The rich mans daily driver debacle.

"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi) 03/03/2014 at 15:10 • Filed to: None

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I often contemplate daily drivers. As an automotive enthusiast I believe most of us do. Recently I was thinking (a first I know!), If money were no option, what would I daily?

This question came to me after I got a call from a wealthy friend; "Come by the house, I got something you need to see."

I arrived to see a 1927 Ford T-bucket he found on the "cheap" and wants me to help him get it to what he wants it to be. But what does a 1927 Ford have to do with daily drivers?

In the two years I have known this individual, he has had an Escalade, an E-Class, a CLS AMG, and, now, a GL Class for Daily drivers (yes, someone who swaps DD's more frequently than I). He has had the GL for about 3 months now and he also wanted to know if I thought he should change it out for a G Wagon AMG as he is already bored with it. Money is rarely an issue with him as he had taken his $60,000 E-Class in for an oil change and used the money in his pocket (literally) to buy the CLS because "I took one look at it and it gave me an erection".

So I got to thinking, If I had the cash flow of my friend here, given my circumstances (single, no kids, etc.) what would I daily? the rules were simple, as this would be a daily, it would have to be new, so it could have a warranty, and had to have a price tag under $250,000 (which is what my friend would consider the limit of affordability for a daily).

At first I thought, "Man, I would rock an exotic all day long!"

But a car like this would not suit as a daily, I came to realize. There is no storage for anything you may need, getting in and out for errands isn't always the easiest thing, you can't park it anywhere, and (as Doug has proven) it will take you twice as long to go anywhere.

How about a complete 180?

A full sized pickup. LOTS of room, ample storage, can go almost anywhere (except parking garages...) park it anywhere. But it is massive, and the chore of navigating a large truck through a major city day in and day out just seems taxing.

Well then why not the life of luxury, a nice big luxury sedan?

A very nice choice indeed, roomy, comfy, can haul your groceries... But something about driving a barge every day makes my skin tingle.

I would want something fun and sporty. It does not need to seat 6, nor does it need to carry 200 lbs of groceries, it is just me. It needs to have a comfortable ride but still be fun. Some pep, but not in the shop every 3 days.

My search led me to this. The new 991 Targa. Its a bit of a mix of everything (except a truck unless you include the 4wd...) and can be rather quite versatile.

Assuming you have stuck with me for this long. Given your circumstances and my above hypothetical, which way would you choose? And why?

EL_ULY > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:13

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LS600hL executive

because Yamaha V8, AWD, and Performance Hybrid system :] Plus unrivaled quality and premium luxury/engineering.

or

C7-R

because fuck it, i'm rich biach! :]

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:14

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My answer is obvious. A bentley brooklands.

HOWEVER - it needs to be british racing green and be kitted out to be a homage to the old blower bentley le mans racers of yore. So blacked out wheels and details, and more power. More noise as well. Oh and stripped of some of the luxury.

Why? Because fuck you.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:15

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Panamera Turbo S Executive.

I get the luxury of wanting a huge car.

And it's fast.

Jayhawk Jake > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:15

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Daily driving I don't need anything in particular. I just go to work, by myself. Sometimes I go to lunch with friends, but they have cars with 4 seats.

I'm going to go with R8. It'd be fine in light snow, fun to drive, and has enough space in the frunk for groceries. V8 Manual, white with black accents.

I'd have a truck as a second car for taking my planes to the field/heavy lifting/extreme weather.

CAR_IS_MI > EL_ULY 03/03/2014 at 15:15

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I don;t think you could get the C7-R legally on the street no matter how much money you have, but I will accept the answer because C7...

CAR_IS_MI > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 03/03/2014 at 15:16

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I thought the same too, but I just STILL can not get over the hunch back.

Brian Silvestro > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:16

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I was thinking 991 Targa until very recently

Milky > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:16

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A nice big and comfy GT, most time spent in a DD is just with one person in a car. But you still want to comfortable and speed is always nice.

Though I do like your Targa idea.

puddler > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:17

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i'd daily a POS. for the same reason i do. i don't want to have to worry about others driving. if their car is better than mine, they'll do their best to not hit me. and if need be, i can total new cars without scuffing my bumper.

my toys wouldn't be much better, i'd just have more of them.

