Hooniverse Asks- What're Your Minimum Requirements for a Daily Driver?

While we may all have dream cars, the cars we actually drive on a daily basis need to provide a modicum of functionality and driving efficiency. That being said, we all make adjustments regarding what we are wiling to put up with, but there’s just some things we either can’t live with, or can’t do without.
I, for instance, can’t stand the thought of burning premium while driving to Home Depot or doing the weekly grocery runs. I also wouldn’t put up with only having two doors. Now, that second factor derives from being part of a family of four, and kids swinging long coupe doors open in parking lots is a recipe for trouble.
Keg CarBut maybe you don’t suffer that same lifestyle and you might find the burden in weight of two extra doors equally irksome. You might also find such luxuries as a radio or air conditioning extraneous to your slog, and hence have to requirement that your steed possess them.
Or, there may be a litany of factors involved in your decision of what makes up a viable daily driver. Perhaps you’re compulsive-obsessive and require a car that’s a precise shade of blue. Maybe it has to have seats without lumbar support because you can’t stand the incessant fist in your back while you try and concentrate on the traffic, but you can’t because it’s there, pushing, pushing, pushing, and it’s all you can do not to slam on the brakes and scream at the top of your lungs to just leave you alone! Or maybe you just want a manual transmission and a cup holder that fits your favorite coffee mug.
Whatever it is, it’s probably part of a unique set of criteria that you have established, probably subconsciously, that you use in establishing which is  just the right car for you. If so, what would those criteria be?
Image sources: [audizine.com, funpeak.com]

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76 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What're Your Minimum Requirements for a Daily Driver?”

  1. Black Steelies Avatar

    Something that doesn't blend in with the crowd. Typically i like something just a little different to be seen in, if only to pass the cliche of driving a boring dd. If it were to be a little closer to the norm It had best be at least a sleeper of some sort. If it blends in fine, then it just can't be a snooze to drive.
    What i'm looking into for the next dd:
    -BMW 5series wag
    -vega kammback
    -AMC eagle wagon or SX4
    -Wagoneer
    -K5
    yes, the wagon theme is intended, thinking I'd like to hav a standard as well

  2. Jim Brennan Avatar
    Jim Brennan

    Bare Minimum: The car has to have heat and A/C. Because I drive a lo on interstates, Cruise Control is a must. Multiple adjustable seats for those long tedious drives. Enough load space for my backpack, and maybe an overnight bag, and enough room for the dog. I don't even need a radio.

  3. Dr_Dangerously Avatar

    I drove a fully packed 26' Uhaul from Atlanta to Boston, no AC or Cruise, and it was governed at 65mph. Just from that little trip, I can see how much of a difference it makes.

  4. SSurfer321 Avatar

    with snowfall averages of 36"+ per year it must be AWD/4WD since my driveway is a 30% incline that drifts over.
    Otherwise heat/ac, cruise, overdrive gear, disc brakes at 4 corners, stereo with AUX input. Sadly the wife's Impreza has drums out back 🙁

  5. ZomBee Racer Avatar

    I don't think I'm qualified to answer this question. I tend to drive whatever ain't broke.
    It should have air in the tires and not be on fire much. Seat(s) that are bolted down a plus but not a necessity. The law says I gotta have at least 2 mirrors, so that's a minimum, though I've done without. Oh, and a motor that runs.
    Lest you think I'm being "Ha-ha" funny, I actually just described most, but not all of the vehicles in my driveway. Of course I don't drive the ones that fail my rigorous standards on a regular basis.
    <img src= "http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs192.snc1/6480_1199439110682_1369652107_555869_7067375_n.jpg&quot; /img>

  6. lilwillie Avatar

    I need 4×4. I need room for the kids and wife. I need room for sports gear, hunting gear or camping gear. I need towing capability. I need space for shop equipment, tools, supplies or parts. I also need this area protected from the elements So I need a SUV. Yes, I am one of the few and the proud who actually uses their SUV for its intended purposes.
    I've always had SUVs as my daily drivers. First with the '82 Blazer, then a '95 S-series Blazer and now a '02 TrailBlazer. Next go around will likely be a Tahoe or Suburban.

