Final generation Saab 9-5. Despite its GM parts bin roots, I still think this is one of the best looking sedans from the mid 2000's to present. Shame this was launched when Saab was circling the drain and heading towards insolvency. Wish I had the foresight to grab one when Saab dealers were dumping inventory at fire…
My in-laws had one of these, exactly like the one you posted. Being a complete Mazda nerd, I geeked out after seeing it and knew I found the right set of future in-laws. Never got to drive it though, since it was totaled by a hail storm not long after. They bought it new, had it for 10+ years, and still rave about…
The Mitsubishi Raider! I owned one for a couple of years when I was searching for a cheap hauler to help with renovating our house. Not something I would have bought new, but it was an honest little truck and had the “charm” of feeling like the work trucks I drove growing up on a farm. 2WD, 6 on the floor, and a noisy…
No dice. The dice should be removed from the table and never allowed to reenter play. Aside being an unusual design, the W8 is in no way remarkable enough to deal with the inevitable headaches and repair costs. Any B5 Passat is a mix of unique and expensive problems, and the W8 motor doesn’t push the needle far enough…
The previous generation Volvo S60 (2011-2017) appears to be sitting in a sweet-spot on the used market. While not as sexy as the newer SPA platform, you can find plenty of them with low miles priced in the mid-teens depending on trim and options.
I tend to avoid recommending vehicles that I don’t have experience with, so how about a Volvo C30? It might take a little searching, but Gabe should be able to find one with a 6-MT while staying within budget. If they enjoyed the Abarth (apart from the reliability) the C30 could be a nice upgrade while also being far…
NP. Second-hand RX8's are cheap enough to be viewed as disposable wear items. The early clutch replacement raises some questions, but the note about replacing the stock ignition coils with the BHR kit indicates the owner at least understands one of the major issues leading to engine failure and has taken preventative…
Very reliable and not at all expensive to maintain. By this point, the ubiquitous T5 had already earned its reputation for being mostly bulletproof. Aside from regular maintenance, my 2011 has been a bastion of reliability. The 2008 -2010 (pre-facelift) models had a few teething problems compared to the 2011-2013…
Does the fender cladding provide a +5 drift bonus compared to red RallyArmor mud flaps? Asking for a bro.
Saab 9-3 Aero TurboX SportCombi, which is as fun to say as it is to type. Talk about it as a family and show your kids the real meaning of cool.
The freestyle doors really did get more hate than they deserved but added a ton of utility. I thought they were genius and would love to see more automakers incorporate the idea into 2+2 coupes.
Being in the US, I can’t speak for the non-T5 models, but I’ll agree the C30's weight belies its small size. Though the T5 is easy to wake up for a lot of extra pep. I’ve never felt mine lacked in power when it was stock, but the comfort-tuned suspension and vague steering and braking feel didn’t do the total package…
Such a brilliant car in so many ways, but the inability to add power without strapping an expensive turbo kit to the already fragile Renesis (for very little return) was definitely a letdown. Debuting in 2004, its power output wasn’t too far apart from its contemporaries, but man it got left in the dust fast by…
Man, I don’t think a VW or Rover are going to be the best choices for a young person who will likely be burdened by significant student loan debt immediately upon entering an uncertain job market. Put some of that $23k back and get something affordable, nondescript and economical to maintain. I work in higher…
As much as I love Volvos and the genuine 5-cylinder T5 powertrains I can’t imagine ponying up $15,000 for this. Yes, the 6MT and AWD combination in these cars in exceptionally rare, but the overall package is not compelling enough to warrant that price. Even with a very wide and affordable upgrade path for P1 Volvos,…
I have two Volvos with this same center stack, albeit a bit newer, and can definitely understand how this button arrangement might look like a nightmare at first glance. Surprisingly, it is dead-easy to use and not distracting at all. The “phone” button is only used to pair or unpair a connected device and never…
I’m a traditional nose-first parker. If the lot is crowded, and especially if there are cars behind you in the travel lanes between parking rows, please just pull in nose-first like a normal person. Far too often, I’ve had people almost back into me when I’m behind them and they’ve slightly passed a spot, only to…
Saw the headline and already thought Nice Price. The ad sealed it for me. I know these aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but their desirability as collector’s items are rising quickly with prices to match. This is as good as it gets without being a resto-mod.
This is all stripes and no saddle. Even at a non-delusional price I would have too many concerns about a blower strapped to an engine notorious for heat death. Not to mention rear subframe issues that plague these cars, especially with this one residing in a salt state. ND.
Nothing works faster to destroy my enthusiasm for automobiles as a hobby than being at an event with others who are also into automobiles as a hobby.
