I love my 2009 Ford FG Falcon, from its cushy seats to its smooth inline six. I know I should just be enjoying what I have but I’ve now had it for over two years, the longest I’ve owned a car. As it creeps closer and closer to 200,000km on the odometer, I find myself wondering what I’ll get next. All my instincts tell me to try something fresh and new but, the other day, I thought about returning to something familiar. My question to you is: would you buy a newer version of a car you’ve already owned?
As I write this, I’m tossing up between a 2015-17 Hyundai Genesis, an Infiniti Q70, or a 2014+ Lexus IS – don’t worry about remembering those, I’ll probably change my mind countless times over the next year or two.
One thing about my Falcon is that it lacks many things, at least the kind of things I increasingly find myself wanting. Just to name a few: Bluetooth audio streaming, blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, heated and ventilated/cooled seats, Android Auto, front parking sensors, and a head-up display. No, I don’t need any of those but, well, they’d be nice. Upgrading to a used luxury sedan like those I’ve mentioned would net me most if not all of those. You know what else would? A VF Holden Calais V.
If you’ll recall, I owned a VE Calais V from 2014-16 and I wasn’t a huge fan. That was mostly down to its uncomfortable ride quality, being an early VE Calais with the firmer FE2 suspension tune. The fact it required an expensive repair sealed its fate for me and I off-loaded it. So why on earth would I want a newer version of the same car?
Well, the VF refresh brought with it a much improved, more premium interior. It also brought with it more features, among them a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring, while ride quality had been improved during the VE’s run.
If you’re wondering why I’m not considering a newer Falcon, the final FG X Falcon merely added a new infotainment system and was otherwise largely the same, right down to the steering wheel buttons that don’t light up at night.
If I was feeling really silly, I could get a Calais with the 6.0 V8 (349 hp, 376 ft-lbs) or a VF II series with the 6.2 V8 (408 hp, 420 ft-lbs). I was never a huge fan of the 3.6 anyway, although it was improved since my 2007 model and mated to a superior transmission. With a V8 Calais in my garage, I’d have perhaps the definitive Aussie car and, sadly, one of the last.
And yet, I still find the idea of buying a newer version of a car I already had just a bit… unadventurous. Sure, I’ve had two Falcons but those were two different series and completely different inside and out. Additionally, I went from a sporty model (XR6) with a manual to a luxury model (G6E) with an auto. It’s nice to figure out what you like but, by the same token, buying a Calais would make that a total of four Aussie sedans in a row if you forget about those nine months I had a Subaru. I feel like it’s time for me to expand my automotive horizons, even if Aussie cars are tremendous bang for your buck.
Does the idea of buying a newer version of the same generation of car/truck appeal to you? Have you ever done it?
Every day, my 2007 Accord—my first Honda—pushes me further away from considering another Accord or another Honda product.
But I’m not philosophically opposed to updating; I drove a decades-long string of Valiants and Darts and then Spirits and Acclaims.
Just curious, but what is it about the Accord that you don’t like? The only Accord I’ve owned was a few years ago I bought a 1986 4 door LX with a 5 speed and that was a great little car for how old it was. the manual transmission just felt so good. Of course that car and your car don’t share a single item other than a name.
I’d buy a newer/lower mileage edition of the same car.
(and I have done that– 86 VW GTI, 94/95 Probe GT, 97/00 Grand Prix 3.8)
New version….perhaps 25-35 years ago, when I liked newer versions. With the end of manual transmissions, and the fact that current cars generally are very competent, though boring, and improvements come as the cost of increased complexity, I don’t see much to look forward to in the future.
2012 Tacoma, yes. I just came from a 2002 Tacoma and did seriously consider a 2016 model.
1993 Supra, no thanks.
I think it’s safe to say that in the US, it’s not all that uncommon with certain models.
Personally, I’ve owned four Mustangs at different times, and I’ll probably buy another F-150 (my second) when I replace my Ranger.
