Challenge--A car for all jobs? Or a car for each job?
An idle chat with some of the Car Lust contributors this morning prompted a question that I thought might be interesting enough to throw out as a challenge to the larger Car Lust audience. That question is: Would you prefer to own one versatile car that you would use in all scenarios, or multiple less-expensive cars that are more specialized? If you'd prefer multiple cars, which cars would you purchase and for what uses?
Just for the sake of argument, let's say your car budget is $20,000--the price of a reasonably equipped new car. What would you do?
I have long said that if I could only own one 
car, I'd own an Audi RS6 Plus Avant. That car is not available in the United States and would vastly outstrip my $20,000 budget. However, I have seen the 2003 Audi S6 Avant available used in the $15,000-$18,000 range--it's essentially the same car as a RS6 Avant, but with only 340 horsepower.
The S6 Avant would be an AWD wagon with supercar power--it's like a sports car with hiking boots and a backpack. It's too heavy, and its reliability is questionable, but I can overlook all of that. Oh, and it's gorgeous. The 2003 S6 Avant would be my choice as the single versatile car; much more so than a new car at the same price.
If I was to go the multiple car route, I would include several of the cars that I have written up here in the past. Here's my list of uses and the cars I'd purchase to fulfill those uses:
- Daily Driver: 1986 Saab 900 SPG ($4,500)
- Off-Road/Hauling/Towing: Jeep Wagoneer ($1,500)
- Grand Touring: Porsche 928 ($6,000)
- Eating Highway Miles: 1977-1990 Chevrolet Impala/Caprice ($1,800)
- Sunny-Day Road Carving: Fiat 124 Spider ($3,000)
- Wacky Speed: Dodge Shelby Charger--with the boost turned up almost high enough to hand-grenade the 2.2-liter turbo ($2,700)
So ... to answer my own challenge, would I rather have the 2003 Audi S6 Avant as my versatile, do-anything car, or would I prefer a batch of less expensive cars, each optimized for its role? I have to admit, that's a tough question. Everything in my soul cries out for the package of older cars, but the S6 is still so attractive to my soul that the impracticality of having this many cars might push me towards the S6 instead.
In my current situation, I think I'd go with the Avant, simply because I'm married and have a child and don't have a way to deal with the storage, insurance, and the cost of keeping all six of those cars in usable condition. However, if I was either younger or older and unmarried, I'd go with those six cars in an absolute heartbeat. Or, alternatively, I could just choose the six-car package--and then quickly find myself unmarried as a result. These things have a way of working out, I suppose.
What would you do? What would be your cars of choice?
--Chris H.
kenny heggem on August 26, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Our 04' Subaru Forester seems to fit the bill. It was under 18,500 grand new. Spacious, fuel efficient with it's smooth 5 speed. The handling is on par with better handling sedans and it is dead reliable. If I was on the market for a under 20 grand car I would snatch another one up no doubt. My wife has been very satisfied with it.
Camping, trips to Home Depot, efficient as a daily driver, and it is favored among the elderly/less mobile in the family that find entry/exit ideal.
Rob the Audi Guy on August 26, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Well... here's my current lineup:
Touring/Hauling things/Hauling ass: 1995 Audi S6 Avant, chipped to 290hp. It's pretty amazing.
Commuting: 1991 Honda Civic LX, aero modifcations to hit 40mpg at 85mph. I've put 13k on it since I bought it a few months ago.
Corner carving: 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4ws, as written about here:
http://www.carlustblog.com/2008/08/car-lust--1988.html
So, obviously I'm a fan of the multiple vehicle route. I love cars, and I love experiencing the intricacies and personalities of a lot of them. With a budget of 20k, here's my list:
Corner Carving/Autocross: The Prelude I already own. ($1600)
Hauling/Touring/Etc: The Audi I already own ($7500)
Towing/Offroading: Jeep Wagoneer (I'm with you Chris. Nostalgic, badass, affordable, and bomb proof!! $1500)
Commuter: 1989 Honda CRX HF with aero mods for 60mpg. $2500 (want it rust free and clean)
Night out/Executive High Speed Transport: BMW 850 ($7000)
There's my list. I think. If I had more cash, I think I'd change the commuter to an original honda insight, and save up to replace the 850 with a Testarossa or an NSX.
David Colborne on August 26, 2010 at 11:45 AM
I wish I had the parking space and insurance money for several cars, but I don't. Having said that, we're unofficially set up with a commuter car for me to get to work in with a slightly larger car for family trips that the SO drives. If I had the option of adding a third vehicle, I'd add some sort of hauler to help with moves and minor towing - a small truck of some sort would fit the bill here, like a Tacoma or a Ranger. It wouldn't need to be huge, but it would need to be big enough to attach a small moving trailer to or to haul the occasional piece of furniture. In theory, a minivan might be able to fit the bill here, too, but I wouldn't want to care about the interior, removing seats, and so forth.