  7. Ambersand Avatar

    My MS3 and you would get along great! (erm, I mean aside from the 4 cyl., but man she can go!)

  8. Ambersand Avatar

    Lancia!!! That would have been perfect. Not that I have a pet named that or anything.

  9. engineerd Avatar

    Dammit, it would have!
    Though, she is definitely a Mocha. She's very sweet and she keeps me up at night.

  10. CaptainZeroCool Avatar

    If I feel that it would make the trip, I'm gonna drive it. I don't care what it is.

  11. mdharrell Avatar

    Hey, I don't think you're joking– you just described ALL of the vehicles in my driveway, in one case right down to the optionally-bolted-down seat(s). If it'll probably start in the morning, it's on the rotation list for daily driver.
    <img src="http://uwnews.org/images/newsreleases/2009/October/20091015_pid52705_aid52703_harrell37_w300.jpg&quot; />

  12. Tomsk Avatar

    Basically a comfy seat, stereo with an AUX-in jack, power brakes and air conditioning.

  13. Dr_Dangerously Avatar

    The Speed3 is over 2L, turbo, and has a short-throw 6-speed. So it is definitely on the exception list. I was actually considering that one too.

  14. Tim Odell Avatar
    Tim Odell

    Buddy The Dog became Buddy The Dog b/c in trying to come up with a name to replace his boxer rescue name (Darvin (?)), I just kept calling him buddy, which was my generic name for any male dog. Then it dawned on me that it might just work.
    That precipitated two new problems: one, finding a new generic dog name ("Pal" seems to work) and two, not calling my son Henry buddy because it confuses both Buddy and The_MIssus.
    What breed Ms Mocha?

    1. Mechanically Inept Avatar

      We called our standard poodle puppy "puppy" for quite some time before we could think of a decent name for him. Names such as "Prancer" and "Dreambark" were suggested but shot down, even though they describe him pretty well. Eventually, we named him Cappuccino, because he's the color of coffee and milk, and we normally call him Cino. I never realized how hard it would be to come up with a good name until we got the dog. My friend and his family have a black standard poodle named Pogo, and that's probably the best dog name I've ever heard.
      My generic dog name is "Doggy!".

  15. muthalovin Avatar

    Congratulations! We once had a dog named Mocha, and he was one of the best dogs my family ever had. Good luck with training. Somehow my parents taught all their dogs to hop into the back of the truck. Our current puppy just stares at us while we bang our hands on the tailgate and call her name. Oh, good times.

    1. Mechanically Inept Avatar

      How big is said puppy? Once our poodle puppy was big enough, he needed no convincing to jump up on couches, beds, into cars, or anything else that suits his fancy. I'm sure he'd jump right into a pickup bed if I were in there; it's no higher than a bed.

  16. Dr_Dangerously Avatar

    So technically, an Audi or Subaru could meet both of your needs.

    1. Ambersand Avatar

      Absolutely, but I'd still need two cars…I couldn't stomach taking the STi out in the snow…which is what my choice would be of course.
      Gah is only my MS3 was all wheel drive.

  17. Mike_the_Dog Avatar

    Air in the tires, enough windows and door seals to keep most of the rain out, and the propensity to start every morning. Beyond that, a stereo and/or CB would be nice, but certainly not mandatory. Heat is also nice in the winter, as is 4WD and a wagon body.

