In This Story
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 needs one thing with an analogous degree of sportiness however wants extra space to haul issues. What automobile 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 might give it a shot as I’ve been automobile 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 no less than new to me). I’ve just lately purchased a home that I’m updating and located the GTI a little bit restrictive with hauling issues out of your basic residence field shops and need one thing with a little bit 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 facet of the nation.
Fast Details:
Price range: as much as $40,000
Location: Rochester, NY
Each day Driver: Sure
Needs: Enjoyable, extra cargo house
Doesn’t need: One thing too far-off
Skilled 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 a lot of the “compact” wagons don’t actually provide rather more in the best way of cargo house in comparison with your GTI. I’m going to counsel an Audi A5 Sportback. I do know what most of you might be thinking- “Isn’t the A5s 21 cubic inches of cargo house much less than the Allroads 24 cubic inches of cargo house?” 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 necessary is the usable house on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 provides extra room beneath the hatch.
Underneath the hood is the two.0 turbo motor that’s shared with the present GTI, and can present loads of punch on your commute. In the event you do really feel the necessity for extra velocity, aftermarket tunes will crank up your energy at an affordable price. Inside is all of the accouterments of your typical German luxurious automobile. Stock is pretty plentiful within the tri-state space and you could dig one thing like this 2023 Premium Plus mannequin with the sporty packages.
Skilled 2: Owen Bellwood – Did Somebody Say ‘Enjoyable, Extra Cargo Area?’
Nick, the GTI is a good automobile, and it takes an actual fan of a little bit runaround like this to dwell 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 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 automobile: the Hyundai Elantra N. I really consider this wonderful little(ish) automobile ticks all your containers and may are available properly beneath funds. 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 a much bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with a complete additional cubic foot of the stuff to play with. Certain, a wagon would most likely provide a bit extra space, 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 precise alternative.
Skilled 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 extra space however you need to keep sporty. Nicely, amigo, I’ve obtained the right automobile for you, but it surely’s going to take a little bit 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 best suited to your wants than another automobile. There aren’t many automobiles (for beneath $40,000) which are going to mix the sportiness and energy you need with the hauling functionality you want. Let me stroll ya by means of 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 good dealing with automobile, so that you’ll be capable to have some enjoyable within the corners too.
In terms of practicality, properly, it’s almost not possible 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 an enormous 53 cubic ft of room. Consider all of the shit you would match again there, Nick. The probabilities are limitless. It’s additionally loaded up with all the fashionable tech you would ever need.
It seems like the right automobile, doesn’t it? Nicely, there’s a catch. You see, BMW didn’t make too many 328d Wagons for the U.S., so that they’re a bit exhausting to return by. You’re going to need to increase your search space a bit and be prepared to journey to get the automobile you need, however I promise it’ll be price it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should buy goes to return in properly beneath your $40,000 funds, so that you’re going to have some additional money to take a little bit 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 file and an incredible worth. Take note, that is the costliest 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one subject is it’s nowhere close to Rochester. Nick, that is the automobile for you.
Skilled 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 house, Nick, and I’m right here with essentially the most right reply that will help you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Sort R. Your $40,000 funds isn’t fairly sufficient for the most recent FL5 technology, however the FK8 is arguably the extra fascinating every 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, 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 flooring. 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 automobile!
Nick, get your self a Civic Sort R. All of the enjoyable you would need, all of the cargo house you want, all for $39,200 — almost a grand beneath your funds. 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.
