If you were going to buy a car right now, what kind of car would you buy? What's the most important consideration for you: cargo space, safety, fuel efficiency, cute factor, luxury, horsepower, handling? Do you just want it to be fun to drive?

Okay, so that's the car you'd buy right now. On the other hand, what's your dream car? How different is it than your practical car of choice?

I just realized that I don't have a dream car. I just don't like cars enough to dream about them, I guess.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

Answers

I like the Subaru Outbacks... I never thought of them as gen-x-ish... We used to have a neighbor who had one and I secretly had the hots for him ...errr, his car.

If we had to buy a car right now, I would buy a Saturn. I used to want a Saturn sportscar, but I guess that's a bit impractical these days...I'd probably get the four door version.

But no matter what, I would never get any car in GOLD! ACK!

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

A Karmann Ghia. Preferably a convertible from between 1956 and 1964.

God, I love those.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

I've leased an Outback (the Legacy, not the Sport which is pretty small) for three years. I'm picking up a new one on the same day I turn the old one in. Unless you want to do real baja, back counrty driving, the Outback is all the SUV you need. They also handle like a car, rather than a truck, on the road. Their only drawback is that, because of the full time all wheel drive, they don't get great highway gas milage.

Good luck.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

A triumph TR3. gods gift to motoring, in cherry red. Something like a 1956 would be great.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

A Toyota Rav4 or a Honda CRV.

I want to say that I'd go for the Honda, just because I really like Hondas. I had an 87 Prelude for 8 years, and GOD, I loved that car! Even when it was all beat up! I just don't like what they've done to them now.

Plus, we go camping. I think we'd do a lot MORE camping if we had a bigger car. The neon would be fine for just the two of us, but usually, when we camp, we lug along my 15 year old niece. So we're a lil' skimped on room.

So, I used to have a dream of owning a Four Runner or a Pathfinder, and in the past, I have also liked Geo Trackers (I was in high school, okay) and I think taht Rav4s and CRVs are a good cross between a big SUV and a smaller car.

I think they are also Toyota and Honda's version of the car YOU'VE been talking about. What was it called? An outback? Suburu?

I probably will luck out and get to get one of these, after Jake's Neon is paid off. It feels weird to not have a car of my own. I guess I should really decide what I want, because I'm sure these five years will just fly by.

(Oh yeah, I also have to consider child safety features. =)

-- Anonymous, October 09, 1999

Brianna: my mom had a white 'Ghia of that era. Maybe I can dig up a picture; she looked really cute in her little Jackie Kennedy dresses in her cute little car. (Well, until she fell asleep at the wheel and rolled it and nearly got killed ...)

Sarah: having done the old British car thing, we wish you luck in your future endeavors. Seriously, those are really cool cars, and I hope Jeremy keeps his MG or trades it in on a Triumph. But I want something we can take camping. (Not that we haven't taken the MG to the mountains.)

-- Anonymous, October 10, 1999

I've been through every make and model of SUV there is, I think. Right now I drive a Durango, and I love it, but I've got a lot of (human) cargo to haul. If I didn't, I would have a Honda CRV, because they're really nicely appointed and not quite as cumbersome as a full-size SUV. But I don't think I'd ever go back into a car, even a luxury car. I'm too used to sitting up high now.

Beth, if Jeremy wants something bigger than the Outback wagon, have you looked at the Subaru Forester? That's the Subaru version of the CRV/RAV4 - the mini-SUV kinda thing. Also nicely appointed, standard racks and whatnot for the sporty stuff, outdoor-accesories packages and all that good stuff. Not my cuppa, but it seems like it would be up your alley.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 1999

Yeah, a Forrester is what Jeremy wants, Dreama. I think it's too big. We're fighting competing desires here: we want something big enough for the dog and to take to the mountains, but I've driven big cars all my life and I'm sick of it. I want something I can park.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 1999

Beth, we bought an Subaru Outback Impreza in May and we love it. It's littler than a Forester, but it can handle everywhere we've brought it- -dirt washboard over 12,0000 foot mountain passes, insane potholes (and the cd player doesn't skip), a tremendous amount of cargo, everything. When you first mentioned (in very very teeny print) that you were looking for an SUV, I meant to write to recommend the Impreza, but I forgot. So here I am. If you want to get an Impreza and Jeremy a Forester, how about a Legacy, which is in between (but more obviously a station wagon than an Impreza and has the Paul Hogan thing)? And I think you could park a Forester fine if you tried; they handle really well. But I'm really happy with the Impreza--better mileage than the Forester. Rich just came in and asked what this was and I told him and he did his happy Impreza dance. We are both sunburned and dehydrated and have altitude hangovers today, and for him to overcome that enough to do his happy Impreza dance is the best recommendation you could ask for.