  18. muthalovin Avatar

    Ya'll are a bunch of prima donna's! I live in Austin, and drive daily about 20 miles through downtown. I drive a '97 F-150 that sucks the juice down (avg. ~15 mpeegees) so fuel economy is of little consequence to me (all that hard earned scrill is budged in). In the winter, the heater works. In the summer, the windows (MANUAL CRANK) roll down. Lil' Green has decent pick-up for freeway travel. The brakes work, and I know to leave room for idiots. Of paramount concern to me, one of the bare minimums is the stereo. I need to have at least 6 speakers and 1 subwoofer (maybe 2 if they are 10"), 2 amps and a nice deck. Did I mention that its a 5-speed? Yeah, that's the minimum requirements for me.

  19. dmilligan Avatar

    I'm the same, except that I haven't been able to go hunting or camping for years (dammit). I have a '04 Suburban 3/4 ton with a big block that I use to haul lumber and shop equipment in addition to the family, and I have to keep the weather off of everything. The Suburban fits the bill quite nicely.

  20. Texan_Idiot25 Avatar
    Texan_Idiot25

    I've now owned 4 cars in 2 years. Not a single one has had A/c. 2 had functioning heaters. 3 with radios. all with crank windows. 2 manuals. 3 hatch backs (the third gen Firebird is just a REALLY big hatch back).
    As long as it has a heater, and a radio, and can ventilate air to the point where AC truly is an option (not the Firebird), I'm OK with it. And daily driving the CST10 for over a year has certainly helped with the utilitarian point of view. I don't see the need for a lot of the silly stuff these days.

    1. discontinuuity Avatar

      I'm with you. I'd drive one of these if I had the chance:
      <img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1920-1929/1928-Ford-Model-A-PO-1024×768.jpg"&gt;
      Power nothing, mechanical drums all around, leaf spring solid axles, the aerodynamics of a shed, 40 hp flathead engine, 3-speed non-synchro gearbox, and God help you if you crash that thing.

    2. discontinuuity Avatar

      I'm with you. I'd drive one of these if I had the chance:
      <img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1920-1929/1928-Ford-Model-A-PO-1024×768.jpg"&gt;
      Power nothing, mechanical drums all around, leaf spring solid axles, the aerodynamics of a shed, 40 hp flathead engine, 3-speed non-synchro gearbox, and God help you if you crash that thing.

  21. James Avatar

    Hmm…. I'll divide into basic must haves, very importants, and nice-to-haves.
    Must haves:
    -Starts every day so I can get to work
    -Doesn't overheat/blow up/kill me with carbon monoxide
    -will go, turn, and stop.
    VERY importants:
    -clutch pedal
    -hatchback or wagon
    -power steering if the engine's in the front
    -interesting
    Niceties
    -A/C
    -Turbocharger
    -ABS
    -airbag (at least one)
    things i will not accept in a car
    -automatic
    -GM
    -power seats
    -built in sat-nav
    -rain sensing wipers
    -Mini Cooper
    …yeah!

  22. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

    Originally I'd have said and engine, seat, and brakes of some sort, but as I become older and slightly more practical this has changed. I now desire at least four seats, good power, and A/C. I can live with a pretty craptastic radio, but it has to be somewhat serviceable. Smooth highway manners and some go are desirable.
    I think I just described a Lincoln Town Car.

    1. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      P71!

  23. soo΄pәr-bādd75 Avatar

    For a daily driver, a nice comfy driver's seat, reasonable fuel mileage with plenty of passing power when needed (even if it is at 6,000 rpm), and XM Radio. Unfortunately I am only able to have one vehicle for myself, so my daily driver/weekender/errandmobile are all one machine.

  24. P161911 Avatar

    Requirements and desires are two totally different things. The Z3 is in the shop this week getting some gremlins sorted out ( I do most of my own wrenching but modern engine control systems isn't one of my specialties.) So I'm driving the F-150. It does not have the following:
    Functioning A/C
    Working driver's side power window
    Functioning Radio
    working ABS.
    It works just fine for getting me back and forth to work on my 12 mile commute.
    That being said, I would like to have the following:
    Some sort of weather protection
    Functioning windshield wipers
    Functioning headlights
    Functioning AM/FM Radio
    Functioning heat and A/C
    Windows that go up and down
    150+ HP or at least the ability to pass other cars safely, 275+HP is preferred
    RWD
    3 pedals
    IRS
    4-wheel disc brakes
    ABS

  25. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    I had a sleepless night yesterday because of the heat, so I need either air conditioning or a traffic-free road. Rolling down windows in the middle of a jammed downtown freeway isn't effective. Also, an Aaux-in jack would be nice. I'm sure I can live without, but I'll miss it greatly.

