I don’t day dream about the new cars I’d rather have, as I’m really very happy with mine. In fact, I have somewhat the opposite problem that sometimes occupies my mind: What if I had to replace one or more of my vehicles with a brand new one (for purposes of this exercise), as a consequence of a (non-injury) accident or such? The answers, for me anyway, are not easy.
Let’s start clockwise at the upper left, with my venerable ’66 F-100. I really can’t imagine replacing it with a new pickup, as I just don’t use it enough. I put maybe 2,000 miles or so on it per year. If it went bye-bye, I think I’d just get a lightweight aluminum utility trailer and tow it with my xB. I actually have a hitch I bought for it years ago, but never mounted it.
If I really had to, how about a transit or Sprinter with a Euro-style dump bed? And then maybe find a slide-in camper for it, which would then take care of replacing the Dodge Chinook too? I have actually indulged this line of thinking over the years a fair amount. I would prefer to have one fewer vehicles overall. This, or something along these lines, would be a possible solution.
I have been lusting after a Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion for almost 15 years now. My Dodge Chinook keeps starting up every summer, and we haven’t had the freedom to justify the expense of one for the few shorter trips we’ve been making. But as soon as I figure out how to extricate myself from CC, find a good maintenance man for my rentals, and get my younger son straightened out, I very much see something like this (or a Transit-based version) in the Niedermeyer fleet.
Those were the easy ones. Stephanie and I both love the 2013 TSX wagon (her daily driver), but it has its shortcomings. Mostly, it just feels a bit too wide, low and long in town, where much of her driving is. It’s great on road trips, and handles superbly. But getting in and out for us is starting to be a wee bit of a pain too, especially compared to the xB. I do not like driving it in town. Visibility is crummy, and compared to the xB, I feel like I’m driving a huge car. Which it’s not, but everything is relative.
Replacing it? Well, I suppose the easy fallback would be a Forester, which is what our left-brain sides told us to get in the first place, to replace our 2000 Forester. It’s tall, has relatively good visibility, and has better ground clearance and AWD. But of course it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun when really cutting loose on a remote high-desert highway.
Having to replace my 2005 Scion xB gives me the biggest headache, because it’s so unique in a number of ways. There’s just nothing that has its combination of features I so value, as a handy city scooter that can also swallow a washing machine in the back. But for the moment, I’ll go out on a limb, and make it a Chevy Bolt. I’m fatally attracted to EVs for certain reasons, and the Bolt is the only one for now that combines a practical, tall hatchback body along with terrific range (238 miles), at least for now.
Actually, the real solution for Stephanie and I is to replace both cars simultaneously, so that she could drive an EV around town (she does a lot of shopping and errands), and yet have access to a car (Forester) to take on long trips. In which case, she’d love a Fiat 500E, although I’m not sure I can see that as a long-term keeper.
And I’d have to drive the Forester, to use for getting use for my errands, getting us to remote trailheads, skiing, and for her/us to use on long trips. Hmmm….but two new cars, to solve that problem? It’s a bit complicated; my head’s exploding.
Your turn. Note: We’re talking NEW, as in 2017 models.
If I had to replace my 2002 Tahoe – and $$ weren’t an object, then a new Tahoe.
Although I much prefer the styling of the 2007-13 version.
White Grand Caravan SE Plus, Blacktop Package + DVD entertainment.
Best 24k new car, with 283 HP no less.
Little dated yes, but by far the most car one can get for the money.
+1. Excellent vehicle.
Dodge Grand Caravan sells so well these days, almost double than the second. Probably people don’t really need minivans that fancy.
Agreed, I looked at the new Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and while way more modern, it’s overkill. Besides, the low end version looks really cheap, and nothing like the promotional pictures. The Japanese minivans are overkill too.
The grand Caravan in second level from the bottom, which is the se plus, is a good medium, still low price, but with a little bit of sizzle. Fill it with medium grade gas, and it has a surprisingly good punch.
I have a 2016 Se Plus, and couldn’t be happier. Well that is, I could have changed it for a 2017 with the blacktop package, which mine doesn’t have.
Hmm, good exercise. I would almost certainly go with a replacement that mirrors what I currently have, as either are still available at good prices. I thought a lot before I bought what I have now, and my feelings for them are still the same. If I had to change, then I would probably replace my 2015 Fiat 500 and 1996 Miata with perhaps a 1963-65 Falcon convertible. Easy to drive, easy to park, easy to fix and parts readily available. If I win the lottery, I would augment what I have with something big, like a full sized 60s-early 70s convertible. Now that I have owned and driven a convertible, I cannot see living in Florida and not having one.
New = 2017 model, not 1963. 🙂
I’m your man. I can handle both CC and property management. Can’t help with your son, though, as I’m still the sole proprietor of one myself.
2 out of 3. Not bad. Maybe we can both just send our sons off to…Siberia. 🙂
BTW, “property management” = replacing a sink and fixing a dryer (which is how I spent yesterday afternoon). Not a lot of “management”; mostly just grunt work. 🙂
So are you local? By your handle it seems not. Or maybe you just moved out past the city limits?
Hmm, my own 2000 model son is occasionally sullen and lazy, but I’ve noticed that seems to mostly happen when he is around his parents. Around others he is somewhat different.
I’m not sending him to Siberia, but he is going to be a camp counselor all summer so that’s almost the same thing.
At any rate I have zero interest in replacing him with a new 2017 model son 🙂
I doubt he’s in my son’s league. He’s 25 going on 15. And mostly losing (so far) a three-year battle with substance abuse that actually started when he was about 15. It’s a total nightmare. He’s heading to his third round of rehab. One of his friends needed nine rounds of rehab before it “took”.
Oy,different league alright. Siberia ain’t gonna help with that.
Transplanted back to SoCal, so I’m not moving my son for a few years, ideally.
CC, on the other hand; let’s just say I spent many years putting together automotive copy and photos for the local cars ‘n’ parts rag, and subsequently spent a decade putting out print/online pubs for IEEE.
Lemme know how I can help. I work shockingly cheaply (free), and copy-edit in my sleep. Maybe I can arrange a trip to the land of shaven forests this Summer, for a tete-à-tete, or hack together a COAL for your perusal.
Ex Eugeniac: I’m sending you an email. Let me know if you don’t get it.
Well, to be fair, it would be new to me! If you are going for only new, then it would be the Buick Cascada as the convertible. The Mustang and Camaro convertibles just don’t hack it for me, and the Buick, being a rebadged Opel, is not shabby, if not really fast. For the lottery version, either a Maserati convertible, or any of the big Audi, BMW, or MB convertibles.
This is painful, since I don’t much care for anything manufactured in the last 20 years.
I suppose I’d get a new Silverado (WT would mostly match options in my 96 Sierra SLE)
A new LaCrosse, even though it pales next to my 92 Roadmaster.
The ’79 Continental is irreplaceable. Nothing modern comes close.
Well, if you decide to replace the xB with anything I’ll be happy to take it off your hands. I am still aghast that Toyota replaced something so perfect with something bigger and stupider (yeah, for a change!). As for anything new, they continue to kill off or “improve” cars that were just what I am usually looking for – Mazda Two, anyone? – so I will continue to shop the used-car market. And if you buy new, you’re stuck with the dealer’s shop until it’s out of warranty, and Subaru dealers (around here anyway) tend to have notoriously lousy ones.
But Hey, as long as I’m dreaming here, how about a nice Alfa Giulia? I know lots of three-Alfa families, and one could do worse …
You can still get a Mazda 2, it’s just called a Toyota Yaris iA. However, the fact that it no longer offers a hatchback body style is pretty much a non-starter for me on a car that small.
