I’m almost due for my next car. Well, in six months. Which might as well be tomorrow. My GTI will go back to Volkswagen so that some poor clod can own it out of warranty. And this leaves me shopping for a replacement. This is where I’m in trouble. Not only do I have car-lover’s ADD, but I am picky about cars I actually will drive and don’t want anything too common. Even though I’m a jerk, I won’t drive the official car of jerks everywhere. So that means no 3-Series. Did I mention I prefer a hatchback or wagon? All this hemming and hawing has left me thinking about a Volvo or Saab. The trouble is, despite stories of the better experiences (”My Volvo V70 has gone 400,000 miles with only routine maintenance), whatever I buy will be weird, and therefore will break down. It’s not the breaking down I mind so much, but the cost of parts and repairs. The trouble is, I’m not unhinged enough to actually think an Alfa or a Citroen makes sense to buy. So what I really want is an Alfa Romeo or Citroen with Honda build quality. And if you take away the breaking down, you take away quintessential European-car character. What this means is that I’m crazy, but not crazy enough.
79 Comments on “Intermittent Daily Podcast: The Weirdo’s Paradox...”
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Right there with you – going from 07 GTI to something new, and pulling my hair out to the point of “Aw screw it, Civic SI” as kind of my safe, can’t-go-wrong approach. That is a surefire recipe for a wandering eye in a year though.
I dunno…a Suzuki SX4? It’s a hatch, and a little offbeat. Pity, years ago I saw a 71 Challenger R/T with a 383 that had been turned into a two door wagon. That would have been a strong contender.
Woot! A podcast…
I too love the Mazda5, and I think it will be our next vehicle. It’s very practical and offers a fun alternative to everything, save more expensive Euro wagons. Probably get the GT model, auto only. I promised the wife that I’ll put on a roof rack and tint the windows to make it more “sporty”. Whatever, better than sucking fuel with reactive AWD on a crossover.
If there was a reliable Brera, there’d be no reason to own anything else.
I want an Alfa Spider so bad. I actually want an 8C, but even if I had the cash I doubt I’d part with it… Scots Heritage and all. But a Spider? In a heartbeat.
–chuck
Good luck with the replacement. One car I thought of beyond the Swedish brands is the Opel… I mean, Saturn Astra. Checking off your boxes: Hatchback, Euro style, weird, reasonable quality compared to any European car. And like odd European brands in the US, Saturn may be hard to buy new in the near future… Might be too big of a step down in power from the GTI, but it’s one that I thought looked intriguing from afar.
Since you like wagons and hatchbacks, and you like decent handling cars that are kind of quirky, you’ve got a lot of options.
- Used Mazda 6, available in wagon or hatchback.
- New or used Mazda 3.
- New or used Subarus of all sizes and shapes, not including Forester.
- Mercedes-Benz c320 wagon or C240, used. But since it’s German, keep in mind you need a Japanese car as backup.
- Suzuki SX4. Guigaro styling. Suzuki reliability. It hasn’t been “discovered” by tuners and maybe insurance isn’t too severe.
wow, after all these years, that 164 still looks fantastic.
Justin, looks like a Volvo C30 may scratch that itch of yours. That glass hatch is the cool part.
slothrop, I personally like the Astra idea, but you’re right…it’s too much of a step down from the GTI. the Volvo’s got style and a great interior.
How about a Volvo C30 or Mazdaspeed3?
Trust me, you don’t want a Saab 9-3. Not that they’re bad, being $10k less than a 3-series, but the interior is really pedestrian for the price, especially after a nice VW interior.
As uncommon cars go, the Mitsu Lancer MR looks like a very nice car, and if I’m correct, is available as a hatch. Not sure about the reliability, but waay better-looking than the WRX.
Agreed with Ron Panhard.
-Last gen Mazda6
-New Mazda3
-Any Subaru, INCLUDING last gen Forester XT
In fact, as a fellow car wierdo I’d say an old Forester XT would be a perfect choice. It’s strange, fast as hell, and quite reliable.
