It's time to buy a couple fun things

"Brian, The Life of" (familycar)
06/26/2018 at 10:17 • Filed to: Help me spend money

Morning Oppo! I have news ...

I’m coming into a little money and as tempted as I am to rush out and buy the first Ford GT I can find, I need to be a little more responsible than that. Most of this is going into some sort of investment but I’m carving out a bit to have a little vehiclular fun with. After raising four kids (three of whom are still in college), I did n’t think I was going to be in a position to do this for a while so I’m stoked!

My current situation is I have my 164k-mile 2010 Fusion that still runs great. My wife has her 2009 Town & Country that has a lifetime, bumper to bumper warranty. I plan on getting my wife “something convertible” at some point down the road (she wants to wait a bit) but I’m looking to start shopping now.

My wants:

1) An old truck that will maintain its value but can still be used for truck things, is pre-smog, and is also cool af. My dream here would be a Jeep FC-150. Alternatively, I really like these:

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2) Something (a couple years old) to replace my Fusion as a DD. I am all over the place here. I have a 124-mile round-trip commute to work 4x per week so something with good gas mileage would be the responsible thing to do. If I was smart AND boring, I’d buy a used plug-in hybrid to take advantage of the diamond lanes. Then again, Mustang GT ... or maybe a 435i? Or wait for a Tesla Model 3? Or buy a used Model S? Or maybe even this?:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/replica/speedster/2003811.html

I’d love your opinions, oh great and glorious Oppo Hivemind.

DISCUSSION (17)

Spanfeller is a twat > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 10:57

124mile commute?

Damn, and I bitch about my 20 mile commute.

I’d get a used tesla model S.

punkgoose17 > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 11:29

I think any Ford, Chevy, or Dodge truck of that era will keep its value well. The best value / deals I usually see are Dodges or Internationals, but it comes down to the individual truck and sale.

I would recommend a 2017.5 Mazda 6 Touring with manual transmission and base engine for a good mix of fun to drive and fuel efficient but also big enough to be practical and comfortable. Or a 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring with manual and the same engine as the 6 in a smaller package; it will be a little quicker, a little more fun to drive, and maybe more economical.

Stapleface > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 11:34

For a daily, I’d want something that is pretty safe. As much as I like the idea and simplicity of an old car, I think I would be concerned how it/you would hold up if some inatt entive driver where to run in to you.

So, I’m going to suggest something out of left field that I don’t think is often suggested. Hyundai Sonota Eco. I’ve been doing a ton of car research lately and this ticks off a lot of boxes, especially if you have a long commute.

Captain of the Enterprise > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 11:45

Used 2018 Camry for daily duty. That’s a serious commute. It’ll last and be safe, comfortable and economical for that. Plus reviews are pretty good. Then get something older and fun for weekends and stuff like that.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 11:48

Fun? Convertible? Retains value? It’s not a truck, but...

Miata Is Always The Answer.

Brian, The Life of > Stapleface
06/26/2018 at 11:56

Yeah ... I might check out the Ioniq, too

Brian, The Life of > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/26/2018 at 11:58

I’m 6'3" and 240lbs :(

Brian, The Life of > Captain of the Enterprise
06/26/2018 at 12:02

I mean, you’re not wrong but ... uuugghh

lone_liberal > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 12:21

Of the trucks you have listed I’d go with the ‘67 Ford mostly because it would be easier to get parts for and keep running. The old Y block Fords are cool but if I’m dealing with that I’d rather it be a 312 in a ‘57 Fairlane than a truck that needs to do at least a little work. The Dodge is very cool but again parts, this time for the sheetmetal and exterior, would be difficult.

Plus, I like the way it looks.

nermal > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 12:38

Get a new GTI.

Higher trim levels have adjustable suspension for comfy highway cruising vs back road zooming. Good fuel mileage as well .

Brian, The Life of > nermal
06/26/2018 at 12:43

This is also not a terrible idea

WiscoProud > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 13:19

The B8 S4 is supposed to be able to get high 20s MPG on the highway. That’s what i’m looking at for a commuter. Plus you can get it in a manual. If 4 doors aren’t your thing, the 2013+ S5 has the 3.0T supercharged engine as well.

sn4cktimes > Brian, The Life of
06/26/2018 at 17:44

Get that Dodge and drop a Hellcat in it!!!!

Brian, The Life of > sn4cktimes
06/27/2018 at 01:34

0 to death in 3.2 seconds

Brian, The Life of > Spanfeller is a twat
06/27/2018 at 01:35

Round trip but yeah

Spanfeller is a twat > Brian, The Life of
06/27/2018 at 10:36

Mine is also round trip.

sn4cktimes > Brian, The Life of
06/28/2018 at 08:53

But WHAT a coffin!