Mitch (not pictured) is entering the Navy to become an officer and eventually a pilot. Naturally, he has a need for speed, but also wants something for outdoor adventures for around $25,000. What car should he buy?

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Here is the scenario:

I’m almost 26 and switching careers (my engagement fell through and I’m chasing a dream), from healthcare finance to aviation. Soon, I will be shipping out for Navy Officer Candidate School, then off to flight school for two years. I currently own a 2015 5.7L Toyota Tundra, which I still owe on my loan. I just received an offer from a local dealership for almost what I originally agreed to paid for it (offer expires in two weeks).

As I begin to think long-term I am unsure if it is truly worth holding on to the truck as I will hardly be using it for the next three years while going through rigorous training/flight school. I am an outdoorsy person and love to drive on the nearest beaches for camping and surfing. Although, I am a gearhead and always wanted a daily/track day/night on the town/fun kind of vehicle. The only two cars I have owned have been a 2003 Tacoma Prerunner and this Tundra. However, I am open to other makes. I’d like 4 wheel drive since I live in the Northeast. I do the majority of the maintenance myself and am up for a challenge but, something decently reliable would make live easier.

I imagine this car will be soaking up sun seven days a week and I don’t want to have to worry about dings and scratches. My ex-fiance took my beloved dog so I’ll need room for another in the future. I also help my mother maintain a few rental properties. Growing up I loved anything Japanese (use to live in Okinawa as a kid in a Navy family). Recently have fallen in love with the 70s BMW 2002 because of its combination of style, decent MPG, and that they are engaging to drive. I love old Chevy trucks too!

My budget max would be $25,000. I love classics, can work three pedals, and don’t want to blend in with all the other econoboxes rolling around. What are my options?

Quick Facts:

up to $25,000

Sort of

Annapolis, MD

Fun, 4WD/AWD, Good for activities

A bland commuter car

Expert 1: Tom McParland - Be A Maverick

Mitch, you are a future pilot that shares a name (sort of) with what is the most famous fictional Naval aviator ever, so you can’t drive just any car. Since you like your Japanese cars and need something all-wheel drive, the natural choice here is Subaru. But anyone can roll into their local dealer and plop down the cash on a brand new WRX. Those are fun and fast, but that’s the easy choice. You didn’t choose the military because you are interested in easy choices.

Because of your love of older Japanese cars from your time in Okinawa, I say go the JDM route. Friend of Jalopnik and respected importer Japanese Classics are both not far from you. I bet either one of them could find you an Impreza from the ‘90s complete with massive fog lights, big wing, and hood scoop.and I’m sure there are similar ones to be had.

So instead of an overpowered sportbike and you can be the fighter pilot that rocks a right-hand-drive rally car.

Initially I was going to suggest a new or new-ish Jeep Wrangler for your fun runabout 4x4 beach cruiser, but that is pretty common. So I concur with Tom here that your best option is to go JDM, but I don’t think a Subaru will quite cut it.

How about... well, really any number of those small, boxy two-door Japanese SUVs that were so common in the ‘80s and ‘90s? Specifically, I suggest a Mitsubishi Pajero. They’re tough, easy to get parts for online and way more interesting than your average Jeep. You’ll probably have to do some wrenching yourself, but you don’t seem scared by that. It’s truly part of the fun.

Our pal has several for sale at way under your budget, but I especially like . A fine machine, if I do say so myself.

I hit up my friend for some advice on this one, since he’s a naval aviator, and he suggested a Honda Ridgeline. Based on how he uses his vehicles, I think it’s a solid choice.

Since college, my friend has owned two cars: a 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI and now a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Of the two, the first one’s been sitting in his garage forever and will eventually be sold, while the second one is his daily driver, suiting his lifestyle pretty much perfectly.

With all the frequent relocations, owning a truck that can easily carry a bunch of junk makes loads of sense. It also makes a lot of sense for that truck to have a quad-cab with enough space for friends, of which you—as part of a tight-knit navy community—will have many.

My friend drives a lot. Not just because of the relocations, but also because a number of navy air stations are out in the middle of nowhere, requiring long drives to get somewhere fun for the weekends. And while he loves his Taco, the Ridgeline, with its better ride comfort and fuel economy, might be the better play for the long road trips.

The Ridgeline also comes with optional in-bed speakers and an in-bed storage area that can fit plenty of ice and beers. And believe me, as a naval aviator, this will come in handy. Pilots love to party.

The only downside to the Ridgeline is that finding one under $25,000 is a bit tough, since the truck came out so recently. So perhaps the move is to just keep your Tundra for now, or, if you’re feeling a bit crazy, you can do what I’d do, and . Because what could possibly be better than capping off a day of flying with a few smoky burnouts? Answer: literally nothing.

Hey, Mitch, look, you answered your own question already: “I have recently fallen in love with the 70s BMW 2002 because of its combination of style, decent MPG, and that they are engaging to drive.” What kind of monster would suggest you get anything other than the car you just proclaimed to love? You should get a BMW 2002—but, with a little twist that’ll make it even better for your life: a BMW 2002 Touring.

The 2002 Touring was, basically, the hatchback 2002. It’s incredibly rare here in America—well, really, it was never common anywhere, and I think it’s the coolest of all the already very cool 2002s. You get all that great 2002 character and driving feel along with the practicality of a hatch, which will be great for that new hypothetical dog of yours.

This looks fantastic, and while, yeah, you’ll have to ship it over from Germany, at $13,672 it’s still completely within your budget even after factoring in shipping and registration costs. It’s old enough that no one should hassle you registering it anywhere, and, while it doesn’t have 4WD, just put a good set of snow tires on it when you need them and you’ll be just fine.

It’s easy to work on, oozes character out of every possible seam, drives great, looks fantastic. What more do you want? Navally navigate your ass to this little jewel and I’m positive you’ll be a happy man.