# What kind of cars do you prefer and why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 1, 2018, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839 "2018-11-01T14:53:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/21 "2018-11-01T17:21:22Z")
I’d love to drive a different car every week. Some of my faves: Pagini Huraya Ferrari Enzo 1960’s V8 Mustangs 2017+ V8 Mustang (I quite like the current style) ~1990 Mustang GT (I had 2) Ferrari 308 GTS Lamborghini Countach Audi A8 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (gullwing) Oldsmobile 442 convertible 1950s Ford Crown Vic with all the accessories Of course all those take a lot of money and maintenance. For a practical daily driver, I want: -Manual transmission -Good power, so 4-cylinder turbo, 6-cylinder, or 8-cylinder -4-door hatchback or wagon -Sunroof and AWD a nice bonus A Subaru WRX STI or Ford Focus RS would be at the high end of affordable for what I want. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/22 "2018-11-01T17:52:45Z")
I like a big, American RWD V8 full-size sedan, which is essentially extinct. It’s okay, I can’t afford that much gas anyways. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/23 "2018-11-01T17:55:19Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > … > > Of course all those take a lot of money and maintenance. For a practical daily driver, I want: > > -Manual transmission > -Good power, so 4-cylinder turbo, 6-cylinder, or 8-cylinder > -4-door hatchback or wagon > -Sunroof and AWD a nice bonus > > A Subaru WRX STI or Ford Focus RS would be at the high end of affordable for what I want. I’m VERY satisfied w/ my 17 GTI, which hits all of your wants. Have they reintroduced the hatchback WRX? Think VW-America is discontinuing the manual either next model year or the next… ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/24 "2018-11-01T20:44:20Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Me? I just like compact, economical, reasonably efficient vehicles that have a little bit of pop to them. Also, I prefer stick because it’s fun. I’m on my second Mazda 3, after having discovered it in 2004, and it’s pretty much the perfect car for me. It’s been reliable, it averages over 30mpg between city and a little bit of highway driving (and hits 40+ mpg on highway only), cost less than $20K, and has a peppy enough engine for me. …quoting my spokesperson. I’m in the process of shopping for my second Mazda 3. The current one has 151k miles, up from the 63k it had when I bought it used (on Ebay!) in 2009. It’s been the most reliable car I’ve ever had. Though I’ll prefer automatic for my commuter vehicle. I also want the hatchback body and, ideally, the Grand Touring trim package which really limits the available stock. I’d like manual on my weekend dream car, though. Something small, nimble, fast, not too flashy. Maybe a Porsche of some kind. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/25 "2018-11-01T21:13:44Z")
My _dream_ garage? A self-driving EV Kia Soul. My current non-Kia soul is completely without flaw. I get in and out of it easily, it has sufficient cargo space, it holds several passengers, it has wheels that turn when I push the little pedal down. I can think of nothing more I’d want out of a car - except for it to be even cheaper to run, and for me not to have to steer. The self-driving part isn’t here yet, but the EV part allegedly is - though since I don’t have _any_ garage at the moment, much less a dream one, my current Kia is about as good as I can hope for right now. ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/26 "2018-11-01T21:23:07Z")
I am not really into cars, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Porsche 911, with its funky, curvy retro design. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/27 "2018-11-01T21:47:01Z")
Oh, I’d need a big hangar for all my dream cars but I’ll narrow it to 5: 60s Land Rover Series 2A wagon because it’s all the things a Jeep is but cooler. (Watching Daktari as a kid may have had something to do with it. Also, the SAS) 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster convertible- Anyone can have a Cadillac… Ferrari 458 Italia- One of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever laid eyes on. Series 3 Lamborghini Espada- For when you have to pick up the relatives at the airport. All the fun of a Countach with luggage space. Finally, a Porsche 959. any car that can do Dakkar and 200 mph gets space in my garage. ---
**Author:** ![Capn\_Carl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/28 "2018-11-01T22:30:33Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > I’m VERY satisfied w/ my 17 GTI, which hits all of your wants. > Have they reintroduced the hatchback WRX? > Think VW-America is discontinuing the manual either next model year or the next… Hits nearly all my wants, too. I also want AWD and a little more power, so make it a Golf R for me. If cost were no object, I’d accept a McClaren F1. Love that center-forward seat. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2018, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/29 "2018-11-01T22:50:17Z")
If I had Jay Leno money, I’d have a bigger Jay Leno collection, 'cause I’d out-spend him. I actually have some pretty cool stuff for a Pauper’s budget. I’d be scary with real money. ---
