Michael not too long ago stopped being a drummer in an area band however has the sensation the rock and roll life could come calling once more. He wants a alternative for this Ford Transit that works as a cushty each day driver whereas additionally having the area to haul his set. With a price range of $25,000, what automobile ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation.
I stop being the drummer in a band and I simply offered my 2018 Ford Transit 350 however, I’d must haul my drums sooner or later. I would like one thing that may match an inexpensive larger man (6’2″ about 350lbs). Heated seats and navigation and one thing that presumably my teenage daughters can drive and be seen in. I like large wagons and vans, however open to choices. Making an attempt to maintain it beneath $25,000.
Fast Information:
Price range: as much as $25,000
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Every day Driver: Sure
Needs: Consolation, utility, fashionable options
Doesn’t need: Something too costly
Skilled 1: Tom McParland – A Completely different Van
Michael, you already know in case you are searching for a automobile to comfortably and simply transfer folks and a drum equipment round that the van physique model can’t be beat. On the $25,000 worth level most of your Hondas and Toyotas are going to push into the upper miles, there are many Chrysler and Dodge vans, but it surely appears you don’t wish to go that route.
So how about one thing barely totally different just like the Mercedes Metris. Mercedes has been making some high quality industrial autos for ages, and whereas most of their choices are extra just like your Transit 350, the Metris blends the scale of a minivan, with the usablity of a industrial van. What it lacks in fancy options, it makes up for in flexibility. Here’s a 2018 Metris Passenger sequence with solely 52,000 for simply above your $25,5000 price range, the important thing characteristic from the advert is that the rear seats could be simply eliminated with out instruments.
Skilled 2: Amber DaSilva – Ditch The Van
I hate to say it, however a van is probably not greatest on your wants proper now. Until you’re on some actual Neil Peart shit, your equipment doubtless suits simply fantastic behind an SUV, and that smaller, extra passenger-oriented design will enable you out on all of your different wants.
Take this Lexus GX for just below $25,000 in Waldorf, for instance. It’s obtained heated seats within the entrance and the again, in addition to the best built-in navigation that 2017 needed to provide. Having pushed one in every of these for years, I can assure you its suspension be extra comfy than any Metris or Sprinter on the market.
To your youngsters, too, a GX might be a world away from a piece van. Youngsters don’t all the time have one of the best sense of the place the automobile they’re driving begins and ends, and the GX is almost two ft shorter in size than a Metris — mix that with the backup digital camera, and also you’re much less prone to be paying for bumper touch-up paint each time one of many youngsters enters a parking storage. As a lot as all of us love the #VanLife, the SUV goes to swimsuit you higher right here. Possibly paint a wizard on the facet to earn some band cred again.
Skilled 3: Owen Bellwood – The Means Of The Wagon
Tom is correct and one other van could be an excellent shout on your wants – but it surely’s not the one route you may go down. As you’re a fan of huge wagons, I reckon that’s a a lot better choice for you – and as somebody who’s loaded a drum equipment right into a Ford Focus earlier than, I can guarantee you there’ll be area on your drums in a giant wagon as nicely.
I believe the subsequent automobile for you is a beautiful Mercedes station wagon, particularly this pretty Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon. You need consolation, the Benz has it in bucket hundreds. You need fashionable options, the Benz has heated leather-based seats, parking sensors, cruise management and all the luxurious trimmings you’d count on from a German station wagon. On prime of that, the E-Class wagon is a beautiful trying runaround, particularly completed on this lush blue paint.
Because the drummer in a rock band, I’m positive you didn’t count on to turn into a Merc man, however that point might need come. Plus, if you need one thing your youngsters can drive, I reckon they’d be happier hopping behind the wheel of this over one other previous van.
Skilled 4: Collin Woodard – Huge Issues Come In Small Packages
For those who’re searching for a automobile your daughters will wish to be seen in, just about something will in all probability make them happier than your previous Ford Transit did. I’m positive it was nice at what you wanted it to do, however I’m fairly positive even Ford would admit it’s not an incredible automobile for impressing different teenagers. Until you don’t thoughts them hotboxing it in there with all their associates, that’s.
Then once more, they’re additionally youngsters, and that is your automobile, so their opinion doesn’t actually matter. In order for you a Mercedes Metris, get your self a Mercedes Metris. On the similar time, I’d query the logic of shopping for a band van merely since you assume you’ll get again into performing sooner or later sooner or later. So whereas I’m positive this suggestion will make your daughters blissful, I’m truly pondering of you right here — purchase one thing simply large and sensible sufficient which you could suit your drums inside, however make each day driving an even bigger precedence.
In keeping with a fast Google seek for “smallest automobile match drum equipment,” drummers declare they’ll match their drums inside fairly just a few surprisingly small vehicles, together with the Honda Match. You gained’t have any room for passengers at that time, however your bandmates can get themselves to the present. There’s additionally extra room for larger drivers than you may count on. If that doesn’t be just right for you, you may all the time go larger. Allegedly, one particular person match a seven-piece equipment in a Mazda 3 hatchback, so that would find yourself being a greater choice.
Discovering both (or a bigger, third choice if these two nonetheless show to be too small for you) for lower than $25,000 shouldn’t be that tough, however right here’s a 2022 Mazda 3 hatchback in Gettysburg that’s listed for $23,000 that appears like an excellent deal. On the very least, simply think about not shopping for one thing large as a result of there’s an opportunity you’ll must haul drums once more.
