OT: Talking Cars Tuesday: What do you want in a car.

Submitted by JFW on

I'm thrilled that the basketball team won, and oh, what a sweet win. But I'm not a huge basketball fan myself. So I'm kind of in my own self imposed off season. So I'd like to bring back my favorite off season topic! Talking Cars Tuesday (Thank you JeepinBen). 

I was thinking on the way in about what each car offers, and what draws you to a certain car. For some, it's ruggedness. For some utility. For some it's killer handling. For other's its prestige. 

What got me thinking of it is it seems like the lines are starting to thin in terms of what each automaker offers. My daughter got picked up for car pool today in an Audi SUV. It has a nice engine, heated seats all around, and great AWD. 

But then, my cousin came up with her husband with a Ford Edge that has a 2.7 liter twin turbo 6, a great AWD system, and heated seats all around. 

Quality, while different across makers, is much higher from what I can tell than any point in history. Sure, your infotainment system might not pair correctly, but in general your engine isn't going to blow or your tranny drop. 

So what do you want, and what makes you buy what you buy? 

 

I'll start: 

I'm weird. I love simplicity, durability, longevity, and easy/cheapness of repairs. Prestige doesn't rank for me and I hate cars that are so damned complex that one sensor puts you into limp home mode. (Yes, I know I described most new cars today...)

I love my 500. It's paid for, great AWD, and gobs of room that doesn't intrude on the passenger space. I've had one sensor fail on it, but I still got home. 

My old Jeep ZJ with the 318 rusted like hell. But the thing *never* quit despite the fact that I beat the shit out of it. 240K and the 318 always ran like a top.

The stuff that did have to get fixed for both cars (bushings, the sensor) were dirt cheap.

 

MGoBoard
Other

NowTameInThe603

January 16th, 2018 at 1:04 PM ^

Something with zip. I can drive angry at times. I like to blow past the people who are causing me distress as quickly as possible.

I like to sit higher up so SUV and Trucks. 

Also got to have rear view camera and sunroof.

 

Tough to find something affordable here. Mazda CX-5 the most reasonable. Audi Q5 probably the best package.

Joined: 12/10/2014

MGoPoints: 5751

Boner Stabone

January 16th, 2018 at 1:04 PM ^

Nothing big.  I just need something that gets me from point A to point B safely.  

Right now, my 2002 Cavalier is leaking tranny fluid, has brake issues, and has 206,000 miles.  I am trying to nurse this vehicle along as far as I can.

Joined: 01/06/2015

MGoPoints: 24119

MGoFunkadelic

January 16th, 2018 at 1:10 PM ^

i'm actually shopping for a new vehicle now.  i'm about to cross 275,000 miles on my infiniti g35.  car has been fairly indestrucible only needing the radiator replaced and then the normal tires, brakes, wipers, and fluids.

I'm leaning toward a small SUV or maybe a crossover/wagon type vehicle the caveat being that i need the vehicle to look good enough for driving clients around but also handle my 100 pound Black Lab.

Any recommendations?  thought about the Infiniti EX since i've had a great experience with my g35 but don't know anyone with one to ask about reliability.  i prefer used because i put about 22,000 miles on per year and leases don't have enough miles built into them.  and new just seems like a waste of money.

Also, I'm a lead foot so torque is important to me.  the g35 has 258 foot pounds of torque and 268 horsepower.  can't see getting something too much lower on the torque and hp.

 

 

Joined: 10/03/2013

MGoPoints: 12481

LSA Aught One

January 16th, 2018 at 1:46 PM ^

EX (now QX50) is a very solid vehicle, but make sure the leg room in the 2nd row meets your needs. I’d suggest the step up to QX60 for the fact that you have a dog, clients, and can likely depreciate it as a work vehicle. Shoot me an email at jonathon dot nelson @ Gmail dot com if you decide to go with Nissan or Infiniti. I can get you friends and family discount.

Joined: 08/24/2011

MGoPoints: 28421

LSAClassOf2000

January 16th, 2018 at 1:07 PM ^

This is probably the last question I ask myself at the delearship, and it is why I tend to change my mind at the dealership midstream in my chats with salespeople. 

Because I have a family, storage and space are a huge plus, but at the same time, I like to find the other side of the equation, things like handling, acceleration, overall looks and kick-ass sound because it is sometimes necessary to drown out the family. Sensible, but not annoying sensible, I guess you could say.

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130679

The Mad Hatter

January 16th, 2018 at 1:20 PM ^

My 02 I-35, whose rust is starting to metastasize, has gotten me to work every day almost without fail for the last decade.  The miles are starting to pile up though (189k ish?), but everything still works, including the heated steering wheel, which is the best feature I've ever had on a car.  Sure it pisses trans fluid all over my driveway and the exhaust has to be welded back together twice a year, but I love that car as a daily driver.