Or come to Puerto Rico and you can purchase a Mazda 2 hatchback at any local Mazda dealer and ship it back to the mainland. I don’t know why Mazda decided to certify the car with all the Federal government agencies and only sell it in Puerto Rico, but if you really want a Mazda 2 hatchback there is your solution.
http://www.mazdapr.com/mazda-2/
The original Scion xB was a cute, fun, durable and practical little car, but apparently there was some anxiety in the Scion “home” office about the IIHS side-impact, crash-test results. It didn’t fare well in that test; thus the newer and safer xB design, now also discontinued due to slow sales.
If a tree falls on the 2013 Tacoma (a not uncommon occurrence here in Northern NJ), I would look at the Honda Ridgeline first. It’s garden center visiting time and tree planting, pruning, and cutting (I know – don’t say it)) time now and having a pick up truck makes this type of work much more pleasant. Plus I got Debbie to the doctor during our one winter snow storm in the Tacoma and its high ride and 4WD made it feel easy and sure. It feels good to be a hero in a 4WD pick up truck.
If the 1999 Miata is stolen (unlikely in NJ as it is manual transmission and those who know stick would pick a faster car) and I would be really pissed because I just put four new Hankooks on it. But, after wiping away my tears, I’d look at the new Civic hatchback with the tiny turbo and the CVT.
Or a Forester.
Or an Accord V6 with the six speed automatic because Q-Ship fast and some of us never got past our high school level of maturity.
But my hopes are both current machines last another 20 years.
That little tiny turbo in the new Civic is a sweet engine. It’s fast, and purrs like a high end sewing machine. I think you’d like it, RL.
Ask me how I know. ?
Retro-Stang Rick. V E R Y – N I C E.
Your input is a comforting – and real life verification – of what I have read.
Thank you.
My wife has a CVT in her 2009 Lancer. I do not like it. There is a lot of lag. When you want power, it seems to think about it for a few seconds before acting. I had my doubts about this thing. But then I drove it and was blown away. No Turbo or CVT Lag (unless you have it in “D” with the Economy Switch engaged, but that is by design). If you have the transmission set to “S” for Sport mode, what little if any perceived lag is even less, as the RPM(s) are raised closer to the sweet spot of this thing’s power band.
Honda really got it right with this one. When I went out searching for a commuter car to take my ‘stang out of DD status, I test drove the Mazda 3 (liked it); Chevy Cruze (not so impressed, other than the features); and then I got to this car. My search was over… AND it came in a coupe. We’re done here. I never did get to the Ford Focus that was next on my list to try out.
My history with cars has always been personal luxury coupes like T-Birds and such, and of course my beloved Mustang. I never thought in a million years I would ever buy a Honda Civic. Oh how I was wrong. This car has totally exceeded my expectations.
Damn, Rick! THAT looks good in red!
I know, right? (Thanks, BTW). This car even comes in my favorite color and shade of blue (like the one pictured below), and I could’ve had one, but there was something about this car’s lines in that red that spoke to me.
I’ve never had an “Arrest Me Red” car before, and was reluctant to go down that road, but it really looks good in red.
Besides, my wife’s Lancer is blue, so we already have that color in the family, sorta (her’s is more of an electric blue).
Also, having never owned a car this small, I wanted to make sure I am seen on my daily drive, rather than blend in. Safety and all that. ;o)
“Arrest me red” ROFLMAO, I’m going to start using that too.
About the red, at first I Found the Civic weird, but seeing it in red, it’s like looking at another car! You did the right choice! Happy Miles 🙂
Ford 4×4 extended cab pick up truck and a Hellcat.
I realize these are very old-school concepts in new cars, which reflects my current status…. I have little interest in new vehicles. Their expense and complexity puts me off completely. I am more interested in collecting, restoring, customizing and modding old cars. New cars are not as condusive for my hobby so why bother?
Hmmm, tough question.
2012 Kia Sedona. I like it more than I thought I would when I was looking for a cheap new minivan. I might consider a new one. It is a comfortable trip car, versatile for carrying passengers and cargo. It is a good all-around car.
2007 Honda Fit. This has become the cheap second car. Fun to drive, great for cargo and it is good enough for moderate trips. I am not sure I would want to replace this one with a new one. But if I did, maybe a new one? Or perhaps a Kia Soul.
1997 Miata. This would definitely not be replaced with a new car, as it was bought to satisfy my “old car” itch. It would be replaced by a Studebaker. If it was a Lark convertible, the Mrs. might even ride in it.
If you ever go Lark shopping, use the Miata to get there, and tell us how it feels to hop from one to the other 😉
The one time I drove a Miata was upon exiting the business seat of a ’92 Buick Roadmaster. Words don’t begin to describe it.
Easy. Replace my ’07 Avalanche LTZ with a ’17 Silverado High Desert edition.
As a recent retiree, I “want” a Fiat 500 POP with a manual transmission. Sooo reminds me of my first car, a ’63 VW Beetle. Beetles of this vintage are $8k or above. For that price, I can buy a slightly used Fiat (with A/C) and still have all the aggravating issues like my original Bug. Déjàvu!! =8-)
I’d replace my Z3 with a new Z4. I’d replace the 735i with a new 5 series. Both the new 7 and 5 are big and bloated, but the 5 is closest to the 735i.
As for the Mercury, I’d probably replace it with, like, a razor scooter or something. I dunno, I only paid $100 bucks for the thing.
If had to replace the ’04 Titan (only vehicle I ever bought brand new) and ’86 Jetta with one vehicle, a Chevy Volt with a hitch and utility trailer would give me around town electric, long trip ability without worrying about charging stations and still give decent MPG, and work for my occasional hauling duties as well.
I only put around 1500 mi a year on the Titan now (about 16k miles now), so just replacing the truck would work, not sure what brand, maybe a V6 Titan 1/2 ton 2WD when it finally come out. The F150 2.7 Ecoboost is tempting but twin turbos and intake valve carbon build up problems from DI makes me want to stay away. Diesel would not do well with my mostly short trip around town driving.
If I could replace both vehicles a Bolt could be a Jetta replacement, I think I’d not get a GM first year car, though, would want to see how the car is doing for the first year or two.
Last year I had to suddenly replace my 1995 Olds 98. The replacement, a 1996 Olds 98, so I think you can see where this is going.
If a reasonably solid 98 or 88 isn’t readily available, a Park Avenue/LeSabre would be second choice.
If something happened to my 1965 Chrysler, realistically I probably wouldn’t replace it, but if I could, another ’65-’66 Chrysler would be first on the list.
If I could find a buyer for my Integra, I’d use that cash and trade-in my Sonic for a ~2013 Prius. I’m done with interesting cars. I just want one that works and doesn’t break.
I’m with Evan and 86er – it’s all the same rubbish now – blindfold me and give the the cheapest thing that doesn’t stop
If I could, I’d replace our 2010 Prius with the 50-mile-range plugin Prius that doesn’t exist. Toyota’s current plugin Prius Prime is supposedly 25 miles but people say it’s less and the engine starts frequently anyway. Toyota has resisted proper EVs and are only now getting a clue. When my new Fiat 500e EV lease is up in 2020 the Prius will be 10 years old and I expect to replace them both with either a good 50+ mile plugin Prius or a really long-range yet affordable EV. Maybe that’ll be a Bolt but I’m a Toyota man.
Lily adores her 1st-gen Mini Cooper S. No changes there.
Finally my 1st-gen Miata could use a paint job but it’s my only CC, so it stays home. Maybe someday I’ll convert it with junkyard EV parts…..
The plug-in Prius turns out to be a “hack”. They’re really falling behind. They totally squandered their huge lead they had. The Prius is now 20 years old, and not really that different. meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 will suck up huge numbers of Prius owners. Toyota has blown it with EVs.
