I don’t day dream about the new cars I’d rather have, as I’m really very happy with mine. In fact, I have somewhat the opposite problem that sometimes occupies my mind: What if I had to replace one or more of my vehicles with a brand new one (for purposes of this exercise), as a consequence of a (non-injury) accident or such? The answers, for me anyway, are not easy.
Let’s start clockwise at the upper left, with my venerable ’66 F-100. I really can’t imagine replacing it with a new pickup, as I just don’t use it enough. I put maybe 2,000 miles or so on it per year. If it went bye-bye, I think I’d just get a lightweight aluminum utility trailer and tow it with my xB. I actually have a hitch I bought for it years ago, but never mounted it.
If I really had to, how about a transit or Sprinter with a Euro-style dump bed? And then maybe find a slide-in camper for it, which would then take care of replacing the Dodge Chinook too? I have actually indulged this line of thinking over the years a fair amount. I would prefer to have one fewer vehicles overall. This, or something along these lines, would be a possible solution.
I have been lusting after a Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion for almost 15 years now. My Dodge Chinook keeps starting up every summer, and we haven’t had the freedom to justify the expense of one for the few shorter trips we’ve been making. But as soon as I figure out how to extricate myself from CC, find a good maintenance man for my rentals, and get my younger son straightened out, I very much see something like this (or a Transit-based version) in the Niedermeyer fleet.
Those were the easy ones. Stephanie and I both love the 2013 TSX wagon (her daily driver), but it has its shortcomings. Mostly, it just feels a bit too wide, low and long in town, where much of her driving is. It’s great on road trips, and handles superbly. But getting in and out for us is starting to be a wee bit of a pain too, especially compared to the xB. I do not like driving it in town. Visibility is crummy, and compared to the xB, I feel like I’m driving a huge car. Which it’s not, but everything is relative.
Replacing it? Well, I suppose the easy fallback would be a Forester, which is what our left-brain sides told us to get in the first place, to replace our 2000 Forester. It’s tall, has relatively good visibility, and has better ground clearance and AWD. But of course it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun when really cutting loose on a remote high-desert highway.
Having to replace my 2005 Scion xB gives me the biggest headache, because it’s so unique in a number of ways. There’s just nothing that has its combination of features I so value, as a handy city scooter that can also swallow a washing machine in the back. But for the moment, I’ll go out on a limb, and make it a Chevy Bolt. I’m fatally attracted to EVs for certain reasons, and the Bolt is the only one for now that combines a practical, tall hatchback body along with terrific range (238 miles), at least for now.
Actually, the real solution for Stephanie and I is to replace both cars simultaneously, so that she could drive an EV around town (she does a lot of shopping and errands), and yet have access to a car (Forester) to take on long trips. In which case, she’d love a Fiat 500E, although I’m not sure I can see that as a long-term keeper.
And I’d have to drive the Forester, to use for getting use for my errands, getting us to remote trailheads, skiing, and for her/us to use on long trips. Hmmm….but two new cars, to solve that problem? It’s a bit complicated; my head’s exploding.
Your turn. Note: We’re talking NEW, as in 2017 models.
If my 02 f150 met its demise… It would remain status quo. Except I would go to super crew from supercab.
The wife has a 17 Escape titanium and she likes it so must’ve been a good choice:)
I’ve been giving this a bit of thought in the last few months. I believe that a vehicle needs to work for you and not drain you financially, unless you can afford to be drained, which I can’t. I’m not impressed by most of what is being sold today so there really isn’t anything out there that I have to have. The one car that is checking all of the right boxes for me is the Mitsubishi Mirage. The auto writers hate it, but if you read the owner surveys, the owners love them. Advertised starting at $12,500 around here, over 40 mpg highway and hatchback convenience plus a 10 year warranty all add up to a win for me. I haven’t driven one so I can’t say I’m sold yet. They’re criticized by the press for being slow and buzzy but I can’t imagine that they’d be any worse than my old 4 cyl. Ford Ranger. The thing that the automotive press doesn’t get is that price on a car like this is more important than 0 to 60 times and how it compares to a Shelby Cobra.
Same reasons here, Hardboiled. The fact that the automotive press hates the Mirage makes it that much more appealing to me.
The 2012 Mustang convertible would likely be replaced with a 2017 Mustang convertible.
