Question of the Night: What is your automotive guilty pleasure?

"boxrocket" (boxrocket) 09/18/2015 at 01:03 • Filed to: None

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We know we’re supposed to be hardcore advocates of the brown RWD manual diesel wagon, but those can be difficult to find and acquire, especially if a significant other in involved.

While my wife and I both would love our next vehicle purchase to be a Mustang GT (5.0L) or GT350/500, we both know one would be grossly impractical as frequently as we carry people, dogs, and cargo in the backs of our Mazdas. We also recognize the next vehicle will be schlepping our future kids around, so a crossover is extremely likely, and we’re both fans of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5, and the Koeru Concept hints at an appealing next-generation CX-9, but I doubt our brood would ever be large enough to justify one. It’s a practical choice, justified by excellent fuel economy and good handling in both smaller Mazdas. I myself became enamored with small SUVs/crossovers when the Ford Escape came out, and I love how plucky and willing the first two generations feel.

That said, crossovers are relatively justifiable, so there’s not much guilt to them. For me, then, a big, brawny SUV filled with leather and electronics I’ll likely never need but want anyway. Give me off-road capability I’ll use only a few times a year. Give me finicky components that add character but would make my wife want to pull her hair out.

Give me a Range Rover Sport Supercharged (with a full warranty!).

How about you, Oppos? Do you have a vehicle you feel somewhat bad for liking?

TheHondaBro > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 01:07

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SlickMcRick > TheHondaBro 09/18/2015 at 01:30

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The white ones come with tan leather and brown carpeting. So nice inside and the ride is buttery smooth.

boxrocket > TheHondaBro 09/18/2015 at 01:31

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To each their own, though I wonder how much of a stretch it is coning from “The HondaBro”.

From the inside (minus visibility), these aren’t bad. From the outside, they’re nearly vomit-inducing (though the zdx, aztek, BMW GTs, X6/X4, and Murano crosscab are worse!). They could have just made an Accord wagon.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 01:34

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I can’t narrow it down to a specific one, but I love:

1. Minivans.

2. Uber powered SUVs.

3. And I really appreciate the Camry’s existence in the world as a great car that people can use just to get from Point A to B.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 01:36

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My guilty pleasure is anything with more than 4 cylinders.

MOAR IS BETTERER

j250ex > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 01:42

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Suzuki SX4. I would never buy one because it's too small, made by a company who no longer is in the U.S. And has zero resale value. But there is something enticing about a small compact 4x4 hatchback and these did come with manuals. Probably the closest thing to a Lada niva you could buy in the states.

Wheelerguy > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 01:44

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Many people don’t feel modern supercars and hypercars (don’t lie). I do. All the time.

But that’s faffing about, really. Because my true automotive guilty pleasure is The Bold New Camry.

BTW, color that car Estoril Blue and smoothen the sides (think Kia Sportspace ) and that car will look rather sublime.

boxrocket > j250ex 09/18/2015 at 01:44

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I so want an SX4 hatch (or “Crossover” as they were later called) and a Kizashi. I want to save them all and give them better futures than the bargain-hunting dregs of CL and classifieds. They deserve better!

SlickMcRick > j250ex 09/18/2015 at 01:50

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I always wanted one so I could make one of these. Super sleeper

StoneCold > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 02:06

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That I feel bad about? None, really. That people TRY to make me feel bad about?

J body Chrysler LeBarons. (‘94-’95).

So comfy!

The power top! The front wheel drive burnouts! My mind CANNOT be changed.

StoneCold > TheHondaBro 09/18/2015 at 02:10

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Needs more ZDX.

Wobbles the Mind > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 02:13

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I actually like chrome when it isn’t accenting vents, B pillars, or door sills. I always notice the chrome wheels on the Buick Regal GS (which the Chevy SS can get now), and the Kia Optima which does have some pretty tacky chrome that works for me in person.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 02:19

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VIP luxury saloons.

Yeah we’re all supposed to shun slammed cars because they’re not race cars and they ruin functionality. Yeah they can scrape on a leaf. I don’t care. They look cool and in order to properly be a VIP car it should run airbags so it will be fine driving.

El Rivinado > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 02:59

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Luxo-boats and Modern Luxury SUVs, yes they have a thirst greater than a Scotsman, yes their handling is nautical at best, yes you can't park them, and yes there are better choices. But a soft-riding car with a lot of presence and a sort of gangster/pimp cool to it is just my kind of hookup. I wish I could think of a specific car or something else, but that's all I could think of.

Berang > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 05:22

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Suzuji LJ20. Worthless on the road. Capable off of it. But it’s technically a city car. 2-stroke engine.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 06:32

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I love these. I love that Nissan actually said “Screw it! Lets build a convertible SUV and charge nearly $50k for it.

I love the idea of ground clearance and a convertible experience. With the top down I really like how it looks.

Lightly used examples are going for under $25k now... tempting for a fully loaded Murano with a soft top.

shop-teacher > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 07:04

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I daily drive a crew cab pickup truck. Most days there is nothing in the bedbed except a stroller. Need I say more?

FromCanadaWithLove > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 07:27

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I want it.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 07:32

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I’d say a Mini. They’re hideously impractical and don’t really make much sense, but goodness are they fun.

(Miata would also fit.)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 08:57

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I have no shame or guilt. It’s just awesome.

I also quite like minivans because they’re functional, comfortable, drive better than trucks, and are often capable of towing racecar.

fhrblig > boxrocket 09/18/2015 at 10:45

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I love the Lincoln Town Car. Especially in black, with a black interior. Really, I love any big, floaty American luxo-barges.

I don’t know that I feel bad about it, I just know that enthusiasts don’t approve.

boxrocket > fhrblig 09/18/2015 at 22:14

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I’m an enthusiast, and I approve!