I agree. They recently put their president, the founder’s grandson, in charge of a new EV division. We shall see whether Toyota succeeds with EVs or if someone will be writing a Deadly Sin article about the Prius Prime someday.
This seems to assume your current car is suitable, and mine isn’t quite right for us anymore. Having spent money on it recently, I don’t want to get rid of it, but could use something bigger, and (due to my wife sustaining an injury) automatic.
My car is a 2004 Mazda 2, so it would be difficult to replace like for like – the new one is very different and far less spacious. Maybe a Kia Soul, but a Fiat Qubo might almost be closer in spirit, and looks a lot more fun and practical, although I’ve driven neither.
My Mazda2 would probably get replaced by a Toyota FRS. Very few modern cars hold my interest. The wife’s Ford F150 would likely be replaced with another since she loves it for some unfathomable reason.
I just sold off my collector car … I’d love another classic convertible or maybe an older mini truck.
If my Honda Nighthawk were to disappear I’d be awfully tempted by either a new Honda Rebel 300 or a BMW G310R. The Triumph bikes are real nice but a lot of expensive.
Supposing something bad were to happen and I had to replace my vehicles….let me think for a minute.
2014 VW Passat: If something bad happened, I’d get another one. It, too, would be a base model.
2007 Ford F-150: I need a pickup and I’ve been cutting a copious amount of brush and invasive honeysuckle off my property. It’s been too dry to burn it so I’ve been hauling it off to the yard waste dump which really emphasized its 5.5′ bed. So I’d get another F-150 with an extended cab and the 6.5′ bed. It wouldn’t need to be a 4×4 as is my current one.
2000 Ford E-150: There is a reason I keep this thing parked under an iffy elm tree other than it being a handy parking place. If a tree fell on it tonight (and we had a storm Monday night that kind of excited me) I would replace the van with money in my savings account.
1963 Ford Galaxie: It’s old, it’s a handful to drive, it’s a great car. If it imploded tomorrow I would be sorely tempted by the low-mile ’72 Plymouth Satellite currently advertised in the local newspaper. Or an AMC Ambassador/Matador. Or a C-body Mopar. Or a G-body Buick Regal. Or the biggest, gaudiest Cadillac I could find. Or a ’75 Thunderbird. Or a Lincoln Mark V. Or another ’63 Ford. It’s hard to say.
If the Galaxie had to be replaced with a 2017 model, I’d opt for a Chrysler 300. Then I would remove the power steering pump and the power brake booster to get a similar driving experience.
Has the VW been reliable? If yes, you definitely have a stellar car: nicely built, powerful enough and far from trouble. I don’t know if your 1.8 Turbo is the same as our 1.8 TSI. If yes, we get them in a car i really like: the SEAT Leon SC FR (Think Spanish VW Golf)…
I still don’t know Why VW’s are so lowly regarded in the US as opposed to Europe (where I am from) where they are considered astonishingly solid cars as long as you avoided the 1.4 16V NA engine in the early ’00s
I am so busy paying for my sons’ college that I’m just hoping my 06 Focus and 03 Matrix just keep running until these years are over. I suppose if I had to buy a brand new car today I’d just get a Ford Fusion or a Chevy Malibu. The biggest shortcoming my Focus (my DD) has is poor rear-seat legroom, and as my parents age I’m frequently driving them places.
As much as I hate my Cobalt, nothing really gets me excited as the cost is way to much to stomach. My next car is being driven around by someone right now and it will not be a GM or a new vehicle ever again and I am more than OK with that.
Unfortunately, it is a fact that eventually we will outlive our pride and joys, to the point they will need to be replaced. However, there are no new cars(built after 1995), that really appeal to me. They are more complicated to maintain and work on, and they typically have higher maintenance costs that are not offset by the marginal fuel economy gains they boast.
OBD-II sucks, and automakers design them so the at-home mechanic can’t work on them. I will stockpile spare parts, for my two classics, and keep them hopefully until the day I die.
I’d probably consider the new 2017 Impreza (sedan or hatch) and the Chevy Cruze (sedan or hatch) as worthy replacements for my 2013 Focus, although I’d be tempted to look at a mid-size like the Fusion or the Accord.
My ’03 Grand Marquis LSE and ’08 Crown Vic P70 don’t have comparable replacements in today’s line-up. So I don’t buy cars; I buy parts. Ford dealers try to tell me the Taurus is a comparable car. “In their dreams!”
Bless you, sir. Keep the flame alive.
Heh, I get that every time I go to the dealer for parts too. Luckily(actually unluckily) so many parts for my car are obsolete Ford is fairly useless to me now for parts too. My car is a 2017 Moog TRW with the Cardone package!
Hmmm. Best-suited brand new replacement, you say?
For the wife’s 2012 Kia Forte Koup, this scenario will likely be reality within the year. It’s been a great car for us, but something with more room, more features, and without the limitations of a coupe would be desirable, and we probably will buy new. Her front-runner is the Kia Sportage SX, mine is the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. Others will be considered, but one of those two is likely to prevail.
For my 1997 Crown Vic–well, as luck would have it, its replacement was purchased just two weeks ago, as keeping it roadworthy became rather uneconomical after a failed inspection. I went used, and the best of the available choices in my price range proved to be a 2013 Fusion SE. But! If I was going new, that’s not the choice I’d have made. I -wanted- a wagon, but there proved to be no wagons of reasonable age and price available in these parts, except Jettas, and I didn’t want a used Volkswagen. I’d be quite OK with a new Volkswagen, though (at least while the warranty was in effect) so a Golf Sportwagen SE would fit the bill nicely.
The ’88 Volvo 780 shouldn’t really count, as it was specifically purchased as a project/weekend car (and it hasn’t even moved in months). But if I was buying a new coupe and wasn’t spending a fortune, I’d likely end up with a Toyota 86 or Subaru BR-Z, or maybe a Mustang with the Ecoboost 2.3. The real spiritual successor of the 780 would be something more along the lines of an Audi A5 but I certainly don’t have that kind of money!
Well, having replaced our whole fleet over the past few years, we’re not really in the market (for hopefully another 5+ years at least), but here goes::
2012 VW Routan (wife’s DD) – 80K miles and no real reliability issues to speak of. Gets a solid 30 MPG (hand calculated) on the highway. Beth loves her minivans, and would want another one. I like the tighter handling of the Routan (vs. our former T&C/GC minivans), but find the cabin to be a tight fit for me (6-4″ tall). I suppose I’d be willing to look at a Honda Odyssey EX-L as a replacement.
2015 Honda Fit (Jazz) (my DD) – 52K miles and have had two recalls and one TSB repair, all handled under warranty. I’ve modded the car fairly heavily for occasional autocross fun. Averages a hand calculated 38 MPG, and can swallow a new dishwasher in the box, making it a very high utility vehicle. That said, I would probably not replace with a 2017 Fit (no difference). I honestly don’t know what I’d desire as a replacement, really, other than I’d definitely go back to a manual transmission. The CVT is not bad in the Fit, but I miss rowing, and the 6MT in the Fit has horrid ratios. I’d probably shy away from brands known for high long-term upkeep costs, though.
EDIT – I generally won’t consider anything from GM, but the one exception to that rule would be the about-to-be-discontinued Chevrolet SS. Not as high utility as the Fit, but would definitely be a hoot to drive to work!
2015 RAM 2500 Tradesman 4×4 LB, SC (my farm truck) – Already pushing about 18K miles, as it’s so much nicer to drive than my former ’99 F-250 Powerstroke. In fact, if it got better mileage (avg. 13 MPG), I could pretty much make it my DD. I modded mine into a Power Wagon (using actual PW parts) and love the way it looks and hauls. I don’t care for the “in your face” branding changes on the 2017, though (HUUUGE RAM logo on tailgate and grille), but I’d still opt for the RAM over the other choices in the market.
