We tend to live a bit in the past here at CC, so the question today is which car from 1985 would you pick to drive for the next thirty years? Given how late it is in the year, either 1985 or 1986 model years are available at your disposal. And since I didn’t want to prejudice your pick, I’m not showing you any cars from 1985. You know them well enough….now you get to re-write history, pick your favorite, and have to drive it daily for thirty years. Rust magically doesn’t exist, but you do have to maintain it.
A 560SEL.
1985? Hmmmm…I remember walking through the showroom at Overvold’s Oldsmobile-Cadillac, Fargo, N.D. in the winter of ’85 (January or February, I’m thinking) and seeing a gold Delta 88 Royale Brougham LS on prominent display. If a time machine were at my disposal right now, I’d go back to Overvold’s in 1985 and make a down payment on that Royale Brougham and drive it for thirty years…and beyond!
Did you run into Jerry Lundegaard when you were there? 😉
I believe Jerry was working for his father-in-law Wade Gustafson down in the Cities at that time…
How can it be anything other than what I called the “The Best Car Of The Past Thirty Years”? https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-mercedes-w124-the-best-car-of-the-past-thirty-years/
But this time I’d take the wagon version of what I did pick up in 1985. And maybe with the 5 speed stick this time. I wasn’t fond of the automatic starting in 2nd unless prodded down with the throttle or the shifter. Plus the 5 speed had an overdrive gear.
Can I have my VW Golf Mark 2 1.3 back please? (Preferably after a respray from beige to red)
Audi Coupe Quattro. I had an ’81 Audi 4000 5 + 5 and it remains my favorite amongst all the cars I’ve ever owned, so one step up would do fine.
This too made my short list.
Mmmmm, great QOTD Paul. Like Roger Carr, an SD1 Rover Vitesse or an SIII Jaaaaaag XJ12 would be high on my list…actually, make that an XJ6 so I could afford to run it. Yoshi’s Ford Granada suggestion is left-field, and I’d be delighted with one of those in burgundy+grey 2.8 Ghia form. An ’86 XF Ford Fairmont Ghia would be right up there too! But seeing as my beloved CC is my 1989 Ford Sierra, I’d need to go with an older Sierra, so an ’86 Cosworth (or XR4i) would be the go, as long as it had working a/c.
Those are interesting cars Scott, I really doubt any of them would be capable of doing the 30 years though. I can’t recall seeing a Rover for, well it’s so long I can’t remember. The XF just might make the 30 years if you looked after it.
KJ in Oz
The Rover would be nice though I looked at one several years back in Sydney V8 5 speed gold metallic alloys it looked the business it had some minor roadworthyness issues required for rego so having a BIL as a parts manager for Rover city I asked about prices and availability and staff discount, the info I recieved made me promptly forget all about Rover SD1s then and since, nice cars but………
Oh I wouldn’t attempt to drive an SD1 for another 30 years unless I had a paddock full of parts cars…! The engines are generally reliable but the electrics, oh the electrics… 😉
First choice might have been the Mark VII GTC Jack Roush edition, with all the toys. Had this been for 1987, the turbo Thunderbird might have bumped the Lincoln. Second choice would be the Town Car. The ’88 we had growing up was unbelievable. It still is, but so I’d the price my grandmother is asking for it…
I was a few months old in 1985.
I’m tempted to say Jeep Cherokee, but if I have to keep it all this time I’ll go with a Volvo 240 wagon with a 5-speed.
That would have handled any situation of my life during those thirty years.
That being said 1985 doesn’t feel like thirty years ago…..
The 1985 – 1986 Jeep Cherokee is a great vehicle to keep and drive for 30 years as it is one of the few cars and trucks to have both longevity(made till 2001) and a big fan following. This translates into the fact most parts are still available for these trucks.
Agreed. It was on my list, and I think a nice choice. It’s one of the few 30 year old vehicles that I still see in decent numbers out there.
Pretty, modern, and comfortable, like a supercharged couch.
