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 desires one thing with an identical stage of sportiness however wants extra space to haul issues. What automotive ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation.
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 couple of months and I’m fairly caught. I’ve acquired a 2010 VW GTI thats acquired round 120k miles on it (that is my third VW GTI BTW). It’s acquired 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 not less than 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 basic dwelling field shops and wish 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
Every day Driver: Sure
Desires: Enjoyable, extra cargo area
Doesn’t need: One thing too distant
Knowledgeable 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 many of the “compact” wagons don’t actually provide 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 appropriate, however the issue with cubic inch measurements is you may’t droop issues in mid-air so what’s most necessary is the usable area on the ground behind the rear seats, and on this case the A5 presents extra room underneath 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. Should you do really feel the necessity for extra pace, aftermarket tunes will crank up your energy at an inexpensive value. Inside is all of the accouterments of your typical German luxurious automotive. 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.
Knowledgeable 2: Owen Bellwood – Did Somebody Say ‘Enjoyable, Extra Cargo Area?’
Nick, the GTI is a good automotive, and it takes an actual fan of somewhat runaround like this to dwell 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 larger, however I’m right here to let you know that you just don’t want one thing that a lot larger to nonetheless have enjoyable and get much more cargo area.
So Nick, it’s time to satisfy your new automotive: the Hyundai Elantra N. I actually imagine this wonderful little(ish) automotive ticks your entire packing containers and will are available in nicely underneath finances. The Elantra N is an absolute hoot to drive, and it’s acquired some nice styling tweaks to make it stand out from the opposite Hyundai’s you’ll see driving round city. It’s additionally acquired a much bigger trunk than your outgoing Golf, with an entire 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 practically as cool, or as enjoyable, as an Elantra. Nick, make the appropriate selection.
Knowledgeable 3: Andy Kalmowitz – You Want The D In Your Life
Congrats on the home! That’s enormous my man. I can not even think about what that should really feel like. Anyway, you want extra space however you need to keep sporty. Properly, amigo, I’ve acquired the proper automotive for you, but it surely’s going to take somewhat 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 automotive. There aren’t many vehicles (for underneath $40,000) which might be going to mix the sportiness and energy you need 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 be capable of finest these numbers by a good distance. On prime of that, the F31 3-Sequence is a good dealing with automotive, so that you’ll be capable of have some enjoyable within the corners too.
With regards to practicality, nicely, it’s practically 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 may match again there, Nick. The chances are infinite. It’s additionally loaded up with all the trendy tech you may ever need.
It seems like the proper automotive, doesn’t it? Properly, there’s a catch. You see, BMW didn’t make too many 328d Wagons for the U.S., so that they’re a bit laborious to come back by. You’re going to should increase your search space a bit and be keen to journey to get the automotive you need, however I promise it’ll be value it. One other bonus is that the nicest 328d Wagon you should buy goes to come back in nicely underneath your $40,000 finances, so that you’re going to have some additional money to take somewhat journey to choose it up.
As a result of I’m a very good man, I discovered you an ideal instance with simply 41,000 miles on the clock, a spotless document and an amazing worth. Take into account, that is the costliest 328d Wagon on Autotrader, and it prices simply $33,670. The one difficulty is it’s nowhere close to Rochester. Nick, that is the automotive for you.
Knowledgeable 4: Amber DaSilva – Why Compromise?
Nick, from a proud former Rochester resident, you’ve picked a superb 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 essentially the most appropriate reply that can assist you out.
Introducing the FK8 Civic Sort R. Your $40,000 finances isn’t fairly sufficient for the newest FL5 technology, however the FK8 is arguably the extra fascinating 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 Sort R. Except 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 flooring. 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 automotive!
Nick, get your self a Civic Sort R. All of the enjoyable you may need, all of the cargo area you want, all for $39,200 — practically a grand beneath your finances. All I ask is that you just put a few of that $800 in direction of a Pabst Smear at Lux in my honor.