**Author:** ![Williams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f1d935/32.png) [@Williams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Williams)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/30 "2018-11-02T00:44:37Z")
Have you ever dream about low-priced car? For example, I wish to have in my garage [Ford Ecosport](https://autoportal.com/newcars/ford/ecosport/) or [Mazda CX-3](https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5). Both models looks compact, but have capacious trunks and large cabins. Both models actually ride through a dirt road. Generally, SUVs are my love. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/31 "2018-11-02T11:40:51Z")
I kind of outgrew the “dream car” thing, although I’m not really sure there was ever a car that I drooled over. It would be cool to have a Corvette, but I’d probably end up hating it. I recently had a Mustang, and while it was a great car, I hated it because it wasn’t a great car for me. The best car I’ve ever driven was a 2011 Expedition Max. It was a great, do-everything car. Maybe I’ll consider another one if my 2004 Expedition every gives up the ghost. For what it’s worth, despite the name, these are two completely different vehicles. I love my Taurus SHO. I’d love it even more if the AWD biased the rear tires, but it doesn’t. I love it so much that I’m replacing it with another while I can, because, you know, only SUVs will be made in the future. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/32 "2018-11-02T12:21:26Z")
> [@EscAlaMike](#): > > Judging by this thread, SDMB doesn’t have a lot of big dreamers… > [@kayaker](#): > > Some of us just do not dream about cars. This. I have plenty of big dreams, but all I want from a car is to be reliable transportation that’s easy to park and reasonably comfortable. We’re a Honda family. My wife’s got a 2009 Accord, and I’ve got a 2016 Civic. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/33 "2018-11-02T13:01:56Z")
Of cars that I have owned my fav was my 1987 Mazda 323 hatchback stick. The sheet metal was a bit too thing and it was just a two-door, OTOH I drove it for over 25 years\*. The current closest equivalent I think is the Mazda 3. But it’s not exactly something I daydream about. - My current car is a 20 year-old Corolla. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/34 "2018-11-02T13:13:37Z")
One each of: - 2 seat, rear wheel drive sports car 'cause they are fun to drive. - classic American muscle car from the late 60’s to early 70’s 'cause they are bad ass. - 4 wheel drive pickup, 'cause they come in awfully handy Specifics are debatable, but that is the general list. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/35 "2018-11-02T13:29:56Z")
I read prefer and dream cars to be different things. I prefer basic lower-end models no matter what the brand; Chevette, Pinto, Outback. Its one of the reasons I loved the early Saturns especially. Now dream on the other hand ------ any of the basic hand-crafted ones. Tucker, Crawford, upper-end Rolls – the modern-made. The stuff that isn’t quite “one-of” but damn close is what I would want to have. There are a couple outfits that have bought the old tools and dies and recreated classics from the past; one of those as a daily driver would be quite a dream. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/36 "2018-11-02T14:06:16Z")
Life’s too complicated for me to spend much time figuring out which car I want, so whenever I need a car I just buy a used Lexus in their ES series, with about 100K miles on it. I know it’ll be good for at least another 200K, it’ll be super reliable and extremely comfortable. Now the Mrs. _loves_ shopping for cars, and spends hours and hours poring over details. More power to her. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/37 "2018-11-02T14:22:35Z")
An electric one that I don’t have to drive\*. This seems potentially possible one day, though I am not holding my breath on their reliability or their being allowed to operate without a licensed driver always alert with hands on the wheel anyway. \*_never had a license_ ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/38 "2018-11-02T14:31:53Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Cars are transportation appliances to me - I want a fairly new wagon with AWD, modern safety features, and decent gas mileage. Right now the Subaru Outback meets my needs. I’m with you - except my needs are met by a Subaru Crosstrek. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/39 "2018-11-02T23:26:40Z")
Mercedes 600 Citroen Maserati Checker Cab ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839/40 "2018-11-02T23:49:42Z")
They fall into categories, I guess. The first kind is something head-turningly beautiful. The first time I saw a Mazda Miata, I “had to adjust my clothing,” as Charley Partanna would say. I’d get the same result with a Lotus Super 7, or the Caterham repros of it. A Morgan 3-wheeler falls in the same slot. Of course, a lot of Ferraris are like that, but even if I win the Powerball, I’d have to think hard before I could justify laying down a quarter million on a car. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cars-do-you-prefer-and-why/823839.md?page=3)