All across America, every Sunday (and Monday…and Thursday, I guess), men and women glue their eyes to television screens to watch the National Football League’s latest public relations gaffe teams and players duel on the gridiron. However, the popularity of these games often has nothing to do with the teams playing or the cities/states they represent.
It’s all about Fantasy Football, man! That’s right, people who’ve never played or coached a single down of competitive football in their lives can live vicariously through the players that they picked for their weekly lineups. In fact, people often are faced with the dilemma of rooting against their favorite teams so that they can get fantasy points.
So what if we could take the game that is responsible for the highest rated show on television and make it all about what we care about—cars? Of COURSE we can!
The way many fantasy leagues work is that they have a dollar amount assigned to each player, and teams can only spend up to the pre-determined “salary cap” for their league. For example, you might really want Peyton Manning, but your team salary cap is $100M and Manning would count $25M, so it might behoove you to choose Russell Wilson, who only counts $600K against the cap.
So let’s play Fantasy Garage! The average price of a new car in the United States is $32K, so we’ll use that as our number for figuring out our salary cap—nine classifications x $32K=$288,000. Use MSRP, not market pricing. We’ll use market segment classifications, and you’ll need to pick a car for each classification without going over the cap to create the “best” garage you can. You must pick a car that can be bought new for the 2014 or 2015 model years.
The classifications are (examples in parentheses):
Two-seater sports car (MX-5, Boxster, F-Type, Z4, Corvette)
Four-seater sports/pony car (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger)
Subcompact (B segment—Fiesta, Fit, Sonic, Versa)
Compact (C segment—Cruze, Focus, Civic, Sentra, 2 series)
Mid-size (D segment—Accord, Camry, Altima, 3 series)
Full-size (E segment—300, Taurus, Impala, A6)
Small CUV/SUV (CX-5, Escape, X3, Equinox)
Mid-size CUV/SUV (Grand Cherokee, Explorer, Highlander, Q7)
Pickup Truck (all sizes—Canyon, Silverado, F-150, RAM 1500, Tundra, Titan)
Here’s my version—see if you can beat me (it’s all subjective but I’m the final judge).
Two-seater: 2015 Mazda MX-5 sport ($24,765)
Four-seater: 2015 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack ($35,420)
Sub-compact: 2015 Ford Fiesta ST w/Recaro package ($23,235)
Compact: 2015 VW Golf GTI Autobahn ($30,415)
Mid-size: 2015 BMW 435i ($49,950)—or the 335i variety if you insist on playing by the rules.
Full-size: 2015 Chevrolet Impala 2LT ($31,110)
Small SUV/CUV: 2015 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD ($26,215)
Midsize SUV/CUV: 2014 Ford Flex SEL AWD ($32,495)
Pickup Truck: 2015 GMC Canyon SLE All-Terrain Package ($33,195)
Did it! My Salary Cap number is $286,800, giving me $1200 of room to spare in case my Fiesta transmission blows.
All right, now it’s your turn—quibble with my picks and make your own. Remember, pick one car for every category, and you cannot go over $288,000. Go!
So how do you “win” this game?
By picking your favorite choices and letting TTAC commenters mercilessly ridicule you until I pick a winner, which should be sometime around next Thursday.
Excellent. I’ll give it some thought.
On-line fantasy garage sadly is not comparable with real life parking garage. Lots of Camcords/Hyundai’s/leased luxury going there. For gear-heads, fantasy league and sales figures rarely correlate. Lots of commuter beasts that run cheap so their owners can build up junior’s/muffy’s college fund.
The hell with it – I don’t live in America and don’t know the price of your cars, but I’ll go using best guesses: Base models unless stated otherwise, and I’ll take the dicount on leftover 2014’s where possible. And spend it on large sunroofs.
Two-seater sports car: 2015 Porsche Boxster
Four-seater sports/pony car: 2015 Camaro SS
Subcompact: 2015 Fiat 500
Compact: 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Mid-size: 2015 BMW 320i
Full-size: 2015 Audi A6
Small CUV/SUV 2015 Audi Q3
Mid-size CUV/SUV 2015 Audi Q5
Pickup Truck 2015 GMC Canyon
How did I do?
Boxter: $51,400
Camaro: $33,505
500: $16,645
GTI: $24,395
320i: $32,750
A6: $44,800
Q3: $32,500
Q5: $38,900
Canyon: $20,955
Total: $295,850
Not too bad, but a little too heavy on the Germans for the US average price.
Just a little over…I think the Boxy has to go :)
Close but no cigar :)
I’ll ditch the poverty-spec A6 for a Fusion and we’re done.
Ok, I’ll play.