Bear in mind that the only Ram models that have the R A M on the grille and tailgate are the Laramie Limited and Rebel/Power Wagon models. And the nameplate on the grille is a lot smaller IRL than it looks in pictures.
In the U.S. market, at least, no manufacturer offers a direct successor (available as a new car) for either our 5-speed 2003 Subaru Legacy SE wagon or our ’06 and ’07 high-trim Foresters (1 auto, 1 manual). Obviously no current Subaru product resembles these, yet I would want a Subaru if I had to choose a new car; brand loyalty – however it might be legitimately criticized – is a convenience, something not to have to make a decision about, and our Subaru ownership goes back to the 1986 model year. So we’ll just keep maintaining what we have.
If I had no choice, I’d go with a new Indiana-made Impreza 5-door with the 5-speed.
Feel no shame about brand loyalty; I’m with you there. Once you find the right one, you can’t help but go back. My parents are looking for a vehicle to replace their Equinox and asked my opinions; I’ve been veering back toward Hondas and Acuras, as I’ve had good experience with them.
Also, for us indecisive, picky ones, it’s easier making decisions.
Were money no object, Genesis G90, light silvery-blue. Stately yet understated, plenty comfortable for packing on the miles.
If we’re talking my current finances, I could settle with a Hyundai Elantra. Sedan, though, not hatchback. Hatchbacks are useless to me.
Wee envious that you found a TSX wagon; one would be perfect for my parents, but they are few and far between.
I bought a 2011 TSX wagon this fall. So glad I did! It’s well worth the wait.
If I can swallow the fact that I’ll have to live with an automatic, Charger SRT392 (NOT Hellcat), in pearl white. I’d probably throw on the Hellcat wheels, and when the warranty expires I’d throw in the Tremec 6 speed manual from a Challenger. That would probably be the closest thing to my Cougar as it sits despite the 4 doors, the styling is even retro modern.
A Maserati Giulia if it had to be a sedan. Though I might have to rethink that if it’s not available with a manual transmission.
For a sporty car, a Boxster (do they still make them?).
Well, I drive a Crown Vic P71, I suppose a Taurus is the current equivalent but I dislike how cramped they are, so I suppose I’d go for an Ecoboost Interceptor Utility. Yep, that would do just fine.
If I were to replace my 2012 Dodge (now Ram, I guess) 1 ton 4×4 diesel dually (my 4th), it won’t be for something newer. Each time I’ve moved to a newer one (all bought new) mileage goes down and problems go up. I think I’d search out an older, low mileage 80’s or 90’s mechanical injector version. I’d even pay a premium to get it, as moving from 11-12 mpg to 18-20 would be a quick payback. I know of an older guy in Iowa who has an 88 diesel dually, 85k miles. I’m waiting for word he’s done driving it.
2011 Mercedes Benz E350 BlueTec – While James loves having a diesel, he has said that this would probably be his last sedan. For so many years he enjoyed the ride height and hauling capabilites of an SUV. I would say a Dodge Ram crew cab, 4×4, with an EcoDiesel engine. However, since those have yet to be certified for sale in the US… replace the EcoDiesel with a 5.7 Hemi.
2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 – Love my wagon, and love the power. I couldn’t justify the cost of a new E63 wagon, so I would probably go with the spiritual successsor to the Magnum… the Dodge Durango. I’d go v8 power, and if we are including ’18 year models probably get the SRT version.
To replace the ONION, a Sonic five door. Or a Jeep Patriot [retro looks]. Or Mitsubishi Mirage.
As others have said, not too many new cars do it for me: hackable, complicated, boring tail lights, hideous grilles and a pre wrecked look with a mish mash of lines, angles and curves.
The 63 Valiant: never. But if something did happen: 61 Rambler, 60 Comet or Falcon, Hornet or Maverick
Easy answer: Just replaced my 2003 Accord EX-L 5-speed manual with 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition 6-speed manual … Mainly because I am not sure how long manual transmission will continue to be available in Accords. Take rate is so low there is no dealer inventory. I had to special order and wait 3 months.
2008 Acura TL (base, automatic). I like the car, but I’d want to replace it with something manual and not FWD this time around.
Unlimited budget – a manual Chevy SS and a good set of snow tires, or an Audi A4 just because it’s the only manual/AWD combination out there.
But my actual budget is more modest – so WRX it would have to be.
As much as I like my Civic I’m kinda missing having a pickup.
To replace a 2009 Camry Hybrid: probably the 2017 version, as high a trim level as we can afford. Or maybe a Highlander hybrid, since age is creeping up on us….
I know; not much love for the Camry here, but the thing has been incredibly reliable in the over four years we’ve owned it. It’s comfortable and reasonably quiet, too. Hondas won’t work; one of us cannot sit comfortably in a Honda because of the design of the seats. Neither of us has great love for manual transmissions anymore, either.
Well, considering what happened to my car. We might be replacing it sooner rather than later. Now as for a 2017 model, that won’t happen. My dad doesn’t believe in leasing cars, he prefers to buy new outright or buy used and deal with whatever comes. But, hypothetically, if we were to get a 2017 model, I would get a Chevy Impala with the AWD and V6 installed. I’ve grown to loathe front wheel drive, so, even though I don’t really need AWD in San Diego, it would just make it more livable to me.
Of course, if money and a bigger budget were in the cards. I would definitely get a Lincoln Navigator L, the last ones before the new model comes and uglies it up. Other than that, probably nothing.
My 2002 Protege5 is not long for this world. I plan to replace it with a new Kia Soul Turbo, if they ever get into the dealerships. Besides, my dog really likes the Soul, and he has good judgment.
This hits very close to home since our Mazda5 was totaled in February. The closest replacement would be Transit Connect wagon so that’s one vehicle done. The Saturn SL2 is an appliance so any similar 4 door 4 seater would fill the mission. I think a Mazda3 or a Ford Focus as first choice and a Kia Soul for an extra dose of weird as an alternative.
The reality is we will probably buy another used Mazda5 to replace the destroyed one and make sure it has 16″ wheels so we can reuse the new snow tires we bought.
The Saturn is eternal and seemingly unkillable, since there is no road salt to rust its structure and we keep the engine oil topped up and regularly changed.
Further update, the Saturn was not unkillable since on the way to the trails last Sunday the final drive to decided to break out of the transaxle case, so the car is now at Copart in Eugene awaiting auction and we have a 2016 leftover Mazda CX-5 because the price was unbeatable. On th plus side we now have a car with a tray style bike rack so we don’t have to futz with front wheel removal.
Geez, these thoughts enter my mind daily. Right now I am leaning toward a some kind of truck…or the new Buick La Crosse. Yeah, I can’t believe it either but I really like the look! Kind of captures the old school Buick but contemporary.
One thing though, many new cars have that auto-stop that I find extraordinarily obtrusive. Many of my weekly business travel rentals or so equipped and I’ve taken to shifting to N before stopping. Annoying. It could be a deal breaker if the feature cannot be disabled.
2002 VW Eurovan MV gets replaced with a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with stow and go or 2017 Toyota Sienna
2007 Prius gets replaced by 2017 Chevy Volt (not cause it’s a better car, necessarily, but because the current Prius is so damned ugly)
2008 Honda Civic gets replaced with 2017 Honda Accord
Interesting and this is literally what keeps me awake at night! This all assumes money not an object of course even though it is…so I put two choices, one with Paul paying from the CC advertising-income budget 🙂 and one with me paying.
2011 MB GL450 – Very likely another one (now a 2017 GLS450), we still need the third row occasionally and overall it’s been a great car. If budget mattered then probably a new Crew Cab 1/2-ton pickup. Ford, GMC, or Nissan, all have some things I do and don’t like about them.
