Scott lives in Baltimore and after working varied gigs together with just a few stints on cruise ships he has what he calls a “real job” as a software program engineer. However, he hasn’t pushed a automotive in a very long time and needs one thing enjoyable, however not too difficult. With a $25,000 price range, what automotive ought to he purchase?
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Here is the situation.
Quick Facts:
I lastly landed a “real job” as a software program engineer after years of not driving (I lived in Brooklyn for 3 years and on cruise ships for six 12 months; in each locations I used to be a theater tech). That’s to not say I’m a foul driver, however I’m slightly rusty and would really like one thing that’s enjoyable to drive however not too difficult. The solely different automotive I’ve ever had was a 1994 Acura Legend in highschool and faculty. I’ll must commute and run errands and transfer into an condo, so flexibility is essential.
Not to really feel like I’m completely promoting out? Something that’s economical to personal, cheap quantities of cargo house, but in addition one thing that may speed up. And one thing that appears a tiny bit aggressive, the place after a protracted day of conferences and coding, I might see it within the car parking zone and go, yeah, that’s my automotive.
I like Acuras and Hondas, so one thing just like a Civic would possibly work
While I don’t need one thing too massive, I’m 6 ft tall so I want ample legroom, and I’ve to have CarPlay. OTher than that I’m not tremendous choosy. My price range is about $25,000
Budget: $25,000
Location: Baltimore, MD
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: Fun to drive, “aggressive looking,” good pickup
Doesn’t need: Something too massive
Expert 1: Tom McParland – Four Rings Fancy
Congratulations on the brand new gig, Scott. While you in all probability received’t discover the identical collection of pizza in Baltimore as in comparison with Brooklyn, Charm City does have its upsides. If you’re searching for a experience to zoom round, additionally, you will need one thing simple to park. You talked about one thing like a Honda Civic, and wile that will surely be a secure selection, I believe you need slightly extra punch below the hood.
I might recommend contemplating one thing within the frivolously used luxurious house, just like the Audi A3. This compact sedan is principally a “fancy” GTI with 4 doorways as a substitute of 5. Under the hood is identical turbocharged motor that cranks out about 220 horsepower; loads of zip for transferring by way of visitors. These can be had with all-wheel drive which might turn out to be useful on these unhealthy climate days. Standard tools contains CarPlay and different upgraded tech that make the commute a bit simpler. And whereas this can be a “compact” automotive it needs to be roomy sufficient on the within to suit your body comfortably.
But in contrast to the GTI which tends to go for a premium within the pre-owned market, the A3 has the everyday luxurious automotive depreciation making it a greater worth on your greenback. Here is a 2020 mannequin with solely 21,000 miles proper in your price range zone.
Expert 2: Lawrence Hodge – Serious Performance For Cheap
Scott ought to rejoice your “real job” by getting your self one thing that’s a bit greater than only a enjoyable commuter. You want one thing that you simply’ll look ahead to driving on a regular basis. Something that folks will see and know that not solely do you like to drive, however that you simply’re an fanatic as effectively. Personally, I believe that automotive is the Ford Focus RS.
It ticks all of the “fun” containers: A torque vectoring all wheel drive system, six-speed guide transmission, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine with 350 hp. All in a hatchback which you can simply each day. It even will get first rate fuel mileage for being a efficiency hatch at 25 mpg mixed. The finest a part of all although is the worth. These issues are sufficiently old now which you can choose one up on a budget if you happen to’re OK with larger miles. I discovered this 2017 at a Chevy vendor in Bel Air, Maryland. Yea it has slightly below 87,000 miles, however it’ll solely set you again $22,999. That’s a efficiency discount you may’t ignore.
Expert 3: Collin Woodard – A Nice Little Red Convertible
After six years on a cruise ship, you undoubtedly need to reward your self, Scott. And what higher method is there for an American to reward themselves than with a pleasant little purple convertible? Just take into consideration how joyful you’ll be having fun with the wind in your hair as you shift by way of the gears in your guide transmission, free to go wherever you need with out regard for what port your ship is docked in or when you could be again on board to keep away from getting left behind.
Even higher, after a protracted day of assembly about pc codes, you’ll undoubtedly be capable to stroll out into the car parking zone and go, “Yeah, that’s my car,” once you see it. We do just like the Honda Civic quite a bit right here at Jalopnik, however all your fellow nerds will likely be driving Civics and, like, Teslas or no matter. You’ll nearly undoubtedly be the one one with a pleasant little purple convertible.
Take, for instance, this one which I discovered in North Carolina. It’s only a quick aircraft experience away, supplying you with the chance to street journey it again house to Baltimore and actually fall in love together with your new automotive. Technically, it does have a salvage title, and it’s about $7,500 greater than you have been hoping to spend, however these are extra minor inconveniences than the rest. Also, it doesn’t have Apple CarPlay, however you may all the time add that after you purchase it.
Trust me, Scott. What you really need is a pleasant little convertible just like the 1994 Dodge Viper. Even if it doesn’t supply the whole lot you need, it has the whole lot you could be joyful. And you wish to be joyful, don’t you Scott?
Expert 4: Owen Bellwood – Plug-In Fancy
It sounds such as you’re turning into the grownup you all the time wished to be, good one Scott!
In 2024 each actual grownup wants one factor, and that’s a automotive with a plug to maintain their fuel funds down and defend the planet. You know, actual grownup considerations. Thankfully, there are just a few methods you may nonetheless get a enjoyable, good wanting automotive that additionally comes with a plug on the facet below your price range. So Scott, I believe it’s time so that you can turn into a BMW grownup and get a plug-in 5 Series.
Rather surprisingly, there are just a few good choices in the marketplace not too removed from you. If you wish to be wise, you might go for this decrease mileage one that comes with a crisp black exterior and matching inside. But you need enjoyable to drive, so as a substitute get this one with the M Sport pack, all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed auto. You’ll be joyful within the information that you simply’re the proud proprietor of one of many final handsome BMWs, and can have an additional $5,000 in your pocket for when the restore payments begin arriving.
Source: jalopnik.com