Let's reconfigure my 2020 stable.

"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain) 12/13/2019 at 10:10 • Filed to: None

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Today: Exomotive Exocet, 2011 Lancer Ralliart, 1991 Mazda Miata

Tomorrow: Exomotive Exocet, ..., ..., ???

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2020 is going to be an interesting year. I’m starting a new job (I am very excited about this) with a short 12 mile commute. I think I’ll be taking the opportunity to reconfigure my garage. Here’s what on the chopping block:

The Ralliart:

The Lancer had a great moment the other day in pouring rain as I blasted up HWY 1 from Santa Cruz - passing countless cars with little repent. I had all but completely forgotten how great that car is in the bad weather. Is that enough to keep it? I don’t think so.

The Miata:

Honestly, it’s hard to imagine my life without a Miata. I do love my little NA6. It’s full Flyin’ Miata suspension cost a fortune and it handles like it. However, it’s incontinent. It has about 1.3 horsepower. It has 207k miles. The driver’s side door is dented. The driver’s front fender is dented. The top needs replacing. The interior needs carpets and seat covers. My time for projects this big will be low with the new job.

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Use cases, ranked:

Must Haves:

1) Commute (to be fair, I’ve done it in the NA Miata for 2 years)

2) One car must seat 4.

3) Something good at back roads / canyon carving when weather is non-Exocet compatible

Nice to have:

4) Cars & Coffee cred / Radwood weirdness

5) Good for rally trips

6) Home depot runs

7) 4 seater uses it’s “fuel” efficiently, or at least uses regular instead of premium

Outside the box:

8) Can tow the Exocet

9) Has a shower so I can live in it for track days

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The contenders? I’m open to suggestions. I have only room for 1 car in the garage, 1 in the driveway, and 1-2 on the street. Here’s a bunch of stuff that tickles me.

ND Miata Club (used)

Honda Beat

Mitsuoka Zero1 Roadster

Mitsubishi Evo III

Mitsubishi FTO

S550 Mustang

Lotus Elise / early Evora

Sprinter LWB Highroof

Jaguar XJ

Jaguar F-Type Coupe V6S Manual or Convertible V8S RWD Auto

V8 Vantage

Honda S2000

NC Miata Club

Hyundai Ioniq or something cheap and electric

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One more thing:

About that 12 mile commute, it’s uh, full of cars. Here’s the thing though, that 8 mile stretch of red looks more like blue or orange if you drive a NEW (or slightly used) electric (carpool lane access). So take that into consideration. I also have the option of turning in a poor 15 year old car for an extra $4k off the lease of an electric vehicle. That’s in addition to $7500 from uncle sam and $2000 from the state of CA. That makes an electric car nearly free.

Arrivederci > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:17

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Cheaper EV for commuting (Leaf, Volt, etc), so that covers our DD.

What sort of car could handle both rally and less than ideal weather for canyon carving and maybe a hint of Radwood/C&C fun with a dash of wagony goodness ?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:19

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With that commute and the incentives, a cheap 4 seat EV hatchback really does seems like a no-brainer. Pair that with something else fun, and then a cheap old SUV for tow/camping?

3point8isgreat > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:19

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Do you have a place to charge a car? If so Gen 2 Volts are a pretty good deal, and drive pretty nice when I was allowed to borrow one for a weekend.

Then I found out that I would have to upgrade the wiring of my house to charge it, so I passed. Also noticed the dead pedal was kinda high and I couldnt get comfortable. But that varies by person.

O therwise sounds like a great list of needs/wants for a hot hatch. Or maybe a Ci vic Si sedan.

phenotyp > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:23

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Brain says i3 for the commute/running around , paired with a rad wagon like an OG S4.

Heart says FTO.

punkgoose17 > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:23

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The Ralliart sounds like a very enjoyable car.

Replace the Miata with a Kona EV, or Bolt, or something.

You have an exocet I don’t think you need a Miata too.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:24

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I’m probably biased, but you might be interested in a late 2000s Legacy wagon. They have decent towing capacity (f or a car) at about 2700lb and fit the bill for your Home Depot runs. They’re not the most efficient things on the planet, and you’ll have to keep your eyes open as there’s a few out there that still have the 4EAT (you’ll definitely want more gears than less, which is what the manual versions offer). Bonus points for Muh Rally Cred, extra bonus points for the glut of parts that are out there for them.

If you can find one with an EZ30 motor, there’s torque for days, and they’re a little less prone to demolishing head gaskets.

benjrblant > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:27

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12 miles in up to an hour?! that’s nuts.