Team6.1 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:17

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Exotic would be fun but too impractical. Full size trucks are a pain in the ass to park and drive. Same for a Bentley/rolls. I would prefer something sportier but also practical. That's why I dd a mustang gt now. With unlimited money.... I like the Targa 911 choice a lot actually. Especially if you have the means to have some less practical more situational cars for the weekend (64 impala for cruising, Jeep for crawling/off-road, full size truck for gettin shit done, Zr1/viper/lotus for track days, old muscle for shits and giggles)

CAR_IS_MI > Brian Silvestro 03/03/2014 at 15:17

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Not a bad choice either.

EL_ULY > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:18

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ohh raspberries >:(

For Sweden > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:18

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Nothing wrong with spending $80,000 on an impulse car purchase if you have the means to do so, but he literally had 800 $100 bills in his pocket?

Brian Silvestro > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:19

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Checks all the boxes.

Arben72 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:20

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The new s class is much nicer then the last Bentley continental without looking like a pompous prick. Hopefully a s63 will be added to my garage before then end of the year.

Slizzo82 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:20

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The answer is always CTS-V Wagon. You can still order one for about another week.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:21

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Today, I learned that I belong on this site, because in this post, all 3 of my dream cars were posted on it. (At least dream cars I hope to buy in the future) the LS600hL, FF or the Panamera Turbo S Exec.

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:21

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I'm a man of simple tastes.

And blue is my favorite color.

And that's a sexy box on wheels.

But honestly, I don't know why I keep getting back on the truck idea. Probably because I would be afraid to drive anything uber expensive/exotic/low to the ground in the northeast.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:21

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Please tell me you picked this color combo as a joke.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > EL_ULY 03/03/2014 at 15:24

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If he got bored with the CLS that quickly, this will put him to sleep before he gets it off the lot.

Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:25

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Nothing Screams Monieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz like a black W140 S600L.

I once had a Blue W140 S600L. It's fenomenal. I just want a little bit sinister version of it.

Or maybe a Maybach 62, but totally rebodied to be a coupe.

CAR_IS_MI > For Sweden 03/03/2014 at 15:26

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Yes, and I've seen him carry more than that on occasion.

SonorousSpeedJoe > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:27

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For an entertaining option with storage/passenger space, I'd take the Maserati Ghibli.

I've heard that Chrysler's Uconnect system is pretty good, the ride should be good given that its platform is an evolution of the one that underpins the 300, and it has a dual-mode exhaust that I can switch from restrained to entertaining as I please.

The Real Dacia Sandero > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:27

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I wouldn't have a daily if money were no object.

Land Rover Defender 110

Lotus Elan(the original one)

Air cooled 911

1991 BRG Miata

Triumph TR6

MG MGB

Porsche 356 Speedster

Green/Tan Ferrari F355 Spider

Lotus Elise

Mclaren F1(you said money was no object...)

I would choose whatever car fit my needs for the day best(or was running...)

awe46m3zcp > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:27

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C63 AMG or M3... because car seats. If I didnt have a kid it would be a coupe, probably an M4.

Of course theres other cars with a higher lust factor, but these 2 represent the best mix of practicality and sportiness. 2 cars you wouldn't get tired of driving every single day.

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo 03/03/2014 at 15:29

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I am still not convinced I could live without a Jeep / truck in my life either.

CAR_IS_MI > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 03/03/2014 at 15:30

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I actually kind of like it. at least I like the green, interior might have to be black.

CAR_IS_MI > SonorousSpeedJoe 03/03/2014 at 15:32

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Love the Maserati, hate the Uconnect. It is terrible in my Jeep. TERRIBLE!!!!!

For Sweden > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:33

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Does he wear parachute pants?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:34

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SRT Grand Cherokee

Big 6.4 V8, All-wheel-drive, and an interior that could rival the best of Germany.

CAR_IS_MI > For Sweden 03/03/2014 at 15:35

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lol, no. Hes the guy whom you allow to wear jeans with his suit jacket...

SonorousSpeedJoe > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:35

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Well, my only experience with infotainment is a few minutes with Hyundai's Blue Link, so I guess I can't really opine. I'm sure it's at least better than Maserati's pre-FCA system, though.

Your boy, BJR > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:35

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Either a '33 Alfa 1750 Zagato roadster or a french racing blue Bug Veyron with a french flag painted grille.

CAR_IS_MI > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/03/2014 at 15:35

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Good choice!

EL_ULY > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/03/2014 at 15:36

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they never put me to sleep when I drove them

CAR_IS_MI > SonorousSpeedJoe 03/03/2014 at 15:39

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Probably. My 2 complaints are bluetooth takes forever to connect (honestly almost 1 full minute every time) and the different inputs all have different gains (vol level 20 on the FM radio = vol level 40 on bluetooth = vol level 35 on aux etc. etc.). That gets really annoying really fast, especially because the radio does not default to low volume when you turn the car off.