I don't think there's necessarily an optimal preference here. If you have the means to have several specialized vehicles (insurance, parking, etc.), by all means - do so. If you don't, you're going to have to make some compromises, which is why the world is so rife with "crossover utes" and so on. Of course, when you make compromises, you'll probably end up with a compromised vehicle unless your use cases line up perfectly with a more specialized vehicle, but that's kind of the point.
That Car Guy on August 26, 2010 at 12:02 PM
This is my current stable: http://www.carlustblog.com/2009/09/that-car-guys-cars.html
But if I had to go to just one of those, it would be the Tribute. I'm not saying it's the best in its small SUV class, but it handles like a sports car (It's based on the Mazda 626), has good power, can carry cargo both inside and on the roof, and is well equipped with a sunroof, fog lights, CD, and cassette. Yes, cassette. My only complaint about it is excessive road/tire noise.
Chris Meirose on August 26, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Hauling + daily driver (I don't drive a lot miles most days) - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser. I drive a mile to work each day. 10 miles in town is a LOT of driving around. Yes, I'd love driving this fuel guzzling pig. I do live in Minnesota, and a good winter vehicle is a must.
Distance road car - 2002 Lincoln LS - awesome car, often overlooked, and gets 26mpg down the road with 4 people comfortably all day long.
Sunny day & twisty roads - only two wheels can really do this proper. A 2003 Honda ST1300 would fit the bill perfectly. Though depending on price I'd settle for an earlier ST1100.
And I'd drop it all for a 1998-2002 Nissan GT-R (R34) project car and a jalopy for a daily driver.
Impossipede on August 26, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Here's my hangup with this question: It seems HIGHLY unlikely that anyone who could afford the insurance & upkeep on 6 cars would have a budget of only $20,000, and vice versa. If I only have 20k to spend, I'm gonna end up with only one car.
In fact, that's the situation I find myself in, and it's looking like a Honda Ridgeline for me.
Mochi Mochi on August 26, 2010 at 12:33 PM
If I had to own only one car i would be the one I have... 91 Civic Si Hatch. Does everything well. Never feels like a compromise. A delightful instrument for driving.
I need all my cars to be handing machines. Each and every one of them should be as adept at cornering, braking, and canyon carving. I can trade off speed (acceleration and top speed), but never handling and braking since I consider these to be not only prime joys in having a car, but also keys to safety.
My ideal collection without respect for cost breaks the rules of the game because one of the cars on the list is slightly over the 20k limit. But for the record I'm going to put it out there because it's still pretty modestly over the limit and it's a great collection.
Ideal Maxi-Group (does everything - blows the budget):
1) 1991 Honda Civic Si Hatchback
2) 1991 Honda (Acura) NSX
3) 1991 Honda Civic Wagon 4WD 6spd
4) VW Westfalia T3 with Porsche or Subaru engine conversion
5) 1991 Jeep Cherokee (rough roads, hauling, off roads etc)
6) 1991 Honda CRX si (just because)
Ideal Group (in budget):
1) 1991 Honda Civic Si Hatchback
2) 1991 Honda Civic Wagon 4WD 6spd
3) 1989 Toyota MR2 SC or 1991 Honda Prelude Si 4WS
4) VW Westfalia T3
Ideal Minimalist Group (tight budget):
1) 1991 Honda Civic Si Hatchback
2) 1991 Honda Civic Wagon
3) VW Westfalia T3
radio on August 26, 2010 at 01:48 PM
I answered this question in 1999 by purchasing my very first new car.
Still have it, a '99 Forester S, white w gray mouse fur interior and 132K on the odo; automatic; 4 wheel discs, kinda fat factory rubber and sneaky quick around town; good mileage and power; very versatile for stuff that fits in, on and behind (factory tow package); great visibility and pep; handles well after factory rubber was replaced; hauled a lotta stuff over the Penna mountains dragging a 12 foot trailer after my folks downsized. My 85 lb. Lab was comfortable in either the back or the second seat, depending on who or what else was along. My brother in snowy, hilly mid-Penna has 2 of them.
Also in the driveway, under dual covers...2001 Miata SE for dry days regardless of temperature; joined the fleet last summer. Zoom-Zoom.
In the garage,
1975 BMW 3.0SiA; Jadgrun over tan leather. 3rd owner; not currently licensed.
1964 Corvair Monza Spyder conv; Daytona Blue over silver blue w white top. Had a succession of Corvairs across the years; all the others were '65s with 4 spds; 110, 140 or 180 hp. Very reliable.
