Trying to find a car for my dad.

"CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)" (ccpbb) 04/11/2015 at 01:11 • Filed to: None

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I'm trying to help my dad find a good work car. He's pushing toward a truck and I'm really trying to make him expand his choices. He's only buying new. I was trying to push the Focus ST as a viable solution. What's your suggestion. variables after the break.

He drives 30k miles a year. He requires a manual. The hatch/trunk/back door must open to allow for putting a belt sander inside. (Like on the edge of floor/bed). Said belt sander sparks should not light interior on fire. It has to powerful enough to carry 200-250 lb of equipment on a daily basis. Enough power to Power through the San Francisco hills. Must be reliable and kinda fuel economical. He's currently driving a 2004 Sienna with almost 300k on the clock. Used to drive a 400k manual Toyota Taco before head gave up.

Mazdaspeed for your time.

Dunnik > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:18

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Maybe he should just get another Taco.

Priced one out, 2-door 4x4 with a manual and the big six, for $28,595. Were I in the market for a brand-new truck, I'd probably take a bite outta that.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:18

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2016 Taco.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Dunnik 04/11/2015 at 01:21

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he only needs the 4x2 and the 4 banger worked out for him, so yeah. I priced one out earlier (extended car, Manual 4 banger, 4x2) at 20k. He actually took a liking to the new Colorado, but he didn't like the foot mounted handbrake, especially on the manual.

PheeNoIVI > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:22

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I'll leave this here.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/still-think-yo…

Dunnik > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:22

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Yea, if he's satisfied with the four and 4x2 then it's pretty damn cheap for what it is.

citizennick > Dunnik 04/11/2015 at 01:24

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but they discontinued the Baja version shown in your picture ):

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > PheeNoIVI 04/11/2015 at 01:25

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I'll show him. I'm trying to get him to like the FoST. Strangely, he wanted a Matrix to replace his taco before. He did drive a matrix as a work car for a year, before the truck got fixed.

Dunnik > citizennick 04/11/2015 at 01:27

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Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:28

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Ya, My Ranger has a foot mounted ebrake. With the stick its interesting, but you get used to it.

Alex from Toronto > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:31

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2015 Transit Connect?

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Alex from Toronto 04/11/2015 at 01:31

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no manual sadly.

Alex from Toronto > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:44

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Mabye this is an exception?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:46

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2WD Taco.

Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 01:52

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I'll second the ST!

New Jeep Renegade?

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 04/11/2015 at 01:57

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4 PEDALS YO

I have 3 pedals if you count the handbrake.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 02:11

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What about a Jetta Sportwagen?

or if you want to go super cheap, a Patriot/Compass. under 18,000 for a FWD with a manual, and the 2.4l. 4WD adds about 1500 dollars, but you can still get a manual!

or.. oh never mind. I was gonna say Mazda5 but you can't get a manual anymore :(

KatzManDu > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 04:09

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GTI. ? Used Sarurn Astra? Nissan Leaf? The leaf would be interesting given the SFO factor. Lots of chargers around. It's a hatchback. A Volt or I3 could also work.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 05:16

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if he's worried about sparks buying anything other than a truck or work van seems pretty stupid, Yes? The carpet in most hatchbacks would be a fire risk and sure you could pull the carpet but would you really want to pull the carpet on a brand new car? FoST isn't always the answer

random001 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 07:07

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Careful. I tried one. I'm 6'4", 180 lbs of pure skin and bones. Worst. Seats. Ever.

I hated having to climb over the walls they call bolsters on those seats. The ones on the back were nice, but the leg movement restriction could not have been more intrusive in normal driving. Racecar driver was unimpressed.

GTI was more comfortable, but I hate myself for saying that. Maybe check out the Subaru Impreza hatch or the Crosstrek? We have a Crosstrek and love it.

jkm7680 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 08:10

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If he drives that much every year, he doesn't need a performance oriented hatchback to do that.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 04/11/2015 at 11:28

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reliability factor, I love the Volkswagen but won't exactly trust it past warranty.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > random001 04/11/2015 at 11:52

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hm.

boxrocket > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 04/11/2015 at 13:12

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I suggest looking at the Ford Transit Connect, even though it doesn't come with a manual, AFAIK.

http://bp3.ford.com/2015-Ford-Tran…

Alternately, the Mazda5, which does come with a manual, but would probably require optioning without the third row and removing upholstery to minimize fire hazards.

http://www.mazdausa.com/mazda5