I know it’s not a popular opinion on oppo, but public transit looks like a pretty good option for that route, plus a short bike ride to and from the station. This might let you take one of your two vehicles and let it exist for more fun and less utility?

Maxima Speed > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:32

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I read all your requirements and promptly threw  them all out except the EV bit 

Harley Davidson “Livewire”

Textured Soy Protein > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:34

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The EV idea makes a good deal of sense. Have you looked at the new 2020 Kia Soul EV?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25326855/2020-kia-soul-ev-electric-crossover-photos-info/

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 10:37

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Cheap EV, I paid less than 7K for my 500e that never had carpool stickers, so I have some new ones in the mail as we speak hopefully.

Second, sprinter for towing and other activities. I think that give 3 vehicles than can do just about everything

Michael Cohen > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 11:09

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A man c onsidering a Honda Beat and Sprinter campervan. I’m in the right community.

Ugh that commute sounds awful, to Chicago highway. I wrote on here a few days that the S2000 is a good daily for me but I don’t have this kind of drive. I would want something just for that purpose. It would have comfortable seats, a great sound system, adaptive cruise control, and, gulp, an automatic transmission. i3 seems to check those boxes though I understand the seats aren’t meant for sitting in a long time. The F-Type is a wonderful big two seater cruiser that can handle well for its size.  XJs as you know are dirt cheap for the luxury they have.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 11:16

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Jesus you said short commute! Miles are irrelevant if it looks like that... My first thought with me being in LA is that there are plenty of sub 10 mile but over 1 hour driving commutes. My new commute is also going to be about 10 miles but my commute will never be longer than 15 minutes and that’s because the road is so twisty and steep that it’s difficult to go any faster. So I can probably shave time off if really trying.

I’ve also never seen a carpool Lane be that much better than the normal lanes in that heavy of traffic. At best it’s like 5-10% faster and sometimes actually worse due to overuse or the frequent accidents that occur in that Lane.

ND miata would make a great option though. For the infrequent bad weather, a modern miata will do just fine and still be loads of fun. NC miata would surely be cheaper and accomplish about the same but I just love the ND so much more.

For the commute, absolutely take the train. It's showing 20 minutes right now plus whatever your "last mile" problem is to deal with. 

Nick Has an Exocet > 3point8isgreat 12/13/2019 at 11:16

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There’s a program in my zip code that offers $2k subsidy for installation of a charger and related electrical upgrade. Over that, I’d be out of pocket or asking my landlord to kick in.

Oooooh, it’s too bad Civic type r prices are so crazy.

Nick Has an Exocet > benjrblant 12/13/2019 at 11:22

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Unfortunately it’s a classic case of why public t ransit sucks. It’s about $7 each way, takes longer on average, and makes you feel filthy.

Nick Has an Exocet > Maxima Speed 12/13/2019 at 11:23

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Solid take!

Nick Has an Exocet > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/13/2019 at 11:24

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Yeah, I'm thinking along similar lines. I wish sprinters were cheaper. Another weird option is importing a Japanese or European camper van. 

Nick Has an Exocet > Textured Soy Protein 12/13/2019 at 11:25

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I have but it looks like it's not available in dealers here yet. 

Nick Has an Exocet > punkgoose17 12/13/2019 at 11:27

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On a sunny day, of which we have 260+ per year, the Ralliart is fat (3600 lbs), inefficient (18mpg on average), and mechanical time-bomb (rebuilt transmission  is   $7k).

Nick Has an Exocet > phenotyp 12/13/2019 at 11:28

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Why not both?

Textured Soy Protein > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 11:43

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The Kona EV has the same updated powertrain as the 2020 Soul EV so that’s another option. The Ioniq EV and the outgoing Soul EV are kinda slow with low range. 

Nick Has an Exocet > Textured Soy Protein 12/13/2019 at 11:52

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Yeah, I think the farthest I would go with it is SFO - 28 miles. The slowness thing is annoying though. Might be worth waiting for the 2020 Soul EV.

phenotyp > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 11:53

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Well, that’s up to you!

Nick Has an Exocet > Arrivederci 12/13/2019 at 11:54

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I would LOVE that. Though market rate is like $65k and rising. Eeeeeeep.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 11:55

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Honestly, a standard 120V plug slow charging overnight will be plenty for a 12 mile trip. I do 30 miles each way with 120V overnight no problem

Nick Has an Exocet > Michael Cohen 12/13/2019 at 11:56

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It’s almost exactly HALF my old commute. Looks great to me!

