What features D.E.W. you look for in a car?

My car blew up this weekend. For years I have jotted down things that I like in a car and so armed with my list I went looking for a "new to me" car.

I had family members scoffing at some of the things on my list and one of them was my most important. So it came to me, am I crazy about that point?

I would like to ask those of you what is on your list?
What is important and a deal breaker?
What would you like to have in the car but can do without?

Thanks for your input.

Japanese, preferably Honda; no frame damage.

Heated seats. I use my heated seat year round. I may have the AC going full blast and still have the heat on. It does wonders for my back.

When I bought my Tahoe it came w/ a DVD player. I don't think it has ever been turn on. No young ones in my family so it goes unused.

Power mirrors are a must have for me. I always hated it when you would leave a parking lot and realize that someone had bumped into your mirror so you need to pull over to adjust it.

excellent maintenance records, preferable including fuel log. Give you a hint that the previous owner took care of the vehicle.

synthetic oil usage

meets your mission

not from out of state (particularly areas that salt roads)

engine not too clean (recently cleaned might indicate removal of evidence that there is a problem)

Generic features on my list include:
anti-skid system (yaw dampener)
air bags
minimal blind spots
easy to guage front and rear ends when parking
cruise control
power windows/locks
really good A/C
road feel (I don't like a sloppy feel)
toyota then other jap brands

Has to be rear wheel drive, FWD is a deal breaker. It has to handle well and has to be fast. I enjoy cars and driving too much to drive a car that doesn't excite me. If it's a sports car I want a manual transmission, but I can live with an automatic in a daily driver.

Current ride is a 2008 Honda Shadow Aero 750. I don't know how you feel about motorcycles, but I'll note that they're WAY cheaper (and more fun!) than cars or trucks.

Current ride is a 2008 Honda Shadow Aero 750. I don't know how you feel about motorcycles, but I'll note that they're WAY cheaper (and more fun!) than cars or trucks. Originally Posted by 78704

Not for me. I cycle and drive a hardtop convertible. Gives me all the fresh air I need. And I can drive my car in rainy/cold/hot weather comfortably. And much more safely, I might add.

2008 National Statistics

• In 2008, 5,290 bikers were killed – an increase of 2% from 2007.
• 59% of the bikers killed in 2008 were not wearing helmets.
• There were 96,000 bikers injured during 2008.
• In 2008, motorcycle riders accounted for 14% of total traffic fatalities, 17% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupants injured.

Motorcycle deaths account for approximately 1 in 8 deaths by motor vehicles, yet less than 3% of motor vehicles are motorcycles. Hmmm.

But back on topic. Dagny, hopfully you will share your list with us at some point in time. I have no family (other than my wife) so I don't need a big car. Handling is important to me. Luxury is important to me. Sleek design is important. I have a Lexus which I prefer over the German cars (BMW or MB) when it comes to repairs -- much cheaper. I don't disagree with blenderhead that a manual transmission car is more fun to drive, but I have gotten lazy in my old age in some respects so I have opted for an automatic.

Get what you want.
If you settle for a car without the feature/features you have in your heart and mind.. you will not be happy.
Happy is good
Sad is bad

Now days I look at the overall cost of ownership (auto price, MPG, insurance, tires, maintenance, etc.).

I'm getting more frugal as I get older and can no longer wrap my mind around expensive vehicles. No one would buy a piece of art or real estate if they knew it would depreciate by 90% in ten years. However, Americans do that every day when it comes to vehicles. This is why so many people have nice cars and homes, but no savings and a negative net worth. iConsumption :-)

So, what is this thing you have to have, that your family thinks is crazy?

For less than what most people pay for one car I have bought five, all used of course, and change among them the way other people change shoes. I always have plenty of cars to lend when the need arises, or one's in the shop.

The most reliable, safest, cheap to repair, best fuel economy, etc. is the 1998+ Crown Victoria. It's fast, comfortable, cheap. You needn't pay more than 3-4K for a good used one.

Japanese cars are small and expensive to buy and repair. Their reliability advantage was lost in the '90s.

btw because Crown Vics look like police cars thieves are reluctant to break into them.

So, what is this thing you have to have, that your family thinks is crazy? Originally Posted by Gump42

I wouldn't even look at a car if the gas fill up wasn't on the driver side.
I think it is a woman thang.

I buy used for many years now
and then I have them for years and years.
Got one that had most everything on my list.

I love all the ideas tho, things I had not thought of, please keep them coming. I will extend the list.

For less than what most people pay for one car I have bought five, all used of course, and change among them the way other people change shoes. I always have plenty of cars to lend when the need arises, or one's in the shop.

The most reliable, safest, cheap to repair, best fuel economy, etc. is the 1998+ Crown Victoria. It's fast, comfortable, cheap. You needn't pay more than 3-4K for a good used one.

Japanese cars are small and expensive to buy and repair. Their reliability advantage was lost in the '90s.

btw because Crown Vics look like police cars thieves are reluctant to break into them. Originally Posted by theaustinescorts

That is *really* interesting; my next car will be a Crown Vic. Thanks, man.

I suggest an American made automobile. There are too many Americans out of work for us to be subsidizing employment stats for other countries!

I get a new work car every three years and I turn it in and they buy me a new one. My last two vehicles have been a Chrysler 300 and an Impala. Both had well over 100,000 miles when I turned them in and neither had any repairs other than normal maintenance, tires, etc. I plan on my next vehicle to be a Ford Taurus!

BUY AMERICAN! The job you save may be your own or that of a loved one!

Don't forget that many "foreign" cars are actually made in the USA. And that lots of Ford/GM/Chrysler cars have a lot of non-USA parts and labor in them, or are entirely non-US manufactured.

Don't forget that many "foreign" cars are actually made in the USA. And that lots of Ford/GM/Chrysler cars have a lot of non-USA parts and labor in them, or are entirely non-US manufactured. Originally Posted by GneissGuy

Yeah, I realize that and that is the very reason I do my homework. If you look at the three cars I mentioned, they are all made with a very high percentage of American content. But you are correct, looks can be deceiving!