Hoon’s challenges of buying a USED family vehicle

kamil used cars

“Fine, go ahead – get a new family car… or a new used family car, whatever you think is right, you always make the right decision”

-Mrs. Hoonette Kaluski

Gawddamit woman, you can’t leave this that open-ended!

Now, some explanation is needed. Like 97.36% of people who read this site, I too prefer to buy my cars used. Unfortunately the used car market for 3-4 year old cars is kind of dead-ish. There have been much fewer new vehicles sold in the past three/fours years than in decades before due to the recession. This translates into a fewer used cars on the market. The the demand for used cars hasn’t changed, however. Basic economics leads us to believe that used car prices are very high… and they are!

The above is the reason why I was looking at new cars. Combine that with incentives, low interest rates, warranties, and that new car smell, and it would have been silly even for a seasoned hoon to ignore the new car market. If there was ever a good time to get a great deal on a brand new car, it is now.

After spending a good amount of my Saturday at various dealerships, often knowing the product better than the people selling it, looking at leases on new cars, I got home and grabbed a cold beverage. I then started thinking, which is never good:

kamil MDX

  • We’re a one-car family.
  • In my very conservative budget I concluded that I could swing a $25,000-ish used car.
  • The Missus is a horrible driver, one of the worst, a skill she inherited from her father.
  • Our insurance is already high due to Missus’ bumper car adventures.
  • Boston’s excise tax on a new car will be around $1000. ($90 for the MDX!)
  • We don’t drive much (reason why I was looking at leases)
  • I know cars well and I can fix or tend to most things (I worked as a mechanic’s assistant through college).
  • Why in the hell would I “rent” a new car for three years?
  • But we do need a reliable and safe car.
  • Bonus points for “luxury” items such as heated seats, satellite radio, camera, sunroof, etc.
  • I have one very important thing on my side – TIME! I am in no hurry.

Naturally, the first thing I did when looking for a new used car, was to see what kind of a Mercedes G-wagen I can get on that budget. Nope, a ten year old, 100,000 mile G500 is not the right answer.

But the G-experiment reminded me of the fact that I now want a true 4×4 vehicle capable of trekking across the world in any kind of condition. Yes, it will be serving as a bumper car for my wife and transport to grandma’s house for my two little kids, but damn it, that’s what I want and that’s it. Go ahead, judge me, I don’t care. 

kamil used cars 3

The second, most obvious, thing for me to look at were Land Rovers.

No. Nope. Just no! Maintenance and repairs on a used Land Rover of any kind will cost as much as a lease on a brand new LR4 and I cannot afford that. It’s simply a bad idea and I have had enough cars where I had to say a prayer before turning the ignition switch. Nope.

Then I looked at Toyota Land Cruisers. 80- and 100-series usually have a lot more than 100,000 miles. While I have a lot of respect Toyota’s best trucks, I simply don’t want a vehicle with that many miles. There are also Lexuses (Lexii?) LX450s, LX470s, GX460, and GX470s.

The 2006-2008 GX470 actually fits the bill perfectly; a 4Runner in make-up and fancy clothes with similar dimensions to my MDX. Their deprecation puts them even with 4Runners but most 4Runner buyer seem to forget that these exist. Used 4Runners are typically high priced and not as nice, especially inside. FJ Cruisers are off the list due to weird doors and limited visibility, but I do love those.

There is also the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Not as comfortable but as long as it’s got the basics (hardtop, A/C, power windows, etc), I can make it work. In reality, that’s probably the vehicle that I want the most, yet it’s the vehicle that is the least comfortable. I love the idea of a family car without a roof and I understand that it requires compromises. It’s a Jeep thing and y’all should understand.

What is out there I would want for $25,000?

Option #8746 is simply keeping the MDX until it poops* the bed. It is certainly the most cost efficient choice and it’s been a damn good car. I am simply just bored with it.

 

*Chief blooger forbid cursing on the site, so I can no longer use words such as s***, p***, f***, c***, c***s*****, m****f****, t***.  🙁

 

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120 responses to “Hoon’s challenges of buying a USED family vehicle”

  1. Maxichamp Avatar

    Why not keep the MDX? There's something to be said about a reliable, paid-off car. I still miss my TSX and even tried to buy it back from the guy I sold it to.

