How Practical is Your Car?

"Jay, the practical enthusiast" (jay-m) 09/25/2020 at 07:00 • Filed to: None

2

100

Now that we all know how !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (or in my case how oppo my cars aren’t) I’d like to try something a little different. Having a quirky car, a fast car, or something different is nice, but what about those of us who need a little practicality in our lives? Being an automotive enthusiast doesn’t mean you can only like super cars, exotics, or sports cars. I appreciate those cars for the engineering marvels that they are, but I still prefer cars that are useful in our everyday lives. How does your car add up?

1: Engine

Rotary: - 42 points

8-Cylinder or larger: -50 points

6-Cylinder: 25 points

5-Cylinder: 26 points

4-Cylinder: 50 points

3-Cylinders or less: 22 points

Hybrid: 75 points

Electric: 100 points

1.b: More engine

Carburetor: -100 points

Diesel (if more fuel efficient than gas option): 10 points

Diesel (if less fuel efficient than gas option): - 10 points

If no gas option: 0 points

2: Aspiration

Turbo returning worse fuel economy than NA option: -20 points

Turbo returning better fuel economy than NA option: 20 points

NA returning worse fuel economy than Turbo option: -15 points

NA returning better fuel economy than Turbo option: 15 points

If no comparison engine: 0 points

3: Body Style

0-doors: -40 points

2-doors: -35 points

3-doors: 10 points

4-doors: 35 points

5-doors: 55 points

3.b: Bonus Points

Truck: 15 points

Hatchback: 25 points

SUV: 30 points

Wagon: 35 points

Van (all sizes including mini): 50 points

Motorcycle: 5 points

Moped: 25 points

4: Wheels Driven

Rear-wheel drive: -10 points

Front-wheel drive: 15 points

All-wheel drive: 16 points

4-wheel drive: 12 points

5: Engine Location

Doesn’t matter unless:

Makes the car more fuel efficient (location optimized for less drag for example): 5 points

Increases the interior volume (cab-over minivan for example or front-wheel drive that allows for a flat floor): 15 points

6: Transmission

Auto returning better fuel economy than manual: 10 points

Auto returning worse fuel economy than manual: 5 points

Manual returning better fuel economy than auto: 15 points

Manual returning worse fuel economy than auto: 0 points

Bonus:

Auto with better performance than manual: 10 points

If no option: 0 points

7: Country of Origin (Home Country of Automaker, not factory location)

Japan: 20 points

Korea: 19 Points

Sweden: 10 points

America: 2 points

Australia: 1 point

France: 0 points

Germany: -15 points

Britain: -20 points

Italy: -25 points

Eastern Bloc: -30 points

India: -40 points

Other: -41 points

Final Assembly in country other than origin: -5 points

8: Horsepower

0-100 hp: 15 points

101 – 200 hp: 50 points

201 – 330 hp: 25 points

331 hp or more: -50 points (unless fuel economy is 30 mpg or greater, then add 50 points)

9: Age

5 years or newer: 20 points

6 – 20 years old: 10 points

21 – 30 years old: 5 points

31 – 45 years old: 0 points

46 years or older: -20 points

10: Fuel Economy (Actual or EPA rated, your choice)

51 mpg or more: 100 points (50 point bonus if not hybrid or electric)

40 – 50 mpg: 75 points

30 – 39 mpg: 50 points

25 – 29 mpg: 25 points

20 – 24 mpg: 15 points

15 – 19 mpg: -5 points

14 mpg or less: -50 points

11: Cup holders

0: -100 points

1: 1 point

2: 15 points

3: 16 points

4: 20 points

5: 25 points

6 or more: 35 points

12: Other (Bonus Points)

Sliding doors: 2 5 points

Power windows: 5 points

Remote power door locks: 5 points

Power driver’s seat: 7 points

Power passenger seat: 3 points

Air conditioning: 40 points

Dual zone climate control: 30 points (in addition to A/C points)

Heated seats: 20 points

Heated side mirrors: 15 points

Remote start: 10 points

Massaging seats: 50 points

Folding rear seats: 20 points

Seats fold flat to make a bed: 30 points

Video entertainment system for the kids: 30 points

Under seat storage: 15 points

Optional Safety (lane departure, etc.): 15 points

Point Key:

Negative Points: Yeah, you drive an insanely cool car, impractical, but we’re all a little jealous anyway.

