Bernie lives in California and has three fairly wonderful rides a Jetta TDI, an 91’ Miata, and an 08’ Ford Ranger. However, he desires to simplify his life and discover one automotive that may match his wants for enjoyable to drive, good gasoline financial system and the power to haul some stuff. What automotive ought to he purchase?
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Here is the state of affairs:
I’d prefer to commerce the three autos I now personal: a VW Jetta TDI, a 1991 Mazda Miata SE, and a 2008 Ford Ranger for one car that will get cheap gasoline financial system, is comparatively enjoyable to drive, and may haul stuff.
Must haves are: Automatic, air-con, energy locks, rearview digicam, Sat. radio, good gasoline financial system, able to hauling 4 (outdated) folks and various stuff. I need a rear view digicam for backing up with out me imitating Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
No fuel guzzlers-better than 20 mpg mixed is required. No high-clearance autos. No big-ass vans that don’t slot in parking areas, both.
Total price range is $35,000
Quick Facts:
Budget: as much as $35,000
Location: Ventura, CA
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: Fun, first rate MPG, hauling capability
Doesn’t need: A giant truck or one thing with poor gasoline financial system
Expert 1: Tom McParland – Wagon Time
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Bernie, I think you already know that if you are trying to combine three really good cars that are very good at their specific niche into one car, there are going to be some sacrifices to be made. What is most likely going to happen is you find something that isn’t quite as enjoyable as the Miata and will lack the usability of the Ranger.
What we are going to land on is something that is pretty good at being a commuter, hauler, and fun ride but perhaps not excellent at any one thing. However, you can blend all of those attributes fairly well in the BMW 3 Series Sportwagen. This car will have the solid driving dynamics of the BMW 3 series, return respectable MPG, and with the extra cargo hold behind the rear seats, it should be enough to manage your hobbies. If you really want to lean in on maximizing the fuel economy, you can opt for the diesel engine.
Here is a nice 328d in California with a “sport” package and it will return up to 40 MPG on the highway. Personally, I would opt for the slightly easier-to-find gas models, as they feel a lot quicker behind the wheel compared to their diesel counterparts.
Expert 2: Owen Bellwood – Van Time
Bernie, that’s quite the situation you find yourself in, and getting something to fill the Miata-shaped hole in your life is always going to be tough. But, I think you’re off to a good start with the BMW suggested by Tom.
However, while we’re all familiar with wagon supremacy by now, I think you’re primed to uncover minivan excellence. So Bernie, I think it’s time you made the switch to a Pacifica. Sure, on the surface the Chrysler minivan might not be the obvious replacement for a Miata, a Jetta ,and a Ranger, but it’s the next logical step in your growth as a car fan.
Specifically, I think you should get this freshly-cleaned Pacifica hybrid, as it gives you oodles of space in the back for hauling stuff around, has some annoyingly good looks and, thanks to its hybrid powertrain, will give you 30-miles of battery-powered driving as well as 30 miles-per-gallon combined of gas-powered driving. What’s more, it very much isn’t a ridiculous big truck that everyone else is going to hate seeing out on the road. And, to top it all off, a Pacifica is way more fun to be around than a Ranger, we all know that.
Expert 3: Collin Woodard – 83 MPGe
In general, I’m a big fan of minivans. Am I still mad that my parents traded their ‘80s Mercedes for a Mazda MPV when my brother was born? Absolutely. But minivans are just so damn practical, it’s hard to actually be that mad. I love them and will always defend them. But in your case, Bernie, I think Tom’s suggestion is more of what you’re looking for than Owen’s. The three cars that you currently own and the list of requirements you gave don’t really scream “minivan” to me.
My initial suggestion was going to be the Jaguar XF Sportbrake because I’d love for you to make a wonderfully bad decision, but as it turns out, those haven’t depreciated enough to fit your budget. But I did find a 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron not far from you that might actually give you everything you’re looking for.
It probably isn’t spacious enough for four large old people, but if they already fit in your Jetta, they should be fine in the A3. Fold the rear seats down, and it’s got plenty of room for hauling stuff. And with 204 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, it should be plenty of fun for your do-it-all needs. If you can charge it at home, it also offers 16 miles of EV range, which should cover most of your daily driving needs. On longer trips, the EPA rates it at 83 MPGe, so you don’t really have to worry about the cost of gas killing your wallet, either.
And since it’s an Audi, it has all the creature comforts you could want, including that backup camera you’re looking for. Maintenance and repairs may be a little pricier than your Ford Ranger, but since this one only costs a little over $21,000, you’ll have plenty of money left to keep it on the road. Get the Audi, Bernie.
Expert 4: Lawrence Hodge – Not Quite a Pickup
Given what you want, there are a few vehicles that I could have recommended, but they would have been not quite right. A Dodge Magnum R/T or SRT-8? Old, with bad fuel economy. Kia Stinger? Fun to drive, but the fuel economy also isn’t quite there in the V6 versions. You need a modern take on the small-ish pickup. Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
And yes, I know, unibody trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick exist. But the Ridgeline is pricey now, with a starting price over $38,000, and the Maverick has been deep in the mess that is markups since its introduction, which has marred its “cheap, small pickup for everyone” image. And that’s if you can even get your hands on one.
The Santa Cruz, nevertheless, could be good in your wants. For one, its not laborious to seek out them at or close to sticker anymore since they’re not as sizzling a vendor, like this model new 2023 Santa Cruz I discovered for simply over $31,000. Being that it’s primarily a Tucson with a mattress means it’s going to be simple to drive and park. Most importantly, it will get first rate sufficient gasoline financial system. With entrance wheel drive, you possibly can anticipate 22 metropolis/26 freeway/23 mixed from its 4 cylinder engine. And you possibly can haul stuff like a truck. But don’t haul something too huge. The mattress is simply simply over 4 toes lengthy and may maintain 27 cubic toes of stuff. So consider it much less as a pickup mattress and extra of a convertible trunk. But I’m positive you would make it work.
Source: jalopnik.com