Off the top of my head, buying a newer version of the same vehicle seems pretty common with Mustangs, Corvettes, Yukons/Suburbans, Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees, Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, various Subaru models, and any model of full-sized pickup truck.
Hmmmmmmmm
Chevy Celebrity – never got a 2nd generation
1997 Ford Escort wagon – next generation turned into the Focus
2004 Ford F150 Heritage – if I had to buy a truck right now I’d run out and make a deal on a current gen F150 STX 4×4 extended cab – 2.7 TT V6 please.
2010 Highlander – NOPE, not unless they suddenly make it engaging to drive which with Toyota that possibility is near nil.
2018 Buick Regal TourX – lets see if there’s another generation and what the heck it is based on in the GM arsenal.
I have come close several times, but never duplicated the exact model.
Although there was a break in between, I had a 66 Plymouth Fury III and a 68 Newport Custom. I also had an 85 LeSabre, and 84 Olds 98 and an 89 Cadillac Brougham, so this is probably the closest.
I had two Panthers in a row, but there was a really big difference between the box and the aero versions. And my college roommate had 3 different Dusters back to back.
Current cars? I would buy another of the exact generation of both my Honda Fit and my Sedona. There are several things about later versions that I find a downgrade.
We will consider a third FCA minivan. The two I’ve bought have been the least exciting buying experiences I’ve ever had. But they are just so damn useful. And to be fair, it would be the third completely different generation, which makes things a bit more interesting. But only a bit.
Yup, nothing meets my needs and desires as much as a Chrysler minivan. Had an 06 caravan, loved it, now a 2017 Pacifica, love it. If you pick a car which meets your needs and desires adequately to begin with, why WOULDN’T you pick a newer version when it comes time to replace it?
“If you pick a car which meets your needs and desires adequately to begin with, why WOULDN’T you pick a newer version when it comes time to replace it?”
Well if it’s 1984, it’s because Chrysler has just brought out a minivan which greatly outperforms your intermediate wagon, regardless of the brand.
When I buy a replacement car, I start with a list of attributes and then match it to what’s available in the market. I can certainly see a case where the same car would remain at the top of the list, but that’s coincidence not preference
Went from a 2012 Mini Clubman to a 2015 Mini Hardtop. Close enough, I figure.
Absolutely, if they still made the two cars I had. I’m not brand loyal but I am model loyal!
Yes I would a later Citroen C5 preferrably with the 2.7 twin turbo diesel would be my car of choice if I can find one, the problem being they are really nice cars to drive and owners are reluctant to part with them,
Interesting about your experience with Holden Calais we have an earlier one in our driver swap fleet and 3 standard issue Commodores the Calais is nicely finished inside with slippery leather but the ride is terrible, NZ roadfs are pretty bad rough poorly surfaced and the 17 inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres that thing is furnished with delete any luxury GMH may have fitted, the standard models ride better, none of them have the ride quality of my Citroen or the roadholding ability.
Roadholding is an underappreciated performance piece for many drivers.
It is something I look for in a daily driver.
Even the later 163hp 2.0 HDi is fine.
A colleague owns a late model C5 Tourer with the 163hp 2.0 and a manual.
He recently drove a brand new Peugeot 508 SW with the 180hp 2.0 and an auto.
The C5 outperformed it in every way.
Bah, start saving your NZ pesos, kiwi, and buy a C6 twin-turbo. I don’t know if they sold them in NZ, but if not, they are all about $25K here when they sell (from $100K new), and NZ doesn’t seem to care much what gets imported (and it’s only a brief swim). Sure, it’s a fair chunk of change for a used car, but just look at it! And I’m sure it’d do everything your C5 does but moreso. Best of all, there were only ever about 100 of them imported, and they have absolutely stopped at about that $25K mark, meaning that you’d have every likelihood of using the thing for years and still sell it for at least what you paid.
