 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 the moment priced at $11,500, however I’d be keen to guess they’re keen to barter. In any case, who buys a guide 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 once I awoke. It’s winter.)
Knowledgeable 3: Owen Bellwood – Seems Like A Enjoyable Venture
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 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 a couple 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 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 would possibly personal, why not take residence a splash 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 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. 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 choose, contemplating it’s kind of the identical one I had in thoughts once I learn your message, however there’s one thing you’ve received your coronary heart set on. Go chase it, Mitch.
You need a automotive that’s usable and dependable sufficient for weekend cruises, however can nonetheless be tinkered with if you wish to get your fingers 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 price range, 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? Wish to transfer to a entrance mount? You’ve received 1000’s to play with.
The GD platform has unimaginable aftermarket help, 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 automotive you so clearly need? Be a part of the Subie Squad, Mitch. Be a part of us. You recognize you wish to.