Old RWD Volvos are bullet proof, that might be a good choice.
Old Saabs are just as bad as Alfas, or, in the case of 9000s, are Alfas.
A 2CV might be simple enough to maintain, but it is a death trap. The DS and SM are amazing, but keeping them running will destroy you mentally and financially.
New Saabs and Volvos are just GMs and Fords. That said, through the Ford connection a Volvo C3/S4/V5 is really just a more expensive, less reliable Mazda 3, which would be the more appropriate choice.
Although you’ve ruled the brand out, the previous generation Honda Si was a hatchback, is very rare, and I believe was even made in Europe.
If you want a new Volvo that is well made and actually says Volvo on it (unlike the Mazda 3) then I suggest you consider the vehicles on this site: http://www.volvo.com/trucks/na/en-us/BAHome.htm
If I were you I’d be talking myself into spending about 35K and looking for a 2006-2007 BMW M-Coupe.
Unless the price is too high it fits what you are looking for perfectly:
-Hatchback
-Rare
-Not a 3-series
-Possibly unreliable
Not to mention:
-Sexy as all get out
-Lots of go fast M3 parts
-Sounds perfect
-2 seats (I think this is a plus)
-Low depreciation
-6spd transmission
-Decent gas mileage
Do it, it’s a good idea…
@ Sonic EJ :
He said wierd, I think you were spot on with the M coupe but you got the year wrong. 2001 fits the bill, I think. Comes with the same S54 engine but weighs less than 3K lbs, has one of the funkiest designs ever, and is a hatchback. Nice examples available for under $30K.
Yeah, C30 was my reflex thought but tried to think outside the box w/ the Astra. Clubman? Or, speaking of boxes, another really weird offering is the HHR SS w/ manual tranny. The build quality there probably will disqualify it though, if the styling doesn’t.
Wow! Wasn’t expecting a chorus of suggestions, but then, I should have.
@SonicEJ:
Actually, there’s a 2007 M Coupe directly below where I’m sitting at this moment. Just stays in the garage when the weather is so bad.
@Others:
Thanks for the tips! Unfortunately, Mazda3 being the conventional choice, I just can’t do it. Will reserve judgment until I drive the new one. But it’s unlikely.
How difficult can this be?
You mention the car yourself…the saab 9-3.
Don’t believe the cr*p from all these biased people. A saab 9-3 does not break down more often than the average japanese, american or european competitor.
And the interior? Nothing wrong with that either.
So, the saab 9-3: not for everybody, but for you.
Show ‘em you ‘re different.
@Justin
If you already have an M-Coupe and need another car it’s tough to go wrong with a 2005 Legacy GT Wagon (only year with the 5spd in the wagon). My brother owns one and loves it. I have the Sedan and it is amazing as well. AWD>FWD in every way.
Justin Berkowitz:
The previous generation Civic Si hatchback is my top recommendation; it is very rare.
But if you really can’t do anything Honda, or really need something new, there something very rare, that comes as a hatchback, and is built in Europe.
For better or worse it is the Saturn Astra.
Possibly GDM Opel badges can be found on eBay.
Trouble with the 05 and newer Legacy (GT model specific, that I’m aware of, including some outback xt/turbos) was that they couldn’t hold an alignment to save your life. Buy one of those used, and get ready to chew some tires..
Aside from that, its a nice choice though, I have to agree with Sonic. I’m only aware of the alignment issue because my parents owned and 05 GT (brand new) and it couldn’t hold its alignment even on everyday pavement, and then thereafter they owned an 05 outback (xt? turbo, anyway) and it had the same problem. Both cars needed a brand new set of tires on almost a yearly basis. I don’t think they ever got more than 12-15K miles out of a set of tires with either car. Besides that though, rock solid reliability.
Just saying, I know you said no 3-Series but I really can’t remember the last time I saw a current gen 3-series wagon. Is that suitably weird and off-beat?