My lady has a '99 Miata 10AE (dry days only) and an '02 Sable wagon.
So we have both fun and practicality well in hand. Not really tempted by other older or newer offerings at this time.
Chris Hafner on August 26, 2010 at 02:11 PM
Impossipede: "Here's my hangup with this question: It seems HIGHLY unlikely that anyone who could afford the insurance & upkeep on 6 cars would have a budget of only $20,000, and vice versa."
Six purchased at the same time would be pretty extreme - but I can easily see how you could incrementally work yourself into it. There was a point about six weeks ago when I was seriously within a couple of hours of expanding from two cars to five using logic not too dissimilar from this.
Insurance was and still is the big hang-up - I'm not sure how to handle that. Logic would suggest that if I drive 12,000 miles annually in a Honda Accord worth $8000 that splitting the same 12,000 miles among five cars collectively worth $8000 that the total insurance spend would be about the same, but I haven't found a company that will acknowledge that yet.
That Car Guy on August 26, 2010 at 02:41 PM
There's an insurance thing called "Garage Coverage" which covers multiple vehicles. We had it on the car show, but I've never checked into that for the farm.
Rob the Audi Guy on August 26, 2010 at 03:17 PM
I just call my insurance agent up to start or stop coverage on vehicles, depending on what I'm driving.
Educatordan on August 26, 2010 at 03:54 PM
Well I currently have an 2004 F150 Heritage with an aftermarket flatbed that I've been told is worth about $8,000 right now. So with the 12Gs left over I'd split it between the nicest low mileage Mercury Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria (ROAD TRIP!) I could find and a stick shift Mazda Miata. Miata for fun commuting, picking up a few groceries, and commuting. Although if I use my 150cc scooter for commuting I could just about afford a CPO Grand Marquis. Either way that would be set for me. Haul (F150), big comfortable interstate cruiser (Grand Marquis), and fun handler (Miata or scooter.) BTW the scooter is Chinese and cost my $1200 brand new. I've put almost 2000 miles on her and can attest that the Chinese can build quality when they want to.
Mark on August 26, 2010 at 07:07 PM
For a single car, I gotta agree with the consensus - some sort of wagon/compact SUV. We're really happy with our V70 wagons, but if I had my druthers I'd maybe get the R version for a little more thrust (I cheaped out with the 2.5T).
For a multivehicle setup, I like the commuter car/hauler/toy car idea.
For the commuter - Fusion hybrid or Jetta diesel.
Hauler - Full size van (why not)? Carry the dogs in comfort and have space for the home/garden stuff.
Toy car - I've been lusting the Porsche 914 for a LONG time...although I have to agree with Chris about the bike - I had a Honda ST1100 and that really hits the MC sweet spot. It's got great performance, long-distance comfort, and reasonable daily practicality.
I haven't priced that stable but I'm sure a motivated shopper could get it under the $20k limit.
Side rant - I don't understand why Honda, on one of their top-shelf bike, didn't make hazard lights standard equipement. I'm not usually one to say 'there oughta be a law...', but I would make those mandatory on any street-legal bike in the USA.
That Car Guy on August 26, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Mark, my 20-year-old Kawasaki EX500 has 4-way flashers. I'm shocked all of today's bikes don't as well.
tigerstrypes on August 26, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Nmaa... No matter how I try, it seems that there's no way I could convince my parents on letting me keep a car, as all the parking space has been taken where I live.
I was gonna play the practicality card and get myself a truck. I have been eye-balling mid-70s-early 90s F150s.
I even played the "I'm-sick-of-giving-rides-to-people" excuse so I could try to get a 2-seater. No dice. My Grandfather talked me out of it.
Plus, finding a good Pontiac Fiero or Datsun 280ZX is darn impossible, and basically all late-C3 Corvettes have been modded, meaning I can't use the "It's-only-185HP" excuse.
And let's not talk about motorcycles.
In the meantime, the do-it-all vehicle of choice is the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2-wd. Not too high (for my Grandfather), not too low. Great engine, surprising maneuverability, excellent visibility, great cargo space, tough, comfortable and handsome-looking.
The only thing's I'd change would be the addition of an LSD and get rid of that drivetrain shake (allegedly a vacuum leak).
kenny heggem on August 26, 2010 at 11:15 PM
tigerstrypes... there was a mint condition 2M4 red Fiero, 1986, with 20k orig miles. $5000. Just down my street.
facel vega on August 27, 2010 at 01:22 AM
The question from this post is one that I think every red-blooded car guy should ask himself. Constantly. Or at least every time he's about to buy a car. One scheme I could live with:
GT: BMW 635csi ($6000) Sure, a 928 is better, but the same six grand will get you a pristine 635 or a dire 928. Haette ich lieber der Bayer, danke.
