Apocalypse Challenge - Pick ONE car to save you - Rules Here

"ciscokidinsf" (ciscokidinsf) 03/15/2020 at 18:04 • Filed to: contest, apocalypse, Pick One, Virus, Viruslopnik

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OK, so here is the Apocalypse challenge. You are healthy and told to move immediate family on a 6 5 0 Mile trip to some Nevada Airbase, one vehicle allowed per family. Gotta make it fast. First come, first served. You are late, you die. From your CURRENT vehicles, pick ONE the one you will use for an extended amount of time and tell us what cars are you leaving behind and why. PICK ONLY ONE CAR OR SUV or BIKE you currently have :

I start:

I will take: 2012 Saab 9-5 4-cyl Turbo - Odd choice, I know. B ut it is as large as my Phaeton (see below) , gets decent gas mileage on a full tank in the highway (near 400 miles) , has navigation and entertainment system. It will do good speed and has been reliable, even if about to reach 125K miles The odd parts will break down as expected, even if the turbos die, it will run, but the main engine, tranny and other components are GM sourced.

I will say goodbye to:

My fast coupes: The wonder Mitsubishi twins 1995 Spyder and Coupe VR4s (too small, one may overheat and not make it) and the 2015 FR-S I take to the track. I will cry. Dont get me anywhere near a gun.

My Small Soldiers : 2012 Suzuki Kizashi - Too thirsty for this mission, a bit small if the family has to fit. 2001 330i Manual - also too small and has been having overheating issues, it will be traffic and lines to get there . It will overheat I’ m afraid.

My German Tank: 2005 Volkwagen Phaeton: I almost took this one and it is a strong candidate to keep going, it has the right size, but the V8 is mighty thirsty getting around 320 miles a tank, and we are making the least stops to get there. And a repair may need parts not on the counter.

So, PICK ONE and God have mercy on your ride. Be Safe!

AkursedX > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 18:38

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Im going with the wife’s 2017 Highlander. Reliable, good on gas, almost 300hp and can fit kids and the most stuff in it. Saying bye to my RX8 and STI.

WilliamsSW > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 18:38

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We have 2 kids, and I would take the 2014 Mercedes E550. Very fast, comfortable, roomy and reliable.

I would leave behind my wife’s 2017 RX 350. Really we would take this one because my wife would insist, but I don’t even want to survive the apocalypse if it means getting stuck driving that POS.

We would leave my 2000 323cic because it’s not big enough for us and not quick either. Plus our 2005 Pathfinder, which currently has been sitting idle for a good six months already. I’m quite sure the battery is dead on that one.  

facw > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 18:48

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I only have one car, so I would take that. 2006 S60. It’s a pretty good highway cruiser anyway, should get me to the emergency vault well enough.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 18:55

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AUDI A8 SWB. Aux tank and 30 Gallon total capacity means 80 MPH and 700 mile range. Effective cabin filters— HEPA. Multi-pane glass. EMP resistant windshield for the coming nuclear exchange. Heated seats for the nuclear winter to follow.

I’d grudgingly take that over the Quadrasteer Suburban, but it’s a tough choice.

Left behind? S8 (poor MPG)
911s and Corvettes. Sigh.
Silverado (Sigh. 14MPG aint’ gonna cut it in the ‘Endless Search for The Juice;’)
MR2 and Land Cruisers— just not practical
Land Rover... Maybe one last 9mm into the PCM to finally put it out of its misery
Express— Damn I wish it were the new D-Max Diesel and it would’ve made the cut.
Impalas— Poor build quality.
Alfa 164 -- A final salute to the Italian culture.

pip bip - choose Corrour > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:03

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i take my only car, Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L and pray it doesn’t break down on route there

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:08

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I would obviously take my only car, a 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.8 auto, which isn’t the best at anything but get the job done every time.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:11

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Probably the waggo, the W123 could go off road a bit better if necessary but this thing can carry more, go faster and gets good mileage. 

fhrblig > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:12

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Over my husband’s objections, we’d take my F-150. Parts are plentiful for the 4.6 and it w ould be a reliable tank. Since it’s a Super Cab we have enough room to take my parents and his parents with us. Plus we may need to bring a bunch of stuff with us and his Elantra can’t help much with that.

I guess we could tow the Elantra behind it, but you said only one vehicle.

AestheticsInMotion > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:13

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Wait... *current vehicles*

I’m boned.

Do I take the track-spec Miata that doesn’t have a fan , or the scooter that tops out at 60...

Also, wow. You have an awesome lineup.

ciscokidinsf > AestheticsInMotion 03/15/2020 at 19:14

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Take the Miata!! 

AestheticsInMotion > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:18

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Okay, but only if I can do the trip via  forest service roads. I’ll just have to drive all out to keep from overheating.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/15/2020 at 19:21

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But the W123 will run forever...