2016 Toyota Highlander XLE – Allison would love a Mercedes G-Wagon to the point we’ve discussed getting an older one but since Paul’s paying, why not, a new one would do, the regular G550 would be fine, don’t need one of the AMG versions. But she’s a fan of the Porsche Cayenne as well so that might work too. From a budget perspective the 2017 Highlander would work better and give us everything we really need. Perhaps we’d go hybrid this time though since it’s available in the mid trim levels now.
2002 Porsche Carrera – I don’t think I’d get a 2017 911, but I would be interested in the new Panamera Sportwagon thing that they have coming out soon since Audi refuses to sell a fast wagon over here… However, more reasonably (as reasonable as a $40k Golf can possibly be) I have been pondering a 2017 VW Golf R in the metallic gray color.
This is the hardest question I’ve been asked all day. I could toss my crown vic for a new s90, but my e30 vert and 560sel would not be replaced.
This topic is the source of a great deal of discussion in our household… we’re not looking to replace any of our cars, but if we HAD to:
2010 Honda Odyssey: Even though I’ve been less than impressed by the Honda’s reliability, it’s utility, comfort and performance are excellent, and a minivan is exactly the type of car we need right now. I’d probably buy another Odyssey — from what I’ve heard the Siennas don’t drive & handle quite as well.
2006 Ford Crown Victoria: My daily driver… I like that it’s big, comfortable, conservative and reliable. Sounds like a new Toyota Avalon. I like the Avalons, though in reality I’d probably buy a used one.
1995 Ford Thunderbird: Our occasional driver… if something happened to it, I doubt we’d replace it since its value is mostly sentimental (my wife’s the original owner). BUT, if I wanted a new occasional-use car, I’d consider a Mustang V-6 w/ manual transmission. Actually, I sort of like the idea of that…
I consider my ’66 Mustang and ’79 four speed Malibu ( I bought it new) both irreplaceable. Now if something happened to my ’09 Mustang I would be in a quandary. I have driven Mustangs for many years but don’t like the new ones at all. I have told my wife that if anything does happen to my ’09 I would just have to go with a nice used ’05 to ’09. That opinion was solidified recently when I learned that the ’18 will do away with the V6. Anyway, since my choices in this exercise are limited to ’17 models I would have to choose a Challenger. I really like them and recently got to ride in a friend’s Hellcat, not that I could afford one of those. Anyway, I once owned a ’73 Challenger and always liked the styling. That car is another story for another time.
As to replacing my wife’s Toyota Solara, I would leave that up to her as we both pick out our cars to suit our personal taste. Happy wife, happy life.
If my wife’s Mitsubishi Lancer ever gives up, I think I would get a Mazda CX-5 to replace it. I’m not much of an SUV fan, but I like the looks of that one and I think my wife would like the practicality of having one.
Now if my 2007 Mustang were to ever be (I don’t even want to think about it!) damaged beyond repair, I’d probably not replace it right away, and just wait until my Dad is done with his 2014 Mustang and buy that one from him. But he isn’t ready to give it up, and thus why I bought the New Honda Civic pictured above when the transmission was replaced in the Mustang.
Mine and my Dad’s ‘stangs pictured below along with the aforementioned Lancer…
2014 Chrysler 300C – I would have to replace it with another one. I like that it has AWD, the 5.7 L engine, the 6 speed trans is smooth as silk, and I love the styling that has attitude and uniqueness. The heated seats and steering wheel are a boon in our chilly Ontario weather.
2010 Ford Escape – would move to a Honda or Hyundai product, also a compact SUV. Room for the two of us to travel in, economical, generally reliable. If we changed our mind on the SUV decision, then it would be a Honda Accord. Mrs. Moparlee loves those cars, we had a 98 Accord for a while, and although dependability was not its middle name, it left her a positive impression.
Well that’s pretty easy, our current vehicles are meeting our needs so it would be straight replacement:
2007 Caravan – 2017 Grand Caravan
2001 Focus – 2017 Focus
1993 Kawasaki Concours 1000 – 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650
1986 Honda Interceptor 500 – 2017 Honda CB500X
The 1963 VW Beetle has no modern replacement, if it had to go I’d just enjoy motorcycles more often.
If my 02 f150 met its demise… It would remain status quo. Except I would go to super crew from supercab.
The wife has a 17 Escape titanium and she likes it so must’ve been a good choice:)
I’ve been giving this a bit of thought in the last few months. I believe that a vehicle needs to work for you and not drain you financially, unless you can afford to be drained, which I can’t. I’m not impressed by most of what is being sold today so there really isn’t anything out there that I have to have. The one car that is checking all of the right boxes for me is the Mitsubishi Mirage. The auto writers hate it, but if you read the owner surveys, the owners love them. Advertised starting at $12,500 around here, over 40 mpg highway and hatchback convenience plus a 10 year warranty all add up to a win for me. I haven’t driven one so I can’t say I’m sold yet. They’re criticized by the press for being slow and buzzy but I can’t imagine that they’d be any worse than my old 4 cyl. Ford Ranger. The thing that the automotive press doesn’t get is that price on a car like this is more important than 0 to 60 times and how it compares to a Shelby Cobra.
Same reasons here, Hardboiled. The fact that the automotive press hates the Mirage makes it that much more appealing to me.
The 2012 Mustang convertible would likely be replaced with a 2017 Mustang convertible.
The 2000 Ford Ranger is a bit more difficult, and my desires change like the wind. This week, if I had to replace it, I might go with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and a light utility trailer. But last week, it was a 2017 Subaru Outback…and the week before that, a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Suffice it to say, it may be a while before I replace the Ranger…
I currently have six cars, but that includes three hobby cars, and one for my daughter and one for my Wife. The 2007 Mustang was bought for my Wife, but a few years ago we gave it to our daughter, so my Wife is stuck driving my old Explorer or Mustang. She has expressed an interest in the new Explorer or Flex herself, so I would let her choose first then make my choices after that. She might also want a new Mustang, which would be fine with me, as I would like one too. If she chose the Mustang, I would replace the 2007 F150 with a new Explorer, (although I would prefer one of the last BOF models, so I might be tempted by an Expedition. With the role of a multi passenger utility vehicle, and a nice little runabout for me and the Wife taken care of I could turn my attention to my hobby cars. I would replace the ’96 Mustang, 89 Jag XJS, and the ’97 XJ6 with a single car. Since I could never afford the cars I really want, I would pick up a 2011 or so Jaguar XK coupe, or XJ8. All this would eliminate only one car, so I would still have five. My daughter can buy her next car herself!
I bought my 2010 Infiniti G37 new and it has only 35,000+ miles to date. Having had two cars stolen in my years living in SoCal (since 1972), replacing the current ride is always on my mind. I notice how specific are the requirements of many posters in response to Paul’s question – mine are as well. Entry level premium sedans are getting bigger but my underground garage space remains the same and it is tight, as is the turnaround. Hence, I want a small sedan in this category with a great turning radius comparable to that of the G.
Cars in this class are getting bigger (e.g., BMW 328, Audi A4, Infiniti Q50). Hence, I’ve kept my eye on the Audi A3, Lexus IS (200T and 350), M-B C Class, etc., as potential replacements. The Lexus is in the lead simply because I prefer the super reliability/lower maintenance costs of the Japanese vs. German brand (the Infiniti has been virtually flawless).
At the three year mark, I am very satisfied with my 2014 VW Jetta wagon. If something untoward happened to it, the default choice would be a Golf wagon….however, I gave the new Tiguan a very hard look at the Detroit show…several looks actually as I would wander over to other stands, check out a couple models, then head back to the Tig to compare it to what I had just looked at. Replacing the Jetta would be a coin toss between the Golf wagon and the Tig.
