Suppose you could only have one vehicle. It can be anything you want, but there are a few caveats:
- It has to fulfill all your current needs in life.
- It does not have to be new and you can equip it with whatever factory options you like.
- Initial cost isn’t a factor and whatever you choose is ready for daily use.
You’re looking at mine – a 2017 F-150 XLT with the 2.7 liter V6, four-wheel drive, and a modest interior. Plenty of room for people, able to haul bulky and/or heavy loads, it will pull whatever I need it to pull, and with an EPA rating of 23 mpg highway it certainly beats my current pickup – which is why I went with a new one. These also ride and drive very well, totally unlike the stereotypical pickup experience. It would work well for Shafer House.
So what about you?
If it’s a sole vehicle. Unlimited supply of Ziebart would be necessary.
I know some if not most will think I’m nuts, which is fine, I probably am but I’d have a 1967 Volkswagen Westfalia pop-top Camper Bus. It’d have the walk-through cab.
I’ve always said that if I was only able to drive one vehicle it would be a split window Bus. I just love them. And since it has to be factory, ’67’s were factory 12 volt. I’ve probably driven Type2s more than anything else in my life, including daily driving them, so I know full well all it would entail.
At this point, Dodge Grand Caravan with the stow and go seats, 3.8l V6 and a roof rack. And not red.
I have kids to take to summer camp, water polo teams to take to practice, and soon enough college kids to deliver and retrieve.
A first-gen Toyota Matrix. I happen to already own one, but I’d want it to have about 100,000 fewer miles on it.
I was going to say the same about the Matrix, but I thought I wasn’t giving this enough thought. Now, 6 hours later, I still can’t come up with anything I like better. I’m really happy with the Matrix. I’d just like to add the XR wheels, new bumper covers, and new (clear) headlights. Oh, and a touch screen head unit. That’s it.
My problem is, my dream cars/trucks are all over the map.
What Id REALLY like is a first generation RamCharger with a simplified soft top grafted on a second generation Ram 1500 frame (more modern running gear but still sturdy as hell and a solid front axle) powered by a 6.4 truck Hemi and NV4500 manual. But that’s cheating dirty by rules of the thread…
Guess I’m gonna pick an electric blue 2001 Ram 1500 Sport. Its gotta be a 4×4 single cab shortbed with a manual. The 360 was automatic only so if youre snoozing I’m gonna swap that in when you aren’t looking but if Big Brother is watching, Ill stick with the stock 318. Sure a Dakota crewcab would be nice for the extra interior room but living in Portland metro, the short length means I can still shoehorn it into tight downown areas and nothing beats it for style. Among fullsize Dodges, its kind of a wash as to which is the best looking, but the 2nd gen is the highest development of the straight front axle setup (which wheels like giant TJ and is anvil durable) and the proportions of the single cabs are spot on. Strip off these bogus factory bumpers for some trim tubular pre-runner style units to match the rollbar, get black sidesteps and get rid of those butt ugly wheels in favor of some 15X10 Ansen style slot mags and this truck is the holy grail of modern enough to be a great daily driver while possessing the style and configuration to look as good as it fits my lifestyle.
F-150 super crew. Loaded. Engine choice, not sure. I would take any one.
I know there have been some 5.4 spark plug issues as well as 5.3’s losing oil pressure. My 5.4 has been my mule for 15 trouble free years and would take another in a heart beat if it were available.
But as only vehicle it would likely be king ranch or platinum.
Speaking from experience, the 5.0 and 3.5 EB completely blow the 5.4 out of the water, and from what I’ve heard, the 2.7 EB is no slouch.
I agree. Even the 2.7 I drove would pull ahead of the 5.4, though I have not pulled anything with the 2.7.
Powell sport wagon with overdrive please.
I had to google this as I had never heard of this.
The base ’04 Titan King Cab 2WD I bought new and has 16k miles on it now would be the one I’d keep.
