Is that Hank in a Truck??

Ok, so here's the scoop....both our 2003 Toyota Camry and 2002 Mitsubishi Galant hit over 110,000 miles on them and counting, and recently began experiencing minor problems on both. We decided it might be wise to strategically plan our auto purchases by replacing only one at time, not two. So, we recently went auto shopping for a new or slightly used vehicle and found interest in the following:

Toyota 4-Runner (Athletic and Reliable)
Honda CR-V (Reliable, 30 mpg, you do the math, but Chic-ish, no offense)
Lexus RX330 (Reliable and Professional)
Infiniti FX35 (Sport and Luxury)
Chevy Tahoe (Just all around good choice)

We originally thought an SUV might be the best choice, given the cargo room, seating options, and ground clearance. After driving the 4-Runner, Honda CR-V, and Lexus RX, we made our way to Bob Moore Infiniti to check out the FX35. We had already decided that whatever we find, we will take a few days before buying to research and discuss all options. Then, as we were leaving the dealership, we rolled through the Cadillac lot next door just for fun (I love cars, can you tell?), then, it happened. Our next vehicle found us. I slammed on the Galant brakes, and it was so over at that point.

There sat a 2007 Ford F-150 FX2 Sport (Black with Black & Red interior) with only 4,800 miles, meaning, somebody else took the new car hit. I've never been so captivated by a truck as this one. Sure, I've admired the Harley F-150s, the Southern Comfort Chevys, occasional Escalade and Lincoln Mark LT, but you just "know" when it's the one.

SUVs are nice, but for our current needs and future needs, we concluded that this will serve as a Sports Vehicle (5.4 Liter V8 yeah!) / People Hauler / Unlimited Utility Vehicle all in one great package. We couldn't be happier and have been told once you own a truck, you'll always own a truck. Liz and I were also growing tired of borrowing somebody else's truck when we need one, or passing up great bargains on large items (i.e. Furniture, Landscaping, etc.) simply because we can't haul it home and/or the store won't deliver long distances. And, since SUVs have limited cargo capabilities, it further confirmed our decision against one.

As for our commuter vehicle, we plan to replace our Toyota Camry in (3) years, hoping to hit at least 1/4 million + miles, and continue replacing commuters every few years afterward, never needing an SUV. A hybrid would make sense for commuting, but I want to wait and see how they hold up in terms of repairs and maintenance over time. Liz and I are partial to the Toyota/Lexus line, and we've been eying the Lexus IS250 very heavily as our next commuter. It has everything we want, and achieves 32mpg on the highway, which trumps our Camry. Sure, as a car nut, I would love a BMW or Audi for performance and sports reasons, but they haven't always scored well in terms of reliability and wear.

If any of you out there are considering a reliable commuter, I highly recommend anything from these brands: Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and Mazda. They are all great and Consumer Reports will vouch for their track records (most models). Though Mitsubishi hasn't always had a great reputation, I will say that it was by far an excellent college/work car and never once needed repairs all the way to 110,000 miles, just regular maintenance.

NEVER NEVER NEVER neglect your vehicles for maintenance. Any car will become your worst nightmare if you do. At least change your oil if you find you don't have time for anything else. It's key in keeping your vehicles long-term. I'm not trying to nag, just advising. And people, please, clean them up, that can also play part in a car's life believe it or not. I love cars, and I absolutely hate when I see cars being abused. There should be a law against it!! - Hank