Not sure I’d go by what happens in the third world. There are tons of old Peugots still running in western Africa, but I wouldn’t exactly call them reliable.
While I am Lambo and Ferrari fan I have to say that neither brand is anywhere near the best car ever made. Best sport car? Maybe. Best looking? Maybe.
But, the problem is they are incredibly expensive to buy and even more to own. Everything is beyond belief when it comes to repairs. I have a good friend that owned a Ferrari 328. He always wanted one. But he told me that he sold it because of he was tired of always worrying about it. He couldn’t take it to the supermarket or mall for fear of someone dinging it. He wouldn’t drive it if it looked like it might rain. If he was driving it and he saw some road construction he would have to detour for fear of pebble damage. In short, he loved the car so much he was always afraid of something, even minor, happening to it.
Also, his biggest complaint was the cost of repairs. Uber-expensive. Oil changes cost in the $100’s and clutch replacements were multiple thousands. He said once “I have enough money to buy a Ferrari, but I don’t have enough to own one”. In short, while the Lambos, Ferrari’s and Bugatti’s of the world are impressive in speed, looks and handling their shortcomings are greater than their assets in determining best car in the world status. In my opinion the best car in the world is one that provided enjoyment at an affordable price and one that is well built that last a long time and won’t break the bank keeping it in good shape.
Other than the FJ, that’s not what I was saying. I still see a lot of the old Camry’s, Explorers and 4Runners on the streets in the good old USA. There’s a reason why these things stay around. For some reason their designers were able to produce something that was a cut above whatever else was available on the market. Their buyers loved them and they have stood the test of time.
So true. What should qualify is a car that hold’s it’s value. The depreciation of high end sport cars is onerous. If someone want’s to own one, fine. Just don’t portray it as a dream vehicle that has utilitarian value. They are a work of art, not a “car” in the sense of being useful for transportation.
The '32 Ford was mentioned. I would put that in the class of the '57 Chevy or the '66 Pontiac GTO. Great for collectors but not really great cars. Any car without fuel injection, in my mind, is automatically excluded because electronic fuel injection is so far superior to a carburetor. Also, safety, suspension and handling have to be taken into account. Modern cars are so much better than what was sold in earlier years that there is really no comparison.
I’ll see your '94 Corolla and raise you a '94 Camry. Currently has 245,000 miles on it, get 30 mpg regularly and 35 on long haul interstate trips.
Other than gas/oil/batteries/tires I haven’t had to do much at all. I replaced the struts/shocks and front axles last summer after living on a dirt road for 8 years and I replaced a broken door handle.
I’m gonna drive her til she dies in another 17 years or so.
1989 or so Toyota Camry. Comfortable, powerful, indestructible.
That model Camry is what built Toyota’s reputation and set them on the path to world domination.
I don’t know about 350k, but I have a 13-year-old Honda Civic that’s only been in the shop once (excluding routine maintenance like oil changes), and that was to replace the spark plugs/wiring. When it went in for detailing a few years ago, the guy offered to buy it off me. When I took in to get the sparks replaced, the guy at the shop offered to buy it (different shop). When I took it in last month to get it painted, the guy at the shop (different shop) said he had a few people who would be interested in buying it…
…you can have this car when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
And another thing. The gas mileage of a Honda Civic is fantastic. I drove from Ohio to VA last year, making a few stops, and I think I paid $22 in gas. This was when gas was $2.49 a gallon, IIRC.
In terms of all-around ability, it’s hard to top the rally homologation specials: Subaru Impreza STi, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo [insert number], Lancia Delta HF Integrale, Ford Escort Cosworth, etc.
They all take 4 or five passengers in reasonable comfort, with space for a suitcase or two in the back, and are capable of track times comparable to a 911 Turbo.
If cost is no object, and you don’t care about lap times, the answer is invariably whatever the latest S-Class Benz is, though. It’s not even close.