Yasha has recently adopted a second dog and finds her two-door Mini Cooper too small for her needs. She wants a car that offers more space but isn’t too large. Additionally, Yasha wants a vehicle that is enjoyable to drive and has a preference against cars with CVTs. She is seeking advice on what car to purchase.
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Here is the scenario.
I recently adopted a dog, fulfilling a long-time desire. However, my current car, a 2016 Mini JCW 2-door manual, is proving to be inconvenient with only two doors and limited cargo space due to the backseat being occupied. As a car enthusiast, I perform all maintenance work on my car myself and have become skilled in various repairs. My partner is an opera singer, and I frequently embark on road trips to watch her performances. I am looking for a slightly larger car that meets the following criteria: leather interior, heated front seats (a necessity in Wisconsin), a fun powertrain without a CVT, carplay compatibility (even if an aftermarket upgrade is required), good fuel economy, flush roof rails or the option to install a rear carrier, and preferably an AWD car. I lean towards hatchbacks or station wagons, but compact SUVs with ample cargo space are also acceptable. My budget is up to $30,000.
Quick Facts:
Budget: up to $30,000
Location: Madison, WI
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: 4 doors, small-ish, fun
Doesn’t want: A CVT
Expert 1 – Tom McParland: The Devil You Know
Yasha, it seems you have a strong fondness for the Mini brand. Given your love for the overall driving experience, size, and quirkiness of Mini cars, why not consider the larger and more practical version of your Cooper? The Mini Countryman offers four doors, available AWD, and the lively driving characteristics that you expect from Mini. It also comes with leatherette or full leather seating, pre-installed roof rails, decent fuel efficiency, and all the tech features you desire in a premium small car from the UK or Germany. Although finding a manual transmission variant might be challenging, the BMW-sourced eight-speed automatic provides smooth gear changes.
There are several certified pre-owned Mini Countryman models priced under $30,000 with reasonable mileage, offering you ample warranty protection for the next few years. Here is an attractive example in metallic orange with only 13,000 miles. Though this Countryman S offers slightly lower power than your JCW, aftermarket upgrades such as an ECU flash can address this.
Expert 2 – Andy Kalmowitz: Das Dogo
Yasha, my friend, I have the perfect car recommendation for you. While another Mini is an option, let’s look to the future and consider a Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has everything you’re looking for – all-wheel drive, four doors, a manual transmission, Apple CarPlay, leather-ish heated seats, and enough space in the back to accommodate a potential third dog. It checks all the boxes! Admittedly, the 1.8-liter turbo four engine may not provide mind-blowing performance, but aftermarket upgrades can address that minor drawback. You’ve driven a Mini, so reliability shouldn’t be a concern.
As a super swell guy, I’ve found the ideal Golf Alltrack for you. It has a clean CarFax and is conveniently located near you. With just over 28,000 miles on the odometer and a price slightly above $28,000, it fits perfectly within your budget. You’re welcome, Yasha. This time, my recommendation is based on rational thinking, unlike some of my previous suggestions.
Expert 3 – José Rodríguez Jr.: The Ultimate Little Driving Machine
Few people know that the fourth-generation BMW 3-Series, also known as the E46, ranks among the best in the iconic sports sedan lineup. It possesses attractive aesthetics, a naturally-aspirated straight six engine, and is close enough in spirit to the classic BMWs of the golden era – the time when BMWs were true driver’s cars before experiencing model bloat.
The 1999-2005 BMW 3-Series, particularly the E46, retains the essence of a compact sports sedan. Given your desire for a car that is both large and small, I recommend finding the nicest E46 available locally or slightly beyond. You might consider this 2004 BMW 330xi with manual transmission, priced at just $7,500 – significantly below your budget.
Although $7,500 is substantial for a car that is almost 20 years old, these BMWs are more reliable than their reputation suggests. They offer thrilling daily driving experiences and impressive fuel efficiency alongside their performance. While you won’t be outpacing modern sports cars in the all-wheel drive 330xi, if performance is your priority, I suggest seeking out an E36 M3 sedan with manual transmission. However, finding one under $30,000 may prove challenging due to the increasing recognition of the strengths of the E36 and E46.
Expert 4 – Collin Woodard: It’s Project Car Time
After reviewing your requirements, it seems a Subaru Crosstrek would be a suitable choice. It offers four doors, ample space for your dogs, all-wheel drive, and a higher ride height beneficial during winter. The only downside is that it isn’t particularly fun to drive, especially since most new Crosstreks come with CVTs and the engine lacks power.
However, I have a solution. You can obtain a used manual Crosstrek and perform a WRX-swap to create the perfect fun-to-drive, winter-ready dog car. While this idea may seem crazy, especially considering your preference for fuel economy, your expertise in car maintenance makes it worth considering. Here’s a 2014 first-generation Crosstrek with a manual transmission, priced just under $12,000 and located relatively close to you. With the remaining $18,000, you can cover the swap and add Apple CarPlay. Will it be enough? Only time will tell. I may be an idiot giving questionable advice on the internet, but come on, admit it – the idea is tempting.