The 2000 Ford Ranger is a bit more difficult, and my desires change like the wind. This week, if I had to replace it, I might go with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and a light utility trailer. But last week, it was a 2017 Subaru Outback…and the week before that, a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Suffice it to say, it may be a while before I replace the Ranger…
I currently have six cars, but that includes three hobby cars, and one for my daughter and one for my Wife. The 2007 Mustang was bought for my Wife, but a few years ago we gave it to our daughter, so my Wife is stuck driving my old Explorer or Mustang. She has expressed an interest in the new Explorer or Flex herself, so I would let her choose first then make my choices after that. She might also want a new Mustang, which would be fine with me, as I would like one too. If she chose the Mustang, I would replace the 2007 F150 with a new Explorer, (although I would prefer one of the last BOF models, so I might be tempted by an Expedition. With the role of a multi passenger utility vehicle, and a nice little runabout for me and the Wife taken care of I could turn my attention to my hobby cars. I would replace the ’96 Mustang, 89 Jag XJS, and the ’97 XJ6 with a single car. Since I could never afford the cars I really want, I would pick up a 2011 or so Jaguar XK coupe, or XJ8. All this would eliminate only one car, so I would still have five. My daughter can buy her next car herself!
I bought my 2010 Infiniti G37 new and it has only 35,000+ miles to date. Having had two cars stolen in my years living in SoCal (since 1972), replacing the current ride is always on my mind. I notice how specific are the requirements of many posters in response to Paul’s question – mine are as well. Entry level premium sedans are getting bigger but my underground garage space remains the same and it is tight, as is the turnaround. Hence, I want a small sedan in this category with a great turning radius comparable to that of the G.
Cars in this class are getting bigger (e.g., BMW 328, Audi A4, Infiniti Q50). Hence, I’ve kept my eye on the Audi A3, Lexus IS (200T and 350), M-B C Class, etc., as potential replacements. The Lexus is in the lead simply because I prefer the super reliability/lower maintenance costs of the Japanese vs. German brand (the Infiniti has been virtually flawless).
At the three year mark, I am very satisfied with my 2014 VW Jetta wagon. If something untoward happened to it, the default choice would be a Golf wagon….however, I gave the new Tiguan a very hard look at the Detroit show…several looks actually as I would wander over to other stands, check out a couple models, then head back to the Tig to compare it to what I had just looked at. Replacing the Jetta would be a coin toss between the Golf wagon and the Tig.
My beater is an 06 Focus hatch. I would hesitate to replace it with a 2017 as it lives outdoors 52 weeks/yr and is bathed in road salt all winter. If I were to replace the Focus, ideally, the replacement would be smaller. A 17 Chevy Sonic hatch would definitely be on the list, especially as Chevy got rid of the cartoony instrument cluster and put in proper analog tach and speedo. I sorely miss the humungus sun roof my Renault R5 had, and I miss it’s diminutive size. Flying in the face of all logic, caution and common sense, I would be looking very hard at a Fiat 500 Cabrio. I’m afraid a Beetle Convert is not likely to make the cut, because it would be sitting outside in the winter and Ed has not been the only person who has had the doors freeze shut on their Bug in the winter.
Bottom line, allowing that I may be getting a bit dotty in my old age, the most likely transitions would be
2014 Jetta wagon —>2018 (due out this summer) Tiguan
2006 Focus hatch—>2017 500 Cabrio
We currently have our 2004 Olds Silhouette minivan and a 2009 Pontiac G6. Neither one has a direct replacement from GM.
The van is easy, I’d like to find a 2017 Stow ‘n Go Dodge Grand Caravan to replace it. I’d probably spring for the American Value Package (or whatever they call it), for the max utility for the least money.
The G6 replacement is a different matter. The wife would like a Mini Clubman or Fiat 500L. I would really like a new Dodge Dart GT (while they’re still available) or a Fiat 500 Abarth. These days I’m looking for cheap fun, I think any of these would fill the bill. I’m more about the going than I am the showing…
Hmmmn – well my every-day car is only 6 months old. Its a BMW 640i Gran Coupe which it turns out suits me perfectly. I am very happy with it!