0 points: How with all these options and variables could you end up with exactly zero points?

1 – 100: It’s a start but there are better options out there.

101 – 200: You’re trying to balance practicality with other needs.

201 – 300: Passengers love riding in your Civic.

301 – 400: Modern luxury SUVs are fantastic.

401 or more: Minivans and Priuses are awesome, aren’t they?

Kiltedpadre > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:14

1

My Volt received far more points here than the Opponess list.

432

Kiltedpadre > Kiltedpadre 09/25/2020 at 07:18

0

And it’s just beaten by the Sedona at 444.

Poor_Sh > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:20

1

Lol 65 for the Cayman

140 for M iata... odd

Sovande > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:21

2

So electric four door cars are the only thing practical? Lame. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:22

0

I forgot rearview camera: 10 points

Any other practical features I should add ?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Kiltedpadre 09/25/2020 at 07:23

0

Wait, how?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Poor_Sh 09/25/2020 at 07:23

0

Both much higher than I would have expected. I think positive scores are good for those 2 cars.

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:23

2

If I did it right, which I probably didn’t, I come  up with 485. Perhaps I’ll get some sleep and try it again later.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Sovande 09/25/2020 at 07:24

4

No, minivans are just as practical. 

Poor_Sh > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:25

1

The Cayman only made it because it's modern with heated seats and electric power things lol but honestly it's very practical for its class!

Dusty Ventures > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:26

3

You’ll have to explain to me why rear wheel drive is 22 points less practical than any other drivetrain.

Also, regarding cupholders, I’ll say here what I said when the “how oppo is your car” system was being revamped. I think a seat-to-cupholder ratio makes more sense than a straight number value.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:27

3

my Chery scores 275.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. 09/25/2020 at 07:27

1

That sounds about right. Mine is the base model and I used my actual fuel economy, 21 mpg. Is yours better with the manual? 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Dusty Ventures 09/25/2020 at 07:31

1

I don’t have a good answer for that except I don’t think this survey is meant to be taken so seriously. I was just rewarding us boring car drivers and penalizing those of you with cool cars.

Seat to  cupholder ratio is a great idea. How would you set it up?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Poor_Sh 09/25/2020 at 07:34

0

With the right options it seems like any modern car can be practical. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > pip bip - choose Corrour 09/25/2020 at 07:37

0

You have a Chery? Why didn't I know that? Is that score better or worse than you expected? 

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:39

4

You deducted 50 points for V8 to put me in the Civic category? That’s just wrong.

Especially when the Civic is being arbitrarily propped up by things that have no real practicality value like FWD and being Japanese.

I call farce. :(

On a more serious note, I think the peak age of a vehicle for “practicality” should be 5-15 years. Not because I would benefit from it personally, but because lightly used is usually the best option for most people. I think.

shop-teacher > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:42

8

I have several bones to pick with this. Practicality is related to its intended use. A Prius is an insanely practical vehicle to haul four people around day to day. Not so much, if you’re trying to tow. To quote Dennis Miller, “A Hummer clawing its way through the jungles of Borneo, is a tool. A Hummer trying to parallel park on Rodeo drive, is driven by a tool.”

For engine, you’ve penalized V8 by 50, despite the fact that the V8 in my truck is rated at the exact same fuel economy as the V6 option, while having something like 60 more horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque.

What makes an SUV more practical that a truck? I can haul a lot more stuff in the truck. Ah, some of it is outside, the space is less flexible ... But what if I’m hauling my scooters? See, use case. Practicality is based on use. What is the right tools for the job? It depends on the job. A set of channel locks isn’t a great hammer, but it’ll do in a pinch.