  26. name_too_long Avatar

    Working AC (I can bundle up in the winter, you can only take so much off before those damn "decency" laws kick in)
    At least mostly reliable
    Seat that doesn't twist my spine into a pretzel
    Suspension that absorbs bumps while still being communicative
    Enough power to go uphill on the freeway while maintaining speed without downshifting.
    Power steering that still leaves some weight and feeling
    ABS
    Light clutch or DSG
    Functional radio

  27. Dr_Dangerously Avatar

    Requirements when I was looking for a daily driver:
    Has to be…
    – over four-cylinders.
    – have five or more gears.
    – tight suspension and no drum brakes.
    – Audio input jack w/ decent stereo
    – four doors, so Jackzilla can ride with me (not doing the two door seat-slide dance every time I need to get him out of the car)
    Bonus items(for city maneuvering):
    – mounted mini-gun
    – oil slick
    – rockets

  28.  Avatar
    Anonymous
  29.  Avatar
    Anonymous
  30. W. Kiernan Avatar
    W. Kiernan

    Speaking for myself, it's got to be a reasonably cheap front-engine/rear-drive car manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan, with two seats, a convertible top, a four-cylinder engine (I'm willing to accept a 1.6L, 1.8L or 2.0L), and a manual transmission. It should be low in profile and capable of taking corners at rather high lateral-G levels. And it has to have been designed originally by Toshihiko Hirai, after suggestions by Bob Hall. I'd prefer an air-conditioner, too. I'll accept any car that meets these criteria.

  31. Tripl3fast Avatar

    Air cooled, rear engine, manual gearbox…….. known by first name at the pick and pull.

  32. engineerd Avatar

    I live in Detroit. Therefore, I have divided mine into Summer and Winter:
    Summer: Wheels, engine, seat. Body optional. I'd DD a Se7en during the summer without a problem.
    Winter: Wheels, engine, seat, body, AWD. My RWD Mustang does fine in the winter, but can get a bit squirly. Last winter it actually took me for a spin one morning on a slick, poorly plowed major highway. So, I've decided my next car will be AWD. Add in Mrs. engineerd's requirements for 4+ doors, and the need to carry a mythical future spawn plus our now-real hoondog, Mocha, with us and a wagon would be ideal. An Audi A4 quattro Avant to be exact.
    PS: Yes, we do have a dog now. She's a rescue that we got on Saturday. Mrs. engineerd shot down my naming suggestions (Ferrari, Porsche, Miura, and Lotus) until I suggested Mocha. Give our love of coffee and coffee-based beverages, plus the dog's dark brindle color, the name seemed perfect.
    Now if the dog would just learn her name…

  33. Ambersand Avatar

    I have to do a summer and winter divide too because in winter I have to deal with the common folk of the DC area who cannot drive and the snowwy mountains of Pennsylvania on the weekends… so:
    SUMMER:
    4 Cyl +
    Turbo
    Gummy Tires
    Cup Holder
    Manual transmission
    Radio
    Windshield Wipers
    Seatbelts
    WINTER:
    AWD
    Heat that works
    Cup Holder
    Radio
    Windshield Wipers
    Seatbelts

  34. TurboBrick Avatar

    – Fuel Injection; just turn the key and go, not "pump pump, crank, wait, feather, wait, go" .
    – Cruise control; I live in the hill country, going anywhere requires constant fidgeting with the gas pedal and you know what, I just don't feel like doing that all the time.
    – Radio. Yeah. I listen to the damn radio. Both AM and FM.
    – Reasonable in-cabin noise level. I drove a Silverado with a crappy aftermarket dual exhaust setup for 2 weeks only to end up with a wonderful headache after each trip.
    – Air conditioning OR power windows OR proper hardtop, one of the three.
    That's about it that I can think of, really, as minimum requirements.