If I had to replace the classics with new models…
– the 1981 380 SL – hard to say, perhaps a new SL400, or a BMW 440 Convertible perhaps
– the 1969 280 SE 3.5 Coupe – really hard as there are not many cars like this anymore. The modern day equivalent would be an S 500 Coupe so I suppose it would have to be that (but not an AMG version)
– the 169 280 SE Sedan – again difficult as there really is not a basic S Class offering anymore but S350 is probably the closest BUT an E Class of BMW (new) 5 series could
be the ticket.
Agreed! The 3.5 coupe was almost unique.
I guess the MPW 2 door saloons of the day were close in spirit, however nothing comes close today.
Enjoy.
In 2013 I had to replace my beloved 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (Labrador Pearl [black]) when it was t-boned by a 80’s Chevy pickup going 55 in a 30 mph zone. I returned to my Mitsubishi dealer and bought a 2013 Outlander Sport SE 4WD CVT. Its replacement would be another Outlander Sport, even though the USA factory was shut down – though that could change, given the new alliance with Nissan; there is always hope that the Mitsubishi dealers will be given a little more vehicle variety in the future.
Well now Mr Niedermeyer, this is one of the more difficult QOTDs of late! My magnificent Ford Sierra is, of course, irreplaceable, but in the event that I needed to, I’d choose a Range Rover Vogue SV Autobiography LWB as it’d cover every need I could possibly think of, and then some. If funds didn’t allow a Rangie, I’d chose a Mazda6 wagon – handsome inside and out and I miss the old two I had.
If we replaced my fiancee’s Peugeot 307 SW, we’d probably go for a Peugeot 3008 (with the glass roof) now that the ugly old 3008 has gone away and the handsome new one’s arrived and won the European Car Of The Year award. Looks fab inside (especially) and out.
Well Scott, then why not the new 5008 ? It’s closer to the Range Rover…
A colleague drives a fairly new Peugeot 308 SW (1.6 HDi), the 307 SW’s successor, and he’s very satisfied with it. He likes it a lot more than the Mondeo wagon he drove prior to the 308. He lives in Germany and drives about 40,000 to 50,000 km a year.
Allez Peugeot ! I really like their current lineup.
I considered the 5008, as the old model was good looking, but the new shape is too ugly from the rear-three-quarter view, so the 3008 wins. And I too really like Peugeot’s current lineup (excluding the 5008!).
From an automotive perspective, my wife and I are fairly boring folks. Our vehicles are pretty much appliances, although I periodically threaten to find an aged Miata.
My wife’s 2015 Highlander LE, V-6, AWD, would get replaced with a new Highlander. Vanilla though it may be, we like it…..small enough to be an easy driver in town and more-than-reasonable on the highway.
My 2002 Tacoma Extended Cab 4×4, 2.7L, 5-speed, would more than likely get replaced by a new Taco, 4×4, 6-speed, but with a V-6 this time. A little extra zip would be nice after having “adequate” with the 2.7L as well as the two 2.9L Rangers I owned across a 20+ year period.
However, I would look around. Since we’re a couple years out for the new Ranger, that’s out. I’d at least give the Colorado a look assuming I could get the powertrain options I ‘d want. I haven’t owned a Chevy in the 30+ years since I had a 1972 K-5 Blazer.
The truck is easy, another white regular cab long box 4×4 Chevy in Work Truck trim. It would be a 1500 because the 2500HD was overkill for my mission. “1/2 ton” now has the same GVWR as “3/4 ton” was in the old days.
The Honda Fit has been so good it is also likely to be replaced with another. Base = LX. MT cars are few and far between today. Nissan no longer offers a non-CVT Versa Note and the Mazda CX-3 is automatic only. 5-door Toyota Yaris is also auto-only. Ford Fiesta S Hatch would be a cheaper contender. The Fiesta ST would be entertaining, if I could justify the price.
Well, right now i have two vehicles, a ’98 Chevy K1500 Z71, and a ’03 Chevy Silverado 1500. If I had to replace them with 2017 models, I would replace the K1500 with either a Silverado 1500 Z71, or a Colorado Z71 with the diesel. Extended cab 4×4, of course. The Silverado? I’d probably actually want to replace that with something like a new Subaru Impreza (it will actually be replaced with an older Subaru anyways, once it sells.. Anyone looking for a good truck?) If only replacing these with new cars was an option!