With my Canuckistani money, I shall take:
2015 Scion FR-S (stand-in for new Miata): $31.953.15
2015 Ford Mustang GT: $45,528
2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi (for the wife): $28,574.93
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI (for winter): $42,465.40
I neither want, nor need the rest.
Not a rules follower, eh?
Meh. I hate SUVs and trucks, so neither know, nor care about anything to do with them.
Is the Fit 28+K in Canuckistan????
My choices are old enough that they don’t necessarily qualify in current categories. As an example of category creep, a ’68 Charger was a mid-size when it came out, but would be considered full-sized now. And, since it’s a fantasy garage, I don’t want to fit someone else’s categories. And, I win, just by having them, whether anyone else agrees or not. In each case, if a convertible and a 2-door hardtop are both available, I want both. If there are multiple powertrain options,I want the biggest one. Choice of transmission is manual where available, with the most gears available. IE if 4-speed and 3-speed were choices, I want 4. Okay, call me greedy. If we’re talking MSRP, they all fit under your cap. If we’re talking current value, forget about it.
2-Seat C-2 Corvette from 1965-67. I’d prefer a split-window coupe, but gotta have disc brakes. I know most of my other choices don’t have disc brakes, but gotta have those cars too.
Compact 1969 Datsun 510 2 door sedan (had one. Loved it except for the carb icing and the way the plasticizers in the upholstery boiled out and coated the inside of the windows. Maybe an early 240 Z too.
Buick 1953 Skylark and 63 Riviera
Chevies (Bel Air, Impala or SS) from 1956, 58, 59, 61 and 66.
Chrysler 300 C or D, F and G
Desoto 1958 Adventurer
Dodge 1968 Charger. Particularly if the trunk and rear quarters haven’t rusted out. Had one of those too. Need a bigger engine than I had and I’m sorry the one I bought had a vinyl roof. Ditch that.
Ford 1960 Ford Sunliner and Starliner
Pontiac 1964 and 65 GTO. 1961 Bonneville and 1962 Catalina Super Duty.
Oldsmobile ’63 Starfire.
Once I have all of those, I’ll get a bigger garage and get some more.
Give the Sarge a special prize. New cars are depreciation gluttons. That guy apaida (sp) shows that on that other site weekly. But I have to admit this idea is off the charts cool. Ridicule? By the mis-named B&B? Unheard of.
Just a reminder—cars have to be available for 2014 or 2015 model year! Great choices otherwise. :)
That would have been a great list though. Not much of a fan of modern cars myself, but maybe I’ll have a look at whats available new and make a list. I would have gone for a 69 Charger though, I prefer the spit grille and wide taillights.
I’ll stick to the rules. And I’ll go a different marque for every category, how about that?
Full size – 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE, $31k
Mid-size – Acura TSX $32k
Compact – Focus SE with winter package, $20k
Subcompact – Kia Rio LX hatch, $14k
Small crossover – Infiniti QX50 Journey AWD, $40k
Mid-size crossover – Nissan Murano SL, $35k
Trucks – don’t particularly want one, I would go for something weird like the Honda Ridgeline Sport, $31k
Genesis Coupe R-Spec 3.8, $30k
Alfa Romeo 4C, $55k
$288k exactly!
Well done, sir!
Serious extra credit points for fitting the 4c into the cap!
2 Seater: Jaguar F-Type S (Firesand Metallic) – $77,600
4 Seater Sports/Pony: Scion FR-S – $25,670
Subcompact: Mitsubishi Mirage DE Manual – $12,995
Compact: Civic Si Sedan – $22,990
Mid-size: Kia Optima LX – $21,650
Full-size: Chrysler 300S – $34,395
Small CUV/SUV: Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD Manual – $24,395
Mid-size CUV/SUV: Dodge Durango R/T AWD – $41,695
Pickup Truck: 2014 Ram 1500 EXPRESS 4×2 Regular 6’4″ box – $25,845
Brings me to $287,235. I’m pretty happy with this. I was able to get AWD on both my SUVs, four manual transmissions, a Hemi V8 (two of them, actually!), the best-sounding V6 in the world, a couple of handsome sedans, and…a Mitsubishi Mirage. One has to make sacrifices somewhere.
BTW, I initially had a 60K 1LT Performance Package Stingray penciled in the 2-seater slot. I’m pretty sure that’s the best option there if you want to go high-performance (i.e. non-Miata) with your two-seater.
Never mind. I’ve clearly done this all wrong. The correct answer is, in fact, Miata + Hellcat.
