Jim, like many people in our present circumstances, has had a dramatic discount in his commute. He needs to take this chance to toss his good however not thrilling every day driver for one thing cheaper and extra enjoyable. What automobile ought to he purchase?
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Right here is the situation:
My commute has gone from 180 miles a day to 0, in all probability ceaselessly, so I need to exchange my 2018 Ford Focus with one thing that’s half the value and twice the enjoyable. The Focus was high-quality as a commuter, however boring as hell, and the Sync audio system is annoying, when it really works in any respect. I determine I can promote the Focus for round $12,000 and exchange it with one thing that’s less expensive and extra pleasurable. Sensible issues like gasoline mileage and restore prices are much less vital now, for the reason that alternative automobile will primarily sit within the driveway Monday-Friday, with some weekend use operating errands and an occasional trip highway journey.
I’m typically open to something, however I don’t actually need one other Ford for the reason that infotainment stuff was ache. Actually, one thing that’s extra “old fashioned” with much less tech could be higher.
Fast Info:
Price range: As much as $10,000
Every day Driver: Probably not
Location: Portland, Maine
Desires: Enjoyable, Easy, Low cost
Doesn’t need: One other Ford
Skilled 1: Tom McParland – Enjoyable, Easy…Kinda Low cost
Jim, usually I’m the one who will inform you to get one thing “cheap” but it surely seems to be such as you actually need to change issues up and because you don’t have to depend on this journey for a every day commute you generally is a bit extra adventurous.
I’m going to take a cue from my co-workers and counsel you get one thing JDM and enjoyable. A fast take a look at Duncan Imports exhibits a ton of Honda Beats, however a convertible will not be your best option for Maine winters. Nevertheless, this 1991 Mitsubishi Dangan ZZ seems to be like a hoot. It’s obtained a five-speed guide, with a turb0charged three-cylinder, and solely about 62,000 miles. Take a peek inside and it is vitally fundamental, no fussy infotainment to frustrate you anymore, although I think about you can improve the top unit to one thing that’s Bluetooth appropriate.
Granted $10,000 for an virtually 30-year-old automobile just isn’t precisely low-cost, but it surely’s arduous to place a value on having one thing distinctive and pleasurable.
Skilled 2: Raphael Orlove – You Might Truthfully Maintain The Ford
I get the place you’re coming, bud. A Ford of cheap dimension just isn’t going to make each drive to the lobster-and-crafts retailer (or no matter folks do in Portland) an exhilarating journey. Probably the most cost-effective answer might be to… have a lot of adventures in your Focus! You would simply blow 5 or ten grand in Workforce O’Neil Rally Faculty classes and rallycross registrations and your humble Ford will really feel like a rocketship.
Nevertheless! If you would like a automobile that’s new, comfy, and sensible however nonetheless feels prefer it has a soul, a spark of pleasure each time you set out of your parking spot, simply get one of many Toyobaru Twins. Right here’s an FR-S with mud flaps for 5 figures (the vendor is barely asking $8,500) that, truthfully, I’d scoop up if I have been on the town and had the scratch.
Skilled 3: Rory Carroll – Assume Older
I simply spent a minute perusing the Portland Maine CL and you’ve got lots of nice choices close by. However in that minute one automobile, specifically, stood out to me: this ‘68 Falcon. Every day driving an outdated, mainly nugatory American automobile isn’t for everybody, however I’d advocate giving it at the very least one whirl to see if it fits you.
This seems to be to be in stable, driver situation and ought to be easy sufficient to take care of. You mentioned you didn’t need one other Ford, however I don’t suppose the infotainment system ought to provide you with an excessive amount of hassle.
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