Why is rear wheel wheel drive less practical? It’s cheaper, lighter, and easier to service than a 4x4. I’ve been driving 2wd trucks through Chicago winters for about two decades. I’ve gotten stuck once. I doubt I would have gotten out of that in 4wd either, I was buried up to the frame.

What does country of origin have to do with practicality? That’s straight up snobbery IMO.

What’s so special about 101-200hp? Nice figure for an around town commuter, but again, what if that is not the job you’re doing?

Does a vehicle magically become less practical at 6 years old? If y’alls cars get breaky at age 6, you’re buying the wrong (read: less practical) car.

Why aren’t there any points for seating?

My truck gets 188 points, most of which came from bonus points, despite being what I will argue is the most practical version of a light duty truck. The crew cab short bed pickup truck, is the most practical things you can buy, if .. and here is the key ... IF YOU’RE ACTUALLY GOING TO USE IT. I use mine. I haul lots of people, and lots of stuff. Sometimes at the same time. All while being dead nuts reliable, and returning reasonable fuel economy for what it is, and what its intended purpose is.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 09/25/2020 at 07:43

2

No, no...I used a totally legit scientific process to arrive at these arbitrary numbers. I can't show you that process of course, trade secret. You'll just have to trust me. 

pip bip - choose Corrour > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:43

1

better than expected.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/2014-chery-j3-an-oppo-review-1844980944

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-bought-a-thing-1844432015

Just Jeepin' > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:44

2

I was doing pretty well until I hit the mileage section. My 13mpg hurt quite a bit (of course, it hurts whenever I drive, too).

Regrettably I broke the mechanism that allows my rear seat to flip forward and/or be removed, so I lost my chance to exceed  100. Final score for my Jeep: 89. Woof.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Just Jeepin' 09/25/2020 at 07:46

0

13! Is that usual or due to the way you drive?

Just Jeepin' > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 07:47

1

It’s a combination of low gearing for the Rubicon trim, of course all the aerodynamics of a brick, and I’m definitely not one to dawdle once the light turns green.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > shop-teacher 09/25/2020 at 07:53

3

Not gonna lie, I never even considered all these valid points you made. But I also didn’t mean for this to be taken seriously. I just copied and pasted the other survey and changed the points to benefit my cars.

Towing capacity is a very valid point. I would say add 50 points if vehicle is used for towing and add 15 points if truck bed is actually used. The fuel economy one is also a good point. Add 50 points if V8 is more fuel efficient than V6 option. 

Svend > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:09

4

523 points.

Right, this is where Sandy excels. Skoda Superb estate, manual 1.5TSi ACT 4 cyl, 50mpg, electric windows with ‘convenience windows’ active from the key fob, dual climate zone air con, heated seats, wings mirrors, front and rear windscreens, fwd, Czechia built, less than two years old, four cup holders, etc...

Massive boot.

((double sided boot liner fitted))

plus 3x 12v power points (front seat, rear seat and boot), rechargeable torch in dock in boot which doubles as an additional boot light,

(( Some pics from previous car, Piglet, who is the same as Sandy but was in liftback form as opposed to Sandy it estate form))

What do I get for rear seats ‘lounge mats’, umbrellas in the front doors and an ice scraper and holder in the fuel door?

Sovande > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:20

1

Also lame. The post should just be “The only practical cars are electric or minivans” and save the trouble of doing any math.

If you a carpenter, a Prius is less “practical” than a pickup truck but this survey doesn’t account for things like that.

Sovande > shop-teacher 09/25/2020 at 08:22

5

Real views I can stand behind!  Valid arguments and excellent punctuation.  Somebody elect this man to office. Any office!

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Svend 09/25/2020 at 08:22

4

Built in um brellas: 15 points

Power outlets: 5 points each

Ice scraper: 5 points

This might be the  highest score.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:23

1

My Prius C excels this time! I mean, it is more comfortable and easier to drive than the Mercedes I had before, especially on long trips. Lots of interior room, averaging around 63 mpg mixed driving, seen as high as 71. Lots of interior room for its size, easy to drive around, and flies completely under the radar. Plus, it is cute!  