I’m driving a 2015 Golf Sportwagen (gas, thankfully) and oddly enough, I was just looking at what other compact wagons are out there, even though I’ll keep this car for a few more years.
And I hope they’re still selling these in 2019 or so, because as far as I can tell, it’s the only compact, 2wd wagon sold in America today. Ford dropped the Focus, BMW, Audi and Subaru only sell AWD. I love wagons, and it looks like my hopes are pinned on Wolfsburg to deliver.
Don’t forget about the Volvo V60. It can still come as a front wheel drive vehicle.
Nice cars, and very nice interiors. A bit pricey too.
You’re talking about the V60, Paul? Forgot that one.
Huh, what funny timing. As it turns out, I probably need to replace my current car with a 2017 model thanks to a power outage affecting the traffic lights at the top of the freeway off-ramp and motorists that didn’t realize it in time.
My current car, well, still current until the insurance totals it, is a 2014 Fiesta ST.
In the meantime, my 1995 F-150 has just been promoted to “Daily Driver.” Depending upon how things with insurance go, this could be a permanent promotion. The truck runs like an eager puppy even with 198,000 miles on it. I’m working on a house, so the truck will get used anyway.
Supposing I opt to replace Zesty with a 2017, the 2017 I’d choose is…
Another Fiesta ST. I loved the first one, and I’m not wild about the 2018 that Ford revealed. So, I might, again depending upon how things play out, buy the same car I had, but a 2017 version instead of a 2014.
And how neat is that, a car I like so much I’d buy it again, even knowing its warts and foibles?
Well, this is a very timely QOTD, as I just replaced my long-time DD (’01 PT Cruiser) with a ’15 Fusion yesterday. OK, I cheated a little as it’s not quite new, but you wouldn’t know it to see or drive it. Fantastic car!
Replacing the Isuzu Pickup? I would probably just not replace it at all. I could use the garage space.
Kawasaki EX500? I really like the KTM 390 Duke.
Finally, the 2009 Mariner. Most likely a new Escape.
So that’s two of us that have answered “lightly used Fusion” to a real-world version of this question, though yours being a ’15 is probably like-new-er than mine. Which engine/trim?
Which one did you get rid of? Im guessing Crown Vic, as you wouldn’t replace the ‘Bu, the Kia is too new and…. No. Not the Volvo! Please!
Sorry, Chris, didn’t read your post…
My Fusion is an SE 2.5 with the 6F35 autobox. Not a rocket, but goes pretty decently, corners flat, and gets REALLY good fuel economy- particularly for a fairly large car. Lovin’ it so far.
That’s the thing–mine is an SE 2.5 also, and I’ve not been getting the gas mileage I’ve expected. Highest average for a tank so far is 27, and that was probably 70-30 highway-city, so I was expecting more like 30. Hmmm.
Like it otherwise though.
I don’t plan on replacing any of my cars soon, but if-
The 2014 300c would get replaced with either a Lincoln Continental, 300c Platinum, or a Genesis G80-in about that order.
The 2012 Escape would get replaced with either a Lincoln MKX, a loaded Ford Flex or a Lexus RX-in about that order.
’05 Pontiac Vibe would be replaced with a Hyundai Elantra GT. I am not excited about the dual clutch automatic as it has been called clunky, but with arthritis entering the picture I do not care for 3 pedals. The hatchback is required for the dog.
’10 Ford Focus: it is much harder to find a suitable replacement for my wife’s car. She needs a narrow 4 door sedan with automatic transmission. The Focus is 67.8″ wide. The Hyundai Accent may work.
Suzuki made a big comeback on our market lately, with new models and keen pricing.
My current favorite is facelifted Suzuki SX-Cross with turbo 1.4 gasoline engine.
And this is not rebadged Daewoo, but genuine Suzuki.
That grille makes it look kind of like a Buick to me…
Probably stick with the Fusion with the base Mazda 2.5 “big block” although I really like the Dodge Grand Caravan as shown above. This is a tough question for me. No cars really interest me these days. I want something simple and milquetoast but fun and that gives me a smile and a secret giddy cheer when I think about driving it soon to the grocery store.
So 2017 Fusion it is.
I miss the Panther cars!
If my 3 old cars disappeared into the ether I’d really be struggling to find modern/current equivalents, I’m sure they’re out there but nothing registers on the radar.
