Bryan has a 2011 GTI that’s having the problems one may anticipate from a 12-year-old Volkswagen. He is out there for a brand new commuter automotive for his one-hour journey to work. He desires some semblance of enjoyable but in addition wants it to be dependable and fairly snug. With a $20,000 price range, what automotive ought to he purchase?
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Here is the situation.
Considering a brand new commuter automotive. I purchased a used 2011 VW GTI just a few years again to save lots of on fuel commuting. It’s been nice, nevertheless it’s within the store for the third time within the final 15k miles with a clogged injector, regardless of having them supposedly cleaned. I’m pondering that it’s time for a brand new, used automotive. Primarily, it simply drives to work and again, throughout Houston. Lots of heavy site visitors within the afternoon, so it must be an computerized. I’ve bought a 97 Dodge Dakota for tinkering on, and my spouse has a Hyundai Elantra that we use for highway journeys. I want one thing dependable, to get be to work and again, that received’t suck my soul out. My commute, is about an hour, spherical journey, every day…. so I’d prefer to a minimum of get pleasure from being within the automotive. I largely use my truck for hobbies – however I favored that I might match 2 adults, 2 canines, and baggage within the hatchback. I don’t wish to spend greater than $20,000.
Quick Facts:
Budget: as much as $20,000
Location: Houston, TX
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: Fun, Reliable, snug
Doesn’t need: Boring or heavy on the upkeep
Expert 1: Tom McParland – Just Sporty Enough
My go-to selection for anybody looking for a sporty sub-$20,000 automotive is the Mazda3. However, since you’ve gotten gotten used to the turbo energy within the GTI, you could really feel the three shouldn’t be fairly punchy sufficient for freeway passing, and any MazdaVelocity fashions at this worth level are positive to be a bit dicey.
I nonetheless really feel that Mazda is the appropriate reply for you, however with a slight modification. I might counsel you discover a good Mazda6 particularly something 2018 mannequin yr and better with the turbo motor. You will get loads of passing energy with the 250 hp motor that additionally brings 310 lb-ft of torque to the wheels offered that you simply use premium gas. You will even get the consolation of a mid-size sedan that’s loaded with options just like most luxurious automobiles. And after all, you’ll have the Japanese construct high quality you anticipate for comparatively worry-free possession. The tough half might be wading by means of the ocean of non-turbo automobiles to seek out the appropriate instance. Almost every part at this worth level is nearing 100,000 miles, so that you may as nicely get the additional energy. Here is a pleasant 2018 Grand Touring Reserve with about 76,000 miles for underneath $19,000.
Expert 2: Collin Woodard – A Different Kind Of Enjoyable
As standard, Bryan, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with Tom’s suggestion. The Mazda6 is a good selection. I’m additionally going to guess you didn’t write in hoping to listen to, “Just get the newest GTI you can afford.” So I’m going to go in slightly little bit of a distinct path.
You’re going to make use of this automotive primarily for commuting and have your truck for hobbies and doing issues outdoors town. With a minimum of an hour-long commute each day and primarily based on what I learn about Houston, I’m additionally going to guess you don’t come throughout many alternatives for spirited driving. So I say let’s prioritize consolation and reliability, in addition to gas financial system. You didn’t precisely say you’re involved about what sort of fuel mileage it will get, however if you’re driving in heavy site visitors, it by no means hurts to drive one thing slightly extra environment friendly.
Which brings us to the Lexus ES Hybrid. If you actually do need one thing with sporty dealing with, it’s completely not the automotive for you, and my emotions received’t be damage for those who dismiss it outright. Just give it some thought, although. Not solely is it going to be ridiculously dependable, nevertheless it additionally packs in additional consolation than you’ll be able to shake a stick at, and the construct high quality is top-notch. Plus, it’ll get unbelievable fuel mileage within the metropolis. Just take into consideration how far more enjoyable and fewer nerve-racking your commute might be in an remoted, quiet, extremely snug automotive.
If that sounds interesting to you, right here’s a 2014 Lexus ES 300h close to you with lower than 75,000 miles on it for $17,999.
Expert 3: Andy Kalmowitz – Don’t Dodge This Bullet
Bryan, if you need the “objectively correct” or “smart” or “reasonable” choices, you then can not go flawed with both Collin’s or Tom’s ideas. However, for those who’re a enjoyable loving son of a bitch like me, you’re going to need one thing a bit much less vanilla. Buddy, you want a Dodge Challenger SRT-8. Is it older than your present automotive? Yes. Is it dependable? Sort of. Is it snug? Hell sure it’s, brother.
You’ve bought to cope with an hour lengthy commute each goddamn day of your life. Don’t you suppose you need to be in one thing that makes you smile everytime you step on the fuel? Six-point-one-liters of America Hemi V8 energy will completely do this. Gas mileage is not going to be nice, however who the hell cares? You’re in Texas. Gas is reasonable, however freedom isn’t. You’re going to have 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque on the disposal of your proper foot. All that energy goes to be despatched by means of a bullet-proof 5-speed computerized transmission, too, so nothing to fret about there.
Bry-guy, as a result of I’m so good, I discovered the proper Challenger SRT-8 for you. It’s in Houston and is listed for slightly below $19,000. Bud, that’s underneath your price range. It has underneath 100,000 miles on the clock and an accident free historical past. From the photographs onthe supplier’s web site, this unhealthy boy appears clear as hell, espeicallly with the Torred paint.
I do know this in all probability isn’t the automotive you had been pondering of changing your GTI with, nevertheless it’s the automotive you want to exchange your GTI with. You’ll be smiling all the way in which dwelling each day.
Expert 4: Owen Bellwood – Fast Fords Forever
Bryan, you’ve had some good ideas from my colleagues up to now, however I’m unsure they fairly tick the “fun commuter” gap that’s coming the second you say farewell to your GTI. To do this, I feel there’s just one possibility: it’s good to get a quick Ford.
Obviously, the right selection must be this wonderful ‘93 Mustang GT with its awesome black and yellow finish. But that doesn’t scream sensible commuter to me. So as an alternative, I’ve bought two ideas for you: the automotive I need you to purchase, and the automotive it’s best to in all probability purchase. Personally, I need you to purchase this orange Ford Fiesta ST, as a result of it appears superior, is enjoyable to drive and the world could be a greater place if extra of us drove nice little metropolis automobiles like this.
However, the automotive you truly should purchase is that this Focus ST, the Fiesta’s greater, angrier brother. For one, it’s much more fascinating than Collin and Tom’s (in all probability fairly appropriate) ideas. It’ll additionally use about an Olympic swimming pool’s value of fuel much less that Andy’s splendid automotive for you. And no matter its sensibilities, you’ll nonetheless get a slick wanting hatchback, a dependable runaround and a automotive that’s nice enjoyable if you’re finished with the 9-5 and in search of an journey on the weekend. Bryan, do the appropriate factor and get a quick Ford.
Source: jalopnik.com