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:22

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{nervously checks watch, fidgets, checks watch again}

“Say, you don’t mind passing along those GPS coordinates, do you?”

wafflesnfalafel > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:24

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no question - t he WRX - drop my two 5gal fuel cans in the trunk and we are gone, wouldn’t even have to stop along the way . Just had an oil change, it’s got brand new tires and I understand the cabin filter is corona zombie virus proof.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:32

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BTW, as you can tell from my Audi Affliction-- I have a total fascination with the Phaeton...  How much trouble has it been to keep on the road?

ciscokidinsf > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 03/15/2020 at 19:35

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Its on about to hit 135K miles - It has been better than its infamous Fame during the last 6 years . But then again, is my 2nd one, so I know how to take care of it.

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:45

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Mazda5 6MT. Roomy (relatively speaking), reasonably efficient and reliable. That, and the rest of my vehicles are scale models and thus t hey wouldn’t be of much help getting me anywhere...

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:46

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Didn't give it a second thought. It holds the most crap, it's the most reliable, least expensive to operate, and easiest to fix. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 03/15/2020 at 19:49

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True, and no computer so EMP proof. We also have this haha, but it’s slow and bad on gas.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 19:58

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Wow. I want one just for those trunk hinges...

Any transmission issues on the ZF in either?  That seems to be the Achilles heel of my D2s...

AdverseMartyr > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 20:02

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Well, I’d be stuck with my only vehicle (I guess we’ll ignore how I’ve magically been transported across the Pacific with my less than 25 year old car) a 2009 Honda Fit G. At least it has new tires for the drive. Though I’m gonna be worried over the lack of a spare tire and just one can of fix-a-flat.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 20:03

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Hmmm... A 200,000km ‘11 Mazda 3, or a 25,000km ‘18 BRZ.

They get comparable fuel mileage @ 90k ph/55mph.

I’ll take the funner one with more life in it.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 20:50

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The 2019 Kona L imited is gonna save my ass. It’s reliable, quite fuel-efficient, surprisingly fast, and at least with AWD and some ground clearance it won’t be stymied by poor road conditions short of a jeep trail.

currently, I will leave behind a 1997 BMW F650 Funduro motorcycle, which is at least as capable, not as fast, but more fuel efficient than the Kona, however it needs it’s recent carb re-build re-tuned and it runs like ass right now.

The 2018 F150 4x4 2.7 ecoboost is too hungry (though the large fuel tank means it has almost the same distance between fill- ups as the Kona) , and the 105mph limited top speed prevents it from being the in-a-hurry choice. However it will tackle off road situations with it’s low-range transfer case, locking differential and ~10 inches of ground clearance that the Kona simply couldn’t navigate... but the Kona wins out for speed by a wide margin.

The tractors are both highly capable off road, surprisingly fuel effic ie nt, and reliable as dirt, but they are a bit slow...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 20:59

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Wifes 2018 GMC Terrain Denali. Its AWD, got lots of room for us and the dog, its the fastest thing we own, and its decent on gas. Its also the newest and most reliable at only 21k on the clock.

Leaving behing my 2012 Cruze which has 145k on the clock and is having PCV problems (AGAIN!) and may be losing 2nd gear.  Also my 96 Volvo 850 with 167k on the clock. It runs well enough but it makes an awful lot of chassis and engine noises which would concern me slightly on a cross country drive. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/15/2020 at 21:03

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It makes me happy knowing that longboi would survive the apocalypse. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 03/15/2020 at 21:04

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This reminds me, I think my Cruze is losing 2nd gear. Im really considering pulling the trigger on a replacement. 

glemon > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 21:10

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So first the Triumph TR250 is out, not a lot of room, more likely to break, not great range. About the only thing going for it is if it did break it would be the car I could most likely fix by the side of the road.

The ‘97 Ford Ranger has 225,000 miles, good ground clearance, good room for stuff, but not securely, I don’t know if I trust it more than the Triumph as far as reliability, so out.

So I have a 2002 Lexus and and a 2007 Honda Fit. Both are in great shape and super reliable. Both have about the same range, though the Honda gets better gas mileage. The Lexus is more comfortable, but think I will go with the slightly newer, better gas mileage, better flexibility for moving things Fit.

Edit, I re-read the rules, forgot about the get there fast part, truck is even more out, Lexus wins, Honda is slow.

fintail > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 21:37

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It’d break my heart, but gotta take the E450 wagon and leave the fintail, hopefully I can come back later and rescue it.  A 600 mile trip in the old car is too risky, the modern car can easily hit 500 miles on a tank in the right driving, should be reliable, fast, etc - old car would be a gamble.

HammerheadFistpunch > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 21:39

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Well, I mean obviously I’m taking this one.

Sadly I have to leave this one. Both are good but I have more spare parts for the cruiser.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 21:47

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Probably my 2011 Jetta TDI. it’s got enough space for my dog and I, and can eat up the highway miles without consuming much gas. It also does surprisingly well off road for a low FWD wagon. I accidentally took it down an ATV Trail in Colorado last summer and made it all the way through.

My lifted 2015 Outback isn’t that great on gas, and hasn’t been reliable enough recently.