I still have the ’86 Jetta, now with collector plate and no tags to ever buy again. Also still have (bought last year off Craigslist cheap but in great condition) it’s twin (same color and interior) except it’s an ’87. Not sure how long I’ll keep the second Jetta, I’ll eventually find a family member that want’s it and can drive or is willing to learn to drive a stick shift. At least next year I can get a collector plate for it as well. But it wouldn’t handle the landlord duties and the truck is a much better road trip machine. It’s 300 HP 5.6 32 valve 4 cam aluminum V8 is powerful and fun to drive, likes gas though, 13-14 around town and 20 on the highway if you stay around 65. Good thing it only requires 87 Octane. But I drive so little these days I can afford to fill the truck up once a month. That new F150 is an impressive truck, though.
Money no object? That new Civic Type-R looks good, it or a Focus RS will be the backup if I can’t find the right manual CTS-V wagon.
Closer to the real world, a Honda Fit with sunroof and 6MT is a very real possibility.
My choice is always [current model year] F-150 SuperCab/8′ bed with the Heavy-Duty Payload package (3.5 EB or 5.0, 3.73 locking rear) and Medium Light Camel interior, and after that it comes down to choosing which trim.
My original choice was an XLT with all the options and Magnetic two-tone, because you can’t get Lariat’s superior Caribou two-tone with HDPP, but then I saw ’17s have a new color called White Gold that’s not available with two-tone on either XLT or Lariat. So that’s my new choice. I love two-tone, but I think this new color is even better.
The Build & Price makes Medium Light Camel look washed-out. It’s the same tan shade they’ve had for decades.
I’m perfectly happy with my current car, a first-gen Mazda3, although it’s probably coming up on some work I can’t presently afford, the headlights are cloudy and could stand replacing, and I would really like an AUX jack for the stereo. (Later iterations of the same generation had them, mine doesn’t.) The newer generations got uglier and lost the rub strips on the doors, which I find infuriating in the city.
I have zero use for crossovers or wagons, and I loathe trucks, whether to drive or ride in. In an ideal world, on the rare occasions I might actually need one, I’d rather rent it for a day or two and then give it back so as to minimize the need to be seen in it.
Since here in Winnipeg we live buried in snow for half of the year, a AWD car is a good choice. The other half of the year we have to deal with pot holes and road construction so, a car with some off road capabilities is a must.
My choice would be a Autobiography as well but a supercharger 5.0 gas V8 . That thing with aftermarket exhaust sounds like a muscle car
Holden Commodore V8 Wagon. (picture a Pontiac G8 wagon) Space, grace and pace.
And much more pace readily available.
1994 4 door S10 Blazer 4×4. What else would you need?
Living in the snowbelt I think a 4-cylinder Subaru Outback would be just the ticket, with runners up being the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. After I win the lottery I’m going with a Toyota Land-Cruiser, though.
I suspect this is pretty much the case with a lot of young, empty nesters who only want (or need) a single vehicle. With a minivan being so uncool, and a full-size truck being so unwieldy in urban environments, it goes a long way to explaining the enormous popularity of CUVs like the Forester, CR-V, and RAV4. While they can’t haul a lot of cargo, they can tote pretty much anything from an IKEA. And for what they can’t haul, there’s always the short-term rental truck from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
About 25+ years ago I read an article in Automobile Magazine where David E. Davis postulated that an inexpensive pick up truck was probably the best vehicle for a single person. In his case, he was using young women as an example. At first I thought he’d had a stroke, but the more I thought about it, he was right. Back then they could be obtained fairly inexpensively in base 4×2 form, they could haul almost anything and with enough doors, could double as a sedan. Of course, this was just at the start of the SUV trend, where they took over as the functional car for single people.
I would have to agree with that assessment; many of the younger people I know have a SUV of some sort or another. I’ve been a Pontiac Aztek owner several times now, which was kind of a proto- small SUV, and for every day duties, it was plenty utilitarian yet comfy to drive in all situations.