When it finally dies I'm thinking about getting some sort of 40mpg econobox to save $ on gas.

But that new Lincoln Continental is pretty damn sexy...

Joined: 02/17/2015

MGoPoints: 112109

JFW

January 16th, 2018 at 2:52 PM ^

They have their biases; and I think part of it is formed because they get to drive kick ass cars all the time. 

I think Car and Driver is the best, though. But many of the auto writers and I don't have the same priorities. 

"Car A handled better, was faster through the track, faster 0-60, and has a beatiful interior. Car B is from a manufacturer we have loved for decades, and it just 'feels' better. The win goes to car B' "

Joined: 10/20/2010

MGoPoints: 15285

Trebor

January 16th, 2018 at 1:59 PM ^

I've got a utilitarian vehicle because my wife literally doesn't care what she drives as long as it's reliable, so now I'm looking for small, nimble, and decently quick sports cars. I live near some great mountain roads, so I don't need the ~700+ hp you're seeing now out of Corvettes and Mustangs to have fun. Give me a Lotus Exige with zero frills and I can have a lot of fun on quiet weekend mornings.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 4573

RadioMuse

January 16th, 2018 at 10:12 PM ^

You're onto something with the insinuation to the absurdity of "legit" modern sports cars POWER levels. Regular cars haven't gotten faster and speed limits are only inching up on the longest open stretches of freeway. There just isn't a way to really use anything with 500+ hp, but they keep comprimising the feel when the performance level drops to sane levels.

An Exige might be a little TOO pure for anything other than point-A to point-A canyon loops for my taste. I like a car I can take on weekend trips at least.

The Miata suggestion is an excellent one because the aftermarket support is fantastic so you could easily tighten it up to fit your needs. The base package is extremely engauging and usable. BRZ / FRS / GT-86 are also great in that department. Used Boxters are also very reasonably priced, usable enough, and delightful to drive.

Joined: 03/20/2012

MGoPoints: 311

UMProud

January 16th, 2018 at 2:18 PM ^

Crown Vic / Grand Marquis Production stopped on 2011 but these grandpa cars were the best built imo...reliable roomy safe decent mileage low operating cost....have one with 160k miles and it's my daily driver. No car payments the last 5 years bought it used for 12k and cheap insurace!

Joined: 12/18/2014

MGoPoints: 2705

Mgotri

January 16th, 2018 at 3:16 PM ^

I'm about to buy another car and taking a serious look at the pacifica hybrid. my commute is mostly stop and go city traffic so efficiecy is important and i want the extra space a minivan gets you. I don't like SUVs for some reason, so minivan seems the way to go.

Any advice?

Joined: 03/04/2013

MGoPoints: 6986

S.G. Rice

January 16th, 2018 at 6:41 PM ^

If you read the forums/facebook pages there have been a few hiccups with the Pacifica Hybrid, but a lot of people that have them LOVE them.  If I had the ability to install a level 2 charger (condo) or could charge at work I would seriously consider one.  Likely to get a regular Pacifica at some point when my current ride dies, but will probably check out a larger crossover like the Traverse/Enclave also.

Key factors are comfort, comfort and comfort.  Needs to be enough interior room.  Other than that, all I really require are air and cruise but I admit that some of the new comforts like heated seats and auto climate control are pretty swell too.

Joined: 07/18/2008

MGoPoints: 23363

wildbackdunesman

January 16th, 2018 at 3:25 PM ^

4 wheel drive for my winter commute. Other than that I am under the philosophy of a car is to get me from point A to point B and there is no need to spend too much extra when I could invest that money.

Joined: 07/16/2008

MGoPoints: 30285

Wendyk5

January 16th, 2018 at 4:37 PM ^

My perfect car: really fun to drive in handling and quickness (like my GTI); good cargo space; not a lot of high tech buttons. I really only need a back up camera, heated seats, and radio channel changer on the steering wheel; sporty looking (not slick or expensive looking); decent gas mileage; all wheel drive would be nice; leather interior; and satellite radio. 

Joined: 11/20/2008

MGoPoints: 68054

Go Blue in MN

January 16th, 2018 at 4:53 PM ^

More for environmental reasons than financial.  

But at the same time, the vehicle has to be large enough for my kids and me, and safety is of course a factor.  So is non-ugliness.  I'm not really into auto fashion, but if a car looks ugly to me, it's a deal breaker.  