Go on – you know you want to…
Ive seen a few here Justy usually in black theres one for sale at the dealership I got my C5 from 13K,yeah I’d like one, cars in Aussie are more expensive than here used we have rampant depreciation thanks to the cheap used disposables coming in from Japan, some of it good used cars some of it is absolute junk.
I would. I have a 2014 BMW 5 series that I’m buried in so it will be awhile. The newer version doesn’t look all that different, so I think I could skip the current gen as long as they don’t make the next one as hideous as the e60.
I just did. A 2019 Ford Fiesta replacing a 2014 model that came up second in a “meeting” with a deer.
This time I went for the speedy ST model…as these are very scarce and I got the last white one in Arizona. First time I’ve ever bought the same car twice. And I couldn’t be happier.
An incredible car. No surprise it’s the #1 seller in the UK and a big hit in the rest of Europe. Just a little small for US drivers, but not for me. It’s a sports car with a back seat!
A friend of mine actually has done just this and while I was visiting recently he drove my car and rode in it, he went from a 406 Peugeot to a 407 and now realises he bought the wrong PSA car, so sometimes its not a good idea, just sayin.
I wanted a newer Audi A3, but no hatch, no manual and too expensive. So I looked else where. Would I get a newer Acura Sportwagon? Yes, all I would ask for is AWD.
I had successions of Plymouth Valiants/Dusters and Ford/Mercury Tauri/Sables. But with the current fleet, there are no “new versions.”
I wish there was a new version of my current DD, a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but alas. So, hopefully it holds together for quite a while longer.
On the other hand, I have owned many previous iterations of full size GM pickups, I currently own two, and I’m sure there are more in my future.
I have an 04 Sienna and would consider a 2016 Sienna though I hear the 2017 and newer Siennas have an odd behaving transmission. It is odd that the newer Siennas have such a skinny eigth seat and I would prefer a key instead of push start.
Yes, I did that twice (well, three times counting the ex’s cars).
My 1983 T-Bird traded for a 1988 T-Bird. We also got the wife an ’88 Turbo Coupe.
The ex’s Turbo Coupe was replaced with a ’94 MN12 T-Bird.
When we split up, I traded the ’88 LX in on a ’97 LX, so technically that was my second MN12 Thunderbird.
I considered trading my 2007 Mustang in on a newer one, but decided to keep it and get a new and more fuel efficient daily driver instead (my 2016 Civic EX-T Coupe).
And as much fun as that Civic is turning out to be, I’d actually consider another one, although I’m not a fan of the blacked out refresh of the 10th generation. Let’s see what Honda does for Generation 11.
I tried once. I loved my Saab 9000CSE and would have gladly traded into a newer one when it finally became impractical to repair it at over 300,000 miles. By that time of course the “new one” was the 9-5, which just wasn’t even close (and out of budget). The trade off was a 2000 9-3SE, a car I quickly grew to loathe once the new car smell wore off.
A Lexus IS is a mighty fun little car though. Just sayin’
Currently I have a red 2005 Jaguar S-Type–it’s beautiful and I get many compliments on it. In 2009, Jaguar came out with the S-Type’s replacement in the line–an ugly car with a front end that looked like an angry warthog. Big disappointment!
On today’s XE and XF sedans, the warthog look has been refined, but it’s far from “beautiful”. Also, interior wood trim seems to be gone now. There’s little relationship between these cars and the Jaguars of yore.
Compare the car below with an S-Type and you’ll see what I mean:
What, you mean your supposed to get rid of the first car before you get its duplicate? (’86-’87)
I don’t know if I’d buy a newer version if it were the same generation, but I see know reason stopping me from buying a newer version of my current car as long as I liked it.
That’s what I like about staying in one brand but changing model. You get a lot of familiar qualities in a different package and slightly different driving experience depending on how drastic the switch in model is.
