Best Vehicle to Roadtrip

Hey all,

I've been lurking for a while, but didn't have much reason to post as of yet. But I finally have a question for you all...

My '91 Buick Century is on it's last legs and I'm trying to figure out what the best car/truck/suv/etc would be for a daily driver, as well as for road tripping. My budget is for a max of about $6k (not including taxes and fees). Right now I'm looking at a 2000 Ford Mustang (v6, not gt, auto trans, 80k miles) for about $5800. Does anyone have any experience with that car for road tripping?

Any other recommendations of cars/trucks/suvs/etc to look at?

Thanks!


PS - and just a little background on me. the longest roadtrip i've personally taken was from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL on a normal 2-day weekend in the Buick :-P

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I don't think I or anyone else here can tell you what your best car for a roadtrip is, because the perfect car for me could very well be the worst possible car for you.

There's nothing wrong with a Mustang, and it can be a very fun car to drive (although, personally I think its a sin that anyone would even consider a Mustang without a manual transmisison).

While I really enjoy driving a Mustang, It would be pretty much worthless for MY roadtripping needs. It simply wouldn't have enough space, and a rear-wheel drive sports car would be about the worst possible choice when I need to drive across snow covered country roads on my way to work. But my needs probably aren't the same as yours. If you don't do much winter driving and don't need much space, then the Mustang could be a fine choice.

As with anything, its best to think about your goals -how you would use it, what you would enjoy driving, etc- and then see which makes and models would be the best fit for you.

Heh, as much as I would love to have a manual tranny (I learned to drive on my dad's '87 rx-7 w/turbo and no power steering about 6 years ago), it's been difficult trying to find one for sale (at least in my price range). I'd reallly like to have a nice V8 GT manual, but no chance of it being in my price range, and the horses would be wasted on long roadtrips.

My other thought was that since I live in Rochester, NY (TONS of snow), it probably wouldn't be too practical. I have heard though that if you get some really good tires and weigh down the back end with sand bags it improves winter handling a lot...

I had been thinking about getting a truck before, but from what I've heard, the insurance is bad (because you can take them offroad), and the gas mileage is horrible. The couple I've test driven as well, don't seem nearly as comfortable as the Mustang.

As far as things that I would find important to me, comfort and gas mileage are tops, sportiness/fun are probably second, and space (backseat/trunk) not nearly as important since I'm usually only with one other friend at most. The other reason I thought an auto would be better is because it would also be a daily driver, and I live in a decent sized city, so stop and go would be killer on a clutch.

A Mustang is certainly a fun car to drive, and other than it being a poor winter car, it would seem like it would work well for you. I certainly understand that it can be difficult to find a manual transmission, but if it were me, its still something I would hold out for (and sorry, but worrying about burning out a clutch because you drive in Rochester is a pretty weak excuse, while they do wear out, if you know how to properly use one it doesn't matter if you are driving in NY or LA) but that's me.

I do wonder if the gas mileage might be a bit disappointing for you, and no matter what tires or how many sandbags you use, it will never be a car that is good in the snow - for the exact same reasons its a great car in the summer, but those aren't impossible elements to overcome. Since you don't need the space of a truck (although I bet the mustang will be more expensive to insure than most trucks) or even the space of a sedan, this certain seems like a car that could work for you.

If I were shopping purely for a road trip vehicle (as opposed to for some other reason and/or need) my list includes:
- Comfort (legible and usable dash, good seats, good visibility)

- Space (will it hold my gear? if I had to, could I sleep in it?)

- Economy (which will last longer, my bladder capacity or the fuel? what is the overall cost of owning this vehicle? is maintenance easy?)

That's the short list. There are other factors but for me these are the top ones.

I've road tripped in everything from a VW Campervan to a Mercedes 2-door Diesel Coupe to a Lexus GS300 to a (current) Toyota Sequoia.

It depends upon what you need, and what you want. A sportier car with lots of Vrrrooomm is a really cool car to roadtrip in, but is sometimes limited by what you can stuff inside. When I was alone or travelling with just one other person, a 2 door worked fine -- although I found we typically had to stuff stuff into the back seat as well on camping trips. And you may be restricted from taking those bumpy dirt roads you find every so often.

