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 desires one thing with an identical degree of sportiness however wants more room to haul issues. What automobile ought to he purchase?
(Welcome again to What Automotive Ought to You Purchase? The place we give actual folks actual recommendation about shopping for automobiles. Would you like us that can assist you discover a automobile? Submit your story on our type.)
Right here is the state of affairs.
Hello there! Very long time reader, first time messager. Love these articles and thought I might give it a shot as I’ve been automobile purchasing for a number of months and I’m fairly caught. I’ve received a 2010 VW GTI thats received round 120k miles on it (that is my third VW GTI BTW). It’s received 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 a minimum of new to me). I’ve just lately purchased a home that I’m updating and located the GTI just a little restrictive with hauling issues out of your common house field shops and wish one thing with just a little 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 previously. 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 Details:
Finances: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Every day Driver: Sure
Needs: Enjoyable, extra cargo area
Doesn’t need: One thing too far-off
Professional 1: Tom McParland- Stick With What You Know
As a GTI proprietor and a longroof fanatic, I actually needed your answer to be a wagon. However the rarity issue makes them a trouble, and many of the “compact” wagons don’t actually supply way more in the best way of cargo area 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 area much less than the Allroads 24 cubic inches of cargo area?” That’s right, however the issue with cubic inch measurements is you’ll be able to’t droop issues in mid-air so what’s most vital is the usable area on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 presents extra room underneath the hatch.
Underneath the hood is the two.0 turbo motor that’s shared with the present GTI, and can present loads of punch to your commute. When you do really feel the necessity for extra pace, aftermarket tunes will crank up your energy at an inexpensive price. 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 Area?’
Nick, the GTI is a superb automobile, and it takes an actual fan of just a little runaround like this to reside 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 greater, however I’m right here to inform you that you simply don’t want one thing that a lot greater to nonetheless have enjoyable and get much more cargo area.
So Nick, it’s time to satisfy your new automobile: the Hyundai Elantra N. I actually imagine this glorious little(ish) automobile ticks your entire bins and may are available nicely underneath finances. The Elantra N is an absolute hoot to drive, and it’s received some nice styling tweaks to make it stand out from the opposite Hyundai’s you’ll see driving round city. It’s additionally received an even bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with an entire additional cubic foot of the stuff to play with. Positive, a wagon would most likely supply a bit more room, 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 selection.
Professional 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s large my man. I can not even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want more room however you need to keep sporty. Properly, amigo, I’ve received the right automobile for you, however it’s going to take just a little 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 healthier suited to your wants than some other 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 via 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 good 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.
In terms of practicality, nicely, it’s almost unimaginable to beat a wagon. With the rear seats up, it has 17.5 cubic ft of cargo room. Drop these rear seats, and also you’re working with a large 53 cubic ft of room. Consider all of the shit you might match again there, Nick. The probabilities are countless. It’s additionally loaded up with all the fashionable tech you might ever need.
It feels like the right automobile, doesn’t it? Properly, 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 arduous to return by. You’re going to must broaden 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 return in nicely underneath your $40,000 finances, so that you’re going to have some additional money to take just a little journey to select it up.
As a result of I’m a extremely good man, I discovered you an ideal instance with simply 41,000 miles on the clock, a spotless report and an excellent worth. Bear in mind, that is the most costly 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one concern 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 an excellent 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 area, Nick, and I’m right here with probably the most right reply that can assist you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Sort R. Your $40,000 finances isn’t fairly sufficient for the most recent FL5 technology, however the FK8 is arguably the extra attention-grabbing day by 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 Sort R. Until you’re dodging potholes on Monroe Ave, possibly.
As for cargo area, 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 ground. Even Andy’s esteemed 328d, which he’s presently bragging about in Slack, solely manages an additional seven cubic ft of area above the Civic. It’s not even an M-Sport automobile!
Nick, get your self a Civic Sort R. All of the enjoyable you might need, all of the cargo area you want, all for $39,200 — almost a grand under your finances. All I ask is that you simply put a few of that $800 in the direction of a Pabst Smear at Lux in my honor.