I have to pay for maintenance and repairs on a car for 30 years . . . h’mmmm, what’s practical, comfortable, and as reliable as it gets? . . . a Toyota Camry since rust is not an issue for my selected 1985 model.
No really, that’s my choice. If I was going to buy a car today for the next 30 years, it would be a Camry. For all the smack talked about the Camry, 30 years from now, this site will be looking back fondly on them just like we do the A,B, & C body GM’s and Panther/Fox body Fords today and for the same reasons. They were affordable, comfortable, and good enough cars that would last for a long time with a modicum of good maintenance practices. Honest good value carries a lot of weight with a lot of folks.
Really, a 1985 Camry is just a decent car. It’s probably a better choice than a Celebrity, a Fox-based LTD, or a Dodge 600, but nothing special.
A 1986 Taurus would be a noticeable upgrade.
If I were doing this today, I’d have an Accord over the Camry. I’d have either that or a Ford Flex. Ford seems to be making a good product, and imagine how the Flex would look in thirty years. I’m thinking it would look a lot like my AMC Eagle suggestion above looks today.
There’s an old Dodge 600 still roaming our town, but I have forgotten all about them.
I drive my personal car 18k to 20k per year. The first generation Taurus was a lovely, but not particularly reliable or durable car. I’d hate to pay the repair bills for 540k to 600k.
Here in SC I have seen one first generation Taurus in the last year or two. It was driven by a nice old lady who actually parked in the boondocks at the grocery store presumably avoid door and cart dings. I wanted to approach and ask about the car, but people are pretty paranoid around here and you would be surprised how many carry so I declined to approach her and ask about the car. I see more Mavericks in “curbside classic” service than gen 1 Tauri. If I had to go domestic, I’d go with Jason Shafer’s suggestion and get the Crown Vic.
+1. Camry: In my book, reliable, low cost of ownership and appropriately equipped.
Well considering I ordered this one in September 1985, and it came in two days before Thanksgiving, and I still own it to this day, I’d have to pick an 86 El Camino.
That is a SHARP Elky! Love the black over silver.
I think I would go with a Toyota Cressida sedan. It seems like it would be a well rounded choice.
Very nice choice.
Mercedes-Benz W123 230TE
1985 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. (or Firebird Trans Am…
I never could find out which was the base model!)
Toyota Landcruiser HJ60 or a Cressida wagon.
I forgot about the Cressida, might have to change my E-Class choice in cars to that, cheaper to own and more reliable. I’d go with the I6 and 5 Speed.
That car represented the peak of Toyota, in my opinion.
1985 Jeep CJ7
Well, I drive a ’94 940 Turbo, which was technically the same car that was available in 1985, bar some sheet metal changes. Does this count?
All kidding aside, I’ve always been a sucker for Foxes, so perhaps a T-Bird Turbo Coupe, or even something as pedestrian as an LTD with the interior decor group.
But if I had to choose one car that not only defined the era, but also changed it, I think it would have to be an Audi 5000.
Can I wait a couple of years and get a 1988 Mustang GT? I actually owned one of these for 7 years or so and still regret having gotten rid of it. Barring that I will take an ’86 Mustang; like the ’88 it would be reasonably quick and fun to drive. Parts are easily available for these and don’t require you to give up a kidney to purchase them.
Actually I couldn’t envision keeping and driving any car for 30 years. Like most of us I tend to get tired of them long before that and start searching for reasons to move on. Obviously you can keep any car on the road if you’re willing to foot the repair bills but relying on a 30 year old car as my daily driver is not something I’m willing to embrace.
I’m torn between a Celica GT-S hatch or an Isuzu Impulse Turbo, I think. They’re the top two of a near never ending list.
Celica GT-S was sweet, but the new for 1985 Corolla GT-S was light years ahead of it. Nice choice, though. There was one in the showroom, very slightly used, when I leased my Corolla GT-S, and it was very nice in brown, which I liked, but I still opted for the Corolla and was very satisfied.
Ok. I have to drive it daily and I have to keep it up, but no worries about rust. On the other hand it does not need to fulfill all transportation needs because Paul does not stipulate it being the only car. Obviously, the do it all vehicle would be the Chrysler minivan. But my choice is:
BMW 635 CSI.