I loved my 2 Series and that’s why I love my current 4 Series. It possesses all the qualities I loved in my 2 but feels a bit more substantial, has a few performance upgrades such as adaptive M suspension, and a few other goodies such as M Sport line, head up display, and blind spot monitoring.
I am/was a serial VW owner, marrying my wife when she drove a 1983 Jetta, replaced by a 1990 model, then an 8-year break while we drove something more child-friendly. I returned to the fold with a 2004 Passat, which became the kids’ car when I got a 2010 Passat. The older Passat began to require expensive repairs, so it was replaced by a used 2010 Jetta. My daughter totaled that car after six weeks of ownership, and I replaced it with a 2009 model, which actually was a better, lower mileage car. My wife currently drives a 2016 Tiguan, but I’ve had enough of VWs for now. Too many expensive repairs and the current North American lineup has lost much of the European character, so why bother.
’87 VW Golf GL (had enough with repairing at 165k miles), followed by first and only new car, ’96 Jetta (totaled 2006 at 120k), followed by ’02 Jetta (expensive obscure crankshaft sensor repair imminent in 2013 at 115k), followed by ’11 2-door GTI (nothing wrong at 58k but found a good deal on the following…), ’16 GTI (last year of 2-doors; used with 13k in 2018). If VW made or sold Mk VIII GTI’s in 2-doors, I’d probably go for it. Admittedly I’ve drunk VW Kool-Ade, but as a dedicated stick-shifter, I have few options. And each time I’ve gotten my next car, it’s felt like my old one only better. After this one, if VW’s still making sticks, I may have to go back to a Jetta. I just don’t like 4-door hatches aesthetically. Trouble is, I don’t like the new Jetta aesthetically. Oh well, first-world problems.
Well, yes.
Our 2001 Focus ZTS was replaced by a 2013 Focus SE
Our 2007 Caravan (base model) was replaced by a 2015 Grand Caravan SXT
In the case of the Focus I would rather have had a brand new 2001, the newer car has more features but is an inferior vehicle.
Mixed feelings on the Caravan, we enjoy the higher trim level and bigger engine, but quality seems to be lacking compared to the old one. I think I would have rather have had a brand new 2007 Grand Caravan SXT with the 3.8 liter.
This is how I feel. I have had a succession of first generation Avalons, a 1995, a 1996 and now a 1999. I don’t plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. Every subsequent generation has been of falling quality, though (with the exception of the very awkward second generation) they have gotten more and more attractive.
If I could buy a brand new 1995 Avalon, I would in a heartbeat. But not even Toyota makes vehicles that well anymore.
As an owner of a Dodge Magnum wagon, there never was an update to this car. It was only on the market from 2005-mid 2008.
However, I would definitely consider buying a newer version of the platform mates… the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300.
Sure, they are often derided for currently being “old platform”, and the bones are the same. But, compared to my 2006 they have newer styling, newer safety features, upgraded 8-speed transmission, nicer interior materials, and that fantastic UConnect system. I’d absolutely buy a newer one if I wanted a newer car.
The whining over the LX being an ‘old platform’ is INCREDIBLY dumb. Those cars are absolutely class leading, and being ‘newer’ doesn’t necessarily equal ‘better’. None of those whiners can make a list of actual problems with those cars or anything they want in a newer version. Build quality could be better, I’ll allow that, but there’s never zero room to improve. LX’s are heavy but they’re big and functional…which is why they continue to be relevant.
The biggest improvements would be the return of the Magnum and at least a 392 upgrade for the 300 again. A styling refresher across the line would be good about now.
I’ve bought several S-10s and Blazers, so yes, I’ve done it. Plan to replace my 2002 Tahoe with a newer one (’07-’13), although it may be a ‘Burb or Avalanche.
I’ve done this. A 2016 Ford Fusion for my wife was passed on to a daughter, and my wife’s replacement is a 2018 Fusion.
Come to think of it, I owned 1973 and ‘76 Cutlass Supreme coupes back to back.