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Sovande 09/25/2020 at 08:31

1

You’re right about the practicality of trucks, I didn’t account for that. But I also didn’t realize how many people were going to take this seriously.

Svend’s wagon seems to be the high score so far so not just minivans and electric cars can score high.

The real title of this article should be “my cars scored terribly on the how oppo is your car survey so I made my own and arbitrarily set up the scores to benefit my cars."

Jay, the practical enthusiast > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 09/25/2020 at 08:39

2

That is incredible mileage. I didn't understand the Prius till I drove one. They really are great cars. 

Tripper > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:42

2

251 for the Alltrack lost points on horsepower but gained on mpg both via APR +
- 85 for the M3
-310 for the 1502

It’s  easier to have practical in a fun car, than it is to have fun in a practical car.

Svend > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:43

1

Yay, 573 points, and it’s not even an MPV. 

Though nothing for the lounge mats? They raise the front of your feet to take pressure off your calf muscles.

I knew I should of got the cradling headrests (comfort pack) with blankets too.

The sides of the head rests in the rear fold down to cradle your head while you sleep.

Tripper > Svend 09/25/2020 at 08:46

2

That is such a pretty car, the umbrellas/scraper are amazing! But I came here to say , I can’t believe I have never seen your gear setup (for svending) before...that is CLASS! I MF LOVE organization/containers/nice tools.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Tripper 09/25/2020 at 08:53

1

L osing points for horsepower is a great thing. And practical or not you have some fantastic cars.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:53

4

- 50 points if the car is less than 6 months old because IT’S STILL NEW DON’ T BREATHE ON THE PAINT YOU’RE GOING TO SCRATCH THE FINISH WITH YOUR MCDONLD’S CUP STOP IT!

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Svend 09/25/2020 at 08:55

1

Those are amazing features I never knew existed. Definitely worth a nother 20 points!

Sovande > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 08:59

1

Ha. I didn’t realize I would so deeply i mpacted myself!

Tripper > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:00

1

Thank you, if I had to pitch all but one I would honestly try and make the 1502 it and lean on my wife for practicality . The b iggest hit was the carburetor deduction. T here are two on the 1502 and I took points for both on the other survey...so gotta lose em here.

It is cool, with the tune on the Alltrack netting the additional HP and MPG as long as you keep your foot out of it...  my rides to the office are up almost 5 mpg average.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:01

1

278 points! Very pleased at my practical impracticality.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:02

3

That’s no accounting fir ability to tow things. Can we add having a hitch, and  tow rating? 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 09/25/2020 at 09:02

0

The only problem with that is even after 6 years I'm still obsessive about our car's paint. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 09/25/2020 at 09:05

1

The Prius Cs I use for pizza delivery usually see 45-47mpg. In town, being used for making deliveries, and being driven by pizza delivery drivers.

shop-teacher > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:06

1

“ But I also didn’t mean for this to be taken seriously.”

LOL, that’s the fairest point of all :)

Can I add 25 points for my V8 being equally as fuel efficient as the V6?

Swap the coun try of origin category out for seating capacity too.

shop-teacher > Sovande 09/25/2020 at 09:07

1

Thank you ... but p lease don’t!

I don’t even like being the Industrial Technology department chair, and I keep threatening to quit it and make my friend and coworker go to all the stupid meetings :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:07

1

So am I but my car has depreciated enough I grumble about parking lot scuffs instead of rushing to a body shop.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/25/2020 at 09:08

2

Tow hitch: 10 points

V ehicle actually used for towing: 50 points

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:08

1

R500 - 296 - lost a ton of points for being a German V8 that usually gets about 16-18mpg in mixed driving.

E55 - 65 - there are not better options out there. It almost scored negative, but has luxury features that brought it up right at the end.

Africa twin - 37 -lol

Monster -1 2 - lololol

No points for ventilated  seats? Traction control? Extra racks for extra storage? Length of service interval? Premium vs regular?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 09/25/2020 at 09:09

0

What car is this for?

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:12

1

A very practical car that isn't a car....nor is it new.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:15

1

Yay!