2 Seater: MX-5 Club – $26,905
4 Seater Sports/Pony: Challenger Hellcat – $59,995
Subcompact: Fiat 500 Abarth – $22,195
Compact: Civic Si Sedan – $22,990
Mid-size: Accord Sport Manual Sedan – $23,865
Full-size: Chrysler 300S – $34,395
Small CUV/SUV: Jeep Wrangler Sahara – $28,295
Mid-size CUV/SUV: Dodge Durango R/T AWD – $41,695
Pickup Truck: 2014 Ram 1500 EXPRESS 4×2 Regular 6’4″ box – $25,845
Total: $286,180
Wow, that’s actually a great list. Every car is at least competent, and you get your monster.
Only new? Bah. With $288k, I can buy a $60k F355 GTS, my favorite car ever, and with my leftover $228k, maintain it for, oh, about 4 months.
Not getting the point of the game, are we?
Two-seater sports car: Corvette doesn’t fit under the cap because I feel that all my choices will come really close to that average transaction price.
Give me a base Miata with as few power features as possible. Why? Keep it pure man.
Four-seater sports/pony car: 2015 Mustang, Ecobost – performance pack, manual trans, Recaro seats – list $29,585 in Guard green, mmmmmmmmmmm my own Bullitt :)
Subcompact: Fiesta ST, fairly loaded, $24,825
Compact: Focus ST, fairly loaded, $28,245
Mid-size: Chrysler 200C V6 AWD, just under $30,000
Full-size: Chrysler 300S AWD – $37,890
Small CUV/SUV: Buick Encore Premium AWD $31,000 – Why? Because Norm, that’s why.
Mid-size CUV/SUV: Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4×4 – $33,090 because my fantasy garage has a really capable 4×4 in it.
Pickup Truck: None of them – I’ll keep my 2004 F150. It is big enough to be usable but small enough that it doesn’t take a tug boat captain to park it.
If you told me I could only choose one on this list, give me the Mustang. As iconic as a Harley Davidson but can carry more people. ;)
Oooh, an All-American lineup (kinda). Nice picks.
I’m not interested in most of these segments, especially new. My fantasy garage, even with unlimited money, has just a few cars in it:
– My daily driver: either Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD ($41,450) or Chevy SS ($44,475)
– Wife’s daily driver: Subaru Forester XT ($33,095)
– Small truck for household tasks: Used Duratec 2.3 Ford Ranger ($10,000)
– Toy: Porsche Boxster S ($80,510 as configured)
That’s not the point. The idea is to make the best possible garage with one from each segment.
I know. I was expressing impatience with the exercise. But now you’ve shamed me into doing it the right way. So here we go:
2-seater: MX-5 Club 6M ($26,905) – Gotta have that six-speed.
4-seater: Mustang GT Premium, 6M, Performance Pack ($41,215)
Subcompact: Honda Fit EX 6M ($17,435) – Better space per dollar than anyone else!
Compact: Mazda3 S Touring sedan 6M ($23,845) – 2.5L Skyactiv with manual, finally! And all sedan haters can jump in a lake.
Midsize: Accord Sport 6M ($23,865) – Just a ridiculously great value.
Fullsize: Chevrolet SS, sunroof ($45,470) (this is 2014 pricing for the 2015 car)
Small CUV: Forester XT Premium ($28,495) – What good is a CUV with crappy Haldex AWD?
Midsize CUV: Flex Limited EcoBoost ($40,500) – Since I can’t have a van.
Pickup: Ram 1500 SLT EcoDiesel 4×4 quad cab ($39,780) – Would rather have a truly small truck but this is a better value than those currently on the market.
Total: $287,510
You can tell I care more about some segments than others…
Ha—no shame intended!! Thanks for playing :)
Two-seater sports car: Porsche Cayman S ($63,800)
Four-seater sports/pony car: Subaru BRZ Limited ($28,490)
Subcompact: Honda Fit EX manual ($17,435)
Compact: Subaru WRX ($26,295)
Mid-size: Honda Accord Sport ($23,865)
Full-size: Hyundai Genesis ($38,950)
Small CUV/SUV: Nissan Juke Nismo ($23,170)
Mid-size CUV/SUV: Dodge Durango R/T ($39,295)
Pickup Truck: Ram 1500 Express 5.7 ($26,190)
$287,490
Squeaking in under the limit with a nice lineup!
Scion FRS: 25.5k
Genesis coupe 3.8: 27k
Yaris SE: 17k
2014 C63 AMG: 75k
Passat Wolfsburg: 25k
Charger SE with 8-speed: 27k
Juke AWD Nismo: 25k
4Runner SR5: 35k
Tundra SR5 Double Cab 5.7: 31.5k
I seriously did not expect anyone to pick a Yaris :) Nice!
