The Long List

-->

As mentioned earlier, I've put together a long list of cars. It’s cars that I plan on going and checking out in person, and probably writing about. The list is mostly based on the criteria that I listed in my last post and my own personal aesthetic taste. Not everything on the list necessarily fits all of the desirable but not required features, and all are pending wife approval. It’s likely that I will get priced out of some of these. There are some things you’ll notice about what’s not on the list:

Vans – I’m not even sure you can get an AWD van in the US. It doesn’t matter. My experiences driving vans have been uneventful at best, and never pleasant.

Pickup trucks (for now) – Full size trucks are completely beyond anything I would need and quickly spiral out of my price range. Midsize trucks are becoming more available, but they always look odd to me with the crew cabs. It’s a flimsy reason to discount them and I may still take a look when I’m wandering around.

Mitsubishi – I would really only consider the Lancer anyway, but the the closest dealer is out of state and inconvenient even from my office.

Nissan – The Xterra was originally on this list, but they discontinued it after the 2015 model year.

GM, with the exception of Cadillac – One of the things I should have mentioned in my list of desirables was fewer electronic gadgets. I know that’s harder and harder to do, but GM is purposefully going in the opposite direction. A standard wi-fi hotspot pushes them over the breaking point. I don’t want it. I still want to take a peak at the ATS.

You may also notice that there are a lot of crossovers that easily fit the criteria but didn’t make the list. I have a hard time with crossovers. I understand why they exist and why they sell so well. In fact, if someone told me they bought a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4, I would congratulate them and tell them they made a good choice. These are both really good cars. I could also say the same for a lot of other CUVs. They just really aren’t for me. So when I do have one the list there’s something in particular I like about it, or it’s close enough to a hatchback or a wagon that I can convince myself that’s what it is.

Anyway here’s the list with some brief preliminary thoughts thrown in:

Dodge

Charger – it’s a cop car

Chrysler

200 – These got good initial reviews in the press but rumor has it the transmissions are finicky. I’m also on the fence about the styling. It’s still light years ahead of the old version.

300 – I don’t know if I’m old enough for one of these

Ford – The last Ford I had was a probe, so there’s that.

Fusion – particularly the 325 hp sport version they’re releasing

Taurus – I always picture the 90’s version when I hear the name.

Jeep

Wrangler – I’ve always wanted one of these, but I’m concerned about the practicality of daily driving

Wrangler Unlimited

Grand Cherokee

Mazda

CX-5

CX-3 – might be too small?

Kia – At one time I said I would never own a Kia. They’re staggeringly improved over the first one I drove in the late 90’s. If they made an AWD Optima, this whole exercise might be moot.

Sorrento – this is best looking AWD vehicle Kia makes. It’s probably too big.

Hyundai –

Genesis – Probably too expensive, also maybe no longer a Hyundai?

Santa Fe Sport – maybe?

Toyota

4Runner – one of the last genuine SUVs in existence. They’re big and they get expensive quick. Used examples are somewhat rare and still expensive.

Honda

HRV

Subaru – When in New England, do as the New Englanders do?

I’m open to anything but the BRZ. I’ve also heard that the Legacy is a little weak compared to other cars in its class.

Lexus

IS

RC

BMW – I’m not sure I can pull off a BMW

2

3- I particularly like the wagons but they’re pricy

x1

x3

Infiniti

Q50

Q60

QX30 – this really is just a hatchback. They’ve said so.

QX50

Mercedes – I… have a hard time with Mercedes.

CLA

GLA

Volvo – fun fact: there are three Volvo dealers in Rhode Island. THREE!

S60

V60/crosscountry

XC70

Volkswagen

golfR

Fiat

500x – I don’t know why, but I like the way it looks. The interiors are supposed to be really nice.

Audi

A3/S3

A4
A5

Allroad

Jaguar

XE - I’m not sure I can get one configured the way I want in my budget. They also aren’t actually on dealer lots yet in the US as far as I know

Land Rover

Discovery Sport – same issue as the Jaguar.

Cadillac – I don’t know if I’m old enough to drive a Cadillac

ATS/coupe

Lincoln – I don’t know if I’m old enough to drive a Lincoln either.

MKZ

Mini

Clubman All4 – Probably not.

So that’s the list. I probably won't actually start looking at cars until the weather warms up a bit. Let me know if there’s anything I missed, or a reason that something that’s here shouldn’t be.