No lie for the last month or so I’ve been thinking about all the other cars I considered buying, and how I’m glad I bought the e90 simply because it’s capable of towing a boat. Eventually I want to get aN aluminum 4x8 trailer too. And my wife is open to the idea of getting a cute little camper.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > shop-teacher 09/25/2020 at 09:17

3

A Prius would be almost entirely useless to me and just take up space. Not to mention I would have to get a therapist to help me cope with how it made me feel to drive it. I can't take it down high clearance forest roads, I can't fit 6 people and 6 bikes in/on it. I can't sleep in it comfortably. I can't drive it through more than a few inches of snow. Hell, I'd sooner ride my Monster in 10 inches of snow than drive Prius through that.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > shop-teacher 09/25/2020 at 09:19

0

25 points for you! Enough people took this seriously that I might have to take everyone's edits and update this to be more realistic. The country of origin was supposed to match stereotypes about reliability and I guess being more reliable is more practical. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:21

1

I completely understood what you were doing here, and it makes me love the R class score even more because it did reasonably well on both of these surveys.

DipodomysDeserti > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:21

0

Built in umbrellas and ice scrapers would be pretty impractical for a car where I live.

CobraJoe > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:23

2

-213 points. (Thanks partially to being worse on fuel than the turbo option, and worse on fuel than the auto option. EFI was not an option on the V8 manual in ‘84.)

You really need to add a bunch of negative points for convertibles. Smaller trunk space, smaller back seat, less comfortable in heat or cold.... Just so you can drop the top and look cool.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/25/2020 at 09:23

0

V entilated seats: 5 points

Traction control: 15 points

R oof racks: 15 points

Not sure how to factor in the other two, but owning an R500 is an automatic 100 points.

shop-teacher > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/25/2020 at 09:24

0

Exactly, what is the use  case?

Kiltedpadre > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:25

1

The Sedona gets points for sliding doors, heated seats, power seats, being newer, and optional safety equipment. Plus higher points for extra cup holders and being a Korean company.

It could be an even bigger gap if we add points for it having cooled seats and maybe bonus points for the second row seats being heated instead of just the front seats.

shop-teacher > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:25

3

Stereotypes are very impractical.

My American truck has been reliable as the day is long. At 14-1/2 years old, I have probably spent under $2000 in repairs in it’s life (excluding tires and brakes).

I think you should do an updated version.  It’s fun to take this stuff “seriously.” May as well make it validish :)

Svend > Tripper 09/25/2020 at 09:30

1

For you. I’ve just been out and taken a load of pictures of what I have and stored.

I’ll post it shortly, it won’t be itemised as nobody has that much time, even in a pandemic. Lol. 

subexpression > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:31

1

E lectric shouldn’t be 100 pts yet, maybe in a few more years . Lots of people have no easy, reliable access to charging. Maybe 100 only if you don’t have to make a special trip just to charge (can do it at home, office, regular store, etc.)?

Manual with worse efficiency than auto should be a small negative. If you bought it recently, y ou probably had to go out of your way to find something objectively worse. Maybe with an exception for high enough GVWR where you’re picking which compromises you want to make .

With all the mergers and acquisitions over the years, figuring out the home country is getting complicated .

Maybe add a bonus for ventilated seats just like heated seats? They’re not so uncommon anymore.

I feel like there should be a bonus for having a spare tire, but only a small one because it’s not as common a need as it used to be . Real full-size / full diameter / donut / collapsible / none?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > CobraJoe 09/25/2020 at 09:33

0

That is a fantastically impractical car. The rims match it so well. I was cross shopping Mustangs with Outbacks. The Outback won by price.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/25/2020 at 09:36

0

It is very hilly here. they don’t call them Kentucky hills for nothing. I tend to coast a lot as well, soooooo, awesome mileage.

KnowsAboutCars > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:36

2

Buick: -68 Is power tailgate window bonus points worthy? Also, nowhere it states that your AC must be operational :P

Nissan: 155

No cupholders setting you back -100pts makes this a very american centric survey.

