Laminar

U-Haul will not rent a trailer to you if you're in a Sport Trac, so if you ever want to pull a car or any other trailer, that won't be an option.

100% skip. They all have the horrible 4.6 and 5.4 engines. Terrible mpg, terrible reliability, terrible power. The bang-for-buck F150 right now is the 2011-up 5.0. It has a few common issues, but no show-stoppers. HOWEVER, if it hasn't had the lead frame replaced, skip it. The transmission controls go bad and require replacement of the sensor assembly (lead frame). Guess what part no one can get right now?

Federighi

iTrader: (7)

Good to know about the Ford's, I'll take a look at 2011+ and skip the Sport Trac. I will say that's it's definitely hard to find an interesting used vehicle these days and who would've ever thought that one day you'd need $10k or more to buy an acceptable beater? Smh.

Few other vehicles came to mind. I don't recall the Chevy / Caddy ever being too popular and there's def not many left on the road. Also highly unlikely there'll be a MPV with lowish miles and in decent condition.

-Chevy Avalance
-Cadillac Escalade EXT
-90's Mazda MPV 4x4

Federighi

iTrader: (7)

Still on the hunt.

Most recently I'm leaning towards a Honda Element but finding a 'clean' one with lower miles is definitely a task. Always wanted one for some reason. Somewhere around 10 years ago I was planning to get a manual 4x4 for a franken 2.4 kswap and lift it with some big tires but never came to fruition. Maybe now is that time… ? Never know.

ps- There are still a few other potentials (boring regular cars) but nothing as interesting as the Honda imo.

Federighi

iTrader: (7)

Nobody's upset, it was for my wife. We'd been looking for a 'fun' and 'new' car for a couple years that would fit the dogs, etc and she actually had her eye on a M coupe but she refused to drive manual. M coupe would've been similar in cost (arguably 'money well spend' by comparison) and appreciated in value but she doesn't view / value a vehicle in this way; it's more about the actual use / function of a vehicle that is most important to her. I scratch my head sometimes at all the options available to her and with what she actually ends up with in the end. It's the 'to each their own / is what it is' circumstance.

UnknownJinX

For the new car, try out the CX-90, maybe?

If that's too big, there is the CX-70 that will hit the scene next spring.

For the cheaper beater, well, you can just get a 2nd Gen Mazda3 that's not a Speed, LOL. Outside the Speed, they are actually all pretty reliable. Just need shocks if they get up in the miles, but heh, that's a great chance to throw on some nicer shocks. My vote goes to the Skyactiv 2.0 variant, but if you do want the bells and whistles then you would need to take the hit in gas mileage with the MZR 2.5. A 3rd or 4th Gen is great as well if you can find them for a good deal.

Mazda3 MSRP goes for ~CAN$38k here in Canada in fully loaded form(GT AWD Turbo). US$45k in the US is... wow.

Laminar

MSRP is $38k in the US, too. $45k is if you buy every dealer add-on that they try and pitch you.

Federighi

iTrader: (7)

Update:

After what feels like endless searching, it's apparent that finding a subjectively 'cool' family car for under $10k in today's market is nearly impossible. So I've been trying my best to find a creative solution to acquire a new vehicle that aligns with my specific needs. Ideally my choice would be a daily driver that is A) fun to drive, B) provide adequate space for the family, and C) capable of accommodating the occasional vacation track day.

In my most recent search, I considered vehicles like the Fiesta ST and Focus RS; however, the ST is too small for my needs and lacks in the styling department (imo). As for the RS, aside from its known head gasket issues and other noted flaws, it seems overpriced to me for the value. Unexpectedly during this cross-shopping phase, I discovered that I'm not far off from considering the new Corolla GR. Now that's something I can get excited about!

So I believe I've finally found what I've been searching for to replace my Speed3 in the Corolla as it can potentially fulfill all the qualities I've been looking for. It does come as a bittersweet realization that I'll be bidding farewell to both my Mazdas after all these years to fund it, but Toyota has been producing some great vehicles lately, and I believe it's a car well worth exploring.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Did not see that coming. This thread started with E350s which can fit 2 Corolla GR's in their wheelbase :/

kevink0000

Too late to this conversation, but I just bought a Gen 4 Chrysler Town and Country, 2007. I worked on a 2005 for a friend and was impressed with it, so I bought one myself. I was never a minivan person, in fact I scoffed at them. The chassis is very stiff, given all the holes in the body for doors. The steering feedback and feel is very surprising. It is a pleasure to drive and eats miles much better than a truck or SUV, and definitely handles much better , and I own both of those.They are also very reliable, with +300k mile examples all around. If anyone needs a hauler, look at one of these. Low wind noise due to Tic-Tac shape, and easy 90+ mph cruise with the 3.8. Parts are very cheap and available also.Definitely not cool, but maybe so uncool, it’s cool now? No?

Federighi

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, I'm with you on that one, haha! The idea of buying the Corolla just popped into my head out of nowhere!

But seriously, finding a clean older E350 wagon these days is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most of the ones you come across have high mileage, poor interior / exterior condition, or both. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what might work best for me going forward and I've realized that it's time for a change. I've forced myself to come to terms with the fact that my Speed3's time has passed and the RX-8 is completely impractical except as a dedicated toy, which I no longer have the spare time or space to maintain.

On the positive, I've never owned such a 'new' car before and I'm really looking forward to the experience. Plus, it gives me the chance to do my usual JDM treatment, as that's just my thing. What's even more exciting is that there's a decent amount of aftermarket support for this platform and I've already got a few plans in the works. In reality, I've been keeping an eye on the evolution of the modern Toyota brand over the years and I think they produce some decent products. Not that I personally want a Camry or anything, but I always tease my wife that Toyota makes the quintessential dad car.