More often than not, when people find out what I get to do for a living, they ask for my advice on their future car purchase. I don't always have the best answer for them on the spot, but it's always a fun discussion. I was celebrating with some friends last week, and the question came up. This request was much more interesting than most, simply because my friend has some specific needs and a fun option to accompany the car choice.
He lives in Hawaii and enjoys surfing. He also likes the idea of a sporty car, but transporting a 10-foot longboard severely limits sports car choices. The kicker is, he also has a desire to start riding motorcycles and has a friend who might sell him a Ducati Monster for a song. Any time someone brings up the topic of two-wheeled fun, I heartily encourage them to follow their passion and start riding. The problem is, his wife is not so happy with the idea of him riding a bike. As enthusiastically as I was talking up bikes, I think she wished I'd get sucked into some trans-dimensional vortex, never to be heard from again.
He's looking to buy something in a year or two that's in the $30k - $40k range. Obviously, the longboard will have to be transported on a roof rack. If he's fortunate enough to grab the Ducati, maybe he can live with a less sporty car. If he passes on the bike, we'll need a few sporty and surf-friendly vehicle choices to fill the void.
So here are my suggestions if he manages to get the Ducati:
Ford Flex - Casual followers of our long-term blog will be aware of the love-fest that surrounds our Flex. It has a ton of available features and might even be able to fit a shorter surfboard inside. If he chooses to go with a lower-spec Flex, he could apply any money he saves to some good riding leathers or a racing school. Or possibly buy his lovely wife a few pairs of Manolo Blaniks? Hey, you can't blame me for trying.
Nissan Xterra - I can't say for sure what surfing in Hawaii entails, but I have these wonderfully romantic visions from The Endless Summer of crossing sandy dunes to get to a secret surf spot. If that's the case, the Xterra should be able to navigate the terrain with little difficulty. The roof gear basket would be a great place to stash his post-surf equipment and even if he opted for a fully-loaded version, he'd easily stay within budget. With the money he saves, he could take is beautiful and understanding wife on an exotic vacation (do you see a trend developing here?).
Subaru Outback - Like the Xterra, the Outback could conquer the coastal wilds of Hawaii. The lower roof height will make loading the board much easier, too. Just as with the Subaru, a range-topping 3.6R Limited leaves plenty of cash to upgrade the Audi A3 TDI that his talented and incredibly intelligent wife has her heart set on.
If the Ducati is off the table...
Infinti EX35 - It'll be fun enough to drive with zippy acceleration and decent handling. It's significantly more luxurious than the other options. I'd suggest going for the fully-loaded AWD Journey model that'll take him right up to the budget limit. If there's any cash left over, he could buy his other half a Happy Meal.
Subaru WRX STi - Good enough to get the longboard to the beach and plenty fun to drive. I'd spend any leftover funds on aftermarket upgrades out of spite. Maybe even buy a new board or two from a custom shaper.
2007 BMW M5 Touring - The first step would be to import one, since they never came to the U.S. It'll be way past the $40,000 budget at this point, so he'll have to put his wife's shoe collection up on eBay and probably sell her Audi as well. But c'mon, it's an insane wagon with a V10 under the hood!
Got any other suggestions for either scenario?
By kingkhalas
on May 21, 2010
09:23 AM
WRX STi gets my vote for fun to drive and can carry your surfing gear to the beach.
By blueguydotcom
on May 21, 2010
09:52 AM
Why not just a WRX? It's got pretty much as much go as the STI and it can be purchased for 25k. Run forever, take a beating, fast as blazes.
By yankeez
on May 21, 2010
10:14 AM
I dunno, anytime I think of a "surf" vehicle I can't help but think of an early-70s VW Thing (remember those?). Either yellow or orange.
By ne1butu2
on May 21, 2010
11:58 AM
I wish Ford would do something to the Flex. There is so much potential to make it cool. But it's pure sedan on the inside and too conservative on the outside. Except for the shape, that is.
By brn
on May 21, 2010
01:29 PM
I guess my stereotype of what a surf car is a bit off. I was thinking of vehicles ranging from a open top Jeep Wrangler to a Fiat Panda.
By tonupboi
on May 21, 2010
01:31 PM
Get the Ducati, first. If the wife objects too strenuously, replace with a more compliant model. Then worry about the car.
By mlh
on May 21, 2010
01:45 PM
Well, if the M5 Touring is on the table, why not go ahead and get the RS6 Avant!
By estreka
on May 22, 2010
06:34 AM
It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Get the Ducati!
Also, I'd recommend a Jeep Wrangler or Honda Element. After a day of surfing, you don't want to spend your evening cleaning your interior.
By creeper
on May 24, 2010
04:54 AM
what, no FJ or 4Runner? how much does diesel cost in hawaii since regular gas is not exactly corn-belt cheap?
By ralphhightower
on June 11, 2010
03:29 PM
Chevy HHR. Just don't put faux wood paneling on the side. Drop the front passenger seat for inside or put it up on top.
HHR has a classic look.