Ok I get the spirit of this game. Cars have to be new because, like in the fantasy football analogy, you have to use players currently playing…plus in this case $ values for new cars are easy to find whereas used values are all over the map. Also like football, you need one in each category (position). I like it so far. Here’s my list…I chose some odd “players” but all are things I’d buy (or in couple of cases have bought) with my own money..
Two-seater sports car: 2014 C7 Corvette 54000
Four-seater sports/pony car: 2015 Mustang GT Track Pack 35000
Subcompact: 2015 Polaris Slingshot 20000
Compact: 2014 Mustang V6 Convert 30000
Mid-size: 2014 Accord Sport 22500
Full-size: 2014 Chrysler 300C 36500
Small CUV/SUV: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 28000
Mid-size CUV/SUV: 2014 Jeep GC Laredo 4×4 36500
Pickup Truck: 2014 Ram Express 25500
Polaris! Is that cheating? :)
Possibly. The Slingshot defies classification though maybe it should have been my 2-seater. I was going for the “car for any occasion” with the JGC and 300 being the go-to road trip cars depending on the trip and the season.
93 wrangler, 1000$
88 f150 800$
91 nissan 240sx 2000$
Done.
And now I have well over 100000$ to keep these cars ridiculously reliable and in good order.
Go back, read instructions, try again.
Two-seater sports car : Honda CR-Z, manual. roughly 20K (Ooooh, I’ll get some hate for this, wouldn’t keep it stock for long though)
Four-seater sports/pony car : Mustang Gt, roughly 37K , American dream, but no racing stripes available yet?
Subcompact : Honda Fit, manual 15.5K, no competition
Compact : Focus ST roughly 24K (ah here comes the stripes)
Mid-size : Accord coupe, stripper, manual 24K
Full-size : Charger Hellcat, for a number(707 to be exact) of reasons , guess I’ll have to wait a bit, but roughly 70K ?
Small CUV/SUV : CRV, for practicality, not fun, at 23K
Mid-size CUV/SUV : ¨Crosstour v6 awd. 35K Sorry, I just love it, and it beats the X6 in everything I care about, even if it lacks a manual…
Pickup Truck : Ford F-150, regular cab 5.0 26K
As basic as a pickup truck should be..
Total, 274.500. So I’ll have some money left for the supercharger kit for the CR-Z (5.5K at HPD) and lowering springs and nicer rims for the Crosstour. Oh, and some aftermarket stripes for the Mustang. The rest will probably used for speeding tickets and rear tires for the Hellcat….
I agree—Mustang stripes are a must!
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ($54,000)
2015 Ford Mustang GT Premium Peformance Pack ($39,420)
2015 Ford Fiesta ST ($23,235)
2015 VW Golf 4-door 1.8T ($20,675)
2015 Ford Fusion SE 2.0T AWD w/MFT($30,140)
2014 Dodge Charger SE 8-speed ($26,385)
2015 Subaru Forester manual ($22,195)
2015 Ford Transit Wagon 3.5EB ($35,465)
2014 Ford F150 XLT 5.0L 4×4 8 foot bed – real truck package ($35,060)
$286575
>2015 Ford Transit Wagon
I see what you did there.
Is it strange that I have priced them out online and want to buy one?
The 3.5EB version with LSD, nav, and leather is $41K.
I get it, I love full size vans. Although it must be a Dodge B-van. The current crop of Euro vans do nothing for me aesthetically.
I have many years of driving E-series step vans. I bought them instead of trucks sometimes because they are so cheap used, and they hold a bunch of stuff. I love the Dodge B-Vans too.
The aesthetics of the Transit don’t bother me because I want to lay down some rubber in a van. We need a full size van spec racing series.
>We need a full size van spec racing series.
Field trip to Japan?
http://hooniverse.com/2010/02/24/japanese-combine-molester-vans-and-racing-to-create-something-new/
Transit wagon…survey says…
I’ll allow it!
Good. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to appeal.
Two-seater sports car: 2014 McLaren MP4-12C | $239,400
Four-seater sports/pony car: 2015 Rolls Royce Wraith Coupe | $289,100
Subcompact: 2015 Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo | £18,995
Compact: 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI | $39,026
Mid-size: 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 4MATIC | $99,770
Full-size: 2015 Bentley Flying Spur W12 | $230,000
Small CUV/SUV: Porsche Mecan Turbo AWD | $77,480
Mid-size CUV/SUV: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged | $102,920
Pickup Truck: Ford F-350 Platinum Crew Cab 4×4 Diesel | $67,310
I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! I…wait. What?
