Matt likes driving autos which can be totally different, however his 2011 Nissan Juke is getting up there in miles so it’s time to interchange it with one thing with a bit extra space and extra trendy options. He is ideally searching for a wagon or wagon-ish car for round $30,000. What automotive ought to he purchase?
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Here is the situation:
Quick Facts:
I’m seeking to change my getting older 2011 Nissan Juke with one thing a bit bigger and extra snug. This automotive can be used for journeys up and down the east coast with myself, my spouse, and our two ~50lb canines in addition to being my every day driver.
Like any true Jalopnik reader, my splendid car can be a wagon. I don’t require AWD, however it might be a pleasant addition. I’m additionally not against “wagon-ish” autos. However, EVs are out as I don’t actually have ample charging entry.
I’d like to have the power to do some mild modification to this car, however an enormous aftermarket shouldn’t be completely crucial. I can spend as much as $30,000
Budget: as much as $30,000
Location: Salisbury, MD
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: More house, upgraded tech, dependable
Doesn’t need: A handbook or an EV
Expert 1: Tom McParland- Alltrack!
Matt, you will have clearly come to the precise place in case you are searching for long-roof suggestions. While the wagon market is a little more restricted in comparison with different physique kinds, a funds of $30,000 can nonetheless get you one thing good. Since you in all probability just like the zippiness of the Juke, it’s possible you’ll wish to purpose for one thing with the identical fun-to-drive issue however with a bit extra usable house.
A strong alternative can be the Volkswagon Golf Alltrack/Sportwagon. The two automobiles are nearly an identical although the lifted Alltrack is a bit simpler to supply and comes commonplace with all-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter turbocharged motor that packs a punchy 180 horsepower. If you’re feeling you want extra enhance there’s a excellent aftermarket group for these VWs and you may crank up the facility with out plenty of expense.
Naturally, the Alltrack/Sportwagon, is a Golf hatchback with extra cargo house within the rear totaling about 30 cubic ft, which is about triple in comparison with your Nissan. Inventory for these VWs is pretty plentiful within the area, and you may rating ones with cheap miles inside your funds. Here is a Certified 2019 with solely 7,000 miles for slightly below thirty grand.
Expert 2: Owen Bellwood – Wagon(ish)
Matt, for those who’re changing a Nissan Juke then I’m very happy that will help you discover a pretty wagon-ish automotive to drive round city as a substitute! Thankfully, round $30,000 there are some nice choices so that you can think about, as Tom has discovered along with his glorious suggestion from VW.
While I’d normally soar straight to a different European model starting with V, which occurs to have this nice Cross Country choice in your funds, I’ve acquired one other automotive so that you can think about: the Subaru Outback. Specifically, the Subaru Outback Wilderness. For $30,000, you received’t get a brand new Wilderness spec Outback, however there are some good choices not too removed from you, like this white choice that saves you a greenback.
But I believe it’s best to flex these haggling muscle tissues and go for this one in The Good Color, for those who can handle it. This manner, you’ll get the Outback Wilderness with its wagon(ish) seems to be, oodles of practicalities and a pleasant cabin by which to take in the miles. You additionally get improved rugged capabilities to maintain you trundling alongside on- or off-road wherever your adventures take you.
Expert 3: Andy Kalmowitz – The Best Or Nothing
Matt. Can I name you Matt? You seem to be man, and Sailbury is a really fairly little metropolis I’ve spent period of time in. You deserve one of the best, Matt, so why not get one of the best? Sure, you can go along with an Alltrack or an Outback. Both automobiles will do properly by you, however you deserve higher than that. Buddy, you deserve a Mercedes-Benz. Specifically, you deserve an E-Class Wagon.
They tick each single one among your containers. You’re going to get nice tech when in comparison with your Juke, an entire lot of house, all-wheel drive (which is just a bit bonus) and a few first rate reliability. There’s a motive E-Classes are taxis in Europe. These issues, particularly with the three.5-liter V6 are absolute tanks. On prime of all that, it’s a very nice trying car, wouldn’t ya say, Matty boy?
Because I’m such a fan of Maryland, I made a decision to do you one other favor. I discovered the proper E-Class Wagon for you. What we’ve acquired here’s a post-facelift W212 E350 Wagon with simply 60,500 miles on the clock. That’s nothing for one among these tanks. It additionally isn’t going to interrupt the financial institution for you. This instance, with a clear Carfax, will set you again simply $28,950. That’s a hell of a deal, my man.
So, you’ll be able to go along with automobiles which can be fairly good. They’ll actually serve you properly. But, we each know you deserve one of the best. Get one of the best, Matt. Get an E-Class wagon.
Expert 4: Bradley Brownell – Exceptional By Design
I not too long ago bought my Regal TourX, and I already miss it. We purchased it model new in 2018 and paid $36,000-ish for a top-of-the-line mannequin. While the automobiles are actually discontinued and GM’s help of the automotive is mildly disappointing, they’re extremely competent and cozy every day drivers. We put 100,000 principally trouble-free miles on ours and walked away pleased with the expertise.
With 250 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from a 2-liter turbo and commonplace all-wheel drive, it is a fairly rattling good every day driver. I often noticed mpgs within the excessive 30s on the freeway, although in-town gas economic system was kind of disappointing. With the seats folded, this factor turns right into a two-seater that may haul absolutely anything you’d have to haul. With them up, it’s a five-seater that may nonetheless maintain greater than your common SUV (and considerably greater than a Juke.)
This one at Carmax is priced on the excessive finish at $21,998, although it has simply 58,600 miles on the odometer. I’d say it is a fairly strong purchase for a wagon wanter.
Source: jalopnik.com