Plus if you got the dark green one we could match.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 1999

The hardest part of any car we purchase in the future is that Mike is 6'7" and he barely fits in my sentra. I think he would only fit in some of the roomier pricier compacts and medium sedan cars or a truck type thing. With kids, it'll have to be something that has four seats, where when Dad puts the seat back to drive to accommodate his legs, he can actually fit and not chop off the legs of the child behind him. The Outback looks pretty cool,and I think he'd fit in a Camry. We also have really liked the Nissan cars, so have contemplated finding something a little bigger that would fit him.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

I would buy no car, because I do not drive.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

A bicycle. Not a mountainbike. A bicycle. To be used for transportation. Not recreation.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

I suppose I should clarify for anyone who's new around here, who might get the wrong impression from our current vehicle search: neither of us has any interest in using a car to commute. I walk to work, and Jeremy rides his bike to work. He does drive on the two days a week when he has class after work, because he doesn't have enough time between class and work to either ride a bike or take the bus and make it to school on time ... plus the buses stop running before his study group ends.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

Beth, go with the Subaru. I drive a ratty ol' '87 Subaru GL Wagon with 196,000 miles on it. Runs great, always has. My husband swears by this engine and he's a Toyota 4 x 4 man himself. Over the years (12!) we've had very little trouble with it. An Outback is next for us, as soon as we settle into our new home.

I've also noticed alot of Nissan Xterras on the road lately. It looks similiar to the Toyota 4-runner but for alot less money.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

I have a 1991 Subaru Legacy Sedan that has like 190,000 miles on it and still runs great. When I bought a new car, I looked at the Forester. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Subaru, but I really don't see how the dealer here in Houston stays in business. I never see Soobies on the road here. Well, hardly ever. The ones I see once in a while are probably transplants from the north like I am.

I also have a 1998 BMW Z3 roadster. I know that's not what you have in mind, but the question was what would I buy now? I love my little car, and my next auto will be either a new M roadster or a 323 convertible. I'm fortunate, you see, in that I married the salesman that sold me my car so next time I'll get The Family Deal. :)

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

I now drive a '95 Toyota Celica and that car is my baby. I love her to pieces (every time she falls to pieces--Oops!). At the moment I'm fixing her to put her up for sale and I've fallen so in love w/ Celicas the only car I could buy would be another Celica. When buying a car I look at the gas mileage, CUTENESS FACTOR (okay so I'm vain about my cars), and handling, definitely handling. Good thing for me, Celicas have it all. I need a model "95 or later but I've really got my eyes on the '99 model. It comes with so many more luxuries as a standard feature, which I think is awesome. The 2000 models are too spacey (I'm really gonna miss these "present day" car!).

I wouldn't recommend such a small sporty car for you, because obviously you need room for your gear and your doggie, but if you want to look hot in something, Beth, Celica's the way to go.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

...i still want one that will clean itself and levitate-over-nasty-bay-area-traffic with the touch of a button...

...until they make one of those, my little VW jetta will have to do...

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

Thom and I have been looking at the Subaru Outbacks and Forresters but we're still not sure. We want something that can go into the woods. Last weekend we finally got out and did a nice hike deep in the woods and could've used a 4WD over some of the bumpy, gravel roads and bumpy, dirt roads. Check out the Nissan X-Terra -- it's more SUV-ish but not so big. That's the other one we've been looking at over the Forrester -- it doesn't cost any more either.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

Mu husband and I have an Outback (the wagon, not the sport), but I'm shamed to admit, we rarely use it except in town. We do live in Colorado, though, and have driven it into and through the mountains on at least a few occasions. We get quite snooty and condescending as we pass all the Ford Tauruses that have overheated and given out on the cl

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

i've always wanted a jetta. ever since i actually noticed cars, i loved jettas. i'm looking for a newer used car right now, and i'm getting all sorts of conflicting reports. i'm looking at reliability mainly, and well, everyone says "honda, toyota." now, hondas are really expensive and if something does go wrong, it seems the parts cost a fortune. and well, i just think toyotas are ugly. and dammit i want a cute car! you only live once right?! and i'd run out and buy a jetta, but i'm also worried about crash safety - and well, jetta's have some of the worst test ratings.