This car is still eye candy to me. It would be not too difficult to keep it in good shape.
85 Bronco with a 300 and a 4-speed.
Excellent engine choice!
Welp, I found mine. And since this was 1985 and you could still order any combination of options you wanted if you were ornery enough, I would have the new-for-that-year Eddie Bauer edition. Yes, that’s right, a top-of-the-line truck with a Six and 4-speed. In this exact color:
That’s easy – any W124 Mercedes.
KJ in Oz
’85 Subaru GL10 4wd wagon (non-turbo). It’s tough to kill these cars.
Mazda 626, naturally. A previous year C/D 10 best winner.
I’d go with a Ford Laser (that’s the Aussie Mazda 323 derivative). They were everywhere back in the day, and you still see some now and then. Any mechanic can fix one. I wanted one then, and had an ’87 model from ’03-’09. Apart from one ignition module failure (easily diagnosed) it was utterly reliable. Comfortable, lovely gearshift and clutch, great size, good handling, easy to park, and holds heaps of luggage with the seats down.
Don’t get me wrong, there were better cars, true. But for a low-cost long-term ownership experience, it’d get my vote.
I believe both were 1986 model year North America introductions but could have been purchased in calendar year 1985 and therefore I have two choices.
For most satisfaction – Lincoln LSC. But I don’t know if it could last 30 years.
If it had to be durable enough to last 30 years then clearly, with nothing close, MB W124.
The LSC could go 30 years easily. The 302 is a simple beast and will do many, many miles if well-maintained. The air suspension will go out on you, probably multiple components, but if you can do the repairs yourself parts aren’t that pricey from Arnott. Or convert it to coils, though you lose the magic-carpet ride if you do that. Just avoid the digital dash and make peace with the fact that the primitive trip computer will fail, and you’re good to go.
If rust doesn’t exist, I’d choose this!
And If I had to choose a passenger car, I’d also try to get something all black but I’d wait in September of that year to get an intercooler!
Having both would be better.
I’ve answered similar questions like this before; a 30 year stretch is probably the majority of most people’s productive lives. While I think that in reality, one could possibly find a satisfactory car for a 30 year span, the odds are against a car in daily use living that long.
Regardless, when faced with this question previously, I chose the 1986 AMC Eagle 4×4 station wagon. With the wagon body, the luggage rack on top, an almost agrarian (but well sorted and reliable) driveline and decent room and fuel economy, I still think this car would serve a person’s needs for a very long time.
But I reconsidered this thought, the circa 1970 AMC Hornet body is somewhat cramped and even with the snows we get in this part of the US midwest, I’ve never really been stuck in a FWD with good tires. So, I thought that a minivan would be an acceptable replacement for the compact wagon, which is what happened in the mid-1980’s. I would choose a 1986 (IIRC that was the first year of EFI in the atmo motor) 2.2L / 5 speed Dodge Caravan which would have all of the benefits of the wagon body style but with better fuel economy and ergonomics.
Also, I’m something of a driving enthusiast. And this is where the rubber actually met the road for me (in 1988, actually). Again, I would like to retain the utility that the wagon body offers, but would like to have a sedan or hatchback body for lower center of gravity and styling. Based on this, I would choose a 1986 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo with the 2.2L turbo, automatic, Level 3 suspension and maybe a sunroof. The hatchback body with the fold down rear seats was incredibly useful and could really fit a lot of stuff that a regular sedan would never get home. The car got decent fuel mileage for the time and the size was great for a small and growing family.
There were a number of other midsized hatchbacks on the market back then. Chevy had the Corsica, Mazda the 6, Toyota the Camry and of course Saabs. Most of these were eliminated due to price or other considerations. When I bought my leftover 1987 Lancer in 1988, I had been driving a friend’s 1987 Dodge Shadow ES Turbo and was impressed with the power of the 2.2L motor. There were a number of things I liked about the Shadow, but the little bit extra room the Lancer provided came in handy as children arrived and other life events occurred. I had the car for 10.5 years and 160K miles. I traded it for a 1995 Dodge Dakota. About six months of life with the Dak and I wished I had the Lancer back. The Lancer fit me like no other car, at least until the Advent of the Sunfire GT.