Michael > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:39

1

MR2: 15 points

GX470: 27 7

Highlander: 310

Deere 140: -281 as a commuter car

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:43

1

Mine is coming up on needed some involves work, Head gasket is drooling a bit by cylinder 4, it is external and oil , not coolant, so I have been putting it off. And I need to pull the traction battery and check for corrosion and soc of the cells . Plus the normal 105k service stuff: plugs, cvt fluid, brake adjustment etc. Also “ trying” to pull or access the software management for the hybrid system to make a few of my own tweaks, I’d like to keep it in EV mode up to 30 mph or 20% soc, and engage more than 60% traction motor under heavy accel, probably closer to 80-85%. I’ll lose some distance, but still better than t he 9 mpg my Xterra would get on a good day. Other things I’d like to do is a larger fuel tank. Kinda want to see if I can pull 800 to 1000 miles out of a tank. Currently getting 600 miles if I am careful.

CobraJoe > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:44

1

Yeah, there’s no way a foxbody would be cheaper than an older Outback, unless you’re willing to drag it home on a trailer. That’s almost a shame, because the hatchback foxbody is insanely practical. (Maybe not to outback levels of practicality, but shocking for a small muscle car.)

And thanks for the compliment on the wheels, I had to do something to swap out the wheels that were on it when I got it. Rounded chrome spokes don’t really match the 80s styling.

Milky > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:46

1

210! fuck yea

Jay, the practical enthusiast > shop-teacher 09/25/2020 at 09:46

2

My last Honda had problem after problem at just 60,000 miles. I spent $1500 the last year I owned her. I’ll never get another Honda after that experience.

I'll make a list of all the suggestions everyone is making and update this. 

Svend > Tripper 09/25/2020 at 09:48

0

This is probably 90% of my stuff.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/my-car-cleaning-stock-1845179280?rev=1601041596897

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:48

1

Then 80 on the E55.

I’m adding 15 for a hitch mounted rack on the R, it’s like roof racks, which it also has, but more betterer (for some things (bikes (6 of them))). So that puts it at 441.

AT - 87 - updated with points for panniers (roof racks?) and added another 15 for having a bicycle rack on it aside from the panniers. Also TC.

Monster - 42 - panniers and TC.

0 points for regular, -5 for premium?

Not sure about points distribution, but my thinking is that having to change your oil every 3k miles in this day and age is ridiculous and wasteful. These are the intervals I would allot/remove points: 3k-5k (negative?) , 5k-7500, 7500-10k, and then assign zero points for over 10k because that long of an interval tends to only be that long to get the car out of warranty and they have more engine issues long-term, but sometimes they’re fine, it’s a crapshoot.

Svend > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:49

1

Yay. Cheers mate.

So that’s 593, if I can just get 7 more points for the rubber carpet tu nnel cover that protects the carpet area over the transmission tunnel from dirt and damaging the carpet. I would have 600 points.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:50

3

My E55 is more reliable than a V6 Honda with an automatic transmission. And I would say that’s true outside of the one I own specifically. Take that negative-German-points!

Jay, the practical enthusiast > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 09/25/2020 at 09:52

0

Our Prius is actually my father in law’s but I drive it as much as him when I’m in Mongolia. In b umper to bumper city traffic I'm running all battery but i would love to keep it on EV at higher speeds. Even without traffic I'm only hitting 30mph in the city. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 09/25/2020 at 09:53

0

Come on, now I really have to know.

Textured Soy Protein > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 09:56

1

My Civic Si gets a whopping 435! So apparently it’s a Prius minivan.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Milky 09/25/2020 at 09:58

0

T hat’s a beautiful car. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Michael 09/25/2020 at 09:59

0

How did your Highlander come out less than mine?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > KnowsAboutCars 09/25/2020 at 10:03

0

Power tailgate window: 20 points

My college was a 13 hour drive from home. You have to stay hydrated on a drive like that (especially without a/c). Having no cup holders sucked, especially if I wanted coffee. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > subexpression 09/25/2020 at 10:08

0

I am going to take everyone’s suggestions and update this survey. Originally I wrote this as kind of a joke for those of us who didn’t score high on the how oppo is your car post. It benefits my cars and my driving. But you are right about the points being too high for electric.