You kinda blew the budget by a tiny 6 figure amount I think :P
Well, you WOULD have won, except you picked that Macan…
This would take an hour to put this together, looking up pricing.
I’m going all offense with a few third-stingers to afford the all-stars.
2 Seater: Corvette: $53,000
4 Seater Sports/Pony: Challenger Hellcat – $59,995
Subcompact: Nissan Versa penalty box spec – $11,990
Compact: Cadillac ATS 2.0T 6MT – $33,020
Mid-size: Mazda 6 base 6M: $22,410
Full-size: Dodge Charger R/T Plus – $32,695
Small CUV/SUV: Jeep Patriot base no options – $16,395
Mid-size CUV/SUV: Dodge Journey SE – $19,995
Pickup Truck: 2014 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4×4 Quad Cab – $37,190
Total: $286,690
I was wondering if anyone would pick the Journey.
It would stay parked, so it doesn’t really matter how much value there is in the Value Package ;)
You can sell the Versa for Hellcat tires.
hey danio, since you know these type of things…
The 2.4 VVT motor in the Caliber/Compass/Patriot, has it proven to be pretty reliable for Chrysler? Its not raelly inspiring but I am wondering what one can expect when buying a Patriot. Similarly, how has the CVT held up?
Thanks
The World Engines are A-OK. The Jatco CVTs, not so much. Go stick or Powertech 6AT.
I like the strategy! Well played.
Doing this under protest because I wouldn’t buy vehicles in many of the categories with someone else’s money:
Two-seater sports car: 2015 Mazda Miata ($25,000)
Four-seater sports/pony car: BMW 228i Track Handling Package ($38,000)
Subcompact: 2015 Fiat 500 Pop ($16,000)
Compact: 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T ($20,000)
Mid-size: 2015 BMW 328d wagon ($55,000)
Full-size: 2015 Toyota Avalon ($32,000)
Small CUV/SUV 2015 Jeep Renegade ($28,000, I know, technically not out quite yet)
Mid-size CUV/SUV 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee ($40,000)
Pickup Truck 2015 GMC Canyon ($24,000)
I used round numbers for each as I would want them equipped, not including such things as European delivery discount on the BMWs. Comes to $278K.
I think this would be MUCH more interesting if it were not limited to current model years, but the same categories with say a $250K cap.
Longtime lurker who registered just to play. All prices MSRP from Edmunds.com with options/accessories as I’d equip each car.
2-seater sports: 2014 Miata Grand Touring w/ Suspension Package $28,995
4-seater sports: 2014 Mustang GT Premium w/ Track Pack $36,245 (less $3000 cash back)
Sub-compact: 2014 Fiesta ST w/ Green Envy Paint $21,825 (less $1000 cash back)
Compact: 2014 Focus ST base $23,267 (less $1500 cash back)
Mid-Size: 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring $28,782
Full-Size: 2014 Hyundai Azera $30,088 (less $1500 cash back)
Small SUV: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring $28,782
Mid SUV: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/ Offroad & Tow Group $41,636 (less $500 cash back)
Pickup: 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Crew w/ Reverse Camera and Brake controller $48,370.
Grand Total before rebates is $288,606, but with rebates total comes to $281,106.
Get the last 6.2L Raptor and be happy forever.
On reflection after completing my example above, I think this would be a more fun exercise if you didn’t choose segments for readers. Set the total amount, and then establish a few conditions:
1) Only new cars, available for 2014/2015 MY
2) At least one car *must* be usable for ALL the types of driving you do at least once per year (so, for me, something would need to carry baby + in-laws, go on skiing and hiking trips, and carry small furniture and DIY stuff)
Under those rules and a $288,000 cap, I’d buy the following:
1) Full-size sedan: Audi A8 4.0T ($105,800 as optioned)
2) City hot hatch: Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 4-door with performance pack (roughly $31,000 depending on Performance Pack pricing))
3) Compact CUV: Subaru Forester XT Touring ($33,095)
4) Pickup truck: Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Hemi ($36,730)
5) 2-seater sports car: Porsche Boxster S ($80,510 as optioned)
Total: $287,135
Reg; ” think this would be a more fun exercise if you didn’t choose segments for readers.” First thought, it is not your game, make one up and we might play it.
Second thought, very interesting, because we and the manufacturers can see where the interest in their products lies, or not, among people who know cars and influence others regarding cars. I hope a lot of the B&B play, as totaling up the segment choices could be quite interesting to those who need to know.
Kudos Bark
This was a bit more difficult and time consuming than I thought, but it was ultimately pretty enjoyable. I might actually get some of my facebook friends to compete with my own list later on.
