When I opened my gym, I sold my toy at the time (FC Turbo II) and got something a little more practical - a 2012 Ram Express.
Now with a couple kids, and no longer needing the bed space, I'm looking to get into something more appropriate. But I'm struggling to find something "just right" and am hoping the Grassroots Motorsports mastermind might be able to get my creative juices flowing.
Here's my criteria:
I have a budget all-in of about $12k, but might be able to stretch that out closer to 14-15 at MOST
4 seats is required. 4 doors would be nice. A hatchback or wagon would be best (but not required)
It will be daily driven.
I'm ok with a project or something old, but will have to be built to be aesthetically pleasing and reliable enough to avoid constant tinkering, all for under that 12-15k mark
Maybe it goes without saying, but must have a stick and not be miserable to drive
It will be exclusively a street car, and on the street I tend to give more weight to having power over exquisite handling. Would love another v8, but a manual v8 wagon under 15k sounds like a pipe dream
WRX or Speed3 seem like the obvious choices and it might be where I land, but I'm pushing 40 and man... just would love something a little less "boy racer"
So I pass the mic to you good people. What would you be shopping for?