What would Oppo do?

"Van Man, rocks the Man Van" (jacoboconnell)
03/28/2016 at 16:08 • Filed to: None

Photo from the Internet

Let me start off by saying this: my first car is still at least two years off, but I’m thinking about it already because I’m a car enthusiast. The original plan was just for me to get my mom’s 2009 Honda Odyssey, but my dad had a great idea that makes a ton of sense for everyone.

Here’s my dad’s idea: sell the Odyssey, since it’ll be worth 7 or 8 thousand dollars in a two years time, and use about $5,000 to get me a car with a manual transmission for me to learn stick on. The rest would get out towards getting my mom a new car. My dad is totally on board with the idea and wants me to learn manual, but my mom isn’t so sure yet and wants me to keep the van for its practicality. I’ve still got two years to convince her that I don’t need 90 cubic feet of cargo space and 8 seats.

The question becomes, what would I get instead? My dad likes the idea of Mini (hence the Clubman above) because it’s fun, manual, cheap, and I fit in it. So what say you Oppo? What $5,000 manual used car is best for a very tall (6'9") driver? Should I just keep the Odyssey instead, with its automatic transmission?

DISCUSSION (100)

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:12

Subarus, at least new ones anyway, seem to be seriously roomy inside. Not sure about older ones though, since all of my experience has been with 2012+ cars.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
03/28/2016 at 16:14

I fit extremely well in the new Outback and Forester, but they’re obviously too expensive. I found some cheap manual 2nd gen Foresters, but I honestly have no idea how I would fit in them.

Your boy, BJR > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:14

Id keep the van

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:14

Fox body Mustang with V8 and manual.

lol

pjhusa > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:15

I’ve been thinking of my first car since forever. What I would suggest for you is to go with something sensible and reliable. I bet you’d expect me to go with a 3-Series, but no.

BECAUSE:

M IATA

I S

A LWAYS

T HE

A NSWER

Oh wait, you can’t fit. Never mind.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Your boy, BJR
03/28/2016 at 16:16

I wouldn’t mind that at all, but there doesn’t seem to be that much of a downside to my dad’s idea, either. Plus the van is kinda boring and has an autobox. It's really a matter of whether or not I'm able to convince my mom to give it up in two years.

JR1 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:16

Honda Civic Si or something else from this list:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/what-fun-manua…

Your boy, BJR > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:18

Well minis generally get shit with age, and are cramped.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > JR1
03/28/2016 at 16:18

I'd love to, but I doubt I fit. The Mini was in the list too, so I guess that's good.

ceanderson920 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:19

The shitty part about keeping the van is that you will be the driver for all of your friends all the time. They will end up fucking up the interior, if I were you I would take my dads advice and run with it.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:19

I’m like 6'3" and I fit pretty well in a second gen I think it was. It might be a bit tighter for you though.

JR1 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:19

Might not fit a coupe but maybe a sedan

fourvalleys > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:20

A $5000 Mini Clubman won’t be a $5000 car for long. A $5000 Mini Clubman will not be a cheap car.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Your boy, BJR
03/28/2016 at 16:20

Mini's have a ton of interior space and highly adjustable seats. Plus I hear the naturally aspirated (non-S) models aren't too bad on reliability.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:20

The R53 Mini Coopers are horribly unreliable. I’d avoid a cheap one unless you set aside a couple grand for when things start to go wrong

scoob > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:21

You can fit in absolutely anything if you do this to the car.

Kinja'd!!!

Feet on the left side of the car, body/arms/head on the right.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:21

my only thought is that mauals are not the best to learn on when your just starting driving. there is a lot of attention that goes ot the manual that should really just be focused on shit like not crashing and all the basics. Keep the van for a month or two until you get comfortable on the road, then move up to the manual.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > ceanderson920
03/28/2016 at 16:21

My thoughts exactly. I actually like the van, but it's almost too practical for a teenager.

djmt1 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:22

Your situation got me curious and led to a Google search with an interesting result.

http://m.whatcar.com/car-news/best-…

Looks like the Mini is a legit option.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > fourvalleys
03/28/2016 at 16:22

I hear the non-S versions aren't too bad mechanically.