Two Seater Sports Car – 2015 Nissan 370Z $29,990
Four Seater Sports / Pony Car – 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 $45,995
Subcompact – 2015 Ford Fiesta ST $20,915
Compact – 2015 Mazda 3 s Touring (sedan) $25,045
Mid-Size – 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2LTZ $29,950
Full-Size – 2015 Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ $35,440
Small CUV/SUV – 2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring $27,970
Mid-Size CUV/SUV – 2015 GMC Terrain SLT-1 AWD (V6) $32,495
Pickup Truck – 2015 GMC Canyon SLT (AWD) $38,425
Total: $286,225
‘Merica (sort of).
Finally someone figured out swapping the ‘Vette for a Z to save some coin. Granted we all know that answer in that category is Miata.
I’d play but #1 too lazy to look up pricing… and #2 how is 4 seater sports/pony car a single category? That’s two categories in my book unless we don’t care how many doors we need in this four seater. Thus I can save a draft pick in my fantasy garage by using a G37, Mustang, Genesis, FRS/BRZ or Camaro as both my “sports” car and my “pony” car. Maybe we need “convertible” as a category, but that just means Miata for the win again.
Fun concept.
I always forget about the Z, as do most shoppers in America. Good choices.
First and only Malibu appearance, I like it! I deemed this even more of a long-shot than the Versa/Yaris if we’re just using MSRP…
A solid, decent looking, 260hp, turbo mid-sized sedan for under $30k. What could go wrong?!
This was tougher than I thought. The tough part is de-contenting vehicles to get under 288k.
I picked a vehicle from each class but if someone gave me 388k to buy toys I’d end up with bikes, boats, quads, and trucks.
Here is my list (USA prices):
2 seater sports car……. 2015 Mazda Miata MX5…….. 24,765
4 seater sport/pony car… 2015 Mustang GT Premium. 39,515
Sub compact…………… Fiesta SE Hatch……… 17,415
Compact………………. Mazda 3i hatch sport…. 19,540
Mid sized…………….. Mazda 6 Touring……… 24,940
Full Sized……………. Chevy Impala 1LT…….. 30,135
Small CUV/SUV…………. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X. 40,135
Mid CUV/SUV…………… Toyota 4Runner Trail…. 36,707
pickup……………….. Ford Raptor ………… 54,750
Grand total…………………………………. 287,912
Man, that’s a nice list. I desperately want a Raptor.
Two Seat Sports: Audi TTS #50,250 -I kinda wanted a Cayman, but since I picked this one last, I didn’t have the funds for one. So, Audi.
Four Seat Sports: Scion FR-S $26,359 -This technically seats four, since it has a back seat, right?
Subcompact: Fiat 500 Abarth $23,245 -This is the one car I’d most likely get in real life.
Compact: Mitsubishi Lancer GT $21,405 -It would be nice to get the Sportback version, but sadly, it only comes with a CVT…
Mid size: Mazda 6 Sport $21,190 -What can I say, I like the simple, straight forward interior layout of this entry level version.
Full size: 2015 Hyundai Genesis V8 $52,450 -The closest thing to a modern day Lincoln Town Car.
Small SUV: Jeep Wrangler Sport $23,485 -I’m not really into SUVs, I’m not sure if the Kia Soul qualifies as one, since it’s not available with AWD, and the Renegade is not available yet, so I went with the classic.
Mid Size SUV: 2014 Ford Flex SE $26,941 -These are apparently coming with a $3,250 factory incentive right now, so it seemed like a decent buy.
Truck: Ram Promaster Cargo van $33,870 -Again, I’m not into trucks, but I do dig vans, and this one is the short wheel base version with the optional diesel motor.
Total for this comes in at $279,195, leaving me $8805 to further customize these as I see fit.
Oooh, that Lancer hurts a bit. :)
Hey now! I think in GT guise, the Lancer is handsome, and not too bad to drive with its torquey big 4, as long as you get the (admittedly antediluvian) 5-speed gearbox. I drove one recently. It didn’t suck entirely. Murilee Martin agrees: http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/race-organizer-review-2014-mitsubishi-lancer-gt
Granted, at 21 grand, there are about 15 or so better cars you could have. Discounted to 17-ish, it wouldn’t be terrible to consider, provided that (a) you really need a long-ass warranty and don’t want to go Korean, and (b) your credit is atrocious.