  2. CherokeeOwner Avatar
    CherokeeOwner

    You can't go wrong with a Wrangler. Plus when the Missus hits something, you can either pound out the plastic bumpers or replace them with steel offroad bumpers that'll never get damaged in a parking lot mishap.

    1. ezeolla Avatar
      ezeolla

      And if you are able to find a later one (2010+ I think) in Sahara trim, you could get leather and heated seats and navigation although they might be hard to find under $25k. Those options might put them closer to $30k

  3. Neen85 Avatar
    Neen85

    Your answer is Subaru Tribeca…just weird enough for the proper Hoon cred.
    <img src="http://stella55.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/uncategorized/tribeca_offroad_front.jpg&quot; width="600">

    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      Especially with the early grille.

  4. desolit Avatar
    desolit

    <img src="http://www.cstatic-images.com/supersized/DMI/106097/131119A/01.jpg"&gt;
    11 durango express AWD 36026 miles $24988.00
    -nav
    -rear climate control
    -back-up camera

      1. Kamil_K Avatar

        Amazing how much it depreciated in a year!

        1. desolit Avatar
          desolit

          dude, its July. 14s hit the floor in like 3 weeks. ergo this thing is 3 years old already.

  5. dukeisduke Avatar
    dukeisduke

    Hey Kamil, how about a minivan?
    /hides under desk

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      Only an AWD S/C Previa or a Renault Escape will do. 🙂

      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        The 4wd Mazda MPV could be a contender too.

      2. salguod Avatar

        Escape is a Ford, the Renault is the Espace.

  6. dukeisduke Avatar
    dukeisduke

    Oooh, the Land Cruiser. Terrible gas mileage, but it has the rear seat that splits and folds against the side walls, just like a Previa.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      Gas mileage isn't really an issue since we don't drive that much.

  7. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    What you need is a car with proper bumpers, shaped like a cuboid so parking accidents go into the "stupid"-account rather than in the "skills"-account. You'd want lots of space, and easy maintenance. All that is obvious from your post that ends in a question mark. Something special, low mileage, and not too expensive?
    [youtube 029nFGSzZZY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=029nFGSzZZY youtube]
    You know your audience, so don't act surprised.

    1. MJMCG Avatar
      MJMCG

      Why SUV? If your wife is not a great driver, why not get something easier to drive, smaller, and more "fun" Mazda 3? Learn to carry less stuff? Or get a wagon. We have kids, we got by fine with mid size sedans and then herself got a city car. Small is beautiful, this is Hooniverse, what hooning can you do in a crossover SUV?

  8. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

    Don't forget to cross shop a Volvo too:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-Other-1975-v
    There's even a spare engine on ebay right now:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-C303-Motor-unimog-c
    It's well in your budget, keep both cars! <img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/w70AAMXQzr1R2cQR/$(KGrHqF,!rcFHClCZFMMBR2cQRo+dg~~60_3.JPG" width="660">

  9. MVEilenstein Avatar
    MVEilenstein

    Have you considered something family-friendly, off-roadable, AND practical?
    http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3926950238….
    <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_eXHjSjJ4aCM_600x450.jpg"&gt;

    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      I saw an Adrenaline package yesterday.
      Depending on where I end up with finances next year, that is on the shortlist of practical 4 doors I want to check out.
      Just look at it!
      <img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/08/20/15/35/2008_ford_explorer_sport_trac_adrenalin-pic-17528.jpeg&quot; width="600">
      Ugh- 40k models are in the high $20's, low $30's which is about the same as a non-Adrenaline V8.
      EDIT: some higher regular V8s are mid teens.

  10. GTIfan Avatar
    GTIfan

    I'm constantly shopping for my "next" car. You're situation is awesome because you have the green light from the Mrs, including a complete "get out of jail free card" on the car choice. I just rode in a Jeep yesterday, and even though it had a 4" lift and 37" tires it wasn't that bad. Have you considered Nissans? Not the new Pathfinder because it is a full crossover now. The older gen Pathfinder's and Xterra's aren't too shabby offroad.
    And WTF is this BS about no cussing on the hooniverse!?

