Update Help Me Find A Car

"YoungPadwan" (youngpadwan) 02/17/2014 at 19:58 • Filed to: Skybait Help Update

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Hi Oppo this is my first post. I have been lurking for an ungodly amount of time on the FP then I found Oppo. On oppo I have been lurking again for a long long long long.......time. I decided to make an account because I need the kind of help only Oppo can provide. I need help finding a new car!!!!!! Recently my little brother was driving my car and someone ran a stop sign and hit him. Everyone was alright but the other guy's insurance is going to total out my car. So the search begins for a new vehicle.

The new vehicle needs to be approximately 30,000 USD no higher than 35,000 USD in price. That includes tax, title and license. It needs to sit four people two of which are over 6'0". Additionally I need to be able to turn the steering wheel. Let me clarify that. I am 6'4" and the majority of my height is in my legs. So that rules out any Infinity, Miatas, Fiat 500s, Darts, Camaros, Corvettes, Sonics, Equinoxes, Volts, Impalas, 300s, Malibus, and Buick Regals. I have already tried sitting in these and my knees do not let me turn the steering wheel. My last vehicle was a 2006 GMC Envoy Denali.

Also just as a little tidbit vehicles are a little obsession of mine. I have been studying them since I was very young (at that time mostly military ones). I am currently 18 years old and have friends with very nice things. My best friend's mom has a 911 turbo convertible, Silverado High Country, and an F.J. Cruiser. His dad has a few 4x4 Silverados classic and new, a 458 Italia, waiting on delivery of his 458 special, a classic racing Porche, is building a Shelby Datona Coupe with my friend, looking to either buy an ariel atom or Catahram Sever, and in the process of acquiring a GT40 used at LeMans. That friend has a built Jeep for muddddding, and a classic porche. Two other friends have built mudddddding trucks. And another has a kick ass jeep he saved up for and bought as a mud toy.

Thank you for your time and have a Rally Fighter and GT40 for your troubles.

Update:

Thank you to Mr. AutomatchTom, Mr. Party-vi, and Mr. Okulski for all of your assistance gaining permission to post to the main page of Oppo.

Additionally, I will update as the search continues.

Tom McParland > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:02

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Hey man I would be happy to share this to Oppo and give you authorship but two things. One I'm on mobile and stupid mobile Kinja won't let me add you. So if another mod sees this hopefully they will hook you up. Two you have a lot of repeated photos...you might want to clean it up a bit. :)

Tom McParland > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:06

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Also, if you would like some professional assistance in getting your next ride drop me an email. I am away until Tuesday but will get back to you then.

AutomatchConsulting@gmail.com

Louros > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:11

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Used Range Rover would be the perfect vehicle to fit in with your bougie surroundings

Brian Silvestro > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:13

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Will you fit in a Lotus?

desertdog5051 > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:14

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You'll be sorrrrry.....This is a land where things are not as they seem and before you realize there is no escape, you are trapped ...This, my friends, is the OPPO ZONE.

Welcome.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 21:19

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Get a used CLS 55 AMG

stuttgartobsessed > Louros 02/16/2014 at 21:47

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Get a Range Rover P38 and replace the air suspension with coil overs and add other sweet off road attire for your luxury adventures.

Louros > stuttgartobsessed 02/16/2014 at 21:51

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Nah, L322. P38s are too old and too cheap.

$kaycog > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 22:16

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Welcome to Oppo! 

JR1 > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 22:28

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Talk to Automatch Tom he does this stuff for a living. Good luck with it man and welcome!

Singhjr96 > YoungPadwan 02/16/2014 at 22:58

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Well you told us about price and your height, you didn't manage to put in fuel, body style, brand, etc. So i'll just fill in the blanks for myself and recommend a few cars. I'm 6 foot so I do know your struggle, and all the car I recommend, I myself can fit in with a bit of room to spare, so I'm sure you will be able to fit too.

honda accord coupe, 2.4 I4 EX-L trim w/out navi. Meaning it has a back up cam, blind spot cam(a lot more useful in a coupe than it sounds), heated leather seats, but not navigation. I got this for exactly $30,150. including TTL. I'm sure you could get the v6 version in a manual for just under $35,000 TTL. Even though it's a coupe it's based of of a four seater, and the back seat are really roomy, especially for a coupe.

Fully loaded ford focus hatchback. I like these cars. There fun to drive and really practical at the same time. You can look up the specs on this one since i'm not to sure about them right now.