and i would kill for a subaru legacy. not the wagon, the four dour sedan. i rented one recently, and it was perfect! all the buttons were in the right place, the seats were really comfortable, it was sporty looking but classy too. i loved it! and oh, which ones are those totally tricked out subarus - are those impreza's? - with the scoop thing on the hood and such? anyone? i'd want a new one of those if i could swing it. but i can't.

one worry with subarus is parts prices. i think it might be a bit much for me. but i do like them. also, the only models i could afford aren't cute. they'd be like '92's. and those leave much to be desired in terms of styling.

dream car? changes with every issue of car and driver. audi TT or A6 is the current fave. purely for looks. i think they are just beautiful!

i had a thing for those little Z3's. okay i still love them. and the porsche boxters. seeexxxy.

i did have a chance to drive a spanking new mustang GT (last years model) and WOW! those things just GO! i had toooo much fun. got it up to about 150 mp/h and it wasn't even working - just smoothly humming along.

*sigh* i need a car so bad. the tuner knob on my (am only) radio died last week. it was the last straw.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

A 1930's Bentley. Assuming I got to keep my Neon for actual transportation. Also, I really miss the cargo capacity of my Hyundai Excel (odd, but I could fit so much more in that little thing).

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

Toyota Camry for its reliability and mileage and they last forever. Dream car would be an antique car from the 20's. Would be such a hoot to drive around in!

-- Anonymous, October 12, 1999

I'm quite happy with my car - a '92 Dodge Shadow. It's sturdy and dependable and likes the snow. Well, except for the time I drove it into a snowbank to avoid a head-on collision the day after the blizzard of '93; but that's another story. If I had a bit of extra cash, I'd make some minor modifications to it to improve the overall performance.

If I had a lot of extra money, I'd buy a Bricklin.

http://webus80.wang.com/BI/

-- Anonymous, October 12, 1999

I have a Subaru Legacy LS wagon that I just love! I will definately get another one of these cars. I moved down from both a Bronco (full size) and an extended Aerostar van (I breed and show Rottweilers remember? )...so I also have a 4WD Ford Ranger to go to dog shows...but you can't beat the Subaru for a kicking around car-it even goes on farm calls no problem!

Dream car....?.... Town & Country Van...the really upscale version (this is achievable someday) OR Lamborghini Diablo (not in this lifetime...unless I win the lottery or something!)...

-- Anonymous, October 12, 1999

A bright-yellow Ford Mustang. I *adore* yellow cars, and have never owned one. SOMEDAY I SHALL.

Robyn http://www.bitchypoo.com/bitchypoo.html

-- Anonymous, October 12, 1999

Wow ! I just can't believe how may subaru lovers/owners replied. I am now an owner of my fourth [I think] subaru and I was only disappointed with one of them. All the others never had any unusual mechanical problems and I always felt safe in them due to the awd I guess. I never had any problem driving in snow which I often have to do for work. I find them very comfortable for a short person which is why I first got one - it had nothing to do with how it looked or ran! Anyways I now have a 1999 legacy wagon and it is my favorite. We looked into getting an outback wagon or forrester but didn't see how either of them had any advantages worth the extra price unless you drive over unpaved roads which we don't. The forrester acually had a lot less room in the back too - not enough for our dog. I do think its cute though. Funny thing is I always thought my car was a little older lady car and am very happy to hear it has gen-x qualities! My husband got a Triumph TR4A for his 50th birthday [from himself] and it is fun but should belong to a mechanic. He now wants me to buy a "fun car" for my upcoming 50th but I really don't think I want anything else. My sister recently got a Crysler Sebring convertable which she swears has changed her life! One more thing - as to color - I will now only buy silver colored cars because they match the same color of cat paw prints. I used to own a black car and it always looked dirty.

-- Anonymous, October 14, 1999

A friend has a Suburu Outback - if I'm remembering right - and she really likes it.

I love my Honda Civic, but it wouldn't work for you. I'd buy another if I were in the market for a practical car.

If money were no object I'd get a Jaguar (and a mechanic for it.)

-- Anonymous, October 15, 1999

You know, until we got the dog, we both wanted a 1996 or 1997 Civic EX coupe in silver or green. Jeremy wanted the VTEC engine, and I just wanted the cute funky headlights. It seemed like a good practical car for us.

