Matt likes driving autos which are totally different, however his 2011 Nissan Juke is getting up there in miles so it’s time to interchange it with one thing with a bit more room and extra fashionable options. He’s ideally on the lookout for a wagon or wagon-ish automobile for round $30,000. What automobile ought to he purchase?
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I’m trying to exchange my getting old 2011 Nissan Juke with one thing a bit bigger and extra snug. This automobile can be used for journeys up and down the east coast with myself, my spouse, and our two ~50lb canine in addition to being my day by day driver.
Like several true Jalopnik reader, my preferrred automobile can be a wagon. I don’t require AWD, however it could be a pleasant addition. I’m additionally not against “wagon-ish” autos. Nonetheless, EVs are out as I don’t actually have ample charging entry.
I’d like to have the flexibility to do some mild modification to this automobile, however an enormous aftermarket isn’t completely obligatory. I can spend as much as $30,000
Price range: as much as $30,000
Location: Salisbury, MD
Each day Driver: Sure
Needs: Extra space, upgraded tech, dependable
Doesn’t need: A guide or an EV
Skilled 1: Tom McParland- Alltrack!
Matt, you will have clearly come to the fitting place in case you are on the lookout for long-roof suggestions. Whereas the wagon market is a little more restricted in comparison with different physique types, a funds of $30,000 can nonetheless get you one thing good. Because you in all probability just like the zippiness of the Juke, you could need to purpose for one thing with the identical fun-to-drive issue however with a bit extra usable area.
A strong alternative can be the Volkswagon Golf Alltrack/Sportwagon. The 2 vehicles are nearly an identical although the lifted Alltrack is a bit simpler to supply and comes customary with all-wheel drive. Underneath the hood is a 1.8-liter turbocharged motor that packs a punchy 180 horsepower. For those who really feel you want extra increase there’s a excellent aftermarket group for these VWs and you may crank up the ability with out lots of expense.
Naturally, the Alltrack/Sportwagon, is a Golf hatchback with extra cargo area within the rear totaling about 30 cubic toes, which is about triple in comparison with your Nissan. Stock for these VWs is pretty plentiful within the area, and you may rating ones with affordable miles inside your funds. Here’s a Licensed 2019 with solely 7,000 miles for just below thirty grand.
Skilled 2: Owen Bellwood – Wagon(ish)
Matt, for those who’re changing a Nissan Juke then I’m more than pleased that will help you discover a beautiful wagon-ish automobile to drive round city as a substitute! Fortunately, round $30,000 there are some nice choices so that you can take into account, as Tom has discovered along with his glorious suggestion from VW.
Whereas I’d normally leap straight to a different European model starting with V, which occurs to have this nice Cross Nation possibility in your funds, I’ve acquired one other automobile so that you can take into account: the Subaru Outback. Particularly, the Subaru Outback Wilderness. For $30,000, you received’t get a brand new Wilderness spec Outback, however there are some good choices not too removed from you, like this white possibility that saves you a greenback.
However I believe you must flex these haggling muscle groups and go for this one in The Good Colour, for those who can handle it. This manner, you’ll get the Outback Wilderness with its wagon(ish) appears, oodles of practicalities and a pleasant cabin wherein to absorb the miles. You additionally get improved rugged capabilities to maintain you trundling alongside on- or off-road wherever your adventures take you.
Skilled 3: Andy Kalmowitz – The Greatest Or Nothing
Matt. Can I name you Matt? You appear to be a great man, and Sailbury is a really fairly little metropolis I’ve spent a great period of time in. You deserve the very best, Matt, so why not get the very best? Positive, you possibly can go along with an Alltrack or an Outback. Each vehicles will do nicely by you, however you deserve higher than that. Buddy, you deserve a Mercedes-Benz. Particularly, you deserve an E-Class Wagon.
They tick each single one in all your containers. You’re going to get nice tech when in comparison with your Juke, a complete lot of area, all-wheel drive (which is just a bit bonus) and a few first rate reliability. There’s a purpose E-Lessons are taxis in Europe. This stuff, particularly with the three.5-liter V6 are absolute tanks. On high of all that, it’s a extremely nice wanting automobile, wouldn’t ya say, Matty boy?
As a result of I’m such a fan of Maryland, I made a decision to do you one other favor. I discovered the proper E-Class Wagon for you. What we’ve acquired here’s a post-facelift W212 E350 Wagon with simply 60,500 miles on the clock. That’s nothing for one in all these tanks. It additionally isn’t going to interrupt the financial institution for you. This instance, with a clear Carfax, will set you again simply $28,950. That’s a hell of a deal, my man.
So, you’ll be able to go along with vehicles which are fairly good. They’ll definitely serve you nicely. However, we each know you deserve the very best. Get the very best, Matt. Get an E-Class wagon.
Skilled 4: Bradley Brownell – Distinctive By Design
I lately bought my Regal TourX, and I already miss it. We purchased it model new in 2018 and paid $36,000-ish for a top-of-the-line mannequin. Whereas the vehicles at the moment are discontinued and GM’s help of the automobile is mildly disappointing, they’re extremely competent and comfy day by day drivers. We put 100,000 largely trouble-free miles on ours and walked away pleased with the expertise.
With 250 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from a 2-liter turbo and customary all-wheel drive, it is a fairly rattling good day by day driver. I recurrently noticed mpgs within the excessive 30s on the freeway, although in-town gasoline financial system was form of disappointing. With the seats folded, this factor turns right into a two-seater that may haul absolutely anything you’d must haul. With them up, it’s a five-seater that may nonetheless maintain greater than your common SUV (and considerably greater than a Juke.)
This one at Carmax is priced on the excessive finish at $21,998, although it has simply 58,600 miles on the odometer. I’d say it is a fairly strong purchase for a wagon wanter.
