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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 analogous stage 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 purchasing for a number of months and I’m fairly caught. I’ve acquired a 2010 VW GTI thats acquired round 120k miles on it (that is my third VW GTI BTW). It’s acquired 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 common house field shops and need 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 need to supply one thing from the opposite aspect of the nation.
Fast Info:
Price range: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Every day Driver: Sure
Desires: Enjoyable, extra cargo house
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 provide rather more in the best way of cargo house in comparison with your GTI. I’m going to recommend an Audi A5 Sportback. I do know what most of you’re thinking- “Isn’t the A5s 21 cubic inches of cargo house much less than the Allroads 24 cubic inches of cargo house?” That’s appropriate, however the issue with cubic inch measurements is you possibly can’t droop issues in mid-air so what’s most vital is the usable house on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 affords extra room underneath the hatch.
Beneath 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 inexpensive value. Inside is all of the accouterments of your typical German luxurious automobile. Stock is pretty plentiful within the tri-state space and chances are 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 House?’
Nick, the GTI is a superb 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 larger, however I’m right here to inform you that you just don’t want one thing that a lot larger to nonetheless have enjoyable and get much more cargo house.
So Nick, it’s time to satisfy your new automobile: the Hyundai Elantra N. I really imagine this wonderful little(ish) automobile ticks your entire bins and may are available in properly underneath price range. The Elantra N is an absolute hoot to drive, and it’s acquired some nice styling tweaks to make it stand out from the opposite Hyundai’s you’ll see driving round city. It’s additionally acquired a much bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with an entire additional cubic foot of the stuff to play with. Positive, a wagon would most likely provide 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 alternative.
Professional 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s large my man. I can’t even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want extra space however you need to keep sporty. Effectively, amigo, I’ve acquired the right automobile for you, however it’s going to take a bit bit of labor in your finish to make it occur. Belief me, although, it’ll be value it.
Buddy, you want an F31 BMW 328d xDrive WAGON. The 328d is best suited to your wants than another automobile. There aren’t many automobiles (for underneath $40,000) which might be going to mix the sportiness and energy you want 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 have the ability to finest these numbers by a great distance. On high of that, the F31 3-Sequence is a superb dealing with automobile, so that you’ll have the ability to have some enjoyable within the corners too.
Relating to practicality, properly, 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 a large 53 cubic toes of room. Consider all of the shit you can match again there, Nick. The chances are countless. It’s additionally loaded up with all the trendy tech you can ever need.
It seems like the right automobile, doesn’t it? Effectively, there’s a catch. You see, BMW didn’t make too many 328d Wagons for the U.S., in order that they’re a bit onerous to come back by. You’re going to need to develop your search space a bit and be prepared to journey to get the automobile you need, however I promise it’ll be value it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should purchase goes to come back in properly underneath your $40,000 price range, so that you’re going to have some additional money to take a bit journey to select it up.
As a result of I’m a very good man, I discovered you an ideal instance with simply 41,000 miles on the clock, a spotless report and an awesome worth. Take into accout, that is the costliest 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one subject 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 a very good 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 house, Nick, and I’m right here with essentially the most appropriate reply that can assist you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Kind R. Your $40,000 price range isn’t fairly sufficient for the newest FL5 technology, 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 Kind R. Except you’re dodging potholes on Monroe Ave, possibly.
As for cargo house, 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 house above the Civic. It’s not even an M-Sport automobile!
Nick, get your self a Civic Kind R. All of the enjoyable you can need, all of the cargo house you want, all for $39,200 — almost a grand beneath your price range. All I ask is that you just put a few of that $800 in the direction of a Pabst Smear at Lux in my honor.