I didn’t take off points for the manual because it’s still a manual : )

DipodomysDeserti > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:10

1

-173 for the Yamaha! Sounds about right, although I feel it should have gained some practicality for it’s ability to go offroad, especially in our coming Mad Max future. Got a larger front sprocket coming in today so I should be able to get better than 20 mpg’s from her.

Long_Voyager94 > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:11

2

2018 Grand Caravan: 432 Points

1994 Voyager: 307 Points.

I will say I disagree with your year and AC points. Year IMO has no effect on how practical a vehicle is, nor does AC unless you absolutely care/need those things. The same goes for many of the power option points. IMO my 94 is just as if not more practical than my 2018, especially for my uses.

Michael > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:12

1

6-Cylinder: 25 points

5-doors: 55 points

SUV: 30 points

Front-wheel drive: 15 points

Japan: 20 points

201 – 330 hp: 25 points

6 – 20 years old: 10 points

20 – 24 mpg: 15 points

6 or more: 35 points

Power windows: 5 points

Remote power door locks: 5 points

Power driver’s seat: 7 points

Power passenger seat: 3 points

Air conditioning: 40 points

Heated side mirrors: 15 points(forgot this first time, linked to rear defroster. GX has its own button! )

Folding rear seats: 20 points

325 this time

Bonus: HID retrofit!

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:12

1

So, if I were driving my Series IIA every day like I was back during my summer job in college, it scores -158. -43 if you count the cupholders in the seat tray I have sitting in it. The Galaxie 500 scores -263.

Long_Voyager94 > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:13

0

That bumps the Voyager up to 367.

What about points for upgraded to tow far more than stock?

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Svend 09/25/2020 at 10:14

2

That is insanely practical, 7 more points for you sir.

MrSnrub > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:16

1

330 points.  It is a fantastic luxury SUV!

Long_Voyager94 > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:18

1

Holy shit, the 5 gets worse real world mileage than my Grand Caravan?

21 mpg is what my 94 Voyager averages in mixed driving......Mind you that’s with a 3.8L swap, 2" lift, 27" ATs, and a giant basket on the roof.

Long_Voyager94 > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:19

1

Rearview Camera is only practical if said vehicle lacks proper visibility....

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Sovande 09/25/2020 at 10:23

0

But this is the US, we are supposed to pick whoever yells the loudest. 

Jay, the practical enthusiast > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 09/25/2020 at 10:24

0

The Mustang I dailied in college would be -303. Totally impractical but I still miss that car. Negative points aren't such a bad thing in this survey. 

Milky > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:27

1

Thanks mate, helps that its semi practical too.  

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Long_Voyager94 09/25/2020 at 10:29

0

I'm going to have to update this. I wrote this to specifically benefits my cars, driving, and location. AC is a must in Florida. For year I was going with newer = more reliable but I know that's not always the case.

Jay, the practical enthusiast > Long_Voyager94 09/25/2020 at 10:34

0

Both my Outback and Mazda have poor rear visibility and both lack back up cameras. Although the Prius doesn't really need a camera it helps with city parking.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:35

1

It seems appropriate to not give in. And given we are taking the Practical Car away on a road trip for a bit tomorrow...and I'm going to bed...I will leave it to your capable research capacity to figure out while we are out there!!!

shop-teacher > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:37

1

Yipes! I don’t blame you, that is unacceptable.

It also proves my point that country of origin is irrelevant. 

shop-teacher > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/25/2020 at 10:38

0

Is that not true elsewhere?

Michael Woyahn > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:39

1

This was fun! My RX scored 396, which does confirm “modern luxury SUVs are fantastic”, if 2004 can be considered modern (probably not) . This is about the only Oppo test my car will do well in! I like to think it should  get added bonus points because it’s at 283,000 miles now.

Svend > Jay, the practical enthusiast 09/25/2020 at 10:41

2

Yay. Woohoo. 600 points.