  35. muthalovin Avatar

    Ya'll are a bunch of prima donna's! I live in Austin, and drive daily about 20 miles through downtown. I drive a '97 F-150 that sucks the juice down (avg. ~15 mpeegees) so fuel economy is of little consequence to me (all that hard earned scrill is budged in). In the winter, the heater works. In the summer, the windows (MANUAL CRANK) roll down. Lil' Green has decent pick-up for freeway travel. The brakes work, and I know to leave room for idiots. Of paramount concern to me, one of the bare minimums is the stereo. I need to have at least 6 speakers and 1 subwoofer (maybe 2 if they are 10"), 2 amps and a nice deck. Did I mention that its a 5-speed? Yeah, that's the minimum requirements for me.

  36. Tim Odell Avatar
    Tim Odell

    Went through this at the end of last year, as The_Missus is now at home and lays claim to the WRXagon.
    The minimum decided was 4 seats, non-atrocious mileage, and a modicum of reliability. With a mandatory requirement that it not leave me more dead inside every time I drive it.
    It pretty much came down to a Falcon, Six Series, or Corvair. …the Corvair got nixed when I came to see how expensive and hard to come by engine parts were. The Sixer almost got it, but I decided to reserve that for a time when the wife's mommy mobile isn't the dominant sports car in the house.
    Thus: Falcon.
    18.4mpg on the last tank, btw.

  37. Mechanically Inept Avatar
    Mechanically Inept

    Minimum:
    Reliable
    Radio
    Decent gas mileage
    A/C and heat
    Comfortable seats
    Room to put stuff
    Nice to have:
    Manual transmission
    Good handling
    Good looks
    Sunroof
    Comfortable back seats
    RWD
    Good in the snow
    My items may seem illogical, but that's because my transportation consists of a '97 Dodge Caravan (mommy's minivan) and an '87 924S. The minivan starts every time, is very comfortable, and has lots of room for people and stuff, but is slow, uncool, unfun, gets 17 MPG, and has an automatic. I'll tolerate bad MPG if it's attached to a fun car, but 17 MPG in a minivan just hurts (when you're 18 and have no money).
    The Porsche, on the other hand, looks cool, is RWD, has a large trunk and comfy seats, and has a 5-speed and a sunroof. However, at the moment, it won't start, and it doesn't have a radio (or a cupholder, for that matter). I hope to eventually see decent gas mileage from it, once it's in a better state of tune.

  38. SSurfer321 Avatar

    15 mpeegees must be nice
    05 F150 STX 4×4 = 12.5mpg in city. The 33"s help on the hwy but hurt in the city.

  39. dmilligan Avatar

    I'm the same, except that I haven't been able to go hunting or camping for years (dammit). I have a '04 Suburban 3/4 ton with a big block that I use to haul lumber and shop equipment in addition to the family, and I have to keep the weather off of everything. The Suburban fits the bill quite nicely.

  40. SSurfer321 Avatar

    Bravo!

  41. Texan_Idiot25 Avatar
    Texan_Idiot25

    I've now owned 4 cars in 2 years. Not a single one has had A/c. 2 had functioning heaters. 3 with radios. all with crank windows. 2 manuals. 3 hatch backs (the third gen Firebird is just a REALLY big hatch back).
    As long as it has a heater, and a radio, and can ventilate air to the point where AC truly is an option (not the Firebird), I'm OK with it. And daily driving the CST10 for over a year has certainly helped with the utilitarian point of view. I don't see the need for a lot of the silly stuff these days.