My beater is an 06 Focus hatch. I would hesitate to replace it with a 2017 as it lives outdoors 52 weeks/yr and is bathed in road salt all winter. If I were to replace the Focus, ideally, the replacement would be smaller. A 17 Chevy Sonic hatch would definitely be on the list, especially as Chevy got rid of the cartoony instrument cluster and put in proper analog tach and speedo. I sorely miss the humungus sun roof my Renault R5 had, and I miss it’s diminutive size. Flying in the face of all logic, caution and common sense, I would be looking very hard at a Fiat 500 Cabrio. I’m afraid a Beetle Convert is not likely to make the cut, because it would be sitting outside in the winter and Ed has not been the only person who has had the doors freeze shut on their Bug in the winter.
Bottom line, allowing that I may be getting a bit dotty in my old age, the most likely transitions would be
2014 Jetta wagon —>2018 (due out this summer) Tiguan
2006 Focus hatch—>2017 500 Cabrio
We currently have our 2004 Olds Silhouette minivan and a 2009 Pontiac G6. Neither one has a direct replacement from GM.
The van is easy, I’d like to find a 2017 Stow ‘n Go Dodge Grand Caravan to replace it. I’d probably spring for the American Value Package (or whatever they call it), for the max utility for the least money.
The G6 replacement is a different matter. The wife would like a Mini Clubman or Fiat 500L. I would really like a new Dodge Dart GT (while they’re still available) or a Fiat 500 Abarth. These days I’m looking for cheap fun, I think any of these would fill the bill. I’m more about the going than I am the showing…
Hmmmn – well my every-day car is only 6 months old. Its a BMW 640i Gran Coupe which it turns out suits me perfectly. I am very happy with it!
If I had to replace the classics with new models…
– the 1981 380 SL – hard to say, perhaps a new SL400, or a BMW 440 Convertible perhaps
– the 1969 280 SE 3.5 Coupe – really hard as there are not many cars like this anymore. The modern day equivalent would be an S 500 Coupe so I suppose it would have to be that (but not an AMG version)
– the 169 280 SE Sedan – again difficult as there really is not a basic S Class offering anymore but S350 is probably the closest BUT an E Class of BMW (new) 5 series could
be the ticket.
Agreed! The 3.5 coupe was almost unique.
I guess the MPW 2 door saloons of the day were close in spirit, however nothing comes close today.
Enjoy.
In 2013 I had to replace my beloved 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback (Labrador Pearl [black]) when it was t-boned by a 80’s Chevy pickup going 55 in a 30 mph zone. I returned to my Mitsubishi dealer and bought a 2013 Outlander Sport SE 4WD CVT. Its replacement would be another Outlander Sport, even though the USA factory was shut down – though that could change, given the new alliance with Nissan; there is always hope that the Mitsubishi dealers will be given a little more vehicle variety in the future.
Well now Mr Niedermeyer, this is one of the more difficult QOTDs of late! My magnificent Ford Sierra is, of course, irreplaceable, but in the event that I needed to, I’d choose a Range Rover Vogue SV Autobiography LWB as it’d cover every need I could possibly think of, and then some. If funds didn’t allow a Rangie, I’d chose a Mazda6 wagon – handsome inside and out and I miss the old two I had.
If we replaced my fiancee’s Peugeot 307 SW, we’d probably go for a Peugeot 3008 (with the glass roof) now that the ugly old 3008 has gone away and the handsome new one’s arrived and won the European Car Of The Year award. Looks fab inside (especially) and out.
Well Scott, then why not the new 5008 ? It’s closer to the Range Rover…
A colleague drives a fairly new Peugeot 308 SW (1.6 HDi), the 307 SW’s successor, and he’s very satisfied with it. He likes it a lot more than the Mondeo wagon he drove prior to the 308. He lives in Germany and drives about 40,000 to 50,000 km a year.
Allez Peugeot ! I really like their current lineup.
I considered the 5008, as the old model was good looking, but the new shape is too ugly from the rear-three-quarter view, so the 3008 wins. And I too really like Peugeot’s current lineup (excluding the 5008!).
From an automotive perspective, my wife and I are fairly boring folks. Our vehicles are pretty much appliances, although I periodically threaten to find an aged Miata.
My wife’s 2015 Highlander LE, V-6, AWD, would get replaced with a new Highlander. Vanilla though it may be, we like it…..small enough to be an easy driver in town and more-than-reasonable on the highway.
My 2002 Tacoma Extended Cab 4×4, 2.7L, 5-speed, would more than likely get replaced by a new Taco, 4×4, 6-speed, but with a V-6 this time. A little extra zip would be nice after having “adequate” with the 2.7L as well as the two 2.9L Rangers I owned across a 20+ year period.
However, I would look around. Since we’re a couple years out for the new Ranger, that’s out. I’d at least give the Colorado a look assuming I could get the powertrain options I ‘d want. I haven’t owned a Chevy in the 30+ years since I had a 1972 K-5 Blazer.
The truck is easy, another white regular cab long box 4×4 Chevy in Work Truck trim. It would be a 1500 because the 2500HD was overkill for my mission. “1/2 ton” now has the same GVWR as “3/4 ton” was in the old days.
The Honda Fit has been so good it is also likely to be replaced with another. Base = LX. MT cars are few and far between today. Nissan no longer offers a non-CVT Versa Note and the Mazda CX-3 is automatic only. 5-door Toyota Yaris is also auto-only. Ford Fiesta S Hatch would be a cheaper contender. The Fiesta ST would be entertaining, if I could justify the price.
Well, right now i have two vehicles, a ’98 Chevy K1500 Z71, and a ’03 Chevy Silverado 1500. If I had to replace them with 2017 models, I would replace the K1500 with either a Silverado 1500 Z71, or a Colorado Z71 with the diesel. Extended cab 4×4, of course. The Silverado? I’d probably actually want to replace that with something like a new Subaru Impreza (it will actually be replaced with an older Subaru anyways, once it sells.. Anyone looking for a good truck?) If only replacing these with new cars was an option!
I’m driving a 2015 Golf Sportwagen (gas, thankfully) and oddly enough, I was just looking at what other compact wagons are out there, even though I’ll keep this car for a few more years.
And I hope they’re still selling these in 2019 or so, because as far as I can tell, it’s the only compact, 2wd wagon sold in America today. Ford dropped the Focus, BMW, Audi and Subaru only sell AWD. I love wagons, and it looks like my hopes are pinned on Wolfsburg to deliver.
Don’t forget about the Volvo V60. It can still come as a front wheel drive vehicle.
Nice cars, and very nice interiors. A bit pricey too.
You’re talking about the V60, Paul? Forgot that one.
Huh, what funny timing. As it turns out, I probably need to replace my current car with a 2017 model thanks to a power outage affecting the traffic lights at the top of the freeway off-ramp and motorists that didn’t realize it in time.
My current car, well, still current until the insurance totals it, is a 2014 Fiesta ST.
In the meantime, my 1995 F-150 has just been promoted to “Daily Driver.” Depending upon how things with insurance go, this could be a permanent promotion. The truck runs like an eager puppy even with 198,000 miles on it. I’m working on a house, so the truck will get used anyway.
Supposing I opt to replace Zesty with a 2017, the 2017 I’d choose is…
Another Fiesta ST. I loved the first one, and I’m not wild about the 2018 that Ford revealed. So, I might, again depending upon how things play out, buy the same car I had, but a 2017 version instead of a 2014.
And how neat is that, a car I like so much I’d buy it again, even knowing its warts and foibles?