If I didn’t have a need to carry large things securely, I might have looked for another one. But I’m happy with the minivan.
The base crew cabs from Ford, GM and Dodge sell for $25k or less these days, pretty well equipped. That’s impressive.
A RAM 1500 Hemi, probably the Longhorn. Haven’t driven the new F150 and might switch to that if it was good enough to overcome the styling, which I find a tad soft. The RAM is a great looking truck and with the coil spring rear suspension and powerful V8 is like having your favorite classic American luxury car with modern MPG and safety features.
I have an NA Miata, an ’89 Crown Vic wagon, and a Transit Connect wagon. It’s really hard to think what would replace all these, but lucky for me, you didn’t specify that it had to be available on the US market. Therefore, I’ll accept in trade a VW Golf R Variant or Ford Focus ST Estate.
Indeed, no specification of market. I figured we lived all over the globe, so why constrain ourselves? 🙂
If I have to give up my motorcycle I at least want a turbo in exchange. 2008 Subaru Legacy GT wagon, last year they offered it in the US. Preferably from one of those strange places in California that don’t get snow yet people still buy Subarus
Good choice! You don’t need snow to appreciate a Legacy though. I’m already driving my choice – a 2004 Legacy 3.0r wagon. I find it to be the best compromise for me. Plenty of space, excellent ergonomics, great handling, a surprising turn of speed, reliable, and the smoothest, strongest engine I’ve ever owned. The only thing I’d change is to swap out the (admittedly excellent) auto ‘box for a proper manual.
If you pushed me, and I didn’t have to pay for maintenance, I think the last of the N/A C63s wagons would be suitable. Or perhaps a manual 335i wagon.
Uhh … parts of California have more snowfall and a longer snow season than many other parts of the US. And we also have thousands of miles of unpaved roads. And even if one doesn’t live in those parts of the state, a Subaru is a darn good vehicle for visiting and exploring those places.
Tough one… When all is said and done, it’d have to be the ultra-rare, dark green, mint-condition Volvo 165 wagon owned by Fredrik Nyblad, from the excellent Swedish classic car mag Klassiker. I wouldn’t change a thing to the car, which is just perfect the way it is (just google Fredrik Nyblad and you’ll see what I mean).
Why settle for an imitation when you could have the real thing?
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/the-only-factory-built-volvo-165-in-the-world-part-1/
Because the imitation looks real enough to me. Plus, it was built in Sweden. And if Nyblad is willing to sell the car (which I doubt but still, Fredrik, if you’re reading this…), I won’t have to have it shipped to Europe in a container. Instead I’ll be able to pick it up and drive it home to Luxembourg via Copenhagen, Berlin, Prague and Genève. Preferably in May 🙂
All good points. Plus the Nyblad is very nicely optioned. Make sure you give us a COAL if you manage to get your hands on it.
Well. Despite being a diehard Volvo guy, I’m going to say a 2009 Lexus IS 220d with a 6 speed manual. Preferrably black
Tough question, as I have always been a multiple cars for multiple purposes kind of guy.
Almost an empty nester who needs to haul cargo periodically. I don’t tow, so a minivan would be my ideal. I would probably take a new version of my 99 Town and Country, only with the 3.8 instead of the 3.3 I had.
Vehicles actually available? The idea of a Ford Flex is intriguing.
Hard for me to answer in a normal way. I am single with no wife or kiddies and live and work in Manhattan. I commute to work via subway (in fact, I have a choice of 3 lines). My office is moving in a few months, after which I’ll probably be commuting to it by foot on all but the coldest or stormiest days. At my old job, I had to use a car to make court appearances out of state at least once or twice per month. That was how I originally justified keeping my former Buick in Manhattan. At my new job, due to a differing nature of the practice, most every court date is accessible by train, subway, or light rail. Even if I have to take a cab from the station, it has not been an inconvenience. I keep my ’75 Oldsmobile almost solely for pleasure at this point, and at my parents’ house in Connecticut. It is sometimes stored temporarily in the city, especially in the summer when road tripping peaks, but functionally it is a cool/novelty replacement for a weekend rental that requires varying preventative maintenence throughout the year, and serves as my car when I come home for the weekend, which is typically every two to three weeks in winter and almost every weekend in the summer.
