Favorite vehicle you've ever owned

[Mulligan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyb My parents hauled us around in a 1964 Galaxy for a few years when I was pretty young. I remember it well. White exterior, red interior. Had the round tail lights. Next car they bought was a '67 Ford Custom, 4-door...which ended up being my first car when I was in high school. Had a 289 v-8, and power NOTHING...lol. No pwr brakes, no pwr steering, no AC, no radio, no auto transmission...just 3 on the tree... But I'm tellin' ya that was a beast of a tough car. I put it through all the hell that can be expected from a teenage boy with a lead foot, and she kept on running. Ummm until that pine tree incident. Anyway, cool Galaxy!

I was a high schooler in the early 80s. Those 60s Galaxies must have been built to last because anybody who could barely afford a car seemed to have a 15 year old Galaxy parked in the HS parking lot.

[cantlogin]

I guess I take these questions too seriously.
I've been agonizing since last November over choosing my absolute favorite vehicle. I tend to hang on to vehicles for a while before replacing them and I can't really remember any that I didn't like. I've had expensive new cars and cheap used ones too. New and used pick up trucks, bicycles and motorcycles as well. I've finally realized that one of my current vehicles is the favorite of all... so far.

In 2007 I bought a Mini Cooper. At that time there weren't very many in dealers' inventories to choose from so I ordered one with the specifications I wanted. It's been a great car. Service and repairs have been primarily maintenance items and the car has been flawless. Although it's less than ideal for more than two people, it's proved to be an excellent long distance traveler. Twelve hour interstate grinds are as comfortable as any other vehicle I have experience with. I've realized that it's faster than the 1967 Mustang GT that I loved. The average fuel economy for the Mini has been nearly 42mpg and I'm really happy with that. In 2007 a Mini was still somewhat distinctive and I enjoyed the attention that it attracted. These days there are Minis every where but I still get compliments from strangers.
This Mini has been inexpensive to buy and use with no sacrifice of any capabilities that are important to me. It's my favorite.

Here's a picture taken on "The Tail of The Dragon" last October on my return trip from New Orleans.

[bltkmt]

I have always admired/desired a Mini Cooper but, living in CT have avoided them so far due to snowy winters. How have you found yours to handle winter conditions?

[cantlogin]

That's a good point to bring up bltkmt. I've never driven this Mini in the snow. I use a 2002 Nissan Xtera 4X4 when the weather's bad. I do know that on the Mini Cooper forum there are discussions about the best tires to use for snow. With front wheel drive, traction control and the dynamic stability control that my car has I'd expect it to be okay. I can tell you that the 1962 Mini that I used to drive in all weather was a fantastic snowmobile. I'm sorry that I can't provide any first hand report on the current Mini's though.

[cantlogin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bltkmt This - I have had it for five years now and still love it. Fantastic vehicle for family and dogs.

I really like those too. I very nearly bought one instead of the Mini.

An unlikely coincidence.
Here's a thread on that decision.

http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ice-29261.html

[bltkmt]

Too funny! I do love my FJ and will likely keep it in the family - 2 teenage boys. I just want something a bit more fun to drive and with better MPG. But I am also a cheap b*st*rd.

[Dave C.]

1965 Chevy Impala, metallic blue, Crome reverse, two door, dual exhaust, 287. Raked up in the back.....my hottest ride EVER!!

[Keim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyb I thought maybe you were talking about Moscow, Texas...lol. That's right down the road from here... Yeah, I saw the ID plate, but figured it coulda been "imported" into Texas. Is that a '76? I had a '77 when I was 19-20 yrs old that I bought new, then totaled. Sweet car, all black. I think the rear lights were a little different, between those 2 year models.

It is a 76. You are correct about taillights-slightly different.

[FinanceDude]

1967 Chevelle 396SS H.O. convertible.............

Too bad I don't still have it, worth $50,000-$60,000 now, or more............

[pb4uski]

I would have to say my current ride - 2008 Subaru Legacy GT - AWD is great and the 4 cyl turbo has a lot of pep. Dislikes are having to use premium fuel and gas mileage is only so-so (mid 20s in mixed driving). I like the size, a bit smaller than most mid-size sedans.

[Jgot]

1978 Chevy Camero

[TOOLMAN]

My current 2010 Acura TL-SHWD is a fun ride, 300+ Hp going to all four (27 mpg). As a LBYM guy I bought it. as certified pre-owned for 50% of new sticker price with only 21k miles.

[DeborahB]

I actually love my practical, 2004 Volvo V70 wagon. Comfortable, decent mileage, basically no repairs. I bought it new after my Corolla started getting blown sideways on the interstate when my office moved and the commute changed. Decided I needed a heavier car and one that held more "stuff".

[travelover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOOLMAN ........As a LBYM guy I bought it. as certified pre-owned for 50% of new sticker price with only 21k miles.

Sounds good, especially when compared to "sticker" price. I wonder who pays sticker price?

[martyb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave C. 1965 Chevy Impala, metallic blue, Crome reverse, two door, dual exhaust, 287. Raked up in the back.....my hottest ride EVER!!

That would have been either a 327 or a 283. I don't believe there was a 287...

[gbstack]

65 Yellow T-Bird.

[keegs]

'67 Volvo 122s

[Dave C.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyb That would have been either a 327 or a 283. I don't believe there was a 287...

Holy Cow! You know your engines! OK, it was over 40 years ago.....and you are correct. It was a 283..... I believe the smallest eight available that year. I now remember I wanted the 327, but couldn't pass up this beauty. I bought it around 1971 for $700.

[Notmuchlonger]

My favorite was my 76 olds "nostalgia". Anymore I enjoy the newer luxury cars with the safety features and comfort.

I'm starting to have a crisis and the new mustangs are beckoning me...

[TOOLMAN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover I wonder who pays sticker price?

Back during the gas crises I paid over sticker price for a Honda. Demand exceeded the supply and set the street price.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/wh...a-new-car.html