    1. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
      BlackIce_GTS

      Flipping outrageous, I say. It's a gosh-darn outrage.

      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        Wash your mouth out with soap for Jeebus's sake, or you'll be darned to heck!

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      Remember my Raptor review?
      It's far from ideal.

      1. SSurfer321 Avatar
        SSurfer321

        I just re-read your review. You didn't like its size at first but then got over it. I didn't really see any other faults other than lack of a trunk to carry your groceries home.

        1. Kamil_K Avatar

          It's too big. I need an SUV not a pickup truck.Current top runners: Wrangler and GX470.Sent from my iPhone

  11. joshuman Avatar
    joshuman

    What about an R Class Mercedes? I've been eyeballing them for a while now. Here is an R500 for $23k.
    <img src="http://www.cstatic-images.com/phototab/DMI/110332/5155/01.jpg"&gt; http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktyp
    Also consider an XC90.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      No minivans or wagons, as per boss, and this is a little of both.
      And frankly, if I'm to buy a used $23,000 Benz it will be a crappy G-wagen.

    2. desolit Avatar
      desolit

      a raw bumper cover for that thing is $490 w/s on ebay…. yes thats untrimmed. The bumper assembly is 20 pieces. the lower-grill-corners are a 100 a piece. He would be at $1800 after paint for a 5mph bump in the front.

      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        Do they come in red? Cause then the repair is just a hair dryer and nail polish away.

  12. mdharrell Avatar

    "Unfortunately the used car market for 3-4 year old cars is kind of dead-ish."
    That still leaves 30-40 year old cars.

    1. Kris_01 Avatar
      Kris_01

      Scam – Cali plates.

    2. Kamil_K Avatar

      I call spam on this.

      1. calzonegolem Avatar
        calzonegolem

        My bad guess I got excited.
        <img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_iyikjdctlpY_600x450.jpg"&gt; http://maine.craigslist.org/ctd/3909368793.html
        <img src=http://images.craigslist.org/01717_bCnGwY6PxGc_600x450.jpg> <a href="http://maine.craigslist.org/ctd/3928450553.html” target=”_blank”>http://maine.craigslist.org/ctd/3928450553.html

        1. Kamil_K Avatar

          But a 4Runner would work better for me. And a GX470 is a nicer 4Runner.I do love these tho.

    3. jeepjeff Avatar
      jeepjeff

      Kris_01 has it. Scammers tend to post 10k+ vehicles in the 2-3k range to rope in suckers. If you reply to that ad, you will find out that the truck (with California plates) is in Montana, and they just need a little money up front to ship it out to Maine.

  13. P161911 Avatar

    Saab 9-7X Aero checks all the right boxes. Look for a low mile 2009 model. Here's a 2008 with 67k miles for $16,500. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehiclede
    <img src="http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2013/7/10/350/302/32280374278.350302105.IM1.03.565x421_A.562×421.jpg"width=500&gt;
    A Trailblazer SS without the boy racer/middle age Hawaiian shirt looks. You do have to give up two front cupholders to have a little Saab weirdness with the ignition in one of the cupholders.
    I have been very happy for over 125k miles with our 2004 2WD 6cyl Trailblazer. The last of the mid-sized, RWD, body on frame SUVs.

    1. ezeolla Avatar
      ezeolla

      "The last of the mid-sized, RWD, body on frame SUVs."
      Doesn't an Xterra fit that market? Or a (up to 2012) Liberty?

      1. P161911 Avatar

        The Liberty isn't big enough to be mid-sized, the Xterra barely is big enough. They still make the Xterra???

        1. MLBrown Avatar
          MLBrown

          Toyota 4 Runner? Mid-size, Rwd, Body-on-frame, still being built.

