Yasha adopted a second canine, and her two-door Mini Cooper is not very best for 2 pups. She needs one thing with a bit extra space however doesn’t need something large. She can be on the lookout for one thing that’s moderately enjoyable and has a bias towards something with a CVT. What automotive ought to she purchase?

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Right here is the state of affairs.

I adopted a canine two weeks in the past after years of wanting one however not with the ability to give them life whereas nonetheless being a useful grownup with a full time job. She doesn’t actually have a identify but however I already determined I would like a brand new (to me) automotive for her! I presently have a 2016 Mini JCW 2-door guide that I completely adore, however not having a second set of doorways is a ache with the brand new pup, and with the backseat now occupied, cargo house is much more at a premium! I do the entire work on my automotive, studying as I am going, from suspension bushings and shock care, fluids, pads & rotors, engine mounts, and exhausts (plus after 2.5 years with a mini, I’ve turn into an interior-rattle-finding ninja). We simply moved to WI, and my associate is an opera singer so I do a number of highway journeys to see her carry out.

I need one thing larger than the Mini however not too massive. My want record is – Leather-based inside, heated (did I point out WI?) entrance seats, a enjoyable powertrain (please no CVTs!), carplay (I can swing an aftermarket improve too), gasoline economic system. Flush roof rails could be nice for a roof rack, however I can at all times set up a hitch mount for a rear service. I want a hatch or a station wagon as I’m not an enormous fan of tall automobiles, however an excellent compact SUV with good cargo house could be nice, too! I might additionally actually want an AWD automotive.

The funds is as much as $30,000

Fast Information:

Funds: as much as $30,000

Location: Madison, WI

Each day Driver: Sure

Needs: 4 doorways, small-ish, enjoyable

Doesn’t need: A CVT

Professional 1 – Tom McParland: The Satan You Know

Yasha, it’s possible you’ll not like all the things that comes with proudly owning a Mini however you appear to benefit from the total driving expertise, dimension, and quirkyness of that model. So why not simply get the larger, barely extra sensible model of your Cooper? The Countryman presents 4-doors, obtainable AWD, and the zippiness you’ll count on from driving a Mini.

It additionally has leatherette or full leather-based seating, roof rails already put in, respectable gasoline economic system, and all of the tech you might need from a premium English/German small automotive. Discovering one with three pedals in all probability isn’t within the playing cards, however the BMW-sourced eight-speed computerized strikes via the gears very nicely.

There are a number of Mini Licensed examples for below $30,000 with affordable miles, which ought to offer you loads of guarantee safety for the subsequent a number of years. Here’s a very cool instance in metallic orange with solely 13,000 miles. This Countryman S goes to be somewhat down on energy in comparison with your JCW, however that may be remedied within the aftermarket with an ECU flash and some different upgrades.

Professional 2 – Andy Kalmowitz: Das Dogo

Yasha, my pal. I’ve acquired the proper automotive for you. Positive, you might go together with one other Mini, however that’s outdated information. It’s time to look towards the long run. It’s time to look towards Volkswagen. What you want is a Golf Alltrack. Once I say it has completely all the things you’re on the lookout for, I actually do imply it.

Baked into this little bundle is all-wheel drive, 4 doorways, a guide transmission, Apple CarPlay, leather-ish heated seats and sufficient room within the again you’ll take into account getting a 3rd canine. There may be actually nothing extra you might need out of a automotive. Positive, the 1.8-liter turbo 4 isn’t going to be probably the most heart-stopping powerplant on the earth, however there’s a lot to be finished within the aftermarket that’ll repair that one little situation. I’m additionally optimistic you’re not going to be fearful about reliability. I imply, you’ve been driving a Mini for God’s sake.

As everyone knows, I’m an excellent swell man, and due to that truth, I’ve discovered the proper Golf Alltrack for you. It’s acquired a clear CarFax, and it’s positioned not too removed from you. I don’t know. The midwest is huge. Anyway, the Golf has somewhat over 28,000 miles on the clock, and coincidentally it additionally prices somewhat over $28,000. That’s proper in your funds. You might be welcome. Yasha, I don’t often make very rational decisions with regards to WCSYB, however this time, I do know I’m proper.

Professional 3 – José Rodríguez Jr.: The Final Little Driving Machine

It’s a little-known proven fact that the fourth-generation BMW 3-Collection is without doubt one of the finest within the historic lineup of the sports activities sedan. Not solely due to its attractiveness and naturally-aspirated straight six, but additionally as a result of it was shut sufficient — chronologically talking — to the traditional BMWs of the golden period. ? Again when BMWs had been nonetheless driver’s automobiles and earlier than mannequin bloat actually set in.

The 1999-2005 BMW 3-Collection, in any other case often known as the E46, is shut sufficient to the E30 and E36 that it might probably nonetheless be referred to as a real compact sports activities sedan. And from what I collect, Yasha, it appears you need a automotive that’s each massive and small. That’s why I like to recommend the nicest E46 yow will discover regionally or a bit past. One thing like this guide 2004 BMW 330xi, which prices lower than a 3rd of your funds at $7,500.

That’s fairly a bit of cash for a automotive that’s virtually 20 years outdated, however the factor about these BMWs is that, aside from some potential complications with VANOS, they’re not as unreliable as individuals suppose. They’re extraordinarily enjoyable day by day drivers, and get nice gasoline mileage regardless of their efficiency. You’re not gonna be outracing trendy sports activities automobiles within the all-wheel drive 330xi, but when efficiency is what you’re on the lookout for, then I’d advocate monitoring down an E36 M3 sedan, although that’ll be tougher to seek out for below $30,000. Individuals are getting hip to the strengths of the E36 and E46, for higher or worse — largely worse for these of us holding out hope for a enjoyable, small BMW.

Professional 4 – Collin Woodard: It’s Challenge Automobile Time

Studying what you’re on the lookout for, it feels like what you’re on the lookout for is a Subaru Crosstrek. It’s acquired 4 doorways and will have loads of house in your canines, all-wheel drive and the next journey top that might make it easier to within the winter and isn’t an enormous, cumbersome SUV. There’s just one draw back — it’s not precisely enjoyable to drive. That’s partly as a result of new Crosstreks are CVT-only but additionally as a result of the engine isn’t significantly highly effective.

However don’t fear, I’ve an answer. All it’s important to do is purchase a used guide Crosstrek and WRX-swap it. You’ll have the proper fun-to-drive winter-ready canine automotive. Must you really do that? Most likely not. However you discovered all these wrenching expertise for a cause. Don’t you need to not less than give it a shot? Come on. you do.

It’s a loopy concept, particularly because you mentioned you additionally worth gasoline economic system, however hear me out. Right here’s a 2014 first-generation Crosstrek not terribly removed from you that has a guide and prices slightly below $12,000. That offers you an additional $18,000 to do the swap and add Apple CarPlay. Will that be sufficient to cowl it? Who is aware of. I actually don’t. I’m simply an fool giving out dangerous recommendation on the web. However come on. Don’t faux you’re not tempted not less than somewhat.