The NA Miata on ultra stiff suspension isn’t too different from an S2000 - it’s just down on power and sound system. I commuted for 2 years in that in stop and go. 

Nick Has an Exocet > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 12/13/2019 at 12:01

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If timed correctly, the carpool lane does work. It shaves minimum of 10% and 40% on the upside. I’ve commuted in it before (2 people, 2 seater).

My last mile problem is part of the issue - plus cost. It’s $6 each way between 12th st and Richmond to take BART. It’s about 1/3 of the price to drive, even less if I do it in an EV.

If I do go an NC or ND route, I wonder if I could resist modding the car. NC begs for a 2.5 swap and ND turbo is tantalizing but it’s not just power - I’d end up doing suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, etc. A cheap Miata becomes not-so-cheap anymore. 

Nick Has an Exocet > winterlegacy, here 'till the end 12/13/2019 at 12:02

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I think if I went wagon, I would wait a couple years and go with something like a Nissan Stagea and do a bunch of R34 mods :)  

Nick Has an Exocet > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 12/13/2019 at 12:04

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That’s good to know. I also have an EV-Go station 2 blocks away in case of emergency. 

interstate366, now In The Industry > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:13

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Toyota Aristo twin turbo. No manual, but it’s a 4-door Supra for like 25% of the price.

Nick Has an Exocet > interstate366, now In The Industry 12/13/2019 at 12:15

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This is a good take.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:16

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You’re golden then, I usually charge at home on 120V, and sometimes at work if I can find a spot, but there is level 2 chargers there too worst case. But in the month I’ve owned it so far, I have only used the level 2 once, and it was just to try it out lol

Montalvo > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:25

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I am biased but a Mustang would be a great choice. I like my foxbody because it was cheap, it has so many suppliers for parts. Is radwood eligible, and has a lot of space since its a hatch. You dont need premium with the older motors and you can get some decent sidewall and tires with some good tread. Oh and they sound awesome, especially with flowmaster 40s. I think my fox is close to sub 28 00 lbs now since I put it on a serious diet .

punkgoose17 > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:35

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Ouch that hurts.

Apparently as of 2018 I live in the cloudiest city in the U.S, Pittsburgh.

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-cloudiest-cities-in-the-united-states.html  

Something like a Jetta GLI seems to tick a lot of boxes, seats 4, regular fuel I think, manual some fun to drive, good for rally trips, good for home depot trips.

FWD manual sedan with folding rear seats and can hold a roof rack should hit most of the boxes.

Or Saab 9000 or 1999 Saab 9-5, good for R adwood, carries people and cargo, can tow up to 3,000 or 3,500 lbs iirc.

Arrivederci > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:42

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Oof - I thought they were closer to $40k.  How about a Ur Quattro?  They seem a bit more reasonable.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 12:46

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It also shouldn’t be too difficult to get it CARB legal(if it already isn’t)  since engine and car were both sold here individually.

Nick Has an Exocet > Arrivederci 12/13/2019 at 12:48

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I don’t know what it is about the Ur Quattro, it just doesn’t tickle me. Maybe it’s a bit too soft?

Arrivederci > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 13:22

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Maybe YOU’RE soft!

*cries in Audi*

How about a Dirtfish BRZ?

CompactLuxuryFan > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 13:25

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You definitely need a dirt cheap EV. Probably a first gen Leaf or a 500e. A Volt would also do the trick. I would probably look for something with adaptive cruise control. Maybe lease an e-Golf/Leaf/Bolt ?

And then you can go crazy with the other car. D epending what your EV ends up being, I might look at different things, but o ut of your list I like the Mustang and XJ, followed by the ND.

FYI the $2,000 CA thing has been out of money for a while and gives priority to low income households. I would not count on that at all.

benjrblant > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 13:53

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Don’t forget the capital corridor 535 that runs every 30 mins during rush hour. at a 30 min ride, that’s not bad.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 14:07

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A Stagea would be loads of fun.

Nick Has an Exocet > Arrivederci 12/13/2019 at 14:16

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Hahaha. Something true rally spec would be cool! Celica Alltrack?

Nick Has an Exocet > benjrblant 12/13/2019 at 14:21

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That’s a really interesting idea. Richmond station is 1.5 miles from the house. That would be quick on an electric scooter or bike (though dangerous and through a really bad neighborhood). Unfortunately it’s expensive at about $7-10 each way but waaaaaay nicer than BART.

