What car- Corner carver doubles as a sales tool?

I've got a new project developing. It's pretty early- only 50/50 odds. If it does happen, it will be kind of interesting. So for now, we are just playing.

If so, I will be commuting 1 1/2 hours per day on one of the better driving roads in the country. Highway 60 in North GA.

Fabulous.

The problem is, my truck can't do it. I drive an F-250 diesel (2WD) with a heavy steel Reading utility style cap on it, and there is no way I can do the work without it (or something similar). Well OK, the truck CAN do it, but it is top heavy, and an beast to drive on those curves. No fun. I can't do it every day.

So, I'm thinking a driver's corner carver up and down the hill, and leave the truck near the work.

The catch is if I buy a 2nd car, it has to be a bit of a sales tool. It has to appeal to my customers.

We will be building super high efficiency homes and additions. Green houses.

That means our customers will likely be both young people and middle aged people with money. I need the ability to have a customer jump in the car and not think, "What kind of fruitcake is this guy?"

So, I could be happy driving a MINI Cooper S, and it would appeal to the young crowd, but older folks would wonder if I was having some kind of mid-life crisis. I could be happy driving an M3, but the younger folks might think I'm a wealthy old fart. Prius might make them both happy, but what a drag to drive.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if it got good fuel economy, and a hatch might be useful to carry stuff occasionally.

SUV's and crossovers are typically the vehicle of choice for ferrying customers, but those curves, Oh, those schweet, schweet curves!

1, 2, 3... go!

In reply to SVreX:

Audi A4 Avant

GTI

Mazda2!

High fuel economy, looks different, carries 4 decently, definitely on the "corner-carver" end of the spectrum.

If you need more room, the CX-5 is the best-handling and most efficient crossover right now.

I like the A4 Avant idea but might also suggest you look at the A3 as well.

What kind of price range are you looking for. Something by Fisker would fit the bill, but I doubt you're looking that pricey.
4-doors needed or are 2 ok?

BMW 328, most of the handling with less cost and good mph.

Audi??? He's in construction not a cock

For that road I would choose an Elise. Although that might not fit the requirments.

You know the new Volkswagen plant is just up the road in Chattanooga. It's very likely that some of your potential customers are employed there. What do you think of a TDI? I'm sure they could be made fun.

Didn't realize there was a new VW plant close.

I like TDI's. I've driven the Jetta wagon, the Golf, and the stump puller Tourag.

Can't afford the Tourag. Prefer the handling of the Golf, but the Jetta is much more practical (and extremely comfortable on the long haul). What would it take for one to corner?

I completely agree about the Elise.

Can't afford it, and would definitely loose customers.

Price. Hmmm....

I have always been a cash buyer. That would not mean very much right now.

I'd probably have to get a loan for this one. It's gonna hurt my feelings.

Still probably need to buy something used and keep it under $20K.

I don't think you want something flashy - your potential customers will think you're charging too much. 99% of the contractors and builders I see drive some sort of SUV, but since you're targeting the high efficiency / green crowd maybe a hybrid would be more appropriate.

Cr-z or a tdi. I know you use to be able to get the Jetta tdi cup car so it had better suspension and better seats in it.

stuart in mn wrote: I don't think you want something flashy - your potential customers will think you're charging too much. 99% of the contractors and builders I see drive some sort of SUV, but since you're targeting the high efficiency / green crowd maybe a hybrid would be more appropriate.

Yep.

I'll probably convert my truck to a veggie burner.

That A4 wagon is a beautiful car.

As much as I am leery of VW electrics - VW jetta wagon tdi

G8 GXP should be able to knock down mid 20s driven pretty hard, sounds great, 4 doors for when you need to move some people, and flies under the radar.

BMW E46. BMW does a good job at highway mileage and is always fun to drive.

E46 M3, put EV stickers on it and leave an extension cord end dangling from the gas cap.

SVreX wrote:

stuart in mn wrote: I don't think you want something flashy - your potential customers will think you're charging too much. 99% of the contractors and builders I see drive some sort of SUV, but since you're targeting the high efficiency / green crowd maybe a hybrid would be more appropriate.

Yep. I'll probably convert my truck to a veggie burner.

That'll do no good unless you have "RUNS ON VEGETABLE OIL" plastered all over the side of it. If you're buyer's are yuppies, you may run into this with a buyer or two when they hear the diesel engine.

Buy a late model Lincoln Town Car. Cushy ride, easy to drive, quiet, the thing most people look for in a car.

speed 3, avant wagon, speed 6, passat w8 4motion wagon, veloster looks interesting

Civic SI? Get a subtle color and de-sticker it and most probably wouldn't know the difference from the outside, but how over the top is the interior in those?

S60/V70R?

Saab 9-3 Aero if you feel brave with possible parts difficulties

In reply to thestig99:

No bravery here. I live in the land of MERICAN cars!

SVreX wrote: We will be building super high efficiency homes and additions. Green houses.

This says Toyota Prius.

In reality a new Impala LT is one of the better sales guy car. You want to be successful looking but not too extravagant.

I am not BoostedBrian wrote: That'll do no good unless you have "RUNS ON VEGETABLE OIL" plastered all over the side of it. If you're buyer's are yuppies, you may run into this with a buyer or two when they hear the diesel engine. Buy a late model Lincoln Town Car. Cushy ride, easy to drive, quiet, the thing most people look for in a car.

Yeah, if I did it I'd have to put the veggie stickers on it.

Town Car??? Are you kidding? Meh. Double Meh.

That's like bringing a cruise ship to a go cart race.