Now, I use the Toyota Sequoia SUV -- One of the mid-to-large SUVs, but with reasonable mileage (20 mpg on the highways), and with enough room to put camping gear for 4-6 in the back, plus seats for at least 5. It's also got some off road capabilities, so I feel more comfortable on unpaved roads than my low-slung cars. Pretty comfortable -- with enough room no one feels squashed -- at least until you get more than 5 inside. And in a pinch I can sleep in the back (never have, though...) Not quite as much Vrrrooommm though...

My current roadtrip vehicle is a 1999 Ford Mustang V6 Auto. I love this car! I was looking for a cheap work car when i came across a killer deal, so I made the purchase.

I get around 25-28 mpg highway, which is awesome considering the amount of power I have if I ever need it. Although it may not be as built as the GT Mustang, its still more than most if not all of your rice burners out there! The ride and handling are right up to par, I love to just kick back the seat and cruise in this car.

I was actually amazed the first time I opened my trunk, its huge! I can fit enough gear for a two and maybe three person camping trip (not counting the rear seat).

The "cockpit" area is just ok for road trips, there could be some things improved but for the most part its acceptable. (cup holders arn't deep enough, not alot of storage for small items, ect)

I'm actually throwing the idea of taking my Mustang on a 10,000 mile camping roadtrip at the end of this summer (with one other person).

My idea is to, at the end of March, take a "trial run" and pack up everything we would need for our big trip, and take exactly one 10th of the cost of the trip (big trip is 10 weeks, this one's a week) and trek to the Smoky Mountains in TN and NC, just to see if we can make it with the set budget and car situation.

As far as winter driving goes, Im not sure the level of driver you are, but for me, its just plain fun taking this car out in the winter! We got a pretty bad storm here a week ago and although im also the owner of a Ford Explorer, I still drove the Mustang. It does slide around alot more (rear wheel drive) than most cars I've driven in the snow, but its nothing that can't be controlled by a driver who uses their head. If you're planning on going offroading or on roads that are not plowed, then this might be a problem, but if you're going to be on city/state roads that are maintained, then this car should be fine, all four seasons.

I'll let you know how my trial run goes next month, if you're still looking then.

Feel free to ask any questions...
JF

'98 Audi A4. Way better that a V6 Mustang, but to each his own. The Mustang is a solid rear axle car. It is small. It is of poor build quality. I'm sure as the previous poster has comented it will be a blast doing donuts in the snow, but as far as a comfortable, driver oriented vehicle good for putting a lot of miles in the saddle I would look at the Audi or a Subaru Outback or Forester. Any of those can be had for within your price range; can be slept in comfortably; have good reliability records; handle and accelerate acceptably. They will have over 100K miles on them to be in your price range, but that Mustang with 80K is a ticking time bomb. Seriously.

How funny! I am selling my Mustang (99, manual, V6) specifically because it is too small to use for car camping roadtrips. It has been a fabulous car and I love it to death, (its my third Mustang) but being six feet tall, there is absolutely no way I could ever be comfortable sleeping in it.

It has taken me on many great trips and does have a huge trunk. The only real drawback with the trunk is that it has a fairly narrow opening, so if you have wide bags you will be in for some pushing and shoving.

For me personally, an SUV is ideal. Large enough to sleep in, can carry plenty of gear and a cooler on the back seat. I am an avid photgrapher, so I would like to use it as a blind too, so I need the extra space to move around in. I am looking at Honda Elements and Ford Explorers. Man I wish the old Ford Broncos were still around!

Just thought I'd give yall an update on my choice. So after looking for a vehicle for a while, I had first settled on a 98 ford ranger (which turned out to have some fairly expensive mechanical issues), then I was thinking about the mustang (reconsidered it, not too practical).

So on probably the coldest night of the year, my 91 buick century decides it's had enough, and so my search was somewhat hastened. Fortunately my best friend and I were able to share her car while I continued to search for a couple of weeks.