I ask folks a similar question –
“What would you like to see on your current car to make it better?”
For me, this Crown Victoria Sport has only one problem – it is 17 years old. So, I would like for it to have GPS, reverse camera, lane change warning, and be a station wagon.
But yeah – I would buy another in a flash.
I had a chance to spend a few days with a 2020 Camry. It had a lot going for it, but it was an unresponsive old lady car without torque, and about as ugly as an overweight Starbucks barrista covered in piercings and tattoos. What it did have was the new computer crap that made cruising on the expressways very cool. So, that’s what I would like to have on a new 2020 Crown Victoria Sport, or Mercury Marauder – if that could have happened.
Which it will never happen.
Sigh!
“…about as ugly as an overweight Starbucks barrista covered in piercings and tattoos…”
LMAO!!!
2012 gmc acadia yes I would take a new acadia in a heartbeat. 2014 Chevrolet cruze… well that are all done making the sedan and a manual transmission so I guess no. But I would trade it for a Chevrolet bolt. 2015 gmc Sierra I would not. I do not like the new GM trucks thay are but ugly.
I’ve owned 2 Toyota Matrixes and I would love to own a third. I miss mine something fierce. It was just a great car for my needs.
I loved my first Subaru Outback (1995). I later owned an ’03 and an ’05.
Head gasket failures and catalytic converters made it so that I’d not buy another.
I did, 2002 and 2004 Sante Fe, but because I totalled the first one.
However, I would go for a ND Miata if the NA I have gives up the ghost. I would probably go for any Miata, as they are just so fun. I would also consider the 124 so similar to the Miata as to be a fair replacement or substitute.
I won’t get a chance at a new 500, as they are now discontinued, so that one is out.
The funny thing is that if you have a huge budget, you CAN get a brand new old car. For example, they offer a new 1964 Mustang (based on new stamping of the body) with any drivetrain and suspension you wish, along with interior to taste. The problem is price, I understand it ends up being over $100K. They can do the same with any of the bodies Dynacorn is stamping (Mustang, Camaro, Firebird, Challenger, etc) along with a good shop.
Done it, several times.
I started out in a ‘84 Dodge Power Ram then owned 5 progressively newer Jeeps (78 then 81 CJ-7s, 85 Scrambler, ‘95 YJ, ‘00 TJ) then a 05 Ram 1500. In theory ANY generation of Dodge truck or Jeep CJ/Wrangler is something I’d love to own again as long as it’s to my liking.
Currently I have a ‘09 Challenger R/T and absolutely love it. Id definitely buy another, likely I’ll upgrade to a 392 when that time comes but the truth is Id buy another 345 powered LX car of any model…again, if the deal was right and I liked how it was set up.
Yes, I did. After almost ten years with a new 2001 Prius (one of the first off the boat) we traded it for a new 2010. Can’t beat the Prius combination of superior gas mileage, roomy hatchback, reliability and modest price. Plus I think the 2010’s styling is great.
I wouldn’t replace the 2010 with a 2019 though, even though they did make it a little less hideous. Now a hybrid needs to be plugin with meaningful range, say 50 miles. Toyota dropped the ball on that one; Prius Prime’s inched its way up to 25 miles.
Since the Fiat 500e EV became my metro-area wheels we only drive our 2010 Prius when we need the extra room or we’re on a trip. It’s got just 100K miles so we don’t see replacing it anytime soon.
Probably not, regardless of whether I stay in Europe or move back to the US:
85 CRX: could upgrade to a 2nd-gen CRX, but that is unlikely at this point in my life, and I don’t like the Del Sol.
90 Civic hatchback: the 4th generation I had was peak Civic. The newest Civics are good cars, but they are so ugly.
97 Accord wagon: last year for Accord wagons in the US. I’d consider a used Acura TSX wagon in the US or newer Accord wagon in Europe, but probably not my first choice.