        2. ezeolla Avatar
          ezeolla

          Sorry, I missed the mid-sized part. The Liberty and Xterra are definitely compact on the inside. MLBrown is correct though that the 4Runner is available in RWD and that is a mid-size right? Although good luck actually finding a non 4×4 4Runner on any lots

  14. Alcology Avatar
    Alcology

    I hope Mrs. Kaluski doesn't read comments. Since you have a budget of 25k. Itching for something new, but are keeping your current car. Can do mechanicals. Why not be selfish and get something for you? A cheap, and interesting, beater that you can either find a parking spot for or just park on the street. Or get in with a buddy of yours that has space and get a project to work on. Who knows, maybe your kids, or even just one of them, might be interested and you get quality time out of the deal.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      I'm paying $300/mon for parking right. Second car is not an option. No street parking.
      Also, I have no time to drive another car.
      Also also, I just bought a Lemons car.
      Also also also, I just bid on a Lada Niva on eBay.
      Also also also also, I'm trying to talk my neighbor into going halfsies on a Miata.
      But yea… I need/want a new family car.

      1. Alcology Avatar
        Alcology

        That's a lada dough for a parking spot. I thought it was bad for me across the river. Haha, good luck!

  15. DonFehlio Avatar
    DonFehlio

    You could be totally Jalop and buy Miatas for everyone in your family, and just travel everywhere in a group.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      A what?

    2. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
      Scandinavian Flick ★

      Dude… You can't say J**** here. He just said in the article that you can't curse on this site anymore. This is a fucking family site.

      1. skitter Avatar
        skitter

        Easy on the new guy.
        Ahem.
        Welcome, most of us are reformed unregenerate totally unreformed former commentors.

        1. DonFehlio Avatar
          DonFehlio

          As am I; I apologize for referencing the home of El Werto Rojo.

          1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            No worries, friend. Welcome to here! We don't really discriminate. We hate everyone equally! <3

  16. TurboBrick Avatar
    TurboBrick

    Ok, I've got just the thing for you, are you ready?
    <img src="http://fivesgear.com/pics/FSO/93/87/8649_FSO-Polonez_6.jpg"&gt;
    It's perfect, right?
    EDIT: Yes, I stopped reading after you said family vehicle.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      It's perfect to me.

  17. frankthecat Avatar

    Well I was going to say Buick Roadmaster Estate again.
    Then you posted this:
    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1995-Toyota-Previa-LE-SC.jpg&quot; width="600">
    As someone who rode in a supercharged '92 Previa which spent a lot of time zipping around a sand pit, they're not only functional, funky, but fuuuuun.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      And 20 years old.

      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        But it looks like it came from the future!

        1. Rover Parts Avatar

          yep, it was sent back because it was too ugly

      2. name_too_long Avatar
        name_too_long

        And your point is?…
        It's a mid-'90s Toyota; ergo, unkillable and likely more reliable than a brand new one.

  18. engineerd Avatar

    I'm looking at a Wrangler Unlimited for when the Cherokee makes mess in the bed. I'd love an 80-Series Land Cruiser or a Disco II, but they are pushing 10 years old and >100,000 miles. Even the most reliable car starts to show its age after crossing the century mark. A Wrangler Unlimited a few years old is right around $25k and has all the amenities you need (even if it doesn't have all the ones you want). Even better, a Rubicon will add in all the off-road goodness you could ever want for a few grand more.
    Having said all that, there is this:
    <img width=500 src="http://expeditionportal.com/ccordes/2013/La%20Aduana/HJ45%20Troopy%201.png"&gt;
    Safety? It's bright yellow! Room? It's a Troopie! Reliability? Who cares. You can fix it with bubble gum and a prayer to any deity!
    <a href="http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicules/4×4/toyota-land-cruiser/2236-la-aduana-1981-toyota-land-cruiser-hj45.html” target=”_blank”>http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicules/4×4/toyota-land-cruiser/2236-la-aduana-1981-toyota-land-cruiser-hj45.html

    1. CherokeeOwner Avatar
      CherokeeOwner

      I believe that color is "Chartreuse" as opposed to yellow. Also, that is sweeeeet.

    2. Kamil_K Avatar

      Any Toyota this old will rust into pieces within the first snow fall in Boston.
      Does it have ventilated seats?