I ended up finding a 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon, with under 50k miles for a good price ($5500). I had my mechanic check it out, and it only needed about $150 worth of minor work (cleaning battery compartment, cleaning back-right brake, and replacing a couple of hoses).

So far, so good with the car. I think it'll make a fairly ideal road trip car, good gas mileage (averages about 30mpg), lots of space (I can sleep in the back if I want), not the most reliable, but not the worst either, fairly comfortable, not exactly hot looks, but could be worse :-P

Probably going to take a trip from Rochester, NY to Atlanta, GA at the end of April! :-D

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Originally Posted by RowingMunkeyCU

... with under 50k miles for a good price ($5500). I had my mechanic check it out, and it only needed about $150 worth of minor work

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Sounds like you did very well!

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Probably going to take a trip from Rochester, NY to Atlanta, GA at the end of April!

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Be sure and post a field report -- looking forward to reading more about your adventures!

Mark

Don't let anyone tell you that a Ford product isn't reliable -- I've had two in the past ten (or 15) years and both had absolutely zero breakdowns until over 100k miles -- and then only minor stuff. American cars ARE reliable -- and usually more comfortable as well. Just ask Hertz.

Right now (since 2002) I am driving a Chrysler product (a full-sized Dodge truck) -- it has 95,000 on the clock and to date has NEVER required a repair other than minor maintenance and has never stranded me on the road. While I like many foreign vehicles, it is not necessary to purchase a Toyota to get a reliable vehicle.

My top choice for a road car in a perfect world would be one of the Cadillac models with the nice V-8 -- a two door CTS/STS kind of thing. Or, a late model T'Bird would be a hoot. I like the new retro-Mustang too. The new Chrysler full-sized vehicles (like the 300 or a Charger) are fun to drive and have lots of room. Also, I think the Subaru models would be great little road cars -- something like a Forester. Or, the VW turbo-diesels.

Of course, usually, it is just me, a little camping gear and Otto the Road Truck or a nice rental car. Given a choice in rental cars, one of my favorites (low price, driving stability and good mileage) is the Nissan Sentra. With gas at 2.50 per gallon, it is cheaper to rent an economy car than it is to take my own truck. Sad! :) Arizona Bob

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Originally Posted by Arizona Bob

Also, I think the Subaru models would be great little road cars -- something like a Forester.

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Interesting you mention this, I'm preparing to buy a new car in the next year or so... a 1991 Dodge Dynasty is getting a bit costly to repair, and frankly, it's time that I get something more reliable. I've basically set myself on getting a Subaru, either a Outback, Forester, or Baja. I like the look of the Baja mainly. Anyone else have any experience with these?

-Brad

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Originally Posted by Arizona Brad

Interesting you mention this, I'm preparing to buy a new car in the next year or so... a 1991 Dodge Dynasty is getting a bit costly to repair, and frankly, it's time that I get something more reliable. I've basically set myself on getting a Subaru, either a Outback, Forester, or Baja. I like the look of the Baja mainly. Anyone else have any experience with these?

-Brad

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Yep, good cars with teriffic cooling systems.
Funny thing is, all my hot-rod restoring friends all drive new Subarus for their family cars.
They love them, and they are about as gear head people as one can find.

If ya feel comfortable in it, then perhaps it's the car for you.

I'm on my second Taurus and have loved both of them. They're the best roadtrip vehicles in my humble opinion. Large enough to carry a cello or all the stuff to live off of for two weeks and enough power under the engine to drive along mountainous roads with no problems.

One of my friends has an Outback that we've used for a few cross country trips. I think it works really well for a roadtrip vehicle, with reasonable gas mileage, good cargo space, and its sturdy enought that I wouldn't worry about taking it down a National Forest Service road - although that would be about its off road limit.

The car has had some mechanical problems, including a blown head gasket, but most of them developed after the 120k mile mark.

Personally, I would consider one, and make a purchase in the right situation. My current roadtrip SUV was built at the Ford plant in Kansas City. I've got 140k miles on it, and I've had no major engine related mechanical problems.

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Originally Posted by Arizona Bob

Right now (since 2002) I am driving a Chrysler product (a full-sized Dodge truck) -- it has 95,000 on the clock and to date has NEVER required a repair other than minor maintenance and has never stranded me on the road.