PushToStart > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:22

6 foot 9? damn son!

Bobby Z. > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:23

I’m doing something similar, Van Man. Trying to trade my mom’s fully-loaded ‘99 Grand Cherokee to a guy trying to trade or sell his ‘97 300Z (which he values at $15,000. Insane.)

Sam > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:23

Not a Mini. BMW Minis are not very reliable. That is why they are so cheap.

Get a manual Corolla or something, then save up your own money to buy a fun, secondary car.

A general rule is “cheap, fun, reliable - pick two.”

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero
03/28/2016 at 16:23

I'm pretty sure the Clubman is based on the R56.

Slant6 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:23

My vote goes to a nice little truck. Tons are manual and it’s very useful to have around. You’ll definitely fit and it’s rwd with no weight over the rear so burnouts.

Also they’re very cheap.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:24

Keep the van for the same reasons your mother wouldn’t want you to keep the van, if you know what I mean. Or use that reason to let the van go. Ha, van Gogh.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/28/2016 at 16:24

I wouldn't get a manual car until I got my full license, at which point I would have a year of experience driving already.

RallyWrench > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:24

R56 Minis are no good, especially in turbo “S” form. Get an R50 or 53 1st-gen new Mini, they’re much better cars.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > djmt1
03/28/2016 at 16:25

Yep. I love Mini's. They have a pretty crazy amount of interior space for such small cars.

My citroen won't start > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:25

I’d compromise, your mother wants practicality and you want manual fun. Get a wagon, a mid to large one like a SAAB 9-5 or 3 series.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Sam
03/28/2016 at 16:26

Corolla’s aren’t too great on interior space though. It’s much harder when you don’t fit comfortably in the majority of cheap cars.

Übel > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:26

You should fit fine, I fit with plenty of room to spare at 6'5"

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:27

Trucks come in manual, too, ya know. Plus more headroom.

Übel > JR1
03/28/2016 at 16:27

Civics are laughably bad for tall people. Like, appallingly so.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
03/28/2016 at 16:27

I'll bring that up eventually.

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:27

As someone who works for a MINI dealership, do not buy a $5000 for your first car, unless you think you can wrench, and have a second car available for when it goes down. Not if, when. You are much better off with a Honda Civic or Accord coupe, or if you wanna go RWD the fourth gen firebird/camaro with the v6 can be had for cheap, gets great gas mileage, and all the fun.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > RallyWrench
03/28/2016 at 16:28

I seem to be getting conflicting answers when it comes to Mini reliability over generations. By the way I wouldn't be getting an S as they cost too much.

Übel > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:29

3 Series, Golf, and Mini are all great small-car options for tall people. Europe in general seems very aware of the plight of the giant.

CalzoneGolem > Sam
03/28/2016 at 16:29

This. Get something reliable and unkillable.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > My citroen won't start
03/28/2016 at 16:29

That's where the Clubman comes in. When I told my dad about the idea of a Mini, he was concerned about the practicality, but the Clubman is essentially a Mini wagon so it checks that box.

Alex B > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:30

Have you considered a Toyota Matrix?

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Reece-Current Stinger GT owner
03/28/2016 at 16:31

The problem is, the Cooper is one of the few manual and fun cars that I fit in. The others don't have a ton of interior space

My citroen won't start > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:32

Don’t kid yourself, a Mini wagon is not practical but merely less inconvenient

Still a cool car, I like it, but not practical.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Übel
03/28/2016 at 16:32

Those are all pretty good on space, but the Mini is the only one that offers an exceptional amount of space. Plus I've never tried any older 3ers or Golfs.

Captain of the Enterprise > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:32

Who will be paying for repairs cause that changes the game? Also would it be just your car?

