# What vehicle would \*you\* buy if you were given $28K? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 3, 2003, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370 "2003-06-03T14:52:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/21 "2003-06-03T17:22:52Z")
I’d like a VW Jetta TDI wagon. Or a new minivan - my poor Aerostar is getting raggedy. But I have no idea what they cost. I probably can’t afford what I’d like. ---
**Author:** ![Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac8455/32.png) [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/22 "2003-06-03T17:29:40Z")
> [@](#): > > I’d rather get an original Mini. They’re so much cooler than the new ones! **Johnny L.A.** I hope you are of smallish size then. I was lucky enough to be the passenger in my mum’s Mini Cooper for many a trip to school, and it was a tight squeeze for me at 12 yrs old. Also the car is a total death trap, great engine, great maneuverability, but tip forward seats, and zero passanger/driver protection. It would need roll bars added and similar such mods to make it at all safe. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/23 "2003-06-03T18:48:55Z")
SVT Focus ZX5 for 20. Then another 3 for a Jackson Supercharger and Cold Air Flow box. Pocket the rest for tickets and insurance, and maybe a set of tires… and some time out on Lime Rock Race Track. ---
**Author:** ![HughManatee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/22d042/32.png) [@HughManatee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HughManatee)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/24 "2003-06-03T19:09:48Z")
I’d buy a Segway, then I’d use it on my treadmill. Oh yeah, and like **Bosda** , I’d pocket the rest. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/25 "2003-06-03T19:23:46Z")
I would get another Mini. I would have the autowraps place put a nifty Pucci print on it, too. ---
**Author:** ![Morgainelf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Morgainelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgainelf)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/26 "2003-06-03T19:25:42Z")
I would buy a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE with the Bose sound system, leather, sunroof, enhanced air bag protection, and ABS. From [newcars.com](http://newcars.com): > [@](#): > > 3.5 SE ($23,149) comes with the V6, 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/55R17 tires, a performance-tuned suspension, fog lights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. But the Bose stereo is optional ($899). The Leather Package ($1399) now includes the Bose audio system, plus a power glass sunroof, heated front seats and heated mirrors, and leather upholstery. A new Sport Package adds a power glass sunroof and spoiler; the Sport Package Plus includes the sunroof and spoiler plus the Bose premium audio system and xenon headlights. A new Leather Sport Package combines the Leather Package, with the spoiler and xenon headlights. The new Premium Leather Package adds simulated wood trim. > > Automatic transmissions are optional and add $800 to a base model or 3.5 SE, but $850 to a 2.5 S. V6 Altimas with the automatic transmission can be ordered with a traction control system ($299), which uses a combination of throttle, fuel cutoff and shift schedule to aid traction in off-the-line starts and slippery situations. Other options include the sunroof ($849) and a package consisting of side-impact air bags, front and rear head-curtain air bags, and ABS ($799). Yup, I’m looking at cars, too. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/27 "2003-06-03T19:39:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by baseball\_dude12000 \* > \*\*hummer. wouldn’t ahve to worry about road conditions \*\* :eek: The prices on those things sure have dropped. Last I checked, they started at $80,000. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/28 "2003-06-03T19:51:30Z")
A. A Corvette. Not a brand-spanking new one, but one a few years old. My SO sold his earlier this year and everytime he sees one now he sighs. We can’t drive Corvettes year-round in this part of the country so I have another choice: B. A Turbo Beetle Convertible. ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/29 "2003-06-03T20:01:17Z")
A new Mini Cooper or a new Toyota Celica ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/30 "2003-06-03T20:12:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ringo \* > \*\*3-4 year old BMW 740iL, with an extended warranty. \*\* I’m just going off the top of my head here, but wouldn’t you need to go older than 3 or 4 years to get one of those mammajammas for 28K? ---
**Author:** ![Emilio\_Lizardo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/31 "2003-06-03T20:37:56Z")
New, Toyota MR2 Spyder. Used, Honda S2000. Or maybe a used MR2 and a Moto Guzzi Breva 750. ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/32 "2003-06-03T20:53:57Z")
For that amount of money I could get a very nicely appointed Chrysler PT Cruiser. Unfortunately, every time I got into it, I’d find myself thinking about Celine Dion. ---
**Author:** ![joemama24\_98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/33 "2003-06-03T20:54:55Z")
The new Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Comp-G: sporty, fast and practical sedan, as it can sit 5 comfortably and has a larger sized trunk I’d also consider the Nissan Maxima or a V-6 Honda Accord (more 4 doors, the Honda will prob leave you with some cash, or the Toyota Solara (if you want a reliable 2 door that will hold its resale well). ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/34 "2003-06-03T21:33:01Z")
I don’t need anywhere near 25000 for my next car. I really really reallllllllllly want on old Land Cruiser(It’s the standard boxy tough-ass truck from about a million movies about Africa and the Outback if you don’t remember). Deffinately a 40 series. Do an offroad refitting, a little lift, baloon tires, winch, reinforced rollbars maybe even bigger engine and tranny but probably not. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/35 "2003-06-03T21:57:42Z")
**wolfman** : That would be the FJ-40. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/36 "2003-06-03T22:06:57Z")
I couldn’t just buy myself a bus pass for every month for the rest of my month? ---
**Author:** ![Bandanaman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ab097/32.png) [@Bandanaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bandanaman)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/37 "2003-06-03T22:09:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ethilrist \* > \*\*:eek: > The prices on those things sure have dropped. Last I checked, they started at $80,000. \*\* I dunno. I could get a buttload of hummers for 28K. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/38 "2003-06-03T22:17:04Z")
Top of the line [2003 Honda Accord EX V6 in Desert Mist Metallic](http://www.hondacars.com/models/exterior_colors.asp?ModelName=Accord+Sedan) loaded with leather and interactive GPS satellite navigation (around 25K) ---
**Author:** ![Iacob\_Matthew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Iacob\_Matthew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iacob_Matthew)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/39 "2003-06-03T22:46:09Z")
Airstream Doublewide. School’s walking distance from an empty middle-of-nowhere place, I don’t have to much rent anymore, it’s more room than I’ve got now, and it’s technically not “sleeping in my car.” Or an Acura Integra. Both my sisters got new ones right off the showroom floor when they left for college, I might as well pretend that I can ignore the fact that I’m still going to cost more. ---
**Author:** ![raz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@raz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raz)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370/40 "2003-06-03T23:25:02Z")
72’ Chevy Nova. The car of the Gods. And I’d probably have a good $5-10 thousand left over, so I’d go and get myself a bad-ass dune buggy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vehicle-would-you-buy-if-you-were-given-28k/179370.md?page=3)