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Im soo glad to hear that your Dodge truck hasnt been causing u much grief, hubby and I are looking at purchasing a Dodge for our trip across state and its awesum for me to know you've found it as a reliable vehicle, its our dream truck but we werent sure how it was going to be road trip-wise. Thank you kindly. Ria

I get about 42 mpg (diesel) and can go over 600 miles per tank, just around town. It is not unheard of for Jetta and Golf TDIs to exceed 1000 miles per tank, under the right conditions. You also have the option of using BioDiesel.

Sure, they are not the biggest cars, but for 1 or 2 passengers they should do fine. And my car is very comfy, peppy, and fun to drive.

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Originally Posted by lnewman

It is not unheard of for Jetta and Golf TDIs to exceed 1000 miles per tank, under the right conditions.

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Not in gear perchance? Actually I had a Jetta for several years -- great roadtrip vehicles!

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You also have the option of using BioDiesel.

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Las Vegas is one of the greeniest places I know for ease of finding bioDiesel -- weird considering the rest of our reputations!

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And my car is very comfy, peppy, and fun to drive

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I like 'em too -- but I must be going through one of my mid-life-crises -- I haven't found a car yet with too much horsepower....

Mark

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Originally Posted by lhuff

I'm on my second Taurus and have loved both of them. They're the best roadtrip vehicles in my humble opinion. Large enough to carry a cello or all the stuff to live off of for two weeks and enough power under the engine to drive along mountainous roads with no problems.

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I drove a Taurus for 10 years. Reliable, comfortable, and roomy. And the most boring car I ever had. At the time I got my new car, I was working a job with a 40 mile commute. I hated every minute of that commute in the Taurus. The commute became one of the funner parts of my day in my new car. (The commute was on backroads with lots of hills and twisty-bits.)

I'm really not knocking your car. They are good cars. But it just shows the difference in individual tastes.

My NB is smaller so it can hold less and it has an odd-shaped trunk to deal with. And it has a much tighter suspension so it is a rougher ride than the Taurus. You feel every bump. But I like that. It's fun. I imagine I'm riding the rides at an amusement park. But other people like a smooth ride and would hate that. But I am able to get enough stuff in my car for a camping roadtrip. Depending on how many people are traveling, I can either get everything in the car itself or, if I need extra space in the car, I use the luggage rack on the trunk for my duffle bag with sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows. Best $125 I've spent yet.

So, in reality, there is no one vehicle that is right for everybody. You should buy whatever vehicle works for you. Whether it's a Metropolitan, a Viper, a Mustang, or a Jeep. It's a personal choice.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60...836cropped.jpg

And I drive a 1995 Infiinity Q-45, (with a couple of minor performance enhancements...) It is a fun road trip car, as long as it never, ever gets near snow, ice or dirt. But dry, curvy roads are a second home to me and to it.

Drive what you enjoy --

Mark

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Originally Posted by Judy

My NB is smaller so it can hold less and it has an odd-shaped trunk to deal with. And it has a much tighter suspension so it is a rougher ride than the Taurus. You feel every bump. But I like that. It's fun. I imagine I'm riding the rides at an amusement park. But other people like a smooth ride and would hate that. But I am able to get enough stuff in my car for a camping roadtrip. Depending on how many people are traveling, I can either get everything in the car itself or, if I need extra space in the car, I use the luggage rack on the trunk for my duffle bag with sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows. Best $125 I've spent yet.

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Second that: I have a New Beetle and I love it. It drives like a roller skate.
And I have a removable roof rack for it as well.

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Originally Posted by Arizona Brad

I've basically set myself on getting a Subaru, either a Outback, Forester, or Baja. I like the look of the Baja mainly. Anyone else have any experience with these?