While it can sometimes be sidelined for a few weeks at a time–waiting for the front end to be rebuilt, say, or locating, shipping, and mounting replacement 1.3″ whitewalls—it is no less practical because it is never really needed. If I wasn’t committed to keeping it up and gradually replacing various elements to make it the ultimate weekend cruiser, it’d probably be just as easy to plan ahead and rent an Impala from Hertz. About the only reason to have it other than wanting to have it is that it’s nice to be able to plan weekend getaways on a beautiful summer weekend on Friday afternoon, when the only car left at the rental agency is the purple cargo van.
Pretty much any car with HEI and well maintained, in other words, MY 1974/75+, that strikes my fancy fits the bill for now. The Olds was what I found at the time and is what I like.
This answer only changes if I need daily transportation, if I leave the city, or if, for whatever reason, I tire of the Oldsmobile.
Boeing 707 for me.
“Musn’t be afraid of dreaming a little bigger, darling.”
I have no idea. Right now, I have my Impala and Wifey has here CR-V.
I’d have to say it would have to be a CUV, but as a rule, I prefer a car. If it were solely up to me, I suppose another Impala LTZ (V6, of course) would suit me fine. In Red…
We’d have to drastically change our lifestyle to manage with only one vehicle. Wife has the ’12 Routan (which she loves), and while we’re empty-nesters, she still manages to find people to shuttle or loads of stuff to carry for the pregnancy resource center she directs.
I suppose I could use my farm truck for a DD, but it’s much nicer to have the ’15 Fit for my weekday commute and long trips (avg. 38 MPG, and can carry a new dishwasher in the box with rear seats down).
The ’15 RAM 2500 is a necessity on the farm – can’t haul a beef with any of the other cars! But the avg. 13 MPG would preclude using it on a frequent basis.
My current 1997 Chevy Tahoe 4-door 4WD completely fulfills all my automotive needs.
But if money wasn’t an issue, I’d happily go for a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali (regular length; the Yukon XL might be sligtly too big here in Europe :).
CTS-V wagon with the stick shift???
I really already have it. 2000 GMC Sierra Z-71. Does everything I need. Sometimes I wish it was a crew cab. Sometimes I wish it were a Duramax. Hmmm… so maybe my perfect vehicle would be a 3/4 ton Duramax Crew Cab!
I’m happy with what I have now: 05 ION, polymer panels, excellent fuel economy, still looks like a late model, nearly 15 cubic feet of trunk space, a just right size.
Crazy Old Uncle’s car of choice, like a 59 Studebaker Lark still being driven by it’s original owner in 1985.
Check back in another 20 years.
Mercedes C Class wagon, diesel with a stick.
Which doesn’t exist in the USofA.
I’d probably choose a 1989 Caprice 9C1 350 TBI in black with dog dish caps. That or maybe a 1996 Impala SS, it’d be a tough call. Both would offer decent performance and handling, while be big enough to suit my family needs and I could pull my boat or a utility trailer to fill my pickup needs.
Realistically though, neither would be cut it for winter use on my rural roads, and I don’t think my wife would go for either one. So, I’d probably end up in a truck, and if money was no object, I’d get a 2017 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Pro package. I love my Tundra now, built like a tank, reliable, naturally aspirated DOHC V8 that loves high RPMS, and I know these trucks very well mechanically. I normally don’t like the crew cab short box trucks, but if it was our only car, a double cab would be too small.
