Dushyant’s More Practical TOP 10 cars(2004-2005)

The list i had out earlier was perhaps very biased and not many would even consider buying those machines in this age of ‘practicality’ over everything else. For those graduates, out of school and with a job in hand, i present the more usable list for this year. Again, i could have just listed several models of Toyota and Honda but my sole purpose in life is not to buy an accord/Camry. I will not call them bad cars because they simple are not. But i don’t want my car to be the 72nd silver Accord in the parking lot. Anyways, here goes. Again the list contains ten cars. In no Particular order!

1. The LOTUS Elise. Low on practicality with space only for a weekend duffel bag. But she is the cheapest hard-core sports car that money can buy. And her ability to please her driver is UN paralleled. Please consider this car only if you love driving or are looking for the fun second car!

2. The MAZDA Rx-8. More practical than the else with four seats (two adults and two not so adult), this rotary powered car is delightful to drive. It lacks the s2000 grunt but let the revs catch and it wont disappoint. Handling on the softer side, but a big advantage on the city streets. Excellent gearshift quality with short throws.

3. The ACURA TL. Not really a fan of the ACURA but if you don’t mind glorified Honda’s, this is an excellent buy. Rated as of the prettiest cars this year, the sharpness of its looks with stings you too. More than adequate Acura Handling allows this car into this list. A little on the expensive side but a very good buy if you plan to keep it for some time.

4. The new MUSTANG 2005. I know you don’t think its possible. A ford? Making a good car? And not a mustang again!! But wait, she is the all-new mustang. I love its boxy looks and in your face front. I love the way they have melted in the 67 design clues in the new design. And the i love the fact that i might get a 300+ hp car for less than 30 grand. Also, i know for a fact the new mustang though higher than originally intended, handles the best amongst all Mustangs to date.

5. The CADILLAC CTS. Hey, if the European critics love it then we better love it too. Competing with the Germans and European, this American siren struts her stuff well! Look for the CTS -V if the job you landed is paying you well!

6. The AUDI A4/ the BMW 3 series. The reason i put them together is because i honestly believe that they are at par. They are basically the same quality cars with different virtues. If you are a Capricorn go for the Audi A4. Everybody else go for BMW 3. Again, if you are a MBA passout with too much money in hand, go for the M3 or the S4.  In this case, though the S4 is more practical with four doors and better drivability!

7. The MAZDA 3. Go for the loaded, higher powered five-door version and you will not regret it. Of course the demographic will lead you towards the younger buyers, but if you wanted a spirited performer and excellent handling, the Mazda 3 will keep your expectations.

8. Surprisingly, if 40 grand is not that much of a Stretch, i would highly recommend the Boxter. Yes, i know it is not in the same league as the 911 and doesn’t even have the goodies, but you cannot go wrong with a Porsche.

9. A wild card in the list, but the new 300m from Chrysler. For the price it is a whole lot of car. And if you can pull it off, the car definitely shouts that you have arrived.

10. After a lot of consideration, i decided to put her in. I have to hand it to Honda who went out of their motto of practicality and made the s2000. For it being a Honda, it is an extremely hardcore sports car. A high revwing engine, almost redlining at 9000, she carries a lot of grunt. I love the long hood and the short butt design. The interiors leave a lot to be desired but she is a good machine.