Considering only one vehicle. What vehicle would you recommend.

[RetMD21]

We went with a Tesla Model Y for our only vehicle. There's plenty of room for gold clubs IMO.

 

[freedomatlast]

Going to one vehicle would be one of the absolute LAST places we would look to pinch pennies if we were ever in the unfortunate position to have to do so.

We are both on the go enjoying many separate activities, and the freedom to do whatever we want to do when we want to do it, has a high value to us, as compared to the relatively low cost of owning another vehicle.

 

[RetMD21]

I don't think the OP's issue was related to pinching pennies

 

[ShokWaveRider]

I don't think the OP's issue was related to pinching pennies

I do not think too many folks on ER need to, or have to pinch pennies.

 

[Fermion]

When we did have two vehicles, one sat unused for 7 months one time. We do everything together and it probably isn't good to let a vehicle sit for that long.

 

[freedomatlast]

I don't think the OP's issue was related to pinching pennies

Then what would be the reason for anyone to want to potentially inconvenience themselves going to only one vehicle? OP doesn't come right out and say it's about saving money, but usually that's the root of it when these types of questions come up.

 

[target2019]

Then what would be the reason for anyone to want to potentially inconvenience themselves going to only one vehicle? OP doesn't come right out and say it's about saving money, but usually that's the root of it when these types of questions come up.

Read the OP's posts? He's explained the situation quite well.

 

[frayne]

As far as utility, reliability, and safety go, the RAV4 is a great vehicle. It’s very cost-effective to operate and comfortable to ride in. Another plus for us old folks: it’s easy to get in and out of.

 

[Qs Laptop]

As far as utility, reliability, and safety go, the RAV4 is a great vehicle. It’s very cost-effective to operate and comfortable to ride in. Another plus for us old folks: it’s easy to get in and out of.

All true. But at this point in your life you might as well Blow That Dough and get the Lexus RX350 hybrid. All the attributes you listed plus a tad bit bigger, more refined ride, quieter, and you're draped in luxury.

 

[freedomatlast]

Read the OP's posts? He's explained the situation quite well.

Ok, here is a summary of the facts as stated.

OP bought a condo that had a garage that was too small for his truck.

OP also bought a Cadillac without a trunk and is it's also uncomfortable on trips.

The truck is rarely used. Getting rid of the truck and keeping the Cadillac isn't ideal because of the aforementioned deficiencies of the Cadillac and also the potential inconvenience of only having one vehicle and two drivers.

Following so far?

So while going to one vehicle will certainly save money, there are some downsides and potential inconveniences in doing so.

 

[TripleLindy]

When we did have two vehicles, one sat unused for 7 months one time. We do everything together and it probably isn't good to let a vehicle sit for that long.

That’s one of our issues, too. Our SUV often sits idle for weeks at a time because of its size. But for long road trips, that thing rides so smooth and because I sit up higher (more upright) than in the sedan, I can drive it for much longer. Our vehicles are old, but super well-maintained. They’ve long been paid for so we only carry liability insurance. We’ll be keeping them for quite awhile longer, as each one can still go another 100k+ miles.

 

[latexman]

Your favorite 2 or 3 row (if it fits the garage) SUV would probably do it. We have good experience with Honda and Toyota, and I've been hearing good things about Subaru lately.

 

[Qs Laptop]

Ok, here are the facts as stated. OP bought a condo that had a garage that was too small for his truck. OP also bought a Cadillac without a trunk and is it's also uncomfortable on trips. The truck is rarely used. Getting rid of the truck and keeping the Cadillac isn't ideal because of the aforementioned deficiencies of the Cadillac and also the potential inconvenience of only having one vehicle and two drivers. Following so far?

Yes, I get it. The OP doesn't really need to hear a dozen or more personal anecdotes about what other people drive, or about vehicles that don't have trunks, or about why he shouldn't only have one vehicle, etc. He's looking for specific suggestions and so far only a handful of people have been following this criteria so far.

So while going to one vehicle will certainly save money, there are some downsides and potential inconveniences in doing so.

Yet, I presume the OP has considered all of this prior to posting that he is thinking about reducing down to one vehicle. The thread is about reducing down to one vehicle and suggestions for that vehicle.

 

[freedomatlast]

Your favorite 2 or 3 row (if it fits the garage) SUV would probably do it. We have good experience with Honda and Toyota, and I've been hearing good things about Subaru lately.

SUV's don't usually have trunks. Yes, some have cargo covers but not a secure as a trunk.

Isn't that one of the reasons OP didn't like the XT5?

 

[latexman]

SUV's don't usually have trunks. Yes, some have cargo covers but not a secure as a trunk. Isn't that one of the reasons OP didn't like the XT5?

Relax! It's not your problem we're solving, so maybe we (you) should give the OP a chance to give their opinion.

The OP said, "I'd prefer keeping them in an enclosed situation (like a trunk)". He didn't say it must be a trunk. I could leave a set of clubs in the back of our SUV forever until I need to haul something else.

 

[freedomatlast]

My post 85 wasn't directed at you, QS. It was a reply to the poster that was quoted.

 

[Qs Laptop]

The OP stated that his garage is 20'x20'. That means he's got about 232 inches in usable length to put a vehicle in the garage. (I subtract 8" from the 240" overall length to account for 2x4 studs used in constructing the garage.)

