What car, young friend edition.

I have a buddy at work who is looking to buy a new car. He wants a new one, let's just go with that.

Here is his requirements:
Budget: $33k max
He is a tall doofy mofo, just like me, so he needs lots of head room
likes the Mustang EcoBoost
likes the Audi A5 (although out of budget new.)

Two hitches.
1 Not a performance driver, so big V8s, he will kill himself.
2 it has to shift by itself.

So what say you GRM. Recent college grad, with a little coin to spend, put him in something nice.

Mustang EcoBoost is a decent choice. Maybe a flappy paddle Toyobaru if he wants to save some money.

228i

GameboyRMH wrote: Mustang EcoBoost is a decent choice. Maybe a flappy paddle Toyobaru if he wants to save some money.

He tried, he can't fit in the twins. Head is too close to the roof.

Ecoboost Mustang with auto, you have your answer. Kids these days, not learning how to drive a manual, sheesh.

In reply to Harvey:

He lives in DC. Sitting on the beltway everyday riding the clutch is not his idea of fun. (He is sitting here watching me type this so play along.)

+1 on the Mustang. If he's young and/or likes to save money keep him away from the German cars and associated idiotic expenses for 'maintenance' since he won't be turning his own wrenches.

The Boostang is an obvious choice, and probably the best. What about a CPO 1-series?

might be a good candidate for a genesis?

focus ST, wrx?

bluej wrote: might be a good candidate for a genesis? focus ST, wrx?

FoST is stick, WRX is CVT if he wants something that shifts itself. GTI?

I found the new GTI really fun but only with the performance pack. The DSG does a good enough job not killing the fun. If I hadn't gotten such a killer deal on my used g37, I would totally be in that. It hit every button for me but the G37 was $10K cheaper only 2 years old.

ecostang or GTI are the answers

G_Body_Man wrote: The Boostang is an obvious choice, and probably the best. What about a CPO 1-series?

This guy sounds like he won't fit in a 1 series. And I've done the used CPO German car, but for the money he should just get a new Mustang

I'm 6'4" with long legs and fit in the 1 series. Unless your friend is like 6'8" or taller, I don't think he'll have any issues with it. I have plenty of head clearance even with my helmet on.

228i or boostang. Only two options that make any sense whatsoever.

Flight Service wrote:

GameboyRMH wrote: Mustang EcoBoost is a decent choice. Maybe a flappy paddle Toyobaru if he wants to save some money.

He tried, he can't fit in the twins. Head is too close to the roof.

Then he'll barely fit better in the Mustang with it's massive .5" more headroom...

I say V6 stang... Same looks same interior as the others, save more money than the ecoboost as he's not concerned with power and it will be easier/cheaper to maintain, and it runs on regular not premium, unlike the ecoboost and GT.

Or a new Mazda 6, Probably touring level...brother just picked up the base model - seating position even better than my FR-S for my tall self with lots of room and it has very nice ride and gets great gas mileage. Nice power delivery as well.

Or, a nice CPO Lexus IS 350...

I am trying to talk him into CPOs. Opens up his options greatly. He can get that A5, 3/4 whatever the BMW 2 door used to be.

The one thing he and I both notice in car interior measurements is actual position. Yes the stang is only .5 difference but it feels like a mile because of how you sit. It's one of those thing numbers don't help you visualize the fit.

I'd go Mazda6, sexy looking car, can get out of its own way, nice interior, great economy. Not a bad place to spend a couple hours a day in traffic.

Sportier "looking" I'd go GTI even though last time I was in DC area I couldn't figure out why there were so many performance variants with no where to use them.

Cpo opens up Infiniti, too. Q40 starts @ 34k so a very lightly used one should be right in budget.

Fresh out of College? How about a Financial Advisor.

Car wise I think a Dodge Challenger could be a good fit if he is in to the look.

How tall? My dad's 6'1" and he fits comfortably in a 228i.

I'll second the GTI or GLI recommendations. Great performing daily that still looks "nice" enough to convince everyone you're not a boy racer.

nokincy wrote: Fresh out of College? How about a Financial Advisor. Car wise I think a Dodge Challenger could be a good fit if he is in to the look.

Parents have money as in he has went to 3 private schools. I am surprised the budget is so low.

He is 6'4" about an inch shorter than me but his torso is the same length

If he doesn't go overboard with the options, a 15 MINI JCW might fit the bill. The S will for sure.