Well, this is a very timely QOTD, as I just replaced my long-time DD (’01 PT Cruiser) with a ’15 Fusion yesterday. OK, I cheated a little as it’s not quite new, but you wouldn’t know it to see or drive it. Fantastic car!
Replacing the Isuzu Pickup? I would probably just not replace it at all. I could use the garage space.
Kawasaki EX500? I really like the KTM 390 Duke.
Finally, the 2009 Mariner. Most likely a new Escape.
So that’s two of us that have answered “lightly used Fusion” to a real-world version of this question, though yours being a ’15 is probably like-new-er than mine. Which engine/trim?
Which one did you get rid of? Im guessing Crown Vic, as you wouldn’t replace the ‘Bu, the Kia is too new and…. No. Not the Volvo! Please!
Sorry, Chris, didn’t read your post…
My Fusion is an SE 2.5 with the 6F35 autobox. Not a rocket, but goes pretty decently, corners flat, and gets REALLY good fuel economy- particularly for a fairly large car. Lovin’ it so far.
That’s the thing–mine is an SE 2.5 also, and I’ve not been getting the gas mileage I’ve expected. Highest average for a tank so far is 27, and that was probably 70-30 highway-city, so I was expecting more like 30. Hmmm.
Like it otherwise though.
I don’t plan on replacing any of my cars soon, but if-
The 2014 300c would get replaced with either a Lincoln Continental, 300c Platinum, or a Genesis G80-in about that order.
The 2012 Escape would get replaced with either a Lincoln MKX, a loaded Ford Flex or a Lexus RX-in about that order.
’05 Pontiac Vibe would be replaced with a Hyundai Elantra GT. I am not excited about the dual clutch automatic as it has been called clunky, but with arthritis entering the picture I do not care for 3 pedals. The hatchback is required for the dog.
’10 Ford Focus: it is much harder to find a suitable replacement for my wife’s car. She needs a narrow 4 door sedan with automatic transmission. The Focus is 67.8″ wide. The Hyundai Accent may work.
Suzuki made a big comeback on our market lately, with new models and keen pricing.
My current favorite is facelifted Suzuki SX-Cross with turbo 1.4 gasoline engine.
And this is not rebadged Daewoo, but genuine Suzuki.
That grille makes it look kind of like a Buick to me…
Probably stick with the Fusion with the base Mazda 2.5 “big block” although I really like the Dodge Grand Caravan as shown above. This is a tough question for me. No cars really interest me these days. I want something simple and milquetoast but fun and that gives me a smile and a secret giddy cheer when I think about driving it soon to the grocery store.
So 2017 Fusion it is.
I miss the Panther cars!
If my 3 old cars disappeared into the ether I’d really be struggling to find modern/current equivalents, I’m sure they’re out there but nothing registers on the radar.
The only new car I’m remotely interested in is the Fiat 124 roadster. I’ll never buy one, but being past the child seat stage, and with 2 virtually new cars in the household for additional passengers or carrying duties, it could work.
Since I live in Germany, I would definitely get Audi RS6 Avant…
The car would be easy. I don’t need any utility from my car aside from carrying myself, an occasional passenger, and odds and ends on errand runs. Mercucy Mystique out, Fiat 500 Abarth in.
The wife’s old Volvo S70 with whatever she’d want. Probably a Kia Soul or something in the same general neighborhood.
There simply is no replacement for the 89 F350 crewcab diesel. Nothing within a light-year of its stone-axe durability and simplicity. It’s already bigger than I really like, and modern 3/4-ton and One-ton pickups are just two damned high for me to put up with. I can’t think of a single thing that would fill its role in my work without seriously detrimental compromises. I want something with a big cab and a long bed, that I don’t need a stepladder to load or climb into. Maybe an F250 with cut springs and a set of undersized wheels? It would look ridiculous, but it might get the liftover height back into the “people actually load these” range.
Yikes…not much. A Grand Cherokee, maybe a 300.
Take away those two options and I’d be stuck. I lost interest in the Ram 2500/3500 with the Cummins ever since it got the crappy emissions stuff (6.7L). I never really cared for the current styling that they’ve had since 2009.
I wanted to buy a Mercedes C- or E-Class in the future but everything they have out on the market could pass for a rebadged Hyundai. Mercedes’ recent offerings seem to be a DOWNGRADE to their 2008-10 era vehicles, which I liked. The interiors may be comfy, but they look tacky, maybe even cheap. I like simple.
To me, darned near everything out on the market is UGLY, everything is LOADED down with these complicated technologies to eke out 5-10 more MPGs at the sacrifice of simplicity and reliability. Your average car has a tiny turbocharged engine, trucks too..no thanks. I think most any 2017 car would be a downgrade.
I like my 2013 Chrysler 200 enough to prefer it over the new 2017 cars out there. I don’t like the 2015-17 200…too much Kia, doesn’t look like a Chrysler at all. Interior is too swoopy and complicated for my tastes. There’s a loss of headroom compared to my 2013. Plus, the ZF 9-speed got off to a rough start.
It’s going to be really tough when I go car shopping again. Nothing appeals to me. I may just throw in the towel and hold on to my 200 indefinitely.
My Mazda 3 is only a year and a half old. But if I had to replace it, it would be with the current updated model which everyone seems to think is even better.
Car-less as of right now, but as an all-rounder, I would pick this (can we count 2018 models?)
My main winter car is a ’16 C-Max, We’ve put 4600 miles on it just over 50MPG and 12-15 mile plugin range. That’s with studded snows, sub 0 temps and icey roads the whole time we’ve had it (12/3/16) so we’d replace that with a ’17.
My garden business 01 Taurus wagon would be replaced with an AWD Flex. Plenty of room for storing long handle tools and with AWD probably less issue with having to fix grass after driving trailer loads of bulk goods (Mulch, compost etc.) across peoples lawns. Pro tip, studded snows make a very good turf tire if the ground isn’t saturated.
My wife hates shopping for cars so she’d probably replace her ’06 RAV4 with a new one, unless she drove something else first, like a Mustang or Fiesta.
As much as I like my Toyota Yaris, I envy those with a regular Prius, with high mpg numbers. I don’t the new 4th generation styling , so I’d go with a 2010 -2015. I could go with a Prius C. but I’m not too crazy about the styling either. But if I got a nice color, I could get past that.
I just rented a Yaris last week, and surprisingly liked it so much that I’ve been looking at used ones – I think 2014 will be the newest for me, as its radio still has hard buttons on it – the flat-screen in the newer ones is just too hard to use, and impossible to adjust w/o taking one’s eyes off of the road while driving.
It seems like one of the last ‘honest’ cars – an old-school key, that I can get a copy of at the hardware store for $5, that goes into the old-school ignition cylinder, and you can still get manual windows if you are a die-hard optionphobic. And a four-speed automatic transmission which works just fine, despite all of the whining by auto journalists about the lack of gears.
My Yaris is a 2014 with an automatic, which is nice for city driving. I’m getting over 30 mpg in town and up to 42 mpg hwy. Nice car for basic transportation, and reliable too. I don’t like what they did with the new ones by restyling the front with an ugly monster face frown..
Yes, I agree with you on the front on the 2015+ model – it looks like an angry cat. I would install some spring-steel black whiskers on mine and call the car “whiskers”.
I drive an Eos now. Will probably get either an Arteon or Tiguan next year. Maybe an Audi A4 or Q3. I actually like the current Impala and LaCrosse as well.
Easy. Aston Martin DB11. In Black. With yellow brake callipers ?
Where exactly the money would come from is another question entirely of course, but if I were replacing my last car and buying new that’d be my daydream choice for sure.
Probably a Honda Fit, I’m seriously considering buying this year as the EX offers manual, sunroof and no Honda Sensing (I don’t want v1.0 of any “safety feature”) by way of futureproofing. Maybe if I can get a Fiesta ST for enough below list?
