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 needs one thing with an identical degree of sportiness however wants extra space to haul issues. What automobile ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the state of affairs.
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 looking 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 not less than new to me). I’ve lately 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 automobiles in any respect as that’s just about all I’ve ever purchased up to now. I can spend as much as $40,000, however I don’t wish to supply one thing from the opposite facet of the nation.
Fast Details:
Price range: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Day by day Driver: Sure
Desires: Enjoyable, extra cargo area
Doesn’t need: One thing too distant
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 a lot of the “compact” wagons don’t actually supply rather more in the best way of cargo area in comparison with your GTI. I’m going to recommend 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’ll be able to’t droop issues in mid-air so what’s most necessary is the usable area on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 affords extra room below 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. In the event you do really feel the necessity for extra pace, aftermarket tunes will crank up your energy at an affordable price. Inside is all of the accouterments of your typical German luxurious automobile. Stock is pretty plentiful within the tri-state space and it’s possible 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 Area?’
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 just 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 satisfy your new automobile: the Hyundai Elantra N. I actually imagine this wonderful little(ish) automobile ticks your entire packing containers and may are available nicely below 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 an entire further cubic foot of the stuff to play with. Positive, a wagon would most likely supply 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 appropriate selection.
Professional 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s big my man. I can’t even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want extra space however you wish to keep sporty. Effectively, amigo, I’ve bought the proper automobile for you, but it surely’s going to take a bit bit of labor in your finish to make it occur. Belief me, although, it’ll be price it.
Buddy, you want an F31 BMW 328d xDrive WAGON. The 328d is best suited to your wants than some other automobile. There aren’t many automobiles (for below $40,000) which might be going to mix the sportiness and energy you need 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 mild tuning you’ll be capable of greatest these numbers by a great distance. On prime of that, the F31 3-Sequence is a good dealing with automobile, so that you’ll be capable of have some enjoyable within the corners too.
In the case of practicality, nicely, it’s almost unimaginable to beat a wagon. With the rear seats up, it has 17.5 cubic toes of cargo room. Drop these rear seats, and also you’re working with an enormous 53 cubic toes of room. Consider all of the shit you may match again there, Nick. The chances are limitless. It’s additionally loaded up with all the fashionable tech you may ever need.
It appears 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., so that they’re a bit laborious to return by. You’re going to need to develop your search space a bit and be keen to journey to get the automobile you need, however I promise it’ll be price it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should purchase goes to return in nicely below 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 extremely good man, I discovered you an ideal instance with simply 41,000 miles on the clock, a spotless report and an amazing worth. Take note, that is the costliest 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one challenge 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 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 can assist you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Sort R. Your $40,000 funds isn’t fairly sufficient for the most recent FL5 era, however the FK8 is arguably the extra attention-grabbing every 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 flooring. Even Andy’s esteemed 328d, which he’s at present bragging about in Slack, solely manages an additional seven cubic toes 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 may need, all of the cargo area you want, all for $39,200 — almost a grand beneath your funds. All I ask is that you just put a few of that $800 in direction of a Pabst Smear at Lux in my honor.
