Fritz submitted an entry for his dad who’s at present driving a 2011 Taurus. The Ford has been sturdy but it surely’s getting up there in age and he’s trying to improve to one thing that rides a bit larger and has higher visibility. What automobile ought to he purchase?
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Here is the state of affairs:
My dad has a 2011 Taurus Limited he bought again in 2017 for $6k. He bought it with 95k on the clock, and it now sits at 132k and is beginning to present its age. He says he needs a 2 row SUV with (in his phrases) some presence for round $20k. He additionally likes his options on the Taurus (it has the whole lot besides nav). I do know the choices for this worth bracket are slim, however I need to see what you guys suppose. I determine any SUV could be good for visibility, for the reason that Taurus has terrible outward visibility. He would like not a German or American made automobile.
Quick Facts:
Budget: $20,000-ish
Location: Overland Park, KS
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: SUV/Crossover, good visibility, good options
Doesn’t need: An American or German automobile
Expert 1: Tom McParland – The Sensible Choice
Upgrading an older automobile on this market definitely is difficult, however your dad appears to have some pretty affordable parameters, and most autos which are reasonably outfitted will really feel like an improve over the Taurus. Given that his Ford is technically thought of a “full size” sedan, I think about he doesn’t need to dip into the “compact” SUV area with one thing like a CR-V or RAV4. So maybe one thing in that “in-between” section that has two-rows however is a tad larger than a few of the normal selections.
You ought to in all probability search for the nicest Lexus RX you will get your fingers on. It could have all the posh options you’re used to within the fancy Ford, can be tremendous comfy, and positively simpler to see out of. The Lexus, if properly cared for, also needs to final fairly some time since these are identified for being pretty indestructible. Finding examples, with affordable miles underneath $25,000 shouldn’t be going to be straightforward, however I did see this 2015 with underneath 50,000 miles. It does have a “minor accident” reported on the historical past, however that normally means one thing beauty in nature. This can also be a front-wheel-drive automobile which can additionally clarify why it’s not as in-demand. But forgoing further drive wheels for low miles and Lexus construct high quality is an efficient commerce off.
Expert 2: Collin Woodard – Get Some Wind In His Hair
After a short hiccup final time round, Tom is again to his outdated behavior of constructing the most effective suggestion proper out of the gate and leaving the remainder of us to provide you with options that everybody is aware of aren’t pretty much as good. Whether your dad is aware of it or not, he needs a Lexus RX, Fritz. But what if, for no matter purpose, he doesn’t desire a Lexus RX?
Perhaps he is aware of a crossover is a sensible buy however needs he might justify shopping for one thing that’s slightly extra enjoyable. Maybe he owned an MGB again within the day and would like to relive the glory days of top-down enjoyable, the wind in his hair and the liberty of the open highway. Could he presumably discover one thing that also gives plenty of the practicality of a Lexus crossover however can also be a convertible? Yes. Yes, he can.
If your dad decides to move on the Lexus RX, which is certainly the right automobile to purchase, I say level him within the path of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Finding one in Kansas will in all probability be an inconceivable activity, so that you’ll additionally need to introduce him to the idea of getting a automobile shipped to his door, however bear in mind, it’s his fault that he didn’t need the Lexus RX that he ought to have gotten. He’s the one who insisted on getting one thing completely different. And the Murano CrossCab is certainly completely different.
The excellent news is, since nobody needs them, you will get a low-mileage Murano CrossCab for properly underneath $20,000. For instance, right here’s one with solely 46,000 miles for a mere $11,999. Even with the added value of transporting it to Kansas, he’ll nonetheless have loads of cash left over to repair something that’s incorrect with it. Or, you already know, he might simply purchase a Lexus.
Expert 3: Andy Kalmowitz – Ignore Every Instinct
Fritz, the whole lot in your head and your intestine goes to inform you this can be a horrible thought. I’m even going to inform you it’s a horrible thought, however you gotta ignore that. What your dad wants deserves is an 11 yr outdated BMW X6 M. Please disregard the truth that the one factor your father requested for was good visibility. The X6 M doesn’t have that, at the very least not out of the again. Up entrance, the visibility is okay, and that ought to depend for one thing.
Sure, there are many very affordable selections in your father right here. Better selections even, just like the RX, however the place’s the enjoyable in that? Oh, you’re saying the Murano CC is enjoyable? Sure, however as a bit. Since your father is an older man from Kansas, I’m going to exit on a limb and say he’s probably not into bits. Neither is the X6 M.
It’s a critical car for critical individuals. With a twin-turbo V8 engine, an M-tuned suspension and the entire coke white paint you would ask for, your father is absolutely going to have that presence he’s after. It’s additionally bought the entire gizmos and devices you would need (if you happen to lived in 2012).
Because I’m such a swell man, I even discovered the proper X6 M in your dad, Fritz. It’s not terribly removed from you in Nebraska, is available in proper round your $20,000-ish funds and it’s bought lower than 85,000 miles out it. Buddy, do the incorrect factor. Get your dad a BMW X6 M. The proper selections simply aren’t as enjoyable.
Expert 4: Lawrence Hodge – Go Cheap, Go British
Coming from one thing as bland and vanilla as a Taurus, your dad deserves a car with a bit extra model and substance. Luckily we’re now far sufficient into the 2020s that vehicles from the earlier decade that supplied each however might need been out of attain are virtually comically low-cost now. I feel the proper automobile in your father could be a primary era Range Rover Sport.
I don’t imply the rip roaring Supercharged mannequin, both. Those had some issues. I’m speaking the extra “basic” HSE trim. You nonetheless get the distinctive appears of the Range Rover Sport with all of the British luxurious that will are available a regular Range Rover. There’s a 375 hp V8 underneath the hood, greater than sufficient energy for anybody, nice visibility — it’s a Range Rover in any case. And in case your dad needs to haul some stuff round, there are two rows of seating and 71 cubic ft of cargo area when the seats are folded down. And if you happen to go this route you’ll save a pleasant chunk of change. The instance I discovered is a 2012 in nice situation contemplating it has simply over 110,000 miles on it. And it’s a steal; the seller is asking simply $13,500.
Source: jalopnik.com