Nick Has an Exocet > CompactLuxuryFan 12/13/2019 at 14:25

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I actually qualify for the poor-people EV program under the base grant because I only worked 3 months in 2019 and then collected. In total, my income was under $42k. It’s based on your previous year’s taxes, so I can squeak in for 2020 under my 2019 income.

http://www.baaqmd.gov/funding-and-incentives/residents/clean-cars-for-all/program-overview#grants

Edit: Actually, I believe my income was around $34k ($8k in my math came out of my savings) so I may actually qualify for mid-grant.

ChrisD > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 14:46

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I owned a 1991 Miata for 10 years got a 2019 in the GT-S trim last spring . Was the greatest summer of my life. (I’m 51) It’s amazing going from sub 100 horses on a 200,000 + mil e car to the 181 horses in the ND. Still has all the fun and handling of the NA it’s just more.

Wife bought an Ionic in Feb of 2019. She loves it. Gets 50+ mpg I've driven it. Great for a daily driver.

Arrivederci > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 15:46

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One of those Celicas would be sweet as well!

benjrblant > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 15:47

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See if your employer has any pre-tax transit benefits available to you? There might be some savings available that way too. Could always consider getting a beater bike/scooter and locking it up at each train station so you don’t need to take it on the train.

Joel > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 15:50

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No to the evo 3, as factory parts are/have drying/dried up for them. Wait for the Evo 4 to be legal if you want a mitsubishi, unless it’s a 2nd gen Montero /Pajero

Nick Has an Exocet > benjrblant 12/13/2019 at 15:56

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Ah, great idea. They probably do!

Nick Has an Exocet > Joel 12/13/2019 at 15:56

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Thanks! That’s great info.

Nick Has an Exocet > ChrisD 12/13/2019 at 15:57

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Wow, as if I needed more reasons to get an ND :)

clrcrx > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 16:25

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Clippercard and Bart.

Khalbali > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 18:15

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I did not know about the zero1, it combines two of my favorite things. I’ve liked most  other mitsuokas but never knew about that.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nick Has an Exocet 12/13/2019 at 20:43

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I say Evora or Sprinter because why not

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Nick Has an Exocet 12/14/2019 at 01:37

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Cost of time wasted has got to be a worse problem. The train just seems so much faster, especially since it’s pretty direct. I just never want to deal with a long driving commute ever again, regardless if it’s due to miles or traffic. I wish biking in California wasn’t so damn dangerous though, it fixes so many of the last mile problems so easily. I’m super jealous of my girlfriend moving to Amsterdam where biking is life.

And yeah modding is life haha. I find the ND doesn’t need the mods as much though. Unless of course you wanted to track it but it’s got just enough power and suspension upgrades compared to an older miata to be rather fun stock. Just needs some wheels and tires and maybe an exhaust. But it’s not like an Ls swap would be a bad thing. I'm pretty sure FM is building a carb legal one! 

shavedWookie > Nick Has an Exocet 12/14/2019 at 11:04

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You didn’t specify any sort of a budget

But how about one car that needs most of your requirements.

S7 (or a tuned A7)

there are several companies that make a hidden hitch for it so you can tow with it, but not ruin it’s good looks when not.

It’s giant hatch will satisfy the home Depot runs.

And while quite a bit porkier than a Miata .. .on summer tires it will hustle.

The all-wheel drive will satisfy your weather needs.

It’s got four seats like you wanted. And will commute like a boss.

You give up Radwood coolness... But look good everywhere else.

ShitboxesAreBest > Nick Has an Exocet 12/15/2019 at 11:17

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How much does it cost to get JDM cars legal in CA? I’ve always wanted a beat or cappuccino but I’ve read that CA requires like more to make them legal. If you know how to get around this please let me know. My life would be so much better with weird JDM cars in it.

As for your list, have you considered a motorcycle? A small little Gr om would be easy to navigate in that kind of traffic if  not, EV is the answer with traffic that awful. Get the cheapest EV with the carpool access for the daily. A wagon with a roof rack will handle alot of home Depot trips, and you can even tow a little trailer for when you need to haul manure or take stuff to the dump. If you need to tow your exocet alot you might to get a beater truck. And if you go that route skip the wagon and get yourself a fleet of quirky JDM cars. 

Nick Has an Exocet > ShitboxesAreBest 12/15/2019 at 12:12

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Between 4 and 10k depending on the car. I think less if you do the work yourself.

Yeah, I've though motorcycle and do have a license but I wouldn't do that to my parents.