Many things seemed cute and practical before we got the dog. Like our entire house.

Sigh.

-- Anonymous, October 15, 1999

I would buy a Taurus SHO. They look like old lady cars. But they can out-run A LOT of the cars we teens drive. My friend has one & it's gorgous. (Leather...Great Sound System...Dark Windows...Cool Rims...Spoiler...it doesn't even look like a taurus!) It's top speed is 165 MPH! (WooHoo)

-- Anonymous, November 28, 1999

I have to say that I'd buy a Taurus SHO, also. Taurus' are wonderful, reliable cars. The SHO is just a WAY cooler version. And I LOOOOOVE the thought of having a car that can go almost 170 miles per hour!

-- Anonymous, November 28, 1999

I would buy a Taurus SHO too! After all, the site hosts Beth's Lowdown.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 1999

I'd buy an Econoline 350 van, with two extra back seats so it seats 8. We only need the cargo space once a month or so, but when we need it, we really need it. Big camping needs.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 1999

I'd buy a Mustang convertible. I love driving along the beach with the top down on a warm summer day...I just moved to Hawaii, so it would be the perfect car for here.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 1999

I am in the throws of looking for a new car. I had leased a Camry v6 engine and love it. I am divorced now and need to be as economical as I can but still want the comfort and great drive. I am looking indto the Honda Accords as well. The Subaru Outback has always been a favorite.

-- Anonymous, April 30, 2001

I bought a Honda Odyssey in January, and you know what? It's the perfect car. (Blush) Great pick-up, smooth quiet ride, perfect visibility, decent handling, tight turning circle. You're up high enough to see eye-to-eye with SUVs, but the center of gravity is low. Hauls an incredible amount of stuff plus four passengers. All sorts of clever little engineering thingies, like the CD compartment on the center console and the fold-down tray table with cupholders between the front captain's chairs.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

i would buy a triumph tr3. they ROCK!!!

OUTBACKS SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! SUCK!

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2001

Why does everyone like a F***ing Subaru. THEY BLOW> Get a sporty car like a Taurus sho or a Grand Prix Supercharged. Now see who wups who's ass. i want one of these aforementioned cars

-- Anonymous, July 02, 2001

A red Mini. I love Minis. Are they legal in the States? There are about a thousand and a half of them here in France.. I told my sister that when I'm rich, I'm going to import one into the States, legal or not.

She just asked me to share my money, when I'm rich. Heh.

Other than that, I'd love to have a VW Golf. (Or a VW Polo, but I am nearly certain those aren't legal in the States.) Being in France is making me appreciate small cars - you should see the teeny parking spaces people park in. No, really. Everybody should learn to parallel park in France. You'd be an expert.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

If I wanted a car, and had to have a car, and I could have any car in the world and owning a car wasn't like having a big dead stinky albatross around my neck, I would get me a bitchin' 1968 Chevy Impala. With bench seats, and a big back seat. Also, it's big and scary and people would get the fuck out of my way and I could drive like a bat with its ass on fire, and it would make me happy to road trip with the windows open and the stereo loud.

In my goddamn '99 Little Plastic Saturn That I Can't Get Rid of Because No One Every Told Me How Much Leases SUCK, I am a little suburban lady, which is so not me.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Emily: right now the only Minis in the U.S. are pretty old, but there is a new version coming out here in Spring of 2002. Jeremy is already checking them out, because he's wanted a Mini since long before I knew him.

Mary Stewart Masterston drove a Mini in Some Kind of Wonderful.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

You can check out the new mini at http://www.mini.co.uk/. I hope that works. I am hoping to win the lottery pretty soon to get one of these!

I like those smart cars in europe too. Maybe too small for the US?

Along with the Mini I'd buy one of those Audi TTs. Very slick but kind of subtle.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

I've already got a nice, sensible 4 door sedan. What I'd like is a truck. A big pick up truck. I want to haul stuff around. We rented a Ryder truck to move some funiture, and I kept thinking of other stuff we could put in it. A really long ladder, lots of mulch, trees, heavy cheap furniture from Target, garbage....I just want a truck.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Well, it took seven months, but we've got our finances in order and tonight we're going to go pick up a Ford Econoline E-350 XLT SuperDuty 12 Passenger van! Woohoo! No more packing the kids like sardines into the back of the volvo! No more making people go on eight-hour drives with sleeping bags in their laps!

No more 25 mpg, either, but hey. Cargo space.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001