DC3 LS, Fuck Hyundai, now and forever > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 22:05

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Welp my only vehicle is a 2001 Hyundai Accent that probably makes less than 100hp right now, s o I guess I’m screwed.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 03/15/2020 at 22:06

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I don’t think it is the type of car anyone would plan on keeping forever. It is just designed to be as nice as possible for people who didn’t plan on buying such a small car. I totally won’t be lonely holding down the Team Cruze fort, at least until I decide the answer is always Miata or delve into a Mini. Go for it.

coqui70 > ciscokidinsf 03/15/2020 at 22:10

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Toyota Sienna for the win - rompin’ stompin’ V6, front or all-wheel drive, room for 7 or 8 and their crap, and many cupholders.

ciscokidinsf > DC3 LS, Fuck Hyundai, now and forever 03/15/2020 at 22:39

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I had one of those. A sedan. It should make it if in good shape

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 03/15/2020 at 23:23

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Well, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought lately, and I’ve kind of settled for the fact that I need an appliance car to get me reliably to and from work. And I need a fun car. So Im trying to flip my “fleet” - trade up from my Cruze to a newer car and then get rid of my Volvo 850, which was my beater/project for an older Volvo 240 that Im going to V8 swap.

As for what to replace my Cruze with, I’m honestly considering a Gen 2 Cruze. I like my Gen I a lot, its comfy and a good driver, and I like the looks.  The Gen 2 looks good, if a bit more bland, but I think it fixes my main issues with the Gen 1 - mechanical reliability. Im also thinking about a Volt, maybe a Civic Si, or something else. 

404 - User No Longer Available > ciscokidinsf 03/16/2020 at 00:15

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Solstice.

Believe it or not, I’m getting more and more skeptical of the N20 timing chain guide in my F30. And besides much easier to scavenge parts for a GM parts bin car.

Yes, I trust a 15 year old GM over an 8 year old BMW.

Derpwagon > ciscokidinsf 03/16/2020 at 01:01

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Out of the current fleet, we’d have to take the f150. More room inside   for wife and kid and pets,   can carry more supplies, is more capable off road if needed, and being the v8 won’t have turbo problems.

Left behind: CR-V. Just not big enough for everyone plus supplies.

Aso left behind: Supra. Rip.

Edgyhal94 > ciscokidinsf 03/16/2020 at 06:01

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Current cars? Well, my 300tdi Range Rover Classic, naturally. Does 34mpg, doesn’t have anything to go wrong, unlike its V8 counterparts, and would probably get to the base in one tank, plus if needed, it’s more than capable off-road to avoid anything blocking it, failing that it’ll happily ram anything if needed. Five seats means I can take fellow survivors who I like, anyone I don’t like the look of can walk or if required, ran over till I’m satisfied they aren’t a threat, the cargo capacity means I can take all the canned beans and SPAM I’ll ever need to just wait for this apocalypse to blow over.

And yes, I know some may question a Land Rovers reliability, but given the 300tdi engines near unkillable nature, trust me when I say it’ll get you though hell and back, with fuel to spare.

Long_Voyager94 > ciscokidinsf 03/16/2020 at 07:23

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Easy:

May not hold quite as much as the new van, but it’s a more solid vehicle all around. It’s reliable, costs very little to operate, and it extremely easy to fix “if” something happened.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 03/16/2020 at 08:24

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I can see  that, and the Gen 2 hatches are quite nice. A Volt is also a good choice. An Si might not be as good of a commuter but I really don't know 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 03/16/2020 at 09:42

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The Si would definitely be more on the fun side, but from what I hear it’s not quite as high strung as previous ones. This was the first generation we got the Type-R so Honda is trying to split the gap, I think. There’s some other options out there I’d consider, the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra Sport or Elantra GT N. I looked at the Corolla S but it doesn’t do anything for me, and neither does really anything by Nissan.

I’ve got time to decide and need to  sit down and crunch some numbers. I usually make a spreadsheet where I baseline my car and then plug in info for all the ones I’m interested in, and compare things like power, fuel economy, head room, leg room, cargo capacity, etc.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 03/16/2020 at 10:17

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So would you be buying new? Sounds fun and good luck.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 03/16/2020 at 10:23

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Probably slightly used, something 2017-2018. But we shall see what happens, between Corona and the economy, there might be new car deals to be had. Who knows? But whatever I get, I’ll post about it on O ppo for sure.

We also just got our tax stuff to our accountant this weekend, so I’m waiting to see how that shakes out.  That might, in part, determine my budget. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 03/16/2020 at 10:31

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I didn’t spend enough money on mine to worry enough about features to make a spreadsheet, but good luck. Also, I don’t believe I ever saw a picture of yours. Maybe Corona will make dealer a little desperate to move a small car while gas is cheap.

DC3 LS, Fuck Hyundai, now and forever > ciscokidinsf 03/16/2020 at 17:54

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It ain’t gonna beat anyone else there for sure though.