96 Avenger coupe: the Stratus coupe that replaced it was compelling with an optional V6 and 6-speed manual, but I don’t think they were very good. More recent successor would be a V6 Challenger, which is also not on my wish list.
12 Mazda5: Wife and I really liked this car, but this was the last generation in the US, and not sure if these will continue in Europe either.
I’ve only had company cars since the Accord and the Mazda5.
I have not done it, but I’m not opposed to the idea of buying a newer version of the same car.
In the 2000s I drove a first generation Saturn S-Series, and I lamented the fact that Saturn no longer made a car like it. I liked my car, but I did not like the Ion that replaced it in Saturn’s lineup. By the time I ultimately replaced it the Saturn brand was no more and I ended up getting a used Corolla to replace it.
When I replaced the Corolla I did a complete 180 and got an ND Miata. I think as I get older I have the desire to try more new things rather than sticking with the old and familiar.
I did. 2004 Impala, 2012 Impala, which I still own and love. Since I retired almost 3 years ago, and due to eye issues with my good eye, the car had 118K on it, and now has just short of 130K.
Wish I could afford a new one, too, before they’re gone.
After four Ford Tauruses, I purchased a new 2008 Hyundai Sonata only because it was a screaming bargain. This car needed no repairs and still looked and felt new after 75,000 miles. With outstanding dealer service, I went with 2011 Sonata that was equally reliable.(albeit with several recalls). Just replaced that one with a 2019 Sonata. Hyundai, I feel, wants to keep me as a customer and not a one shot profit hit. I’m happy. Why change?
Sorry for a double-post, I mistakenly posted this to the linked ‘last of the Aussies’ article.
In answer to the question: Yes and yes – I bought a new Chevrolet SS (VF Commodore) in 2015 (triple black, 6 speed manual) and would have it back in a second. Sadly, divorces are costly.
I’ve also had several E39, E46, and E90 BMW’s in both sedan and Touring forms. My current 2006 330i recently crossed through 170k miles. I’ve had the car since about 105k and it’s given great service even with some occasionally expensive maintenance (rear suspension) along the way.
But I’ve found myself thinking about what I’d replace it with if/when the time comes. What’s most troubling is this car is exactly the way I would have ordered it then, and the configuration is rare: triple black, 6 speed manual, Sport Pack, Cold Weather Pack, Premium Pack, and **no ugly extra-hump nav screen**. Alas, I’m not sure I’ll ever duplicate that one in the used market again. 😥
I actually did it backwards and went from a newer version to an older version
I had a 2005 Buick Lesabre. It had 40,560 miles on the clock when I got it back in 2008. It turned out to be one of the biggest turds I have owned. A few years later I got a 1997 Lesabre(a car from the previous generation) the car was so much better in every way then the 2005.
The closest one to that was having a 2005 Focus(which I loved) and getting a 2012 Fiesta later on. Yes it is a different car model but it felt like my old Focus in driving manners and comfort(except for the Sync system(aka spawn of hell)
I’ve done this quite a few times:
1964 VW Type I (6 years) > 2000 New Beetle TDI (12.5 years, one of my all-time favorite vehicles) > 2013 Beetle Convertible TDi (18 months, won’t buy another modern VW again). Also have a 1962 sunroof and 1963 sedan I plan to finally finish rebuilding after I retire.
1971 VW Type II (8 years) > 2012 VW Routan* (6 years, counted twice since it’s a rebadged T&C).
1971 Chevrolet Vega > 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier (not technically a newer gen, but the J Body was the successor to the H Body).
1998 Dodge Caravan (5 years, totaled) > 1998 Grand Caravan (5 years, gave to son) > 2006 Grand Caravan (1 year, totaled) > 2005 Town & Country (4 years, gave to other son) > 2012 VW Routan* (6 years).