The last-gen Civic Si is hardly rare, I see them all the time now. They were only rare when people weren’t buying them new. Sold as holdovers to teenagers, they started popping up all over the place.
i am of a similar car-buying attitude- so thats why i got myself a subaru outback. granted, mine’s a 1998 model, but still applies. i just probably have less expendable income than you.
if i were shopping for a new car, i would probably be looking into the volvo c30 myself, though. i do long for good economical reliable rwd car though ): (like many of us here)
Saab?
Did I hear you say you want a Saab?
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
Just so happens I have one. And I’ll make you a great deal. I’ll even deliver. Coast to coast, no charge.
You’ll love it. Really. Its, um, quirks actually become endearing over time. Trust me.
Torque steer. Rattling build quality. Electrical gremlins. Turns every drive into a motoring adventure. Justin, you just can’t put a price on this stuff so I’ll throw it all in for free.
Add a shorter warranty than any other GM brand and the fact that (just announced!) GM’s internal review has deemed that Saab will now have its own independent management structure, well, how can you lose?
Saab.
Ahh. Springtime in Trollhatten.
I would recommend Subaru Impreza STI. I have one.
It’s rare, reliable and FUN!
“Even though I’m a jerk, I won’t drive the official car of jerks everywhere.”
Couldn’t the GTI be considered one of those cars?
/kidding
How about a GM clone of a Japanese car like the Saabaru or Pontiac Vibe.
Used you get a nice arbitrage of domestic depreciation and import quality. The Matrix is not that common and Vibe even less so. The styling on the current models is so-so but a used spec
FWIW, my 164 was somewhat less than reliable. I’d avoid one of the 24-valvers like the plague.
Now, a GTV-6, on the other hand…
Import a Holden Sportswagon. V8/V6, rare as hen’s teeth in the US 0f A.
Yeah, I don’t have much to add. If it’s gotta be new, grab the C30. Costs slightly more than a GTI, but it looks better, has a bit more power, and I’ve never actually seen one on the road. There’s also the R32 if you don’t mind slapping down an extra couple of grand (same deal with the 9-3), or an A3 or EvoRex if you don’t mind being That Guy. Mini’s out, of course, since the things are everywhere. The Eclipse is out, because it’s a murder car. Crossfire and the Z cars are also out, because you can’t actually use them.
If you’re willing to buy used, I’d suggest picking up one of the ‘05-’06 Saabarus for a song (I did).
Here’s a thought: what about a HHR sport wagon? Weird, lots of grunt, and reasonably unique. It’s not like you’d have trouble finding a good deal on one.
Justin,
How’s your Spanish?
A commenter the other day said something about 159 Sportwagons selling in Mexico. Now THAT would be weird, cool, fun, yada yada.
No local warranty support, though.
Get any well-equipped car in this category with a stick, and you’ll have your rarity right there. :)
I’d second the Astra recommendations if it weren’t such a gutless weeny of a car. I rarely see them on the road though, so yes it hits the unique/euro/hatch portion.
How about a Mercedes C~whatever hatch? Fairly unique, terrible engine, european.
How determined are you to avoid BMW because there’s the older M coupe hatchback?
Awww, come on Justin: Bite the bullet and buy a Honda or Toyota already! Resistance is futile!
Seriously, you can probably rip off all the manufacturing decals and badges, and maybe even make your own TTAC badge for it.
What, no Audi A3?
If GM brought the VXR version of the Astra over, I’d be all over it.
As they aren’t, the Volvo C30 would be my pick.
Just hang on for a few months! Fiat SpA and Chrysler are talking about *maybe* bringing some of their stable of small cars over here. Wouldn’t a nice, new 500 just be too dang snazzy? Especially in Abarth form??
Acura. Didn’t I read here they have a sub zero brand recognition these days? Then be a douche and slap on the JDM grill.