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:32

ah yeah I can see that. I mean I guess if you did the Cooper, and not the Cooper S, you should be fine. Just be careful, I’ve seen some sketchy Coopers for that kinda money

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Alex B
03/28/2016 at 16:33

My mom actually had one a few years ago, it might be worth a shot. I actually have no idea whether she liked it or not.

BJ > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:33

The van is an immensely practical and reasonably safe vehicle, and it’s also terribly dangerous for a young driver. You could have seven friends in there with you making noise and having fun and distracting you from the task of driving. Seven young adults plus yourself will negatively impact the handling and stopping ability of the vehicle.

A minivan is also a good place to get laid.

Tell your mom that if she doesn’t want to become a young grandmother, or if she doesn’t want you and seven of your young friends to die all at once in a horrific crash, she should let you get a smaller and simpler car.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > My citroen won't start
03/28/2016 at 16:34

True, but a Clubman would at least be practical enough to get a few bags to and from college. I wouldn't be hauling lumber or anything major.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Captain of the Enterprise
03/28/2016 at 16:35

I don't know who would pay for repairs to be honest. If this happened it would primarily be my own car, yes.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Reece-Current Stinger GT owner
03/28/2016 at 16:36

Yeah Cooper S’s don’t really exist under $5,000 anyway, so the turbo reliability isn’t a concern.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:36

Mini is great for people tall to an extent. my friend has a 1st Gen Cooper s MT and is tall. He loves it. My other friend is a bit taller and hates it. And plus no one will fit in the back as the seat will be all the way back. The car that I drive, a 03 Matrix XRS, has received universal applause about the headroom from tall people, as the other friend even has headroom to spare. It’s a little difficult to learn stick on (as long you have some sort of non race super sticky clutch) but it’ll teach you heavily on the Rev matching and heel toe...

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > BJ
03/28/2016 at 16:37

I've been trying to tell her that I don't need 8 seats. It's not even legal to have that many people in the car under 18 in my state, so all of the practicality would be wasted.

Captain of the Enterprise > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:37

OK then you probably want something pretty reliable because I’m assuming your not making a lot of money at your age. I would go with a manual corolla to be honest, you could get a nice one in that range. If your parents are paying then you could go more performance and get an mx5 if you like convertibles and you fit(I don’t I’m too tall) or something like an e36 BMW or a mini or something along those lines.

Alex B > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:38

You could always ask...! They can be had with manual and I hear they're not too and to drive.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
03/28/2016 at 16:38

I don’t care about rear seats passengers anyway.

My mom had a Matrix a few years ago, so I'll have to ask her how she liked it and the space so I don't remember it all too well.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Captain of the Enterprise
03/28/2016 at 16:40

Yeah I want something reliable, but I hear non-turbo Mini's aren't awful mechanically. I bet my parents would be willing to at least help out on maintenance, they're nice and willing to help me out a lot.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:41

All that practicality will be worth it when you take a date out on Friday evening and don’t want to go home.....to where your/their parents are........use your imagination.

I once rocked a full size van when I was 16. The seat in the back folded in a van. No one suspected a thing since it was a hand me down.

You want the van. You need the van.

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:42

And the S’s the do exist under $5,000 you stay far away from. Or else.

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:45

Minis have an exceptional amount of space for their size.

But Minis do not have more space than a 3-series or Golf. No effing way.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 16:46

I’m 6'9" and fit extremely well in Mini’s. I fit average in a 3 series or Golf. In my experience, the Mini has more front seat space.

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:48

I would never endorse anyone who loves driving to be saddled with driving a Honda Odyssey.

Minis are great fun. I have several friends that own them, of various generations. But the one common thread is that they are serious money pits. I would be wary of buying one.

If you want cheap, reliable manual fun. I would recommend a Mazda Protege5.

My brother owned one for many many years, and to this day he regrets selling it. I got to drive it once in a while. They’re cheap, good looking, very peppy, practical, reliable and SERIOUSLY fun to drive!