Roadster: Fiat X1/9 or 124 Spyder ($4000) Gandini or Tjaarda: that is the question. I figure four grand for one with near-zero rust that runs. Cheaper means body work. Easy parts for either, and probably better than the English options when it comes down to it.
Classic: Studebaker Lark Daytona ($5000) It's silly how cheap these Brooks Stevens beauties are. Five grand should nab a fully-restored V8 beast that looks like a suit out of Cary Grant's closet.
Cabin: Old Truck ($2000) Love the Wagoneer, but I'm not too picky here, and I already covered Stevens with the Daytona. An eighties Ranger or S10 with two-tone paint would also do, as would a simple YJ Wrangler.
Beater: Craigslist Roulette ($1500 x2) Why plan a beater? On any given week, someone will sell a Reatta for nothing, or an Audi 200 wagon, or a nearly-sorted RX-7, or a pampered Volvo brick, or a 528e, etc. I budget this twice because you're bound to try out that intriguing listing for an SVX first and have it die within three months.
Shawn on August 27, 2010 at 05:07 AM
My two car stable serves most purposes well and comes in under budget. I probably could squeek another entry in and still fit under that 20k mark, and it's something I've looked into.
-Subaru Forester XT (previous gen): The jack of all trades. Hauls people and stuff with ease. Turbo engine provides punch and boxy body offers stealth.
-BMW 635CSi: The long distance cruiser with class. I agree with facel vega. Spend the money for a good one, a cheap one will eat you alive.
-'89-'91 BMW 325iS: The lightweight tossable wonder. Can pull off the daily chores or be driven purely for fun. This is what I'd add to my garage if I could find one in good original condition.
Mark on August 27, 2010 at 05:44 AM
That Car Guy - you read my mind. One thing that stuck with me was a review of entry level bike in an early-90s issue of Motorcyclist. The reviewer that picked the EX500 did so not only because it was a fine motorcycle, but also due to the fact that it wasn't a stripper - dual tripmeters, 4-ways, helmet lock, bungee hooks. That sort of content at a low price point shows someone is sweating the details.
A similar discussion came up during a meeting here this week. One of our guys is a real diesel fanatic, and was excited about the Mahindra pickups coming to the US. We wandered over to the website to check them out, and the level of content on the base model is surprisingly complete. It's got ABS/ESC/TSP, AM/FM/CD, A/C, PW/PL, etc, but also little touches like a tripmeter and compass. The interior is neat and clean. Rated load is around 2700lbs! I'd be interested to hear if you all think Mahindra will be successful or not.
Patrick O'Leary on August 27, 2010 at 05:46 AM
Funny this question came up. Just last night I bought a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT wagon (with the manual transmission, of course). Spacious and cruises well for long trips, AWD for bad weather, power when you need it. I do plan to autocross it as well.
pnmid on August 27, 2010 at 05:56 AM
Great topic! I too have wrestled with this question, and due to budget and space constraints, decided to go the one car route. One car I owned that came close is my 1985 Saab 9000 turbo. Currently, I'm looking for a 2005-2006 Subaru Legacy GT wagon (with 340hp potential via the aftermarket) a more reliable version of an RS6 Avant.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on August 27, 2010 at 06:04 AM
My GTI does everything I routinely need a car to do, including play-time on the backroads, and on the rare occasions when I need more hauling capacity, that's what my wife's Mazda 5 is for.
If I wanted to build a multiple-car stable, I probably couldn't do it on a mere $20k. :-) It would be nice to have a gen 1 CRX (1984-85 with the recessed headlights) again, just for old time's sake.
Anthony Cagle on August 27, 2010 at 08:30 AM
I may have to face up to this soon. I can't really take my old Mustang out to do fieldwork because it's in too good a shape to be banging around gravel roads and stuff (among other things), so I'd either have to replace it or get another field vehicle. I'd much prefer having one vehicle that I really, really like to even having two -- part cheapness, part I-don't-like-having-multiple-vehicles.
I'd no doubt get some small crossover-type SUV like a Forester or a CRV, though I would have to mightily fight the urge to get a '73 Bronco or something.
DirtCrashr on August 27, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Car? I can't get my KTM in the back of a car with my buddy's KLX to get up to the Gold Country (or up to Idaho) and go riding and camping, and I can't drive over a curb and across a lawn with a car when the road and sidewalk is bucked from an earthquake, and half the block is on fire. I can't see out of a car very well either, it's too low. I quit cars a long time ago for a pickup-truck.
Hucbald on August 27, 2010 at 04:49 PM
A Quad Cab 4x4 RAM 1500 with a Hemi and aftermarket shocks is my car for all jobs. Seriously.