CAR_IS_MI > Your boy, BJR 03/03/2014 at 15:40

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he rules were simple, as this would be a daily, it would have to be new, so it could have a warranty, and had to have a price tag under $250,000 (which is what my friend would consider the limit of affordability for a daily).

I like the idea, but...

avens > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:42

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If I were a rich man (dubi dubi dubi dubi dubi dubi dubi duu) I would certainly daily drive a Porsche. Nice ride, sporty and without any unnecessary ownership overcomplication. For example the Panamera is usually mocked by internet car enthusiasts, but the upper versions are one of the best cars on sale today.

Though if I were dirty rich I'd be driven everywhere, probably in custom Rolls or British-ish car because that's what everyone does.

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:43

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I don't have a Jeep or truck in my life currently...and I can't stop thinking about them. My latest thought process is more financially driven. If I become serious about it I'll post considerations and crowd source again.

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Stupidru > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/03/2014 at 15:49

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I sat in one at the Chicago Auto Show and felt like a BAMF, even just sitting there. Oh, and for an American car, this has a wicked nice interior

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:52

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It's certainly unique, but it wouldn't be my choice.

That said, it does look better in real life, and in coupe form.

If I was buying a Targa, I'd be hard pressed not to go this way:

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Stupidru 03/03/2014 at 15:53

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It's almost scary how nice the interior in these things are, considering 5 years ago Chrysler was putting one of the worst interiors ever assembled in the old one.

Your boy, BJR > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 15:55

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Whoops, sorry. didn't read. lol

Stupidru > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/03/2014 at 15:57

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As a long-time hater of anything assembled in America, sans Corvette/Viper/Mustang, I felt like all of my values I'd ever held were being challenged. Given the extra cash, I'd buy one in a heartbeat

CAR_IS_MI > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 03/03/2014 at 16:05

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I just like it because its different. I am sure it is one of the least ordered colors. Same reason why I would get an Audi in that dark purple color instead of black, or an AMG in brown...

yamahog > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:06

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My ex's father is pretty well-off, but not very into cars and drives a 7 series. My ex and his younger brother both have 3 series, the next youngest brother had to settle for the Navigator they'd been leaving at their South Beach penthouse, and the ten year old once yelled at me for guessing a Volvo logo without the name before him because he "only knows nice cars!"

Rough lives, I know.

ihm96 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:10

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CTS-V Wagon with the Twin-Turbo Hennessey package

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:11

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AMG CLS Shooting Brake

Because bi-tubro V8 making 557hp and lots of torque in the German's response to a CTS-V Wagon. Plus, its beautiful inside and out, in my opinion, and you can do all the burnouts/slides that you want. Oh, and it's a fucking shooting brake (according to Mercedes. I thought 4 doors made it a wagon, but I'm not going to argue).

CAR_IS_MI > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 03/03/2014 at 16:33

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But the CLS is a "coupe"...

And if only we could get it in the USA...

McLarry > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:40

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Aston Martin, all day long. Personally I prefer the slightly older DBS to the new Vanquish...I think it looks better and there's a 3-pedal option. Performance to rival mid-engined Italians and luxury to rival the barges. If that's a bit too stiff for your liking, there's always the DB9 - looks just as good, but a bit more 'grown up' perhaps.

ihm96 > Slizzo82 03/03/2014 at 16:40

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I was just at a caddy dealer that also is the largest vette dealer in the US and jokingly asked him about a CTS-V wagon, and he said you'd pretty much have to pay for most of it upfront because nobody would buy it. So sad :(

Barbarian772 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:40

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Money isn't a problem at all?

Well... I would probably do it like this:

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

All (of course) as stick shifts....

ihm96 > ihm96 03/03/2014 at 16:45

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Actually I'd probably get the coupe. Sorry oppo

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 16:45

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Right, a "4-door- coupe." Honestly, it all confuses me. Wouldn't a 4-door coupe be a sports sedan? It's still a "three box" design regardless of how sleek and sporty it is. Which would make the Shooting Brake a wagon because it's based off of a three box sport sedan but they're calling it a shooting brake because we want a shooting brake and I don't even know, man. I just want to drive the hell out of it every day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-box…

CAR_IS_MI > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 03/03/2014 at 16:46

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I agree with you 100%.

Just dont tell ze Germans.

