Scott’s teenage daughter might be driving quickly and she is going to take his Volvo, which implies he can lastly get a handbook transmission automotive after years of automatics. He has a modest funds, however is open to choices which can be sporty with affordable mpgs. What automotive ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation.
My daughter simply turned 16 and might be getting her license in August. The present plan is to present her my present 2016 Volvo S60 and I get one thing used, however new to me. For the primary 15 years of my driving life, I all the time had at the least one automotive with a handbook transmission to drive frequently. Nonetheless, I’ve had automatics within the twenty first century and I’m dying to row my very own once more. My spouse, who refuses to learn to drive a handbook, has all the time insisted that my automotive be an auto in case her automotive is unavailable (a scenario that has arisen possibly twice within the final 20 years). As this might be our third automotive, I’m insisting on a real 3-pedal handbook. No floppy paddles!!!
Now, for the fascinating bit. There’s a affordable likelihood that our household will relocate to Europe in 2-3 years, particularly, the UK. So I don’t need to spend an excessive amount of and would love one thing that wouldn’t lose an excessive amount of worth over the subsequent two years. Alternatively, a automotive that might be exported to the UK and maintained there with out costing a small fortune.
To recap –
A handbook transmission is a should!
Cheap gasoline mileage (e.g., 20 mpg or higher in blended use).
Sporty. High velocity/acceleration isn’t as essential as dealing with.
It is going to be a every day driver, so moderately dependable. I’m helpful with a wrench, however I don’t have a lot spare time for tinkering.
For funds I’m focusing on round $15,000
Fast Details:
Price range: round $15,000
Location: Austin, TX
Each day Driver: Sure
Needs: MANUAL, sporty, moderately dependable
Doesn’t need: A gasoline guzzler
Knowledgeable 1: Tom McParland – Moderately Dependable
Scott, I’ll let my colleagues provide the apparent reply to the enjoyable, handbook, automotive for $15,000 query, however let’s be actual in the event you wished a Miata, you’d have simply purchased a Miata. So you might be in all probability on the lookout for one thing only a bit extra fascinating. After years of driving a pleasant, however boring Volvo you want some pleasure in your life.
Additionally, since you might be probably relocating in a number of years, this enjoyable automotive doesn’t have to final eternally it simply has to carry up for a comparatively brief time frame, which implies you possibly can dwell a bit. Take a look at this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth convertible. Sure, it’s an Italian automotive with a minor accident historical past, however it’s solely ten grand with lower than 55,000 miles and it has a reasonably constant service historical past. It’s additionally a blast to drive, appears incredible, and makes nice sounds. The small turbo motor can rise up to 34 mpg on the freeway, so that you received’t be spending a lot on gas. This stuff is usually a little bit of a chance, however generally that gamble pays off. You don’t want it to final for 10 years, simply sufficient to get a enjoyable automotive out of your system.
Knowledgeable 2: Collin Woodard – Price range Schmudget
I get it, Scott. With an enormous transfer doubtlessly developing, it feels a bit counterintuitive to spend some huge cash on a automotive. The truth that you might have to promote your new automotive with comparatively little discover, although, means that you could be need to take into account shopping for one thing dearer however simpler to promote. Additionally, as you talked about, you’re going to need to get one thing that received’t lose a lot worth over the subsequent couple of years. I believe we will get you all of that and extra in the event you’re keen to spend a bit further to get one thing really fascinating.
Personally, I’m an enormous fan of the Fiat 500 Abarth. It’s an absolute riot to drive round city and turns even a fast grocery run into an expertise. I’d simply be anxious about resale worth and reliability. So as a substitute, I say get a a lot older Honda. Particularly, a Honda S2000. You’re not going to search out one in your value vary, and in the event you do, it’s in all probability going to be a rolling catastrophe. Right here’s one close to you for just below $25,000, although, with lower than 90,000 miles on it.
On your cash, you’ll get a easy, dependable convertible that’s acquired loads of energy however nonetheless returns respectable gas economic system from its naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. You’ll get to get pleasure from proudly owning a devoted sports activities automotive for so long as you reside within the U.S., and when it comes time to promote, you possibly can in all probability anticipate to get about what you paid for it. I simply don’t see S2000 values dropping a lot, if in any respect, over the subsequent few years. Additionally, Honda offered the S2000 within the UK, so theoretically, you could possibly take it with you in the event you wished. Perhaps. I’m not an professional on importing vehicles to Previous England.
Anyway, overlook your funds, Scott. Purchase the S2000. You’ll love each second that you just personal it.
Knowledgeable 3: Andy Kalmowitz – One Final American Hurrah
Scott, to begin with, don’t go to the UK. There’s nothing of worth for you there. OK, with that out of the best way, right here is my suggestion. Fella, what you want is (like everybody else on this planet) a Dodge Challenger with a acquired’rattling HEMI V8 motor beneath the hood. If you happen to’re actually going to maneuver to the UK, it’s finest you get pleasure from your final style of freedom within the free-est automotive of all of them: a Chllaenger R/T.
A automotive like that is going to tick your entire packing containers: it’s a extremely strong every day with large, cozy seats, it’s acquired a pistol grip handbook transmission, the 5.7-liter Hemi engine in all fairness dependable, and gasoline mileage is barely as unhealthy as you need it to be. Buddy, with a handbook, you’re the engine laptop. You drive this factor all day lengthy nearly idle and get all the ability and gasoline mileage you want. However, you received’t be doing that for lengthy. Freedom calls, and you’ll reply it along with your V8 motor.
As a result of I’m so dedicated to the trigger, Scott, I discovered the proper Challenger for you. It’s positioned vaguely close to you and encompasses a very modern black on black look with the all-important chrome wheels. Miles could also be a bit excessive on this 2012 mannequin, however who cares man? You’re out of right here quickly, anyway. It additionally is available in properly beneath your $15,000 funds so that you’ve acquired room for upkeep and different odds and ends. Scotty, you deserve a very good automotive as your final one in America. You deserve a Dodge Challenger R/T
Knowledgeable 4: Lawrence Hodge – Pocket Rocket
Scott personally, I believe you want one thing that’s able to being each at residence on the large highways of Texas in addition to European streets —everytime you get again there. For that, I believe you’d do properly to go and seize your self a Ford Fiesta ST.
Legitimately top-of-the-line scorching hatches in the marketplace on the time, it’s excellent if you need one thing that’s enjoyable to drive. These specs scream tossable. A turbocharged I4 making 197 horsepower mated to a six-speed handbook in a hatchback weighing simply over 2,700 kilos? It doesn’t get any higher than that, and doubtless by no means will once more. Sadly, Ford has little interest in making low cost enjoyable stuff like this any extra.
Fortunately for us, this stuff are sufficiently old now the place they are often had for affordable costs. If you happen to’re keen to take care of excessive miles, you could find them beneath $10,000 simply. Decrease miles may even be discovered inside your value vary. Take this 2016 Fiesta ST I discovered at a seller in New Mexico. It has simply over 42,000 miles they usually’re solely asking $15,550 for it. And I wager you could possibly discuss them down even decrease.