MY65 Lincoln Continental Sedan
MY68 Jaguar E-type
MY69 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
MY69 Cadillac Eldorado
MY72 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
MY78 Lincoln Continental Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition
MY79 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 425 with fuel injection conversion
MY80 Cadillac Eldorado 368 with fuel injection
MY85 Volvo 242 Turbo
MY86 Mercedes 560SEC
MY88 Mercedes 560SL or 380 Convertible
MY91 Mercedes 560SEL
MY91 Cadillac Fleetwood Coupe 4.9 (C-body)
MY92 Lincoln Continental Mark VII LSC Special Edition
MY92 Olds Tornado Trofeo
MY92 Cadillac Eldorado 4.9
MY93 Lexus SC300 manual, SC400 auto
MY93 Volvo 240 Wagon Classic
MY95 Jaguar XJ6
MY95 Olds Ninety Eight
MY85 Volvo 960 sedan or wagon with V8 conversion
MY98 Lincoln Continental Mark VIII LSC
MY98 Buick Riviera Silver Arrow Edition
MY99 Lexus LS400
MY99 BMW Z3
MY00 BMW M3
MY02 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas with LSx conversion
Yeah, I decided not to play by the rules because I like to make my own :)
Just because I am lazy, and a Ford Fanboi, here is mine. The wife is happy since she gets her Camaro SS Convertible, her stupid Beetle convertible top need to be replaced, ergo the Miata hardtop. I get my Raptor, which I would option up with the left over money. The rest are just easy since I live maybe a 1/4 mile from a Ford Dealer. Service or other issues would be very easily taken care of. I thought about putting a C-Max in there, but I’m not really sure what category it falls in, and please refer back to the lazy part, I don’t feel like trying to figure it out exactly.
Type Model Value
Two Seater Mazda Miata Convertible Hardtop $28,665.00
Pony Car Camaro Convertible SS $61,700.00
Subcompact Ford Fiesta ST $20,915.00
Compact Ford Focus ST $23,625.00
Mid-Size Ford Fusion $22,400.00
Full-size Ford Taurus $26,790.00
Small CUV Ford Escape $22,610.00
Midsize CUV Ford Flex $29,015.00
Truck Ford Raptor $47,895.00
Total: $283,615.00
All that and you didn’t pick the best Ford!
Well, my wife desperately wants a damn Camaro SS convertible, so that took the pony car spot.
2-seater sports car Scion FRS $25,470
4-seater pony car Charger SRT $44,385
Subcompact Honda Fit Navi $20,800
Compact WRX STI limited $38,495
Mid-size Accord V6 EXL $30,495
Full-size Buick Lacrosse $31,960
Small CUV/SUV Rouge SV AWD $25,840
Mid-size CUV/SUV Jeep GC Limited $38,495
Pickup Truck F150 Xlt $30,335
$1,725, left for happy meals and gas
The FRS is a 4 seater
This is a good idea. I really enjoyed the challenge.
Two-seater sports car 2014 Chevrolet Corvette 7-speed Manual $53,000
Four-seater sports/pony car 2015 Ford Mustang V6, 6-speed Manual $23,600
Subcompact 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan, 5-speed Manual $11,990
Compact 2014 Kia Soul, 5-speed Manual $14,900
Mid-size 2015 Mazda 6, 6-speed Manual $21,190
Full-size 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 Wagon, 7-speed Auto $102,370
Small CUV/SUV 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport CVT $19,595
Mid-size CUV/SUV 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander, 6-speed auto $23,195
Pickup Truck 2015 Nissan Frontier I4 CVT $17,990
Total $287,830
I was able to get a new Stingray, a 300hp 6-speed manual Mustang, and to top it all off, an E63 wagon within the budget allowed.
One thing that I found interesting is how difficult it was to use some of the manufacturers web sites to get the MSRP. I was going to use a Lotus in honor of their final hour, but their site was terrible.
2Seat: Boxster base manual 50K
Subconpact FiST 25K
Compact GTI 6mt 30K
Small CUV Mazda CX5 6mt 25K
Mid SUV 4Runnner SR5 7 Seat 35K
Pickup Ram Power Wagon 55K
Mid, Full & Pony, all expertly rolled into one rollicking riot: CTS-V Wagon 6mt 70K
=290K – A few grand of bargaining = 288K.
I abstain.
Also, what? No minivan?
The next one should be an exercise in the absolute crappiest cars you can buy for that budget across all segments. With the reason why each of the cars qualify as horrible (styling! interior room! that transmission!) called out after each vehicle.
That’s an excellent idea.
“The next one should be an exercise in the absolute crappiest cars you can buy for that budget across all segments. With the reason why each of the cars qualify as horrible (styling! interior room! that transmission!) called out after each vehicle.”
That is a fantastic idea! And I’m bored, so I did it.
Two-seater sports car: 2015 Nissan 370Z 7AT – $31,290
Long in the tooth? Check. Automatic gearbox? Check. Uglier than a hatful of arseholes? Check.