Joined: 09/28/2013

MGoPoints: 7494

wolverinebutt

January 16th, 2018 at 5:11 PM ^

I want a car with some utility, cheap, low repair costs, & good gas mileage.  All I need is air, criuse and a radio.   

I would love a small, affordable pickup.  I doubt anyone will build a cheap one. 

The Wife has a 2011 CR-V I puchased used and it has been outstanding. 82k and bullet proof so far.      

Joined: 06/05/2011

MGoPoints: 3467

g_reaper3

January 16th, 2018 at 5:26 PM ^

Love fast cars.  Fortunately have been able to have many over the years - a few Mustang 5.0's, a 2005 Corvette and currently a 2013 GT500.  I like dependability and ruggedness as well.  While not fast, loved my 2000 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0L straight six. 

Joined: 10/03/2010

MGoPoints: 2654

The Krusty Kra…

January 16th, 2018 at 6:57 PM ^

Remote start, heated seats, and I didn't realize how much I would miss it until my lease ran out, but a heated steering wheel are a must for me. I've got 2/3 in my current car. I also remember there were Cadillac's or some GM car that had heated windshield washer fluid which would be something I also would appreciate. I have no issues driving with FWD or RWD in snow but I need all the crap to get snow and ice off the car.

Joined: 02/22/2017

MGoPoints: 2447

a different Jason

January 16th, 2018 at 7:49 PM ^

I want something reliable and easy on gas. Screw heated seats and steering wheels. I'm gonna let the SOB run Thanksgiving to St Patrick's day. I'm tired of everything frozen like a diamond in my pickup because it's negative 17 outside. I'll buy gas every other day, I'm fine with that. My halfton is using about 3 gallons a day just to warm up remotely. I figure a Camry will idle all day on less than 3 gallons.

Joined: 08/23/2013

MGoPoints: 17326

Neversatisfied

January 16th, 2018 at 8:34 PM ^

I have several cars, and have spent too much money on them. At this point I prefer a vehicle that has 4wd, doesn't cost me anything, and starts every time I turn the key. If I ever have time on my hands to enjoy cars again(without a bunch of kids in the car so I can actually enjoy them) I really enjoyed seat time in my Subaru WRX, BMW M3, and my 04 Cobra. But with 3 kids and 2 more on the way my reality looks more like something with a lot of car seats.

Joined: 12/11/2017

MGoPoints: 2887

MGoBlue24

January 16th, 2018 at 8:44 PM ^

which explains the Outback and the Odyssey, but when I travel for work I really like renting the smallest vehicles available - it is really fun to zip around. 

Joined: 08/22/2013

MGoPoints: 12900

Karumba

January 16th, 2018 at 9:53 PM ^

1. Well fitting, comfortable seats

2. Reliable and low maintenance cost

3. Enough room for a Costco trip

4. Good in snow (snow tires OK if 2wd)

5. Good mileage

6. Good infotainment system that works with iPhone/Android

7. Safe, low insurance cost, reasonable purchase price

So far looking at a Camry Hybrid (47 mpg), or Forester/Outback

 

Joined: 03/08/2015

MGoPoints: 163

Craptain Crunch

January 17th, 2018 at 5:16 AM ^

If you live in an area with inclement weather then Subarus are your best choices with the symmetrical AWD system. The only drawback with Subbies is the CVT system they use. While they help with MPG (both Forrester and Outback do not get great MPG in real world driving) CVTs are still not as engaging to drive as normally geared transmissions. 

 

Joined: 05/20/2016

MGoPoints: 1526

RadioMuse

January 16th, 2018 at 10:20 PM ^

I think the biggest thing to me is responsiveness. I like a vehicle that's lively and immidiate with tight steering, neutral handling, good throttle response and brake bite. Not to be confused with outright speed or power. It's about the tactility.

Good seats go a long way too.

The other big this is having something I can daily drive (within some weather dependencies). I don't want something that (for cost, etc) I feel too precious about using. Cars are transporation and entertainment. They're meant to move.

Joined: 03/20/2012

MGoPoints: 311

Blue in St Lou

January 16th, 2018 at 10:28 PM ^

I've driven nothing but convertibles for 30 years.  I like them small, nimble and fast.  When the kids were home, my wife always had a minivan to cart them and nieces around, and I had fun with the convertible. I love 2 seaters.  My last car was a Nissan Z, which I had for a dozen years.  I replaced it with a BMW 2 series that has sort of a back seat.  I have no need for a back seat, but I wanted more comfort features than the Z provides.  Guess I'm getting old.

My dream car years ago was an Alfa roadster.  But I never bought one because I was afraid it would always be in the repair shop.

Joined: 09/21/2013

MGoPoints: 6718