The only new car I’m remotely interested in is the Fiat 124 roadster. I’ll never buy one, but being past the child seat stage, and with 2 virtually new cars in the household for additional passengers or carrying duties, it could work.
Since I live in Germany, I would definitely get Audi RS6 Avant…
The car would be easy. I don’t need any utility from my car aside from carrying myself, an occasional passenger, and odds and ends on errand runs. Mercucy Mystique out, Fiat 500 Abarth in.
The wife’s old Volvo S70 with whatever she’d want. Probably a Kia Soul or something in the same general neighborhood.
There simply is no replacement for the 89 F350 crewcab diesel. Nothing within a light-year of its stone-axe durability and simplicity. It’s already bigger than I really like, and modern 3/4-ton and One-ton pickups are just two damned high for me to put up with. I can’t think of a single thing that would fill its role in my work without seriously detrimental compromises. I want something with a big cab and a long bed, that I don’t need a stepladder to load or climb into. Maybe an F250 with cut springs and a set of undersized wheels? It would look ridiculous, but it might get the liftover height back into the “people actually load these” range.
Yikes…not much. A Grand Cherokee, maybe a 300.
Take away those two options and I’d be stuck. I lost interest in the Ram 2500/3500 with the Cummins ever since it got the crappy emissions stuff (6.7L). I never really cared for the current styling that they’ve had since 2009.
I wanted to buy a Mercedes C- or E-Class in the future but everything they have out on the market could pass for a rebadged Hyundai. Mercedes’ recent offerings seem to be a DOWNGRADE to their 2008-10 era vehicles, which I liked. The interiors may be comfy, but they look tacky, maybe even cheap. I like simple.
To me, darned near everything out on the market is UGLY, everything is LOADED down with these complicated technologies to eke out 5-10 more MPGs at the sacrifice of simplicity and reliability. Your average car has a tiny turbocharged engine, trucks too..no thanks. I think most any 2017 car would be a downgrade.
I like my 2013 Chrysler 200 enough to prefer it over the new 2017 cars out there. I don’t like the 2015-17 200…too much Kia, doesn’t look like a Chrysler at all. Interior is too swoopy and complicated for my tastes. There’s a loss of headroom compared to my 2013. Plus, the ZF 9-speed got off to a rough start.
It’s going to be really tough when I go car shopping again. Nothing appeals to me. I may just throw in the towel and hold on to my 200 indefinitely.
My Mazda 3 is only a year and a half old. But if I had to replace it, it would be with the current updated model which everyone seems to think is even better.
Car-less as of right now, but as an all-rounder, I would pick this (can we count 2018 models?)
My main winter car is a ’16 C-Max, We’ve put 4600 miles on it just over 50MPG and 12-15 mile plugin range. That’s with studded snows, sub 0 temps and icey roads the whole time we’ve had it (12/3/16) so we’d replace that with a ’17.
My garden business 01 Taurus wagon would be replaced with an AWD Flex. Plenty of room for storing long handle tools and with AWD probably less issue with having to fix grass after driving trailer loads of bulk goods (Mulch, compost etc.) across peoples lawns. Pro tip, studded snows make a very good turf tire if the ground isn’t saturated.
My wife hates shopping for cars so she’d probably replace her ’06 RAV4 with a new one, unless she drove something else first, like a Mustang or Fiesta.
As much as I like my Toyota Yaris, I envy those with a regular Prius, with high mpg numbers. I don’t the new 4th generation styling , so I’d go with a 2010 -2015. I could go with a Prius C. but I’m not too crazy about the styling either. But if I got a nice color, I could get past that.
I just rented a Yaris last week, and surprisingly liked it so much that I’ve been looking at used ones – I think 2014 will be the newest for me, as its radio still has hard buttons on it – the flat-screen in the newer ones is just too hard to use, and impossible to adjust w/o taking one’s eyes off of the road while driving.
It seems like one of the last ‘honest’ cars – an old-school key, that I can get a copy of at the hardware store for $5, that goes into the old-school ignition cylinder, and you can still get manual windows if you are a die-hard optionphobic. And a four-speed automatic transmission which works just fine, despite all of the whining by auto journalists about the lack of gears.
My Yaris is a 2014 with an automatic, which is nice for city driving. I’m getting over 30 mpg in town and up to 42 mpg hwy. Nice car for basic transportation, and reliable too. I don’t like what they did with the new ones by restyling the front with an ugly monster face frown..
