Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Humor
Cheap, stylish ride: Oxymoron or attainable dream?
Is it possible to buy a car that's both inexpensive and ultra cool? Can a $22,000 Toyota Prius really get you the same respect from the valet as a $70,000 BMW? That's what "Wired Magazine" wants to know, and they're asking readers to decide which of five relatively cheap cars they would feel coolest driving.
So far, the most expensive of the bunch, the Prius, is in third place with only 18% of the vote. Behind it with 11% is an early-'90s Volvo and a 25-year-old Mercedes 300 SDL. In first place, with a big lead over a used Ford Mustang, is a 1995-1997 Jaguar XJ6.
Really? Those are the only choices we get? For the price of that 2005 V6 Mustang, you could get yourself a real tire-smoking, V8-powered 1966 Mustang. Sure it'll need some paint, probably some fresh Bondo and maybe a transmission overhaul, but that builds character in both owner and car.
Or if you're not into power, don't even think about that wheezy Volvo. Go German instead, and get a classic VW Beetle. You'll pay more than what that boxy sedan cost, but the cool factor of the Bug will more than make up for it.
So what say you, Autoblog fans? What cheap transportation would you choose for its cool-boosting properties? Or is "Wired" right on the money?
[Source: Wired Magazine]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
retsel 7:06PM (8/26/2008)
Older S Class, 7 Series or Lexus...
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LloydChiro 7:18PM (8/26/2008)
Agreed on the S class. The one from the 90's. Coupe. V12.
Andrew 7:45PM (8/26/2008)
What about a mid70s-80s Rolls or Bentley.
They go for as low as $15-20k on eBay and would be really fun to drive around (until it has to go in for service).
Torrent 8:16PM (8/26/2008)
I totally agree.
I really like the 1993 SC400.
Autoblog: I think the Jaguar in the pic is pretty nice, too.
wumpus 8:24PM (8/26/2008)
Wasn't Captain Slow's introduction (S2E1?) a piece where explained how "affordable" it was to drive a classic Bently (at least he could on a pre-Top Gear salary). Then he went on to describe all the many downsides (most of which wouldn't be nearly as bad in the states.
Check those listings!
Vintage 12:07AM (8/27/2008)
Almost anything posted over at www.carlustblog.com. I'm not spamming, I am a contributor there, but we talk about cheap, cool, affordable cars on a regular basis. That's pretty much our focus. Things like Subaru SVXs, Contour SVTs, Omni GLHSs, E30 M3s, Volvo 850 Turbo Wagons, 4ws Preludes, etc. The list goes on and on. Not only are newer cars more expensive, they're also a lot more boring, in my opinion.
jjpg2000 7:11PM (8/26/2008)
What a Dumb Poll.
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paul34 7:12PM (8/26/2008)
As a valet, I'd just like to say your car doesn't command my respect for you as a person. I treat everyone's car with the same respect, whether it be a POS or a F430 or Phantom.
The difference is YOU, the driver/owner. Are you a jerk or a decent member of society? That makes all the difference in world.
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AkulaX1 1:39AM (8/27/2008)
I'm glad there are still people out there like you. Please keep it up!
N 5:20AM (8/27/2008)
No offence to valets... but who cares what the valet thinks?!
More importantly; what does your wife/spouse think when she sees the last service bill from the dealership?
(owner of 1998 W140 S-Class)
Kovarik 7:13PM (8/26/2008)
BMW 8 Series or a Porsche 944 can be had for under 20k, far cooler especially if equiped with a late 80's car phone...
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wumpus 8:26PM (8/26/2008)
A couple years ago I checked the 968 forum at pelican parts, and they were bemoaning the complete lack of available parts. Better buy more than one 944.
MJL 9:12PM (8/26/2008)
Late 80s car phone FTW
Epyx 9:17AM (8/27/2008)
You can get a Porsche 944 for less than 6K but they are not that cool.
Epyx 9:17AM (8/27/2008)
You can get a Porsche 944 for less than 6K but they are not that cool.
JD 12:41PM (8/27/2008)
"You can get a 944 for less than 6k but they are not that cool."
Really? I get a lot more looks in my 944 than I do in any other cars I've ever driven, including some E46 M3's. People never see them, and they look and wonder what it is. It's a pretty cool car. Super Fast? Not exactly, but its handling is the most balanced of any car I've ever driven.
MikeofLA 7:13PM (8/26/2008)
Stupid Poll, but BMW E30 M3 (or any mid/late 80's M series) FTW.
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mj 7:49PM (8/26/2008)
Those M3s are STILL too expensive.
Classic volvo, even older. 89 volvo 240.
wagonphile 8:07AM (8/27/2008)
The E30 M3s are still pricey, but you could find a really nice 325is (with admittedly less performance and no flared fenders) for a very reasonable price. The late 80s 5 Series is pretty cool too with the upscale rims.
John S 7:13PM (8/26/2008)
My question is... How is that guy in the picture standing?!!?!? HE HAS NO LEGS! Ohhhh lawwwwd.. no legs!
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