Four-seater sports/pony car: 2015 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate Automatic – $35,495
V6 Mustang performance for V8 Mustang money.
Subcompact: Smart ForTwo Pure Coupe – $13,270
Even people in Mirages will laugh at you.
Compact: Mercedes Benz CLA250 – $30,825
The automotive equivalent of one of those cheap “designer” watches Jack Baruth is always going on about.
Mid-size: Toyota Prius v – $26,750
All of the mirthlessness of the regular Prius, in a more ungainly package.
Full-size: Porsche Panamera – $78,100
Just look at it. Actually, don’t.
Small CUV/SUV: Fiat 500L – $19,195
The adorable 500’s fat sister.
Mid-size CUV/SUV: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD – $22,995
Mitsubishi isn’t even trying anymore, are they?
Pickup Truck: Honda Ridgeline – $29,575
The truck for people who hate trucks.
Grand total: $287,495.00. Money well spent if you immediately scrap each one.
I think this would make a great round 2 next week. My idea for round 3 is to use 1/10 the salary cap ($28,800) and try to find the best cars in each category on Craigslist. I’m looking forward to clapped-out NA Miatas and Fieros!
Two-seater sports car (2015 BMW I8_ $136,650)
Four-seater sports car (2014 Scion FRS_$25,470)/Pony car (2015 Mustang Ecoboost-Perf Pkg_$29, 535)
Subcompact (2014 Fiat Abarth- Cabrio_$26,195)
Compact (2014 Lexus CT 200H ‘F’ Sport_ $36,325)
Mid-size (2014 BMW328D X Drive Sports Wagon_ $44,750)
Full-size (2014 Merc’ E350 Coupe – Sport Pkg._ $56,015)
Small CUV/SUV (2014 Mazda CX5_$21,545)
Mid-size CUV/SUV (2014 Merc’ GLK250 Blue Tec_($42,315)
Pickup Truck 2014 Nissan Frontier King Cab_$17,990 )
Total_ $437,320 Oop’s! I lost, but there is my choices in the prescribed segments.
After getting a few hours sleep, I realized I would change one vehicle, I would swap out the competent, yet boring ‘2014 Merc’ E350 Coupe
$56,015’, for a ‘Cadillac CTS-VSport_$60,990. There, I got a disguised Corvette after all.
I registered just for this post! Copied Danio’s approach by concentrating my salary cap on an few chosen dream cars… Prices from Edmunds or whatever other sites the chinese internet would let me get on.
2 seater: 2015 Subaru BRZ Coupe: $30000
4 seater: 2015 Hellcat $64000
subcompact: 2015 Scion IQ $15000 (don’t knock it, drove one in Milan a few years back and had a lot of fun in it, miles better than a Smart)
Compact: Golf TSI manual, $17000, plenty good enough as a DD
Mid size: Kia optima sedan, lightly optioned $22000
Full size: Impala, fully loaded, that dinosaur is a must have at $37000
Small CUV: Nissan Juke Nismo RS $27000 ( I dislike small SUV’s so I might as well get the worst one?)
Mid SUV: 4Runner Trail, $35000
Pickup: Ram 1500, V8, $34000 (couldnt find a 2015MY)
total: +/- $281000, do a bit of haggling and it’ll fit.
Thanks for registering and playing!
My dream garage is all old cars, guess I gotta sit this one out.
Two-seater sports car 2015 Chevy Corvette 1lt coupe 7 speed manual $54,999
Four-seater sports/pony car 2015 Mustang GT Premium fast back manual Performance pkg $41,215
Subcompact 2015 Ford Fiesta s $13,452
Compact 2014 Focus sedan S $14,768
Mid-size Passat TDI Manual SE $27,645
Full-size Impala, LS $27885
Small CUV/SUV 2015 Jeep Wrangler $23,690
Mid-size CUV/SUV Nissan Xterra Pro 4x manual $31,450
Pickup Truck SVT Raptor 801A front camera tail gate step $52,325
$287,429
I care more about some of these than others, and everything is manual except the Raptor and Impala where it is not an option. Im glad that i got real 4x4s the vett, the stang,and a Diesel.
Kinda had to go with the raptor for obvious reasons.
@Carilloskis – something tells me you started at the truck end of the list too?
I only had to stop at one web site
Two Seater Z 29990
Pony Car GTR 101770
Subcompact versa 11990
Compact sentra 15990
Mid-Size altima V6 31950
Full-size maxima 31200
Small CUV juke 19770
Midsize CUV rogue select 20150
Truck frontier v6 23440
total 286250
eternal supply of VQ engines to run forever.