Yes, I agree with you on the front on the 2015+ model – it looks like an angry cat. I would install some spring-steel black whiskers on mine and call the car “whiskers”.
I drive an Eos now. Will probably get either an Arteon or Tiguan next year. Maybe an Audi A4 or Q3. I actually like the current Impala and LaCrosse as well.
Easy. Aston Martin DB11. In Black. With yellow brake callipers ?
Where exactly the money would come from is another question entirely of course, but if I were replacing my last car and buying new that’d be my daydream choice for sure.
Probably a Honda Fit, I’m seriously considering buying this year as the EX offers manual, sunroof and no Honda Sensing (I don’t want v1.0 of any “safety feature”) by way of futureproofing. Maybe if I can get a Fiesta ST for enough below list?
Well, in November I replaced my 2005 Impala LS with a 2011 TSX sport wagon, thanks in part to your ownership of your wagon, Paul. I’m loving having a wagon again, and the Acura fits me well. If I hadn’t gotten this car, I was going to wait a while and get either a Ford Flex or a Volvo V60. So those would be my choices if I had to get a brand new 2017. I probably would be leaning towards the V60…
Yea I have a 2014 TSX wagon and about all I can think of now is a V60 or BMW 3 wagon, but my cheapness says those are are just not worth that much more money and service expense. Actually I’d like something a little smaller, Volvo V40? A3 wagon? Maybe a Cruise hatch? Not a lot of choices for me.
I’m glad you found one and are enjoying it. Although I complained a bit here about its aspects I don’t like, in city driving, it’s a wonderful car to strap on when heading out of tow, regardless of whether it’s a shorter drive or longer. The handling has exceeded my expectations, and the performance is impressive for a NA 2.4 L four. And it’s quite efficient. And the seats are very comfortable. I can really enjoy myself with it on the open road.
Money no object, I would replace my 2011 Crown Vic with a Charger R/T, RWD with no options except the Road-Track suspension and 20″ wheels. Get a set of 18s for winter tires.
More likely…I would buy a used police Charger for about $7K.
Replace Big Red, my much loved 2008 Grand Marquis with only 89,000 miles? Ow, that’s a painful thought. Well, I’d certainly check out a Chrysler 300 because they look so good in dark blue and black. And I’d certainly test drive a Chevy Impala, just to see how GM has upped its game in recent years. Probably, though, I’d wind up with a Toyota Avalon because they just seem to do everything I want a car to do with such quiet competence. But I am cheating a little, because in truth I always buy second hand.
This is actually an exercise I’ve contemplated, as I know the ’99 300M, while still in good shape with very low mileage, is going to nickle and dime me, and indeed already is, with the hot season imminent here in Florida and the A/C system malfunctioning. The thing is, I’m in a bit of a transitional period, with no kids living with me, a relationship that has recently become long distance and perhaps rather tentative, and a career that I’d like to change at the most or re-energize at the least. So I could end up anywhere within a year or two, and I could very likely need to move, carry, purchase or acquire just about anything imaginable to accommodate my new home/surroundings/life. In short, I need a “do it all” kind of vehicle, but one that doesn’t burn gas like crazy, isn’t fancy enough to make me worry about dings or scratches, and is somewhat rugged.
I think I’ve basically settled on a Jeep Patriot, in its base FWD/ 5-speed format, with nothing but a wheel and tire upgrade and the power package, which includes air conditioning. With incentives and rebates, etc., this vehicle could realistically be had for somewhere between $14-17,000, which hits a sweet spot, budget-wise. It’s not exciting, it’s not fancy, but I think it essentially ticks the boxes, at least as I can foresee things.
New Chevy Malibu because I don’t need a full-size car anymore.
That was a real softball QOTD for me!
There isn’t a single car sold here that I could tolerate owning. The front ends all look alike; groteque headlight treatments and bizarre grilles…oversized, or too small…and those ugly high beltlines and tiny windows!
As this is an exercise, I’m also going to imagine I could afford the expense to bring a vehicle here from Down Under and the attendant USA-required modifications to be street-legal. The size of a Falcon ute is just right for me, and the front end is relatively toned-down. The windows are big enough to see out of, too, Best of all, the A/C is as good as an American unit – not a wimpy little thing like in my wife’s Volvo.