There also is the option of a nissan 370z. The nissan 370z is going to be replaced soon and the current gen needs to go so they have priced it pretty much below invoice I believe at $29,900, maybe $29,999. 3.7 liter engine with 335? hp i think. somewhere close to that. Either way, I think this is the lowest they will go and with TTL you could get this base model for about $35,000. You could spring for a used 350 or 370 and spring the rest of the money into track stuff and tires and gas but I assume you want to stick with new.(This only seats two, but just putting the option putt there since it's a favorite of mine)

now for used cars: an really nice infiniti g35/g37 could be had for this price. This is a coupe With 4 seats. It's pretty much exactly the same as a nissan 350, 370z except on a longer streched out wheelbase. It's around 260 bhp for the g35, and around 335 bhp for the g37. Great car, and really nice interior when it comes with leather. Looks really good and can be upgraded too. g35/g37 specific parts are harder to find for this car. If not harder, really expensive.

midengineer > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 11:16

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Buy 3 10k cars.

911e46z06 > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 13:32

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I have really long legs too. BMWs are good for tall people. So is pretty much every American car (including the Corvette).

I'd get a gently used 335i. Or maybe a Cherokee SRT-8 if you want awd.

Anon > Brian Silvestro 02/17/2014 at 14:56

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I'm 5'11" and I barely fit in a Lotus!

Brian Silvestro > Anon 02/17/2014 at 14:57

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I know a dude who's 6'7 and loves his Exige!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 14:59

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Not really knowing what you need other than 4 butt holders and some height...

If you want another SUV I recommend going with maybe something FUN SUV wise.

Maybe a used SRT8, a Trailblazer SS (it's like your Envoy but fast instead of fancy lol) I doubt you could go crazy with a used Raptor for that price point unfortunately (sorry ford). I bet you'd fit in a Lincoln MKT or a Ford Flex with the Taurus SHO 3.5 Twin Turbo though, those are great sleepers and the MKT is beautiful inside - seriously it is.

Car wise, I have a 6'7" friend who LOVES his Charger RT, so you could look at Charger/300. Also if you want Muscle car style his 6'6" brother drives a Challenger.

If you give more info I can give more tips.

GhostZ > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 14:59

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I want to reiterate Range Rover.

Also, what about an early Jeep?

Anon > Brian Silvestro 02/17/2014 at 15:00

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can he drive with the roof on?

dogisbadob > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 15:01

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Welcome to oppo!

Must be nice to be able to afford a car in that price range at 18!

How about an Avalon? Would a 4-door Wrangler work?

Brian Silvestro > Anon 02/17/2014 at 15:05

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Isn't the roof fixed on the Exige?

Anon > Brian Silvestro 02/17/2014 at 15:08

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Nope, removeable.

cazzyodo > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 15:09

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I'm 6'4" with either a 34" or 36" inseam...can't find pants in either size that fit properly...maybe 35" then? I digress.

I got a Focus ST. Looking at it and then me, I shouldn't be able to fit in it but I can and it makes me smile every time I drive it. Get it loaded and you're still likely under your target.

Pitchblende > desertdog5051 02/17/2014 at 15:14

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We control the horizontal. The vertical is on the blink and seems to do whatever it likes, sorry about that.

Brian Silvestro > Anon 02/17/2014 at 15:16

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! Never knew that. Thought it was only on the Elise. But nevertheless, I always see him with the top on.

deekster_caddy > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 15:25

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Try a VW Passat?

I'm 6'4" and fit quite comfortably in my Volt, with the seat a few notches forward from all the way back. But I have to duck my head to see most traffic lights. The only other vehicles I was very comfortable in were my old Buick Riviera ('98) and GMC Yukon. Both had full power seats on the drivers side.

I'm surprised to hear you can't fit well into the Volt or Regal. Were they in showrooms? Were you able to move the seat all the way back and down? (some showroom cars have the battery disconnected etc)

It does always take me a while to get truly comfortable in a seat. Our other primary car is an '08 Passat Wagon. I can get very comfortable in those seats.

Textured Soy Protein > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 15:56

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First off: paragraphs, they are your friend.

Second, speaking as a former spoiled rich kid myself, it would do you well to keep in mind that not everyone on the great wild internet will take kindly to "I'm 18 and need to keep up with all my friends who have fancy shit their parents bought them, here is a list of their fancy shit" while also unironically referring to "muddddding" not once but twice.

Just FYI.

Now that the unpleasantries are out of the way, I suggest whatever age Toyota Land Cruiser costs $30-35k. They're roomy, not quite as obnoxiously large as a Sequoia, cool, and expensive to buy new without advertising that fact.

Land Cruiser. Try it. You'll like it.

Dunnik > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 16:17

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Your wall of text.

Makes reading difficult.

Why they invented paragraphs.

Anyway, good luck in your search. Seems like finding the right car might be...a tall order. I somewhat feel your pain, being 6'0. Most cars fit well enough, but some don't.

kanadanmajava1 > Brian Silvestro 02/17/2014 at 16:45

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I'm 190cm (6'4") and I do fit in first generation Esprit (but not with a helmet). Regal I have tested in it's Vauxhall form and I don't fit in the back seat at all.

$30k would be enough for a nice vintage muscle car. Good thing with those is the fact that the resale value doesn't drop like a stone. New car is a really bad investment.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 19:50

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You're 18 with $30K to spend on cars?