1990 Honda Civic 3-door hatch (6 years) > 2015 Honda Fit (2 years, had to have the SS).
1969 Ford F-100 (42 years in the family) > 1995 Ford F-150 4WD (3 years, rustbucket) > 1999 Ford F-250 Powerstroke 4WD (3 years, replaced with 2015 RAM 2500).
1950 Ford 8N > 2010 New Holland Boomer 8N.
As for our current fleet, my 2017 Chev SS / Holden Commodore is the last year production of any Holden car, so no options there. The wife’s 2018 Buick Regal TourX is unlikely to have a next-gen successor – we’d consider going back to a Chrysler platform minivan again (Pacifica) if needed. I’m hoping the RAM 2500, which was my first-ever new truck purchase, will also be my last truck purchase.
My first Civic was a base 1988 hatchback, then various years up thru a 2016 EX turbo, but now a older 2012 Civic EX; therefore I certainly will and do buy newer (and older) versions of the same car. On the Accord side our first was a 1993, latest a 2019 Accord 2.0L turbo Touring. OTOH, the Touring was traded for a 2003 C5 Corvette 50th Anniversary drop top….+ cash……….:) NO nanny state software in the C5 Vette or my 2012 Civic; definite PLUS’s for me. DFO
I have a 2010 Chrysler T&C, now at 180k. It’s needed one repair since I’ve gotten it (the rear AC condenser) if I don’t count the tune up and the 3 brake jobs it’s had. So we bought a 2016 T&C , and in the last 85k it’s needed absolutely nothing! Well, it’s due for some maintenance, but that shouldn’t count against it… so I think I did OK getting a newer version of an older vehicle.
I’ve had a string of Olds and Buick sedans, so yes.
Also owned NA and NB Miatae.
That’s basically what I did when I traded my 2014 Jetta SportWagen TDI for an even better-equipped 2015 Golf SportWagen TDI SEL. It turned out well.
“Does the idea of buying a newer version of the same generation of car/truck appeal to you?”
No, it doesn’t generally appeal. Your caveat of “same generation” is important, though, as redesigns are sometimes thorough enough to feel like an entirely different car altogether.
The only time I’d consider it is if I chose the wrong trim/equipment group but liked the vehicle otherwise. Even then, the depreciation and transaction costs would almost certainly guarantee that I stand pat.
Actually, I tend to find something I like and stick with it. I have owned a slew of Ford trucks, for example. In half tons I’ve owned something like 8 F150s from 97 to 2014. May continue with a new model shortly. May try a Tundra though. Also four Ford diesels, from a 92 to a 2019 currently. I also have owned a pair of crown vics (but I went backwards on those, 2004 to 94), a pair of Honda accords (2002 and 2014), a pair of civics, a pair of S10s, and I think that’s it.
Also a pair of CJ7s! That’s kind of a love hate thing though. Battered spouse syndrome?
Always enjoy your writing and lovely photography William. Very nicely done!
I drive an Citroen XM and have experienced its predecessor: the CX is nicer and the XM is better. That makes it a difficult choice. I´ve driven a Ford Focus Mk1, 2 and 3 and the Mk 1 is much the best expression of the mid-sized family car. It´s a toss up between the 1 and the 2 because the 2 looked superb and was lovely to drive though less intimate. The 3 is something of a disappointment, far from bad though.
The overall question is what is the difference between newer and older cars. The main one is that the quantifiable factors usually improve and niceness and charm diminish over time.
The Peugeot 604 is a marvelous car and its descendent, the 406 does all the same things with enhanced power, robustness and grip. In that case, I´d have to take the 406 with a leather interior and a respray.
Pug 406s are a really nice drive I had a 98 wagon 7 seater manual with 2.1 TDI, comfortable fast excellent road holding and unbelieveable fuel economy, I got offered a HDI sedan last week extra cheap but its auto and has a trans fault so it stayed where it is, but they are nice to drive I prefer a cloth interior leather is good in work trucks a semi tractor units not in cars but if you want a nice ride and excellent road manners PSA is the place to shop certainly not the German stores