You’ve got one hell of a choice to make then…no mazda3 (even mazdaspeed?) which is the only other performance oriented hatchback in that price area that I can think of, I guess the mini or the sx4 is possible, but the mini is small and the sx4 is decidedly low-rent compared to what you already have. If you liked boats you never would have gotten a GTI in the first place, so that probably rules out any fwd midsize sedans. And to top it off, no bmw. You have got to be kidding about that one.
I’d say you really need to go rwd. A slightly used C300 or 328, stick a must. The GTI is already expensive enough that you probably should just go and get the real deal anyway, and with the used car market being what it is now…
TT? Older or newer…
Hyundai Elantra Touring? It’s on my list of cars to check out.
Based on previews, it looks to be in the same class as the Astra, decent chassis tuning let down by a relatively mundane engine. But there aren’t too many small hatchback/wagons available with a 5-speed.
I’m looking to pick up a WRX wagon myself. Offbeat, handles good, good platform to build on if you’re into that sort of thing. And it’s a practical 4wd wagon that looks great with roof racks.
kross22 :
A commenter the other day said something about 159 Sportwagons selling in Mexico. Now THAT would be weird, cool, fun, yada yada.
Very cool. Illegal to import though. SO sad. Thank Mercedes for successfully lobbying Congress to close all the import loopholes in the 1980s.
just get a Mazdaspeed 3 – since you won’t get a Civic SI (which wipes the floor with your GTI, just go to any autocross to verify this statement) because jerks apparently drive them.
Or better yet – Mini Cooper S – its a BMW that isn’t really a BMW, so you don’t have to drive the official car of jerks, yet you get the benefits and the chic of driving a Mini.
Plus its a hatch.
tedward :
And to top it off, no bmw. You have got to be kidding about that one.
I’d say you really need to go rwd. A slightly used C300 or 328, stick a must. The GTI is already expensive enough that you probably should just go and get the real deal anyway, and with the used car market being what it is now…
The only problem is that I don’t really want a mainstream sports sedan. As I said above, I am more interested in a less-than-usual car. Since the 328i is pretty much the most common car in New York, it doesn’t really fit what I said I was looking for.
Mr Berkowitz: …but I am picky about cars I actually will drive and don’t want anything too common.
Hey, I’m with you here. Its just that for me, this means a decade or older vehicle without rust.
I second a Hyundai Elantra Touring – quirky hatchback, “sportier” than the standard Elantra. I’m sure that there are plenty of “go-fast” parts for that engine, too. Due out this spring.
The son of a fellow I work with picked up a 2006 Acura RSX-S for $13,000 – only had 40,000 miles on it – it’s (as I’m sure you know) a hatch, though you won’t get a washing machine in there… :-)
Same situation; considered the following:
1. Volvo C30: awesome car, but doesn’t handle
2. Mazda3: nice, but common.
3. Mini Cooper S: sort of perfect, but $$$.
4. BMW Z4 Coupe (used): amazing and tiny and same $$$ as Mini
Scrolling through Autotrader I came across an incredibly low mileage, unmolested 2001 Honda Prelude SH. Paid cash and love its rarity, handling, 16″ tires and the fact that no one else ‘gets it.’
Also go to bringatrailer.com.
Justin, You need to find a clean Subaru SVX. Rebuild the tranny – if that hasn’t been done already – and you’re off.
You get iconoclastic style – harkening back – I might add – to the Citroen SM.
You get stunning build quality (the build quality of the CV joints alone is enough to make Ettore Bugatti blush).
And – as a bonus – you get to pretty much go anywhere you want – any time – unless the snow is just too deep.
Great car! Had the “Fatherhood. Must get station wagon” trance not taken me, I’d still have one.
It is NOT a sports car, mind you. It’s Ok in the twisties – depending on what you have on the wheels. It is a Grand Touring car that eats highways like a Dyson sucks dust out of corners: fast, silent and comfortable.
BMW 318ti
-rare
-hatchback
-jerks say it isn’t really a BMW
-e36es break down less than an Alfa or Saab, but enough that they’re definitely European