The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

Sir Edmund Hillary (I am sorry, did I miss something?) was once asked why, in the deepest sense, he risked his life to climb Mount Everest.
"Because it was there," he answered.

I have a corollary when asked about certain cars to buy. Some cars are just waiting there for you to buy. Because certain models of cars can move moutains for peanuts by accepting a few basic modifications.

Consider the lowly Dodge Neon, for example. Did you know that this lump of metal can be transformed for less than 10k into the world's fastest beer run mobile? (You do not need a Lambo for this duty.)

The Dodge Neon SRT-4 model with the ACR suspension package and Mopar Stage 3 upgrade puts out 300 HP and can beat most any car on the track--911s included (I've seen it). While you'll fight a heavy dose of torque steer (mitigated by track handling package), you'll also beat up on cars costing ten times more. I am talking about buying this car for 25k new with full warranty.

Other cars include the John Cooper Works Mini Cooper (pricy but ab fab to drive insanely fast) the 2003 Mustang Cobra and the Volvo V70 TR-5 wagon. The Vovlo wagon, in particular, has a base HP rating of 236 HP--but easily accepts a chip from IPT that adds another 55 reliable HP. All these vehicles are available fully modded for less than 30 k.

So buy one.

Because they are there.