      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        That just might have basket weave seat but the rust would be bad. Thick Swedish steel on the other hand… Regarding the $3600 per year in parking, maybe you could move? Could you take something like commuter rail into work. Are you worried about something like schools?

        1. Kamil_K Avatar

          Looking at houses. So far the school has been ok, but that was only kindergarten.
          Boston actually has one of the best public high schools in the country: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Latin_School

          1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
            ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

            Good luck on the house hunt Kamil, cause that is a lot of money for parking. You might find things like groceries, taxes, gas, utilities are less in the 'burbs too. Plus you can have a garage then.

  19. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
    Scandinavian Flick ★

    Does the missus drive stick? These little 6-speed monsters might be just what you need. Hell, park it on the lawn and ditch the $300/mo parking ripoff.
    <img src="http://i.imgur.com/qVMnAUN.jpg"&gt;

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      She does, that a marriage prerequisite.
      WTF is this anyway?

      1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
        Scandinavian Flick ★

        Good man. I need to teach my girl at some point, but not sure how I feel about teaching someone on the GTO…
        They are restored vintage bumper cars, fitted with motorcycle engines, 6-speed gear boxes, suspension and disc brakes. I got to see these in person while I was in San Diego this last weekend at the auto museum. Awesome little 160mph death traps…

        1. Kamil_K Avatar

          It's probably a death trap at 20mph.

          1. mdharrell Avatar

            That's never stopped me.

          2. jeepjeff Avatar
            jeepjeff

            Yes, and?

          3. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
            ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

            Kamil, it's a bumper car, it practically has rubber baby buggy bumpers all the way around, it HAS to be safe, right?

        2. skitter Avatar
          skitter

          Top teaching tip, especially when you have that much torque:
          Just let the clutch out a little bit until the car starts to move, then pause, then put the clutch back in and stop.
          Rinse, repeat.

          1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            Very true. That's a good technique to help them get familiar with the pedal feel and gain some muscle memory in a parking lot before unleashing them in traffic.
            My stupid BMW would just ignore the pedal movement if you don't apply gas. Then it would lurch and stall…
            The GTO on the other hand can get up to 30mph by 6th gear without even touching the throttle.

          2. ptschett Avatar
            ptschett

            I need to try the 30 MPH w/o throttle trick in the Challenger…

          3. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            Indeed, it's a trip! I like to think of what that must look like from outside the car… Just idling, hauling along at higher than residential speed limits…

          4. SSurfer321 Avatar
            SSurfer321

            My wife taught me to drive a manual. In her 98 Geo Tracker. The clutch engaged just above the floor.

        3. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
          ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

          Skitter has a good point, another thing to point out right away is if she feels the engine begin to stumble, to just press the clutch pedal down again. Then she can regroup and try again in a bit. In this way that whole 'oh crap I suck I have killed the car again, I'll never get this, etc' stuff will not happen and that makes it go way better.

          1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            Good point! Thanks for the tips. I have been doing this for so long, I forget what it's like to be a beginner.

        4. pj134 Avatar
          pj134

          I feel like a GTO would be one of the easiest cars to learn stick on. It's practically impossible to stall it anyway.
          On a side note, a group of investors I'm involved with recently procured a golf cart. It will be turbo'd. Not going to do 100+ like the gsxr swapped ones, but it should be entertaining.

          1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            I suppose you're right. Having learned stick on an AE86, then a Volvo 240 turbo, I have a bit more of a slower learning curve, but it was a LOT easier to stall them. The GTO is really forgiving, and she's a good driver already, so I trust her. Plus, she's 6'1", so she won't have to adjust the seat…
            That should be a very interesting project. You should document it in the forums!