This means ANY vehicle he buys to be the sole vehicle should be less than say, 196" - 200" in total overall length. This would leave a 16" to 18" space in the front of and in back of the vehicle, or enough to comfortably walk around.

My suggestion for future posters suggestions for vehicles be to Google "what is the overall length of<vehicle name>?" and if that number is more than 200" it's not a candidate. Furthermore, if the vehicle does not have a trunk, or does not have a cargo space privacy cover (to hide his golf clubs), that vehicle is not a candidate.

 

[Qs Laptop]

My post 85 wasn't directed at you, QS. It was a reply to the poster that was quoted.

My reply wasn't directed at you, either, as much as it was directed at the whole group. Your response just happened to be at the tail end of the thread where I was reading.

 

[freedomatlast]

What strikes me funny about this post is that it brings to light the differences in the vehicles that are offered today vs. thirty plus years ago. A late 80's or early 90's Crown Victoria or Caprice (since OP seems like a GM guy), would fit his described needs perfectly. Large trunk for his golf clubs, soft cushioned seats, and a ride that feels like you're floating on air. Now vehicles are more specialized. Handling has been prioritized over ride comfort and it seems we need more than one to meet the different needs that arise during the year.

 

[Jerry1]

What strikes me funny about this post is that it brings to light the differences in the vehicles that are offered today vs. thirty plus years ago. A late 80's or early 90's Crown Victoria or Caprice (since OP seems like a GM guy), would fit his described needs perfectly. Large trunk for his golf clubs, soft cushioned seats, and a ride that feels like you're floating on air. Now vehicles are more specialized. Handling has been prioritized over ride comfort and it seems we need more than one to meet the different needs that arise during the year.

Exactly. I grew up driving big cars like a Chrysler Newport and a Pontiac Grandville. The last car I owned was a Chevy Impala. I really liked that car but the last ones made were in 2020 and I don't really want to go used car shopping.

As for the topic on hand, two ideas have caught my attention. The Buick Enclave seems like a good multi-purpose vehicle as does the Ford Maverick. The midsize SUV's are good vehicles, but I have one and I don't think I'd get much benefit from swapping it out with a different one. Though, I might drive a Lexus RX350 and see if it's more comfortable and/or more quiet than the Cadillac.

As for thread drift, as a mod, I should try to curtail it, but as the OP, I'm mostly okay with it. I liken it to the water cooler at work. Ask a question and there will be comments that here we consider thread drift. I like that for the most part as long as someone doesn't derail the thread entirely or monopolize it trying to convince people of their way of thinking, none of which has happened here. I've enjoyed the conversation.

 

[OddGuy]

Whatever vehicle you decide to get make sure it's got memory seats. This feature allows the vehicle to memorize the positions of the seats and mirrors (and for some the tilt wheel) for at least two drivers.

You setup your seating, mirrors, and tilt wheel position, press a button to memorize it, then repeat the process for your wife. Once setup, no more fiddling with the seats and mirrors whenever a different driver wants to use the car, just press a button and the adjustments are made automatically.

This is a very good point. It's also worth adjusting the seat to both your preferred settings, and then testing it out in the dealership (or with the existing car you're keeping.)

It can take a good 10-12 seconds for this process. Do you have that patience, each and every time you switch drivers?

Personally, I hate electric seats, which is part of the reason I favor European vehicles - many of them have retained manual controls, at least for seat distance to steering wheel.

 

[OddGuy]

What strikes me funny about this post is that it brings to light the differences in the vehicles that are offered today vs. thirty plus years ago. A late 80's or early 90's Crown Victoria or Caprice (since OP seems like a GM guy), would fit his described needs perfectly. Large trunk for his golf clubs, soft cushioned seats, and a ride that feels like you're floating on air. Now vehicles are more specialized. Handling has been prioritized over ride comfort and it seems we need more than one to meet the different needs that arise during the year.

Also, Americans have largely stopped driving actual "cars" in favor of SUV/Crossovers, which are vehicles designed with compromise in mind.

Station wagons fit most people's actual requirements better than SUVs or pickup trucks, but very few station wagons still exist as new car options.

 

[Qs Laptop]

As for the topic on hand, two ideas have caught my attention. The Buick Enclave seems like a good multi-purpose vehicle as does the Ford Maverick. The midsize SUV's are good vehicles, but I have one and I don't think I'd get much benefit from swapping it out with a different one. Though, I might drive a Lexus RX350 and see if it's more comfortable and/or more quiet than the Cadillac.

I can guarantee you the seats in the RX350 will be more comfortable. Might also be quieter when cruising, although the Lexus hybrid engine noise when under hard accelerating is noticeable.

 

[Jerry1]

I can guarantee you the seats in the RX350 will be more comfortable. Might also be quieter when cruising, although the Lexus hybrid engine noise when under hard accelerating is noticeable.

Yeah, one of the things I do like about the XT5 is the V6 engine. It has plenty of power across the power band and it shifts very smooth.

 

[Texas Proud]

I know there has been a lot of back and forth... and even I have given my opinions of why I would not go to one....

BUT, from the OPs original post there is no real decision... have to sell the truck...

All other posts are giving suggestions of options the OP did not ask about, but might want to think about..