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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 stage of sportiness however wants more room to haul issues. What automotive ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the state of affairs.
Hello there! Very long time reader, first time messager. Love these articles and thought I’d give it a shot as I’ve been automotive looking for a number of months and I’m fairly caught. I’ve obtained a 2010 VW GTI thats obtained round 120k miles on it (that is my third VW GTI BTW). It’s obtained 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 at the least new to me). I’ve not too long ago purchased a home that I’m updating and located the GTI somewhat restrictive with hauling issues out of your normal house field shops and need one thing with somewhat extra utilitarian-ism however nonetheless enjoyable to drive! Im not against used vehicles 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 Information:
Price range: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Day by day Driver: Sure
Needs: Enjoyable, extra cargo house
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 wished your answer to be a wagon. However the rarity issue makes them a trouble, and a lot of the “compact” wagons don’t actually supply far more in the best way of cargo house 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 house much less than the Allroads 24 cubic inches of cargo house?” That’s appropriate, 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 house on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 affords extra room below the hatch.
Below the hood is the two.0 turbo motor that’s shared with the present GTI, and can present loads of punch on your commute. For those who 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 automotive. Stock is pretty plentiful within the tri-state space and you might 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 automotive, and it takes an actual fan of somewhat runaround like this to reside with three of them, so good work sticking to the small automotive mission on this method. Clearly it’s a disgrace when somebody trades in a small automotive for one thing greater, however I’m right here to let you know that you simply don’t want one thing that a lot greater to nonetheless have enjoyable and get much more cargo house.
So Nick, it’s time to fulfill your new automotive: the Hyundai Elantra N. I actually imagine this glorious little(ish) automotive ticks your whole packing containers and may are available properly below finances. The Elantra N is an absolute hoot to drive, and it’s obtained some nice styling tweaks to make it stand out from the opposite Hyundai’s you’ll see driving round city. It’s additionally obtained an even bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with an entire further 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 alternative.
Professional 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s big my man. I can’t even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want more room however you need to keep sporty. Effectively, amigo, I’ve obtained the right automotive for you, nevertheless it’s going to take somewhat bit of labor in your finish to make it occur. Belief me, although, it’ll be price it.
Buddy, you want an F31 BMW 328d xDrive WAGON. The 328d is healthier suited to your wants than every other automotive. There aren’t many vehicles (for below $40,000) which can be going to mix the sportiness and energy you need with the hauling functionality you want. Let me stroll ya by 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 gentle tuning you’ll be capable to greatest these numbers by a great distance. On high of that, the F31 3-Sequence is a superb dealing with automotive, so that you’ll be capable to have some enjoyable within the corners too.
In terms of practicality, properly, it’s almost unattainable 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 would match again there, Nick. The chances are infinite. It’s additionally loaded up with all the fashionable tech you would ever need.
It appears like the right automotive, doesn’t it? Effectively, 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 onerous to come back by. You’re going to need to increase your search space a bit and be keen to journey to get the automotive you need, however I promise it’ll be price it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should purchase goes to come back in properly below your $40,000 finances, so that you’re going to have some further money to take somewhat 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 a terrific worth. Take into account, that is the most costly 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one challenge is it’s nowhere close to Rochester. Nick, that is the automotive for you.
Professional 4: Amber DaSilva – Why Compromise?
Nick, from a proud former Rochester resident, you’ve picked a great 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 house, Nick, and I’m right here with probably the most appropriate reply that can assist you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Kind R. Your $40,000 finances isn’t fairly sufficient for the newest FL5 technology, however the FK8 is arguably the extra attention-grabbing each 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 Kind R. Until you’re dodging potholes on Monroe Ave, perhaps.
As for cargo house, 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 at the moment bragging about in Slack, solely manages an additional seven cubic ft of house above the Civic. It’s not even an M-Sport automotive!
Nick, get your self a Civic Kind R. All of the enjoyable you would need, all of the cargo house 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.