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We have the TDI wagon (phenomenal mileage, very comfortable, not fast) that I've spoken of in the past, but we also have an '05 Forester XT that has become our main roadtrip vehicle. It is very comfortable, gets fairly decent mileage, and is a definite Q-ship with the turbo engine and all that traction - now I know why Car and Driver loves this car (and the newer ones have more horsepower, too). So far it has been very reliable, without a hiccup. Good room inside as well, good visibility with no real blind spots, good sized mirrors, good ground clearance. Wet and icy condition performance is phenomenal, too. I especially like that it has the cold weather package, with windshield wiper de-icer - which gets used on a regular basis. I am still up in the air about the frameless windows on the doors, though. I guess I just think that should be reserved for t-tops or convertibles.

Subarus are very popular in New England, anyway.

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Originally Posted by Mass Tim

Forester XT that has become our main roadtrip vehicle.

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Tim, I think you should drive this Las Vegas so I could "test it" -- seriously, sounds like a nice ride.

Mark

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Originally Posted by lnewman

Second that: I have a New Beetle and I love it. It drives like a roller skate.
And I have a removable roof rack for it as well.

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Then you need to make plans to do Route 66 with us including a fun detour in Roswell! :-)

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Originally Posted by Judy

Then you need to make plans to do Route 66 with us including a fun detour in Roswell! :-)

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I'd love to. If only I could get that amount of time off from work! It'd be quite a hike for me and I would want to take my time.

The Roswell gathering is every year and there are usually carabugs that you can join up with to go there. It's a real good time and worth the trip. Maybe you can go another year?

It's still up in the air if I can go or not but I'm hoping. I'm not doing the whole trip though if I do go. I'm thinking of doing a speed run to Chicago and just meeting up with the group at the Route 66 starting point. And then, after Roswell, doing a speed run home through Utah/Idaho. I'd love to do the whole of Route 66 but time/budget is a factor. So, I figure, doing the eastern half of the route with the group and then the western half at another time is better than nothing.

I've read this string a couple of times and itt caused me to think about it. While most have talked about brands, my take is that it's the trip that counts. I've gone 2K miles in a Toyota mini van -- the original version front engine rear drive -- with kids. I've done St Louis to Seattle in a GMC conversion van. My next trip will be in my new Dodge Magnum, St Louis to SF. There have been other "road trips" with various cars and vans. While I do remember the cars, I remember the trip more. If your equipment is in good shape, you can have fun in anything. Just enjoy the trip and the scenery, it's what you're out there for anyway, right?

ROAD TRIP!!

Mike

That's exactly right! Couldn't have said it better. I can dream all day about the perfect motorcar or motorcycle to hit the road with -- but reality is whatever the means the trip is the thing.

Cunard used to say "Getting there is half the fun." Actually, it's ALL the fun. As soon as I am there, I prefer to be smack back on the whiteline to somewhere else.

But I'm only 90% in agreement with ya. Since I think the journey is as much fun as the destination, I have definitely enjoyed the journey itself more in some vehicles than in others. In other words, if the driving experience is not as much fun in and of itself, it does detract a bit from my overall experience. But not enough to make the trip a bad trip.

I think back to our days of the truck/camper combo. We limited our trips to within the PNW with that and we also definitely took into consideration the road itself when planning our routes. Roads with sharp elevation gains and lots of twisty-bits were avoided whenever possible. In my current vehicle, I look forward to driving those types of roads.

And driving the truck/camper combo was definitely more tiring. We could do a lot less daily miles than we can now.

So, yeah, I think your philosophy is mostly right but I still think that your vehicle can have an overall impact on the trip itself. Just my 2 cents.

Wow...you're adventurous. I was in the spot you were. I ended up spending like 250 bucks for a rental. V8 engine... worked out great. But I am a scaredy cat I try not to take too many chances. Let me know how it worked out.

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Originally Posted by Arizona Bob

That's exactly right! Couldn't have said it better. I can dream all day about the perfect motorcar or motorcycle to hit the road with -- but reality is whatever the means the trip is the thing.

Cunard used to say "Getting there is half the fun." Actually, it's ALL the fun. As soon as I am there, I prefer to be smack back on the whiteline to somewhere else.

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Bob

Amen, brother!

Mike

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

There's nothing wrong with a Mustang, and it can be a very fun car to drive (although, personally I think its a sin that anyone would even consider a Mustang without a manual transmission).

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AMEN! I couldn't agree more!