Well, in November I replaced my 2005 Impala LS with a 2011 TSX sport wagon, thanks in part to your ownership of your wagon, Paul. I’m loving having a wagon again, and the Acura fits me well. If I hadn’t gotten this car, I was going to wait a while and get either a Ford Flex or a Volvo V60. So those would be my choices if I had to get a brand new 2017. I probably would be leaning towards the V60…
Yea I have a 2014 TSX wagon and about all I can think of now is a V60 or BMW 3 wagon, but my cheapness says those are are just not worth that much more money and service expense. Actually I’d like something a little smaller, Volvo V40? A3 wagon? Maybe a Cruise hatch? Not a lot of choices for me.
I’m glad you found one and are enjoying it. Although I complained a bit here about its aspects I don’t like, in city driving, it’s a wonderful car to strap on when heading out of tow, regardless of whether it’s a shorter drive or longer. The handling has exceeded my expectations, and the performance is impressive for a NA 2.4 L four. And it’s quite efficient. And the seats are very comfortable. I can really enjoy myself with it on the open road.
Money no object, I would replace my 2011 Crown Vic with a Charger R/T, RWD with no options except the Road-Track suspension and 20″ wheels. Get a set of 18s for winter tires.
More likely…I would buy a used police Charger for about $7K.
Replace Big Red, my much loved 2008 Grand Marquis with only 89,000 miles? Ow, that’s a painful thought. Well, I’d certainly check out a Chrysler 300 because they look so good in dark blue and black. And I’d certainly test drive a Chevy Impala, just to see how GM has upped its game in recent years. Probably, though, I’d wind up with a Toyota Avalon because they just seem to do everything I want a car to do with such quiet competence. But I am cheating a little, because in truth I always buy second hand.
This is actually an exercise I’ve contemplated, as I know the ’99 300M, while still in good shape with very low mileage, is going to nickle and dime me, and indeed already is, with the hot season imminent here in Florida and the A/C system malfunctioning. The thing is, I’m in a bit of a transitional period, with no kids living with me, a relationship that has recently become long distance and perhaps rather tentative, and a career that I’d like to change at the most or re-energize at the least. So I could end up anywhere within a year or two, and I could very likely need to move, carry, purchase or acquire just about anything imaginable to accommodate my new home/surroundings/life. In short, I need a “do it all” kind of vehicle, but one that doesn’t burn gas like crazy, isn’t fancy enough to make me worry about dings or scratches, and is somewhat rugged.
I think I’ve basically settled on a Jeep Patriot, in its base FWD/ 5-speed format, with nothing but a wheel and tire upgrade and the power package, which includes air conditioning. With incentives and rebates, etc., this vehicle could realistically be had for somewhere between $14-17,000, which hits a sweet spot, budget-wise. It’s not exciting, it’s not fancy, but I think it essentially ticks the boxes, at least as I can foresee things.
New Chevy Malibu because I don’t need a full-size car anymore.
That was a real softball QOTD for me!
There isn’t a single car sold here that I could tolerate owning. The front ends all look alike; groteque headlight treatments and bizarre grilles…oversized, or too small…and those ugly high beltlines and tiny windows!
As this is an exercise, I’m also going to imagine I could afford the expense to bring a vehicle here from Down Under and the attendant USA-required modifications to be street-legal. The size of a Falcon ute is just right for me, and the front end is relatively toned-down. The windows are big enough to see out of, too, Best of all, the A/C is as good as an American unit – not a wimpy little thing like in my wife’s Volvo.
I’d still rather repair my Taurus wagon if it didn’t cost more than a new car. It fits me like a glove and does everything I require of it quite comfortably and without protest. I suppose all good things come to an end, eventually, though. 🙁
Well if I was going to replace my 2011 Colorado, I would look at the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is an attractive truck and would do everything my current truck does and would fit my needs well. I am not towing things so I don’t need a huge ass truck with 4wd and a big engine.
The Probe might get replaced with a 2017 Miata
The Caddy Deville, would not be replaced
I don’t think there is one. First the car has to be a reliable 4 banger with good power and a 5spd manual. Second, it needs to have great visibility. Third, it cannot have an entertainment center nor a center screen. Oh, and mpg has to be a minimum of 30 mpg.
How could I forget. No black, white, silver/gray, or red colors permitted. Preferably in the blue – green spectrum.
fiat abarth
I see I left out unquestioned reliability.
You just described a 1972 Datsun 1200 to a tee. 🙂
Hoogeeze, I donno. Do I have to be able to afford it? If we’re leaving money out of the question, it gets a lot easier; I’ll replace my ’07 Accord with a Tesla.
Or since we’re in dreamy-dream land anyhow, can I exempt myself from “not available in this market” constraints? If so, I’ll have a handshift diesel Subaru or Honda of some sort.
Great question! Since replacing all of one’s vehicles with new ones at one time is as out of reach for me as it is for most anyone else, I’ll go with money (mostly) no object here:
DD 01 Suzuki Grand Vitara 5sp – No modern equivalent that I know of. Really torn as to what I’d replace it with, probably either a low end RAV4 or a 4 door Wrangler, both with a stick, and awd/4wd if possible
99 Sierra K1500 rclb auto- Silverado 2500, short crew short box, 6.0, 4wd, base trim
95 Altima 5sp – Mazda6 or Mazda3 with a stick
82 C10 3sp – No modern equivalent that even comes close, so I’d go with something fun: Chevy SS with a stick
77 Suzuki GS400 – Not interested in modern bikes, so I wouldn’t replace it
Wife’s 10 Sentra cvt – Similar small sedan or CUV that gets good mpg, maybe a Cruze…?
That said, pretty happy with the fleet as it stands, though the Sierra might get upgraded to a 07-13 in the next couple yrs.
1968 Electra to Cadillac ats-V
2002 Aprilia Falco Aprilia rsv4 (good lord the noise they make…)
1995 Nissan Pathfinder to …………..Can I just have the complete V6 drive train from a manual transmission Frontier? I know it will fit.
If Nissan still made the Xterra that’s probably what I would replace it with because I have use of a dog adventure rig.
I currently own at 2010 Mazda 3 GT sedan, so I’d likely replace it with a 2017 Mazda 3 GS sedan.
I find the GT’s ride with 50-series tires is too rough on my city’s cratered roads. The GS’s 60-series tires should provide some relief.
If money were no object, my ride would be a Volvo S90 T6 Inscription. There’s still a place for understated beauty in a world full of overstyled cars.
Make mine a V90 AWD.
I would replace the 2013 Impala with a new 2017 Epsilon version. Would have to drive both 2.5 and V6 to see which is the best combo for power/MPG tradeoff. My last 3 Impalas have all been very reliable and are great highway cruisers with big trunks, great performance with the V6 engines, very low maintenance costs, easy to get in and out of, comfortable easy to clean cloth seats and very affordable purchase prices.
A good second runner up would be a new 2017 LaCrosse in preferred trim. They are selling at a nearby dealer for 31999 or only a couple thousand more than an Impala LT.
Replacing the 1999 Accord would be a TSX, or possibly TLX if I went new. The RDX? Not sure, because we love it and would have to look at different models to see what we like to drive as much. The RDX is so comfortable that it would be hard to find another vehicle with such comfy seats and the room it provides.
Paul, I am surprised you never considered an RDX. You mention that your TSX wagon has some issues, I think an RDX would be a great replacement for it. Easy entry/exit, plenty of power, ultra comfortable and not too big/small. Just my two cents.
Well, with all these responses about buying new Dodge/Chrysler vehicles, us mechanics will have plenty of job security for next 40 years…….lololol