6 Miatas

YoungPadwan > Textured Soy Protein 02/17/2014 at 20:49

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I apologize for the lack of paragraphs. Also let me say that this would not exclusively be my car; despite the fact that I would call it that to my friends. This would be a vehicle that would hopefully last through my two little brother's formative years of driving. I simply wrote the post as if it was my vehicle to make things simple. Thank you for your time and consideration with my vehicle search.

Sincerely, YoungPadwan

YoungPadwan > deekster_caddy 02/17/2014 at 20:51

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They were both in the showroom. I had my friend who owns the dealership get a tech to reconnect the battery. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, YoungPadwan

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > midengineer 02/17/2014 at 21:02

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Or if you can magically fit in a miata, 6 5k miatas.

WhiskeyGolf > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 21:13

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Take a good look at the new GTI. With 5 doors, you should be comfortably within your budget and as a 6'4" man I can tell you that headroom shouldn't be a problem.

Welcome to Oppo! Watch as it quickly gains ranks in your browser's most popular website list...

YoungPadwan > WhiskeyGolf 02/17/2014 at 21:15

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It has been number one for almost two years now.

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 21:20

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We need more information, man. What is it primarily going to be used for? What are other priorities, both subjective and objective? Powertrain preferences? Environment and terrain? Etc. etc. Right now you've give us a vague idea of budget and "4 doors, tall people, my neighbors are show-offs", etc.

YoungPadwan > Desu-San-Desu 02/17/2014 at 21:29

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DD duties. There is no preference for engine or power. I would love to learn how to drive a manual. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, YoungPadwan

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 21:32

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How long of a commute? Town, city, highway, rural, or a combination? Off-road use? Track use? Body style?

YoungPadwan > Desu-San-Desu 02/17/2014 at 21:56

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Approximately 10 miles each day with a variable extra 40 twice every eight days. The majority of my driving is city, but with light highway usage. No current plans for off road or track use. Thankfully, I have made good friends with the appropriate toys for such uses. Additionally, I apologize for not including this before hand; this is my first time being involved in the purchasing process of a vehicle.

Sincerely, YoungPadwan

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 22:01

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Ok, then let's narrow it down to type of vehicle:

Car - 4-door Sedan/5-door Hatchback/Wagon

Truck - Mid-sized/Full-sized

Crossover

SUV - Mid-sized/Full-sized

Which one(s) do you prefer most?

YoungPadwan > Desu-San-Desu 02/17/2014 at 22:08

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I am open to whatever type of vehicle you believe a 6'4" person with the majority of the height in their legs could fit in. I basically love anything with a motor, exhaust. However, trucks in general are a particular favorite of mine.

Sincerely, YoungPadwan

deekster_caddy > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 22:28

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Just verifying. Have you tried a Passat?

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 22:52

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Ok. I don't know much about trucks. If I were to recommend one...it'd probably be the Toyota Tundra with the 4.6L.

As for cars...since you're not really all that specific and don't know how to drive a manual (never buy a car to learn manual on, haha), I'm going to go ahead and give you some knee-jerk recommendations of cars that you should test-drive:

Kia Optima SX Turbo: 274hp turbocharged 2.0L, extremely roomy, amazingly good value, fantastic interior for the price, great styling, unparalleled warranty, very comfortable, surprisingly competent in spirited driving.

2015 Subaru WRX : Vastly improved interior, 43.3" front legroom is above average, fantastic handling, AWD confidence, reportedly has the best CVT on the market among any manufacturer, great AWD fuel economy, and right in your price range. Plus, it's a freakin' WRX.

BMW 320i with Sport Package (aka Jalopnik Edition) : Just watch the video. RWD, sweet turbo-charged engine, 42" front legroom, amazingly good handling, and can be had with either manual transmission or an 8-speed auto. MSRP is just out of your budget, but obviously you can get it for less. Plus, it's a BMW so your neighbors won't judge you with shifty, sideways eyes. :-P

So there ya go, a FWD, AWD, and RWD option. Each available with an automatic, two available with a manual. All are good for commuting as well as fun around town. None of them have horrible interiors and all should suit your personal height requirements without leaving your friends compressed into gravitation anomalies.

midengineer > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 02/17/2014 at 23:04

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Yes! One track miata, and the other five for each weekday, haha.

71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors > YoungPadwan 02/17/2014 at 23:08

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The WRX is a wonderful car. It's practical enough to do everything a normal car can, and fun enough to do put a smile on your face every time you drive it. I think of mine as a 4 door sports car with a usable trunk.

Pictures of my baby because I love showing off Serenity

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/18/2014 at 03:38

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Kinja'd...

Desu-San-Desu > YoungPadwan 02/18/2014 at 03:39

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Oh, and apparently the new Mazda6 is really nice and has about the same front legroom as the BMW.

EleventhFromHeaven > YoungPadwan 09/15/2014 at 19:00

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Whatever it is, we can all agree that manual is the way to go! :)