Our Favorite Cars and SUVs for Summer Fun
Summer is here, and we’re all overdue for some fun and relaxation. Whatever you do for fun this summer, you need wheels to get there. Plus, driving is just fun all by itself — is there anything more American than the freedom of the open road? So
This article is about our favorite vehicles for summer road trips, vacations, and all-around good times. Let’s get into it!
Good Times in Your New-to-You Car or SUV
Buying used is the way to go if you don’t want to give up features or power to save money or to take that massive depreciation hit in the first two years. Let the other guy get soaked — then you can come to Major World and buy his low-mileage used vehicle for 20-50% off the new price. The math works, and it makes sense.
With that practical talk out of the way, here are our favorite used vehicle models for summer fun:
Best Used SUVs for Summer Fun
Jeep Wrangler
You knew this one had to be on the list. Hardtop, no top, doors, no doors. The Wrangler manages to be whatever you need it to be in the moment. It is the perennial summer fun SUV. It’s no wonder people have loved them for decades and why Jeep’s 4 or 5 parent companies have always been very careful about messing with the recipe over the years. Today’s Wrangler is far more modern and easy to live with than its leaf-sprung predecessors that rode like a covered wagon crossing the plains — but it’s still as capable and fun-loving as ever.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Wrangler’s long-awaited pickup truck manifestation has everything you love about the Wrangler (aside from a short overall length for scrambling up tight switchbacks when off-roading). Like a Wrangler with a mullet, the Gladiator is business in the front, party in the back. The pickup bed may not be enormous, but it’s more than enough to tote your camping gear and a few big coolers full of ice and beer. What more do you need than that?
Ford Bronco
The Jeep Wrangler’s first serious direct challenger since the International Scout disappeared (OK, I guess we can kinda count the Suzuki Samurai). Ford came out of the gates hot with their new retro-themed Bronco. They managed to invoke nostalgia for the compact 1960s original while utilizing the latest items from the Ranger parts bin to give it a more civilized ride and handling than the Wrangler. Sure, Wrangler purists will turn their noses up at its fully independent front suspension, but the rest of us will appreciate the difference it makes to ride and handle in the real world. Honorable mention goes to the Bronco’s little brother, the Escape-based Ford Bronco Sport. If the Bronco is a little too rich for your blood, the Bronco Sport offers a similar spirit in a practical daily driver that sips gas and can handle the snow and leave the pavement just fine.
Best Used Cars for Summer Fun
Mazda Miata
OK, we know what some of you are going to say. “It’s a hairdresser’s car.” — maybe if that hairdresser is into autocross, sure. Authentic driving enthusiasts know better than to turn their noses up at the Miata. Anyone who’s driven the Miata cannot deny the unbridled joy that whipping one down a winding backroad can bring. It proves you don’t need 400 horsepower to have a good time, and It’s also available as a convertible and remains one of the few cars you can still buy with a manual transmission in this country. All of that earns it a spot on our list. The Miata is more fun than it has any right to be. IYKYK.
Ford Mustang
For 60 years now, the Ford Mustang has been America’s favorite GT car. Plenty of power (we won’t talk about the late 70s-early 80s), rear-wheel drive, solid handling, a huge aftermarket for performance parts, and a wallet-friendly price. It’s no mystery why America loves the Mustang. Major World usually keeps a nice selection of ‘stangs in our corral — but people snap them up quickly, so don’t sleep on the one you want. If all that isn’t enough summer fun for you — the Mustang is available as a convertible, and you can still get them with a manual transmission if you like.
BMW Z4
If you like the Miata formula in theory but insist on more than 181 horsepower, BMW is happy to oblige. The BMW Z4 offers everything the Miata does but in a more virile and aggressive-looking package. There’s plenty of power underfoot with a standard 255 horsepower turbo-4 and an optional, rip-snorting 382 horsepower turbo 6-cylinder. The 6, in particular, is a beast and can still be had with a stick shift if you want it (and you should). The Z4 has a drop top for that unparalleled wind in your hair (or on your dome) experience. Whether you’re headed to Montauk for the weekend or driving to work, it’s easy to feel like a boss driving a Z4.
Your Next Vehicle is at Major World
Find your perfect match in our inventory of fun-to-drive SUVs and sports coupes right here on our online search portal before you visit. Our no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t hurt your credit.
Don’t settle for less than the very best inventory of pre-owned vehicles in Long Island. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Give us a call now at (866) 614-2884.