JR1 > Übel
03/28/2016 at 16:49

The sedan has a good bit of head room

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:49

One thing, one can stuff anything in the back as it’s literally lined with Tupperware. And 8k redline

Rico > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:49

Start calling the Odyssey the “Shag Van” and see if that changes your mom’s mind about selling it.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 16:51

Believe it or not, I actually really like our Odyssey. That said, I really would like something more interesting.

Strange, for whatever reason I've never heard of the Protege5, but a quick Google search reveals that they look pretty cool. Would I fit in one?

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:51

Like I said, Minis have a shocking amount of room given their size. I’m 6'4" and I easily fit behind a friend of mine in the back of her Mini. But it comes at the expense of having no practical room at all in the car.

I’ve owned a couple of Golfs, and unless you are 6'9" with short legs I don’t see how you can’t fit comfortably in one.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Rico
03/28/2016 at 16:52

Too late, it's already called the Man Van (hence my username).

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:53

You might fit. they easily carry 6 foot plus drivers, and it has a pretty tall greenhouse.

Patrick Nichols > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:53

I’d say some subaru wagon, a 2 door golf, or a 9-5 wagon.

DarrenMR > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:54

I have a 2002 MINI Cooper S. There are several others on Oppo with them as well. I dont think any of us have had anything too serious go wrong with them. I am 6ft and nearly 300lbs and I fit pretty comfortable in the car. The first gen cars are a bit smaller than the others.

I have had the car for 2 years and I paid $6000 for it with 92K miles. Its a 6sp, supercharged with a sunroof. I paid a little bit too much, but it had features I wanted and was in good shape.

Since Ive owned it Ive replaced the coolant expansion tank with a steel one $80, installed strut tower reinforcement since they are known to bend and I went with nice ones $150. Had the throwout bearing go and replaced it, as well as the clutch, flywheel, the seal on both the engine and trans, the throwout and guide tube, and a few other items in there $550. I have also ordered a bunch of fun stuff for the car as well.

People love to complain how hard to work on, and how expensive it is to have someone do it for you, these cars are. I dont really agree with that, Ive done everything myself so far and nothing has been that difficult.

If you have any questions about the car LMK.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 16:54

The practicality is why I posted a Clubman as opposed to a normal Mini.

I’ve sat in Golfs, they have a good amount of space. However, I’m still growing and don’t know about space in a Golf in the future. As for the Mini, I have so much leg space that I'm confident I will be able to fit later on.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 16:55

When it comes time to actually shop for a car I’ll have a look.

Rico > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:55

Lol but then she’s going to think you like it!

Arrivederci > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:55

I shudder at the repair and maintenance on a $5k Mini. I would say Miata, but you’re too tall. I also don’t suppose the 3.7L V6 Mustangs have fallen that far in price yet. Hmm... will brainstorm.

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:57

oh geez, you’re still growing...

at 6'4" If I put the driver’s seat all the way back I can’t push the pedals all the way down. They’re designed for long legs.

Stapleface > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 16:57

Being 6'9 is certainly tough. I’d imagine there isn’t a whole lot you’d actually fit in. That being said, older Hondas (of the mid 80's to mid 90s versions) I always thought were really roomy. Maybe something like an Integra, CRX or RSX?

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > DarrenMR
03/28/2016 at 16:57

Awesome! That's certainly encouraging, and I hear the R56s are more reliable as are naturally aspirated models, both of which I'll likely be looking at. If I have any questions I'll let you know!

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Rico
03/28/2016 at 16:58

She already knows I do. But I have two years to convince her that something else would be better.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 16:59

Yeah the Golf SW I sat in at the Philly Auto Show certainly had a good amount of space. I don't really know about the space in older models though.

Patrick George > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:00

Just set aside repair money for that Cooper. I’m an unapologetic fan but they get expensive, and weirdly broken, real fast.

TheJMan92 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:01

Along the same view as the Protoge5 is the Mazda3. I’ve got a 3 and I absolutely love it, the only thing to watch for is rust in the 04-05 models. Other than that, it’s cheap to buy and cheap to own.