Milky > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 03/03/2014 at 17:12

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I'll sign up for this too

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 18:03

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I don't think anyone has said this yet. I choose the old Quatroporte. I'd love to choose something newer and more hardcore, 'Fuck you spine! Imma have me a Sesto Elemento!', or maybe something with more class and a better badge. But I honestly cannot consider any other car for a DD. Noise, power, discretion, noise, and it's just... cool. Whenever I see one on the road all I can think is, 'Whoever you are, you bought the right car'. So fuck ya trucks and your diesel wagons, this one's for me.

Axial > McLarry 03/03/2014 at 18:18

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Yeah, here's another vote for the DBS. It retains a more DB9-ish look versus the new Vanquish, but is also still racey enough. The DBS also comes in a traditional manual, too.

Eazy-O > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 19:37

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Well, since the SAAB 9-3 Aero is once again being manufactured (you said new cars, yea?), I'd drive it just to support the company by getting this word out and out of brand loyalty. Plus the fact I've been in love with the design since 1st gen. I'd not go for the boring silver pictured, though. I'm thinking a custom colour, perhaps deep purple or anthracite (pulling towards brown, just a tad) or white, actually.

Enough space, but still compact. Enough power, but with tuning potential. Flies fairly under the radar. Ticks most of my boxes. You can get Hirsch tuned versions with warranty.

Stock: 220HP/162kW, 258ftlb/350Nm
Hirsch: tune and exhaust should be good for 270BHP, or so I'm told.

However, saying this now as a massive SAAB nut who can barely keep his 9000 or going, I imagine actually having all that moolah I'd prolly treat myself a bit more...

...or just go rich-person-crazy and rock a Caterham, X-Bow, Mono, Atom... I never did mind the elements all that much and surely, with that kinda money, I could afford not to carry a load of stuff with me. Who needs to go grocery shopping when you can have it delievered? :D

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 20:59

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Alright, I'll bite:

DD, either an i8

A G 63 AMG:

Tesla Model S:

Porsche Cayneen (Either GTS or Turbo S, GTS shown):

Any of them comfy, fast and luxurious.

samssun > EL_ULY 03/03/2014 at 22:46

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Plus unrivaled bland and premium sensory deprivation chamber...if you want a luxo-barge-monster, why not AMG?

Biodegradable Wiring Harness > CAR_IS_MI 03/03/2014 at 22:55

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Daily drive whatever the hell you want. Then take a zipcar whenever it breaks down or you need something more practical.

EL_ULY > samssun 03/04/2014 at 01:06

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All cars are bland to me and not at all a deprivation chamber. Trust, it's fun tossing those things around and hauling ass as much as the others.
I hear you..."but road feel and Camry is beige because on Jalopnik and Top Gear blah blah 14 year old blaaaaah"
I've been around cars for a while buddy. Im basing it on experience and the physical vehicle.

samssun > EL_ULY 03/04/2014 at 01:56

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I've driven multiple versions of the ES, GS, and LS. Lexus' stated goal for the past 15 years has been to create a bank vault on wheels.

If you want something big, comfy, and powerful, I don't see why you wouldn't at least go for something with some feeling to it, like an S65.

PW Sherman > CAR_IS_MI 03/04/2014 at 02:39

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I've DD'd a few Audi R8's for a couple days at a time and they are great cars. Just as comfortable as my S5, but a little more kick. Cabin noise is very minimal, and it's easy to park. If you have a bad day at least your commute home would be fun!

EL_ULY > samssun 03/04/2014 at 09:26

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You're right, I currently work at a dealership (ex tech, current parts guy) which includes Merc. It is a beast for sure but I'd get the LS600hL. Just me man. Engineering, tech, and very high luxury are included in both in their own flavor. Coca Cola, Pepsi, RC cola lol. I own a W210, e36, C5 Avant quattro, and a redneck V8 4x4 truck. My taste is all over lol. As far as that large cruiser, i'd go with a 2014 LS600hL. The machine is just incredible in every aspect.

-ex Lexus master tech 06-10 :]

Mad Man Ryan > CAR_IS_MI 03/06/2014 at 13:25

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I've been down this line of thinking before, and every time I come to one of two conclusions: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (997 or 991, love em both) or a BMW M3 (E90/92). The ///M probably has more room, but given a choice of either of those, I would certainly always go for the Porsche. They both handle very well, and are fun to drive. However, when you just aren't in the mood, they can be soft and comfortable as well. Also, they are both "safe" designs. Meaning I can damn well park them where ever I feel like without too many people touching and fidgeting with them.

Mad Man Ryan > Mad Man Ryan 03/06/2014 at 14:13

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For shits and giggles: http://www.porsche-code.com/PEC7ZVN2