Considering a garage reshuffling

"Saracen" (manualdoucheelitist) 05/16/2014 at 14:44 • Filed to: None

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tl;dr version, I may sell the Golf R and split its two roles between a dedicated practical vehicle (truck/SUV) and a sporty rwd vehicle.

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So, my dad has a Honda Ridgeline. Deficiencies as a truck aside, it is a very comfortable and practical vehicle. I have the ability to borrow it whenever I need it, provided I don't ding it and return it with a full tank of gas. I end up borrowing it more than a few times a year, and I don't know what I'd do without it.

However I recently found out that my parents will soon be in the midst of a garage reshuffle. It's likely they will be selling off all their cars and getting the new E250 Bluetec or 328xd wagon (for mom) and a Model S 85 for dad. I knew they were considering the two new cars, but I didn't know that the Ridgeline would be a casualty!

I had been planning to get a more practical vehicle when I sell the condo and get a house, but this is making me accelerate my timeline, as their sell-off could happen soon...especially since my dad's work commute has recently more than doubled.

So, I am considering what to do. Obviously I will need to add a beater truck/SUV of some variety to my garage. I am very active, so something to cover home improvement home depot runs, camping, skiing trips, the beach, road trips, carrying my bikes, and preferably being able to do this while transporting a few friends as well. So this means durable, 4WD, cheap, but still comfortable. Automatic is fine. MPG isn't really a consideration here, since any vehicle that fits those roles will get lousy mileage.

Additionally, I'm thinking of what to do with my Golf R. It's a fun car. However, I got it because at the time I just wanted a single car that can do a bit of everything: practicality mixed with driving fun. It is a jack of all trades, but does not excel at any one thing. However, I feel that if I must get a second vehicle that fills the practicality role, why not sell the R and get a dedicated sporty car? Preferably light, most likely RWD, definitely with a manual gearbox. Maybe new, most likely used.

I have a combination in mind, but I don't want to reveal what it is yet.

So, fire away, Oppo, I would love to hear your advice and suggestions. Consider that this is not a hypothetical situation and could very well happen. Have an Alfa GTV for reading my ramble...

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:47

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How much would your dad sell you the ridgeline for? He could sell it to you for the trade in price the dealer offers him.

Brian Silvestro > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:47

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Get an Alfa GTV!

bob and john > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:47

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ridgeline is a decent ,reliable hauler. but IDK, a honda truck...would get you flamed.

light, RWD sports car? do I even have to say it......

Stupidru > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:49

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I've oft thought about ditching the one-car theory for a dedicated winter/duty vehicle and a summer fun car. However I find myself in precarious situations more often than not. I work 25 miles from home and, for instance, last week my boss offered his ladder to me for free if I could come pick it up after work. Drove over, slapped it on the roof of my wagon, and I was gone. If I had a Miata or S2k, that couldn't have happened.

HOWEVER

I've also found myself needing to repair my car (broke a bolt off in the middle of the brake hub, requiring me to keep my car on jack stands for a day until I could get the bolt out) and so my wife and I had to do a very odd commute routine. Your life probably differs from mine drastically, in which case please disregard everything I just wrote

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:53

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I'd recommend an older Toyota pickup or early Tacoma, depending on your budget, for the beater/truck.

Jayhawk Jake > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 14:58

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I've thought about doing the same thing, and there's a decent chance I go through with it when I have a house.

I'd probably suggest SUV over truck just for the added practicality of enclosed cargo and extra seats.

Nothing > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 15:02

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I had exactly the practical truck/fun rwd setup and got rid of the truck for the Focus ST. We do still have my wife's Grand Cherokee as the potentially practical vehicle.

However, I've been debating now ditching the Miata and getting a project truck. I'll hold of because I know in a year and change, I'll be ditching the ST, I'm sure, for another truck. That's just how I roll.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 15:15

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I'd recommend a pickup over an SUV based on the bikes unless you want to get a trailer hitch or roof rack mounting system. With a truck you can toss the bikes in the back and strap them down with a bungee cord. With an SUV you end up having to take of the front wheel, and most likely fold down the seats to fit the bike which will not allow for more than one friend.m I was going to say a Ranger but they wont fit people in the back. My Sport Trac worked great for biking, home depot and people hauling but you dont get anything better with it than an F150. I think the MPG's and prices will be about the same. Please dont get a Miata. We could use some variety in here.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Saracen 05/16/2014 at 15:15

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I think the picture you posted has an answer to one half of your question.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 05/16/2014 at 15:19

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Your tag line should be:

"I wanted the Alfa GTV but pops said no, so you should get it so I can live vicariously though you!"

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 05/16/2014 at 15:21

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EXACTLY!

Saracen > bob and john 05/16/2014 at 15:24

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I wouldn't buy the Ridgeline. Like I said, it was very useful, and had deficencies as a truck. I wouldn't buy one if I was looking for a truck.

I know what you're going to say, but I don't fit in them.

Saracen > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 05/16/2014 at 15:25

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More than I am willing to pay for a beater, and I'm not interested in owning a Ridgeline anyway.

Saracen > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/16/2014 at 15:26

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I don't fit in Miatas, so it's not even on the list.

Saracen > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/16/2014 at 16:28

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lol, except the sporty car would get DD duties most of the time. I love me a GTV, but not as a daily.

Saracen > Stupidru 05/16/2014 at 17:06

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I'm single, so it wouldn't be a problem for me. When that changes it would be a three car stable.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Saracen 05/23/2014 at 13:15

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A Ridgeline? Even an F-150 with the 3.7L V6 tows more than a Ridgeline. I mean, it's fine if all you do is throw stuff in the back, but if you are going to ever tow things with it, you are better off getting an old F-150/Silverado/Ram. And unless you are going to drive in unplowed snow, or in mud, you really don't need 4WD (Although I will admit it is very handy to have on occasions, like pulling my car hauler out of the gravel slip next to my driveway. It's up a hill, and loose gravel, and a challenge with a LSD and RWD).

In fact, I did that. I bought an old, mid-90s F-150 for about $4K. Sucks gas like it's going out of style, but still tows 8000 pounds, which is enough to haul the Z4 to the track.

And for commuting, I have the little Mini. Which also fits on the car hauler to go to the track.

Saracen > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 05/27/2014 at 03:19

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He doesn't need it for towing. It fit my dad's needs just fine, but it would be unsuitable for my needs. Nice to be able to use it like I said, but I would not buy it if it were my choice..