          2. jeepjeff Avatar
            jeepjeff

            I learned on a Ford F-150 5.0L V8. Not as much power as the GTO, and certainly more massive, but still a low-end torque monster. It's entirely do-able, and speaking as someone who learned stick on an "inappropriate" vehicle, Skitter and MZS' comments are, indeed, key. Also, she'll be able to drive anything after learning on the GTO.
            Maybe don't do the stick your arm out the window, point at the sky, dump the clutch and holler yee-haw joke, though. That's probably dangerous in the Goat, rather than funny (for the instructor).
            EDIT: speaking of which, I still need to teach my wife how to drive stick. She's got the same length legs as me, so also no need to move the seat. (And it's on the Jeep, which has many of the same problems as the GTO 🙂

        5. Vairship Avatar
          Vairship

          Why teach her yourself? The best case scenario is she learns quickly and still likes you, but your clutch is more worn. Worst case, she hates you, hates the GTO, and there's lots of crying.
          Just get her some lessons at a good driving school. It's often easier to learn from total strangers than from parents/boyfriends/spouses.

      2. vroomsocko Avatar
        vroomsocko

        Bumper Cars.. of Fury!

  20. Devin Avatar
    Devin

    If you weren't on the wrong side of the border I'd have this wonderful suggestions. It will super exceed your expectations.
    <img src="http://www.tyeeimports.com/images/MT115780-4.jpg"&gt;

    1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

      Why don't you lease to him?

    2. Kamil_K Avatar

      No doubt about it!

    3. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      50,000 kms in 1.5 years including a trip to Florida, and I can tell you "Yes, this is the right choice"
      Plus it makes trips to the cottage a breeze:
      <img src="http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr161/DrKool/Js%20Garage/Feb202012195.jpg&quot; alt=" photo Feb202012195.jpg" border="0">
      <img src="http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr161/DrKool/Js%20Garage/Feb202012188.jpg&quot; border="0" alt=" photo Feb202012188.jpg"/>

  21. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    Saab 9-5 wagon, They drop value faster than a Caddy, so a few years old and you be below your 25K mark and down to more like ten.

  22. P161911 Avatar

    Here's a nice 6-passenger vehicle with 2cu ft MORE luggage space than the MDX (with the seats up).
    <img src="http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/15289031-620-0.jpg?rev=1"width=500&gt; http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chrysl
    "The Missus is a horrible driver, one of the worst" Imperials were BANNED from demolition derby competition. They won too much, something about a 1" thick steel plate behind the bumper.
    "We don’t drive much" Then 9mpg won't be a problem.
    "I know cars well and I can fix or tend to most things" 440 with a 727 Torqueflight, no problems, just toss the metric wrenches.
    "But we do need a reliable and safe car." See 440 w/ Torqueflight. Mine fired right up after sitting for 3 YEARS. Safe, you have at least 6 feet between you and the car in front of you.
    "Bonus points for “luxury” items such as heated seats, satellite radio, camera, sunroof, etc." power leather seats, real wood trim, power VENT windows, at least 4 cigarette lighters, a foot control to change the radio station, what more do you need! You might could track down the automatic headlight dimmer and add that in too.

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      It's a shame I can only give you one thumbs up. Where is the high five button?

      1. P161911 Avatar

        I miss my (basket case) '67 Imperial Convertible. I had a parts car too, a 4-door that had been hit in the doors on the driver's side. I tried to dent one of the doors with a 5lb sledge hammer. It made the equivalent of a parking lot ding. I think the thing was made of 1/8" steel.

        1. Sjalabais Avatar
          Sjalabais

          My fantasy/historic empathy is just not good enough to understand a time when this machine made sense. That makes it so fascinating.

    2. pj134 Avatar
      pj134

      I've been thinking about buying something with my only qualifier being bench seats and big. I was digging the Olds 88 idea but now I have to figure out how much I could get a 6bt or 4bt into one of these for…

      1. P161911 Avatar

        I should warn you there are a few imperial specific bits that are hard to source. The four piston front brake calipers, which look like they came off a F-350, are almost impossible to find parts for. But, it is fairly easy to swap them for later Mopar single piston calipers. Trim bits are unobtanium. They rust. I had a 67 convertible. 67-68 are virtually identical and giant unibodies. But they are a car with PRESENCE. in 1967 an Imperial Convertible was the most expensive new American car. Unlike an Olds or Caddy, you probably won't see another at the car show.

