Best Vehicle to Roadtrip

[Mark Sedenquist]

... 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

Sounds like you did very well!

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

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

Mark

[Robert Schaller]

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

[RoadTripper Brad]

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

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

[RoadTrippers A & R]

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

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.

[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.

[Midwest Michael]

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.

[airetos]

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.

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

[lnewman]

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.

[Mark Sedenquist]

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

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

You also have the option of using BioDiesel.

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

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

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

[PNW Judy]

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.

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.