The only issues I’ve had with mine were self induced (“wait, what was the torque spec on the axle lock bolt?”). I’ve done loads of preventative maintenance (I sort of enjoy working on it, oddly) and the parts are pretty cheap for anything you’ll replace often.

I’m not sure how well they fit tall people, but I’d seriously suggest checking them out!

Saracen > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:01

Well, the MK6 is roughly equal. I owned a MK6 R before my current GSW. The MK6 is also just a reskin/facelift of the MKV, so the MKV will have the same interior dimensions.

The MKIV Golf though, is quite a bit smaller and I don’t think it’ll work for you.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Patrick George
03/28/2016 at 17:02

Isn't yours an S though? I've heard the NA models are better for reliability, which is most likely what I'd be looking at. Plus I could use the extra few thousand from potentially selling the van.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Saracen
03/28/2016 at 17:04

That's another I should save in the back of my mind for when I'm car shopping.

Patrick George > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:05

Yeah, ours was a Cooper S. We had oil consumption issues, carbon buildup, timing chain and other problems. I think the NA model might be slightly better but I’d still be cautious; I think the timing chain is an issue for both.

For the record Mrs. PG and I upgraded last Christmas to a ‘15 Cooper S and have had zero problems whatsoever so far. I love the car. I love these cars in general. When they work right, they’re some of the best and most fun cars on the road. You just need to give them a little extra attention and care than you would a Honda and be prepared for things that might go bad.

Anon > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:07

If it is a first gen, No! Run! I had a 2006 mini cooper NA that the engine just randomly exploded. Oil was changed frequently and it’s a known issue for the engines to just peace out. I have a mile long list of complaints for first gen minis. However I am hearing better things about the 3rd gens. I would reccomend just going with an e36 for that price range.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Patrick George
03/28/2016 at 17:08

Nice, I didn't know you had gotten a new one. I'm a big fan of the newer models and I'm glad they got rid of the central speedometer. I get your point about paying extra attention and treating it better than other cars.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Anon
03/28/2016 at 17:09

The Clubman is based on the second generation R56, which shouldn't be as bad. E36 would be cool but I don't think it would be as safe and have no idea about fitting.

DarrenMR > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:24

If you buy one make sure you get the getrag manual transmission. The CVT autos are absolute garbage.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:29

At least paint a half lady/half dragon on the side.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 17:54

I’d honestly go for a V6 accord coupe. Somewhat torquey,roomy, amazingly good manual transmission, they sound nice and are fast enough to be fun but not fast enough to get you into serious trouble. Also are you 6'9 and 14 ? I’m about twice that and 5'7

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
03/28/2016 at 17:57

I don’t know how well I would fit, since I don’t remember my dad’s old Accord having a ton of space (admittedly it was a sedan), and I also don't know how common they are under $5k.

Yes.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 18:06

Hmm, maybe an Acura legend then? My 6'4 uncle drove one for a while. And that's scary

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
03/28/2016 at 18:15

No idea about the Legend either. I feel like it would be too old and lacking in safety features anyway.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 18:21

I think they were pretty safe, but I totally get it if it's too old for the parents to agree on it.

Captain of the Enterprise > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
03/28/2016 at 18:41

I think the best way would be to work it through with them so that everyone's on relatively the same page on potential issues vs the fun factor and take it from there

Übel > JR1
03/28/2016 at 20:40

It has more, but they’re still super small inside. Not a comfortable place to be tall in.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > pjhusa
03/28/2016 at 21:24

Miata’s are still pretty cramped for a sub-6 foot driver. Plus it sounds like our good friend here needs to have the car through college, and a Miata doesn’t sound like a good commuter car. Plus, while he needs to have fun, he needs something safe, which a Miata is, but maybe not the level of safe we’re lookin’ for here.

Alex B > touring the brook - now with ZHP!
03/28/2016 at 21:31