The TL:DR moment: 1986 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo.
Mine was similar to this, but had the “Sawtooth” wheels. And black paint.
three choices. Fleetwood Brougham, Caprice coupe, Buick Estate Wagon. Should still be built today, with equivalent to Panther V8 engine and transmission technology.
85 f body camaro v6 not v8 with t tops lots of room to work on easy transmission every thing can be done with hand tools and some blocks
You need that room because they have to be worked on A LOT. Very bad and puzzling choice.
Well a 1986 Honda Accord Hatchback does have those sweet pop up headlights, but a 1986 Pontiac with a 350 V8 is more comfortable especially for long hauls I assume and probably takes more abuse easily than the Accord. My aunt tells me stories of 1980s Japanese vehicles having mediocre air conditioning systems that could not keep you cool against the heat of Nevada and California without overheating or not working well unless you were parked. Think those were rental cars?
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009/11/curbside-classic-capsule-1988-pontiac-safari/
I can come up with a few. HDT Commodore Group A, the Brock homologation car known as the “Blue Meanie”, 260 hp in a light Commodore was a good package. They were not cheap new and are much less so now, one sold for AUD$92k at auction last year.
Other nominations: Peugeot 504 wagon or 205 GTi, Mercedes 300TE, Toyota HJ75 pickup or troop carrier, Honda Prelude or CRX, Porsche 944.
I think I’d also take a Mercedes w124, maybe a 250 TD. If I would have had some realistic budget restrictions (let’s say an equivalent to my actual situation , i.e. Not a MB driver), I would take a Toyota Hilux (4×4 crew cab) or Isuzu Trooper.
Well, My ’86 Jetta was built September, 1985. But not quite 30 years driven by me, only 24 years (bought from original owner in ’91) and counting. Did drive my ’70 C10 that I bought in ’76 until I sold it in ’06 for 30 years. I do plan to still be driving the car for 30 years and beyond. It’s still able to keep up with modern traffic, though it’s slower then just about any new 4 cylinder car built today. But it’s comfortable riding, decent handling, and has AC, power steering and stereo, complete with cassette player. And 30+ MPG. I do tend to keep it more as an local driver these days, and use my ’04 Titan for longer road trips, but still would not be afraid to take the Jetta on a long trip, even with it’s original 305k miles engine and 5 speed transmission. Rust free, original paint and interior still in great condition, body dent free. Easy to repair and parts are still easy to get and inexpensive, since car was built from ’83 to 2013 if you include China built cars. As long as I can do the repair work myself, I can keep it running for little money. And it still only uses 1/2 quart of oil in 3k miles. Best and most trouble free car (or truck) I’ve owned. Works for me!
My picks would be
Citation II with 2.5 4cyl
Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis 2 door
Olds 98/Buick Park Avenue 2 door with the 4.3 Diesel
Chevy Caprice/Impala 2 door w/4.3 v6
Buick Century 2 Door w/ 2.5 4cyl or 4.3 Diesel
Buick Somerset
Plymouth Voyager w/ stick shift
Chevy Astro Van w/ 2.5 4cyl & 5 speed manual
Chrysler New Yorker
Pontiac T1000
Any of these would be fine…
Wait… You would sign up to drive a rebadged Chevette… For 30 years? Have you spent any seat time in one?
Each to their own. But Robert, your list also contains Iron Duke and GM Diesel powered vehicles! This fascinates me.
+1
William, but the Citation II and Somerset, scare me.
Do those come with a free AAA card? 😉
Just kidding, Robert… I admire your choice of ordinary models.
