Talk “Dream Car” and thoughts of a Corvette Z06, a Ferrari, or maybe a Rolls-Royce come to mind. However, of all the cars I drove this year, the one that had me hitting the lots and wheeling and dealing was the Volkswagen GTI. Not exactly a dream car, but its style, quality materials, versatility, and rockin’ powertrain was enough to get my cheap ass to consider a new car loan. I wanted mine in red with four doors, the slick six-speed manual tranny, those oddly appealing plaid seats, and Package 1, meaning satellite radio and a power sunroof. That particular model wasn’t in stock – anywhere – so my frugal tail remains in a rickety Mustang.

– Thom Blackett

Photos courtesy of: Ron Perry