Back to reality, there is no way we can get by with one car in our current situation without some major changes. We have a new Outback and a 9 year old Tundra as our daily drivers now. Quite honestly if wasn’t for the fact winters here eventually kill cars, I’d be fine driving both for the rest of my driving days. Of course though, I’d always have at least one old car in my stable.
If I could get side airbags, BSM and ventilated seats on my 2001 Trooper it would be a keeper for life. If not I’d go with a Landcruiser.
I’m very pleased with my ’13 Outback, but next time around I’d go with the H6 upgrade.
I had to get rid of my 2003 Ram in late ’07 due to being injured and I miss it every time it snows out. If I could safely get into one without a powered step or a step box like a friend uses for me and his parents to get into his truck, I would have a newer one in the garage. I don’t like the GM trucks styling at all, and would pass on the EcoBoost F150’s, a friend is in hell with turbo issues, and a co-worker’s has had turbo and bottom end of engine issues. Ford is not cooperating at all with either of them about their issues, and the dealers have basically done all they can. So, it would be a midlevel Ram 1500, with a hemi and 8 speed auto.
Hard to give up Fit and Full Size 4×4 (regular cab, long bed) for one vehicle. Need to carry passengers and maintain property in snow country.
I like basic, no luxury trappings, so the Tacoma is the most basic 4×4 mid size pickup in the US market today, just over $31k. Colorado/Canyon pushes it up over $40k due to mandatory high trim and other features.
Still, this would require utility and camping trailers to replace the full 4×8 bed and slide in camper of my current rig. A crew cab truck with 8′ bed would be impossible to drive and park in the city.
My first pick would be a new Golf GTI, a natural successor to my current ride, a 2007 Rabbit. It’s a car that excels at just about everything – great fun to drive, incredibly practical, affordable to buy and own. Make mine Night Blue with every option except the dual-clutch automatic – good as it is, I prefer to row my own gears. Though not AWD like the pricier Golf R (which would also be a good pick), the combination of FWD and a limited slip differential means great winter traction, especially since I’d own a set of minus-sized Michelin or Nokian winter tires.
Another new car that pulls at my heartstrings is the Chrysler Pacifica. Limited Touring or whatever the top of the line model is called, but not the plug-in hybrid since I want the Stow ‘n’ Go second row seats. It’s the most beautifully styled new car for 2017, not just for a van but for anything. I don’t even have kids, but I do have friends and love to go on road trips, and there isn’t a finer road-trip vehicle ever made than this one (save for somecustomized vans, but I don’t think I’d want that as my only vehicle). The second and third rows feel like they’ve been pulled from a luxury business jet, with their own climate control, entertainment, storage, and seat adjustments. Make mine deep red metalllic clearcoat with the brown leather interior.
There are lots of old cars I love, but I can’t think of one I’d want as my only car. I can think of dozens I’d like as my second car though 🙂 If it were more reliable and easier to get parts and service for, I’d be good with a Citroen CX wagon with the Prestige interior (this may have only been offered on the long-wheelbase hatchback – if so, make mine custom). Doesn’t it just *look* incredibly comfortable back there? And thanks to the amazing hydropneumatic suspension, it’s probably the smoothest-riding car ever made so it’s as comfortable as it looks.
1992 Oldsmobile Achieva ACX, with the option “W41”, High-Output DOHC 2.3L Quad 4, 5-speed manual gearbox, but manual locks/windows and cloth interior, or a 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, with the turbo 3.8L Buick V-6 option, leather interior, T-Tops, and honeycomb alloy wheels.
I’ve got mine. After Saabs, Volvos, BMWs (one, still) my rad ride is a 2011 Sienna Limited. Fast enough to dust almost anyone, huge enough to hold sofas, cabinets, and 7 people but luxe enough that it’s seen in fine neighborhoods and treated with respect, sliding doors that open with a button, and 88,000 miles with nothing wrong so far. Plus, the gated shifter offers control and a little spunk to keep things interesting. Couldn’t be happier- and until a few years ago it’s the last car I thought I’d love this much.