The diesel in the Olds 98 two door is quite the unique choice. You get the best GM diesel in the new smaller package that still managed to be quite roomy so 35-40mpg highway in a quiet American cruiser. You also got the discreteness of an Olds, the rebellion that was a 2 door sedan by 85 and once inside, the sumptuousness of loose pillow velour for those so inclined. So think at first glance a blend in car from the famous Town Car commercial of 85, then you notice the two door, gee I forgot about those, then the diesel emblems, from bland to bizarre in 2 seconds flat. What fun.
Yes I would. I’ve spent a lot of time in Chevettes, in my opinion they’re decent economical little cars when properly maintained. I also belong to a Chevette club in the Midwest. As far as the Iron Duke and the diesel go, the Iron Duke was a good durable engine, definitely not fast but that’s not necessary, reliability of the diesel may be questionable but I included it to add some quirkiness. John C. has the right idea!
Well, I’m not trying to mock your choice, I just found it a head-scratcher based on my personal experiences with various Chevettes! But, like the man said, to each their own! ?
Toyota Supra (sport) – or if I were richer, a 911SC
I owned a 1985 Honda Prelude and I would own another one in a minute. I only wish it was a 1986 Prelude SI with Fuel Injection.
The 86 Pontiac Trans Am I bought in 1990 and still have today. Cherry Red Metallic with 305 TPI. Fun car. Though it is not a daily driver it has really not given me much trouble over the last 26 years.
Olds 88 or Buick Lesabre. The new FWD version, probably a 2 door.
2nd place would be a RWD 5th avenue.
If I was to vote with my head I would choose a Suburban, RWD with the 6.2L diesel. If I was to vote with my heart, it would be a Dodge Ramcharger, or a Monte Carlo SS.
Parisienne Brougham. Best car, period. Been driving it since 1985 and will continue to do so.
A 1985 or model year 86 mercury marquis brougham. ( sorry Mr Niedermeyer). In dark blue with matching interior. 3.8 v6 with the three speed automatic.
It was my first car in 98. Loved it. And I want another one
Or as a second choice. My next car. Introduced in 85 as an 86. A Ford Taurus LX. The Vulcan 3.0 v6
Since I own, 8 cars… 7 from the 80’s, 1 from the early 90’s, styled in the 80’s…
I do have two, from around 1985, my G body 85 Buick Regal and my 86 Chevy Monte Carlo SS… I love em, but…
I wouldn’t mind owning this, for collectability and sheer badassiness.
1985 Lamborghini Countach
Countach, if I never look behind me, my troubles will be few.
https://youtu.be/fDaONrHK1f8?t=3s
For 30 years… Volvo 240.
Yes. If I were going to drive something for 30 years, it would be a Volvo 240.
Buick Skyhawk T-Type with the supercharged 2 cylinder…….just for the wtf is that comments?
WTF?
Ok. I googled this. Wikipedia doesn’t have a 2 cylinder listed. Please explain. Is this a joke or???????
WTF??ROTFLOL!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
WTF ?!
WTF?
Supercharged 2 cylinder??
Would that make it as powerful as a normally aspirated 4 cylinder? lol
Skyhawk…yes
Imaginary engine…no
sorry guys…I meant 2 liter 4 cylinder lol….the wtf refers to how obscure they are
It’s 1985, and Miami Vice is in full swing…
So this would be my more practical commuter.
1985 Mercedes W126 AMG
Gorgeous, the epitome of mid 80’s cool. Repair costs over 30 years would frighten me, but it would definitely be fun!
My friend’s boss had one brand new in 1985 and I was drooling over it then just like I would drool over it now.
The 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz:
I’m doing it, my 86 vanagon syncro.
You knew That was coming Paul.
sick
A Saab 900. I’m assuming, of course, that I don’t have a crystal ball and don’t foresee Saab’s sad fate.
I actually owned a ’85 Jeep Scrambler (258 and T-176 4spd) back in college. To this day, it was probably the most versatile, head turning, capable and indestructible rig Ive ever owned. Id happily take one with that same drivetrain, soft halftop and full steel doors. Make it a dark blue!
My other mention is a ’86 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z. Last year of the ‘4 eye’ front clip and it never looked better. Make mine an electric blue turbo II 5spd with black leather interior, and T-tops.