The top 5 new cars I'd buy today with my own money
I'm not in the market, but if I were...
Good morning and happy Monday, readers. I'm just wrapping up a week with the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS edition you see pictured above, which I drove around Sicily last year and immediately fell in love with. My time this week reaffirmed my affinity for the thing, which blends a lot of the character of my 1991 Toyota MR2 with the feel of the seemingly endless string of Imprezas I've owned over the years.
It's low and compact but reasonably practical, and while it's far from a slow car, its performance is relatively modest, which means I can routinely get my foot flat to the floor and really wring it out. I love it.
I commented at one point that, were I in the market for a new car today, this one would be easily in my top 5. And that got me to thinking... what would the other four be?
Cue a good excuse to go play with some vehicle configurators, which is one of my favorite pastimes. Here's what I came up with, in no particular order.
Subaru BRZ tS
As I mentioned, this is definitely on the list. Honestly, I don't know for sure whether I'd go with the tS or save a little money on the base model. They're all great. Likewise, I'm not sure whether I'd go with the Toyota or Subaru flavors. The differences are so minor that the right call for you is whichever you think looks better and, frankly, whichever of your local dealers is working harder to make a deal.
Assuming I felt like splurging, I'd go with the BRZ tS in WR Blue Pearl, with the only option being the $355 HomeLink mirror. $36,820. About the most fun for your dollar you can get these days.
Ford Maverick Tremor
Changing gears but sticking in the same budget ballpark, let's discuss the Ford Maverick. I've coveted this little truck since Ford brought it to market a few years back. I know a lot of folks who have these and love 'em, and since my wife and I have been discussing the need for a truck for some time now, this one is increasingly tempting.
In fact, we'd already own one if Ford made an electric or even PHEV version. Despite that, were I buying today, I'd go with the non-hybrid. Why? If I have to burn gas, I might as well have fun doing it. That means the Tremor package, which, with its better diffs, because I tend to drive my cars the hardest when the grip is at its lowest.
Otherwise, I'd keep the options to a bare minimum and start throwing accessories/upgrades at this thing over time as I do more with it. Big value in a little truck for $35,520 delivered.
Rivian R1T
Yes, I've been pondering trucks a lot lately. Driving the refreshed Rivian R1S and R1T, which you can read my coverage at Worth or watch the video at Engadget, just reaffirmed my desire to have an R1T in my life. You know I love EVs, and as a fan of adventure, the get-out-there-minded touches of Rivian's truck really speak to me. The refreshed version just makes it all the better.
I do wish they were making a smaller R2T or R3T, and perhaps in time that will come, but for now, I'd go with the Dual Large configuration because two motors offer plenty of power and off-road capability, but I'd want a bit more range than the base model. I love the aero wheels, and while I'd surely agonize over the color for a good while, that green is fetching. $82,150 is a lot of cash, but I'd have a lot of fun with this thing.
But twice more fun than the Ford? Hmm...
GR Corolla Core
Here's a little excerpt from my review for Jalopnik:
This isn't a car. What you're looking at is a 300-hp, all-wheel-drive recipe for hooliganism. The only time I wasn't driving this car to its absolute limit was when I tested its cargo capacity by making a run to the grocery store. Yet even with a trunk full of bruise-happy Honeycrisps, I couldn't keep from toggling into Sport mode on the way home.
I still really want one. I'd keep it simple and go for the Core, but for sure, I would add on the Performance pack to get the good differentials. I don't love the red, and I'm frustrated Toyota doesn't have more fun colors for this thing, but still I'm probably not going to pay another $6k for the Circuit Edition just so that I can get a good blue.
Anyway, $39,200 out the door is awfully tempting. Would I take this or the BRZ/86? Cue many sleepless nights if/when I ever have to make that decision.
2025 Nissan Leaf S
Wait, what? Yes, the Leaf S. Why? $19 monthly with $0 down. This is a ridiculous deal that a Colorado Nissan dealer threw down, and while I'm sure those cars are long gone, I'm sure other dealers are being quite generous with Leaf pricing right now.
I've spent a lot of time in various Leaf models over the years. I came the closest I've ever come to getting stranded in the current generation Leaf S, thanks to an unexpected cold snap that saw its range plummet like a poorly conditioned battery dropped off a roof. Nevertheless, how can you possibly say no to a new car for $19 a month?
Weekly highlights
Before I sign off, here's a quick rundown of where you can read me this week. I really enjoyed pulling together this feature on NHRA Funny Car drag racing for Hagerty. Also, you can read some further coverage from me of EV-related adoption woes over at MotorTrend.
Have great weeks, y'all!