    3. Van_Sarockin Avatar
      Van_Sarockin

      No arguing with logic like that. You might want to try to edge away quietly…

  23. name_too_long Avatar
    name_too_long

    Problem solved and you get a boat out of the deal too!
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRDM-2-Amphibious-

    1. P161911 Avatar

      I love the one with pop up rocket launchers!
      <img src="http://www.tdm-electronics.com/katalog3/d/92843-2/P3260039.JPG"width=500&gt;

      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        Home Owner's Association giving you trouble? NOT ANYMORE!

  24. pj134 Avatar
    pj134

    Sounds like you need a megacab 2500 with a cummins and a front bench.

  25. Alff Avatar

    Keep the MDX … and buy something practical like a Volkswagen Thing, P5 Rover, Subaru Sambar or Henry J. This is the Hooniverse, after all. As a columnist, you need to consider your street cred.

    1. mdharrell Avatar

      If a Sambar, preferably first- or second-generation.
      <img src="http://media.tumblr.com/44b14063113a165fdf4d34b14c2b503d/tumblr_inline_mlril1Efz91qz4rgp.jpg"&gt;
      Ideal family vehicles.

      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        The blue one on the left is the first generation and the one on the right is the second generation? 😉

    2. Kamil_K Avatar

      granted, but I have only one parking spot.
      My inability to have a fun/project car is why I started writing.

      1. Alff Avatar

        I get it. Well, we can't all live in these super-desirable flyover states with our cheap real estate, lack of interesting topography and DIY nightlife.

  26. Plecostomus Avatar
    Plecostomus

    I have the correct answer to Hoon Family car- what I drive-
    the Volvo V70R. AWD, a lovely interior, potent T5 engine, tons of cargo room, dog-friendly, and comes with roof rails. It does everything an SUV will do but actual offroading, but in an infinitely more fun package, and they stopped making the V70R in 2009.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      No wagons. Also, I want a 4×4 off-roady thing.

  27. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    The Lexus GX (sold as the Land Cruiser Prado in other countries) is a great choice. Super safe, reliable, and will go anywhere.
    I bought the wife a 2001 LX470 (100 series Land Cruiser) with just over 100,000 for $15,000. I had to run a lot of VIN numbers though before finding one that had lived it's whole life in Texas and had yet to experience a northern winter. It's been a fantastic vehicle, and while it doesn't look as nice as the new Grand Cherokee, very few people can tell that it's a 12 year old truck.

    1. Kamil_K Avatar

      Yes, which is why it's topping the list for all those reasons.

      1. Andrew Avatar
        Andrew

        http://www.malonesauto.com/web/used/Lexus-GX470-2
        Not sure if you want to travel but here's a two owner car that's lived in Georgia.
        For $25000 you're got some good options.

    1. desolit Avatar
      desolit

      the liberty has more room inside…. ive owned both.

    2. Kamil_K Avatar

      No. The new ones are so much nicer and drive so much better, the difference is incredible.

      1. pj134 Avatar
        pj134

        But the old SRT8 is somehow much more batshit crazy.

        1. Kamil_K Avatar

          Last thing my wife needs a vehicle with stupid power. Actually, I prefer something slow for her.

  28. Feds_II Avatar
    Feds_II

    So Imissed the original post, but I'm honestly going to suggest getting a left over Grand Vitara.
    Longitudnal 4-cylinder, 4-speed auto, 4wd with low range. I've seen leftovers as low as $16,500 with warranty, etc.

  29. Wildcat445 Avatar
    Wildcat445

    If you're tired of the MDX, donate it to a worthy cause. I'll email you my address. 😉
    I think the best road trip vehicle we ever had when I was a kid was the Plymouth Suburban station wagon. It was Dad's company car, so he'd disconnect the speedometer before the trip, and we'd drive it all the way from MIchigan out to the Rockies and back.

  30. srodgers1711 Avatar
    srodgers1711

    Very interesting article. It makes a lot of sense to go this route when picking a family car. I recently bought a Chrysler SUV for my wife. It's a great car and i really recommend checking them out. Thanks for the post.