I’d still rather repair my Taurus wagon if it didn’t cost more than a new car. It fits me like a glove and does everything I require of it quite comfortably and without protest. I suppose all good things come to an end, eventually, though. 🙁
Well if I was going to replace my 2011 Colorado, I would look at the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is an attractive truck and would do everything my current truck does and would fit my needs well. I am not towing things so I don’t need a huge ass truck with 4wd and a big engine.
The Probe might get replaced with a 2017 Miata
The Caddy Deville, would not be replaced
I don’t think there is one. First the car has to be a reliable 4 banger with good power and a 5spd manual. Second, it needs to have great visibility. Third, it cannot have an entertainment center nor a center screen. Oh, and mpg has to be a minimum of 30 mpg.
How could I forget. No black, white, silver/gray, or red colors permitted. Preferably in the blue – green spectrum.
fiat abarth
I see I left out unquestioned reliability.
You just described a 1972 Datsun 1200 to a tee. 🙂
Hoogeeze, I donno. Do I have to be able to afford it? If we’re leaving money out of the question, it gets a lot easier; I’ll replace my ’07 Accord with a Tesla.
Or since we’re in dreamy-dream land anyhow, can I exempt myself from “not available in this market” constraints? If so, I’ll have a handshift diesel Subaru or Honda of some sort.
Great question! Since replacing all of one’s vehicles with new ones at one time is as out of reach for me as it is for most anyone else, I’ll go with money (mostly) no object here:
DD 01 Suzuki Grand Vitara 5sp – No modern equivalent that I know of. Really torn as to what I’d replace it with, probably either a low end RAV4 or a 4 door Wrangler, both with a stick, and awd/4wd if possible
99 Sierra K1500 rclb auto- Silverado 2500, short crew short box, 6.0, 4wd, base trim
95 Altima 5sp – Mazda6 or Mazda3 with a stick
82 C10 3sp – No modern equivalent that even comes close, so I’d go with something fun: Chevy SS with a stick
77 Suzuki GS400 – Not interested in modern bikes, so I wouldn’t replace it
Wife’s 10 Sentra cvt – Similar small sedan or CUV that gets good mpg, maybe a Cruze…?
That said, pretty happy with the fleet as it stands, though the Sierra might get upgraded to a 07-13 in the next couple yrs.
1968 Electra to Cadillac ats-V
2002 Aprilia Falco Aprilia rsv4 (good lord the noise they make…)
1995 Nissan Pathfinder to …………..Can I just have the complete V6 drive train from a manual transmission Frontier? I know it will fit.
If Nissan still made the Xterra that’s probably what I would replace it with because I have use of a dog adventure rig.
I currently own at 2010 Mazda 3 GT sedan, so I’d likely replace it with a 2017 Mazda 3 GS sedan.
I find the GT’s ride with 50-series tires is too rough on my city’s cratered roads. The GS’s 60-series tires should provide some relief.
If money were no object, my ride would be a Volvo S90 T6 Inscription. There’s still a place for understated beauty in a world full of overstyled cars.
Make mine a V90 AWD.
I would replace the 2013 Impala with a new 2017 Epsilon version. Would have to drive both 2.5 and V6 to see which is the best combo for power/MPG tradeoff. My last 3 Impalas have all been very reliable and are great highway cruisers with big trunks, great performance with the V6 engines, very low maintenance costs, easy to get in and out of, comfortable easy to clean cloth seats and very affordable purchase prices.
A good second runner up would be a new 2017 LaCrosse in preferred trim. They are selling at a nearby dealer for 31999 or only a couple thousand more than an Impala LT.
Replacing the 1999 Accord would be a TSX, or possibly TLX if I went new. The RDX? Not sure, because we love it and would have to look at different models to see what we like to drive as much. The RDX is so comfortable that it would be hard to find another vehicle with such comfy seats and the room it provides.
Paul, I am surprised you never considered an RDX. You mention that your TSX wagon has some issues, I think an RDX would be a great replacement for it. Easy entry/exit, plenty of power, ultra comfortable and not too big/small. Just my two cents.
Well, with all these responses about buying new Dodge/Chrysler vehicles, us mechanics will have plenty of job security for next 40 years…….lololol