  42. Texan_Idiot25 Avatar
    Texan_Idiot25

    I've now owned 4 cars in 2 years. Not a single one has had A/c. 2 had functioning heaters. 3 with radios. all with crank windows. 2 manuals. 3 hatch backs (the third gen Firebird is just a REALLY big hatch back).
    As long as it has a heater, and a radio, and can ventilate air to the point where AC truly is an option (not the Firebird), I'm OK with it. And daily driving the CST10 for over a year has certainly helped with the utilitarian point of view. I don't see the need for a lot of the silly stuff these days.

  43. engineerd Avatar

    She's a terrier mix. Her head looks a bit pit bull-ish, her tail looks lab-ish and she's about half the size of either. So, she's a mutt.
    Her rescue name was Sarah. We talked to the foster mom and she said that Mocha didn't really know her name so it was OK to change it. We decided Sarah was entirely too human. So, we're working on teaching her that her name is Mocha, and she seems to be catching on. Of course, it probably doesn't help that we're always calling her "Sweetie" or "Baby", too.
    There were a couple boxers at the adoption event we went to. I would have loved a boxer, but both of them were male and we both wanted a female. They are gorgeous dogs, though.

  44. Corvette Poncho Avatar
    Corvette Poncho

    250+ horsepower
    Fuel Injection
    Good/excellent brakes
    Preferably something that doesn't look like everything else.
    Daily commute is 60+ miles through some country then all city. Very little highway, lots of stop/go/honk/angry burnouts. Daily driving my 91 Corvette and 06 300c currently. Also switch between LSx powered 79 Cherokee when it is nice out and the Cherokee is not disassembled. I like me a bigger vehicle that moves out nicely. 4 door is nice, but get buy just fine with the kid seat in the vette and 2-dr Cherokee.

  45. James Avatar

    Hmm…. I'll divide into basic must haves, very importants, and nice-to-haves.
    Must haves:
    -Starts every day so I can get to work
    -Doesn't overheat/blow up/kill me with carbon monoxide
    -will go, turn, and stop.
    VERY importants:
    -clutch pedal
    -hatchback or wagon
    -power steering if the engine's in the front
    -interesting
    Niceties
    -A/C
    -Turbocharger
    -ABS
    -airbag (at least one)
    things i will not accept in a car
    -automatic
    -GM
    -power seats
    -built in sat-nav
    -rain sensing wipers
    -Mini Cooper
    …yeah!

  46. James Avatar

    Hmm…. I'll divide into basic must haves, very importants, and nice-to-haves.
    Must haves:
    -Starts every day so I can get to work
    -Doesn't overheat/blow up/kill me with carbon monoxide
    -will go, turn, and stop.
    VERY importants:
    -clutch pedal
    -hatchback or wagon
    -power steering if the engine's in the front
    -interesting
    Niceties
    -A/C
    -Turbocharger
    -ABS
    -airbag (at least one)
    things i will not accept in a car
    -automatic
    -GM
    -power seats
    -built in sat-nav
    -rain sensing wipers
    -Mini Cooper
    …yeah!

  47. Maymar Avatar

    My minimum requirements for a daily driver is that it actually be a car. I've done the public transit thing, and I'm not going back unless I move to an area where I'm not so soured on the whole experience (and where the staff aren't so lazy, overpaid, and surly). Likewise, I'd probably skip a motorcycle as a year-round daily driver because I don't think I'd trust myself in adverse weather.
    Other than that, I'm content to keep it pretty simple – heat and FM radio are a must, A/C, aux-in, manual transmission, and decent fuel economy and range (I despise the 45L tank unless economy is stellar) are things I'd really like.

  48. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Four wheels and 200+hp
    8000+ rpm or forced induction
    No more than 2 seats.
    A clutch, with either three pedals or two paddles.
    RWD with a mechanical LSD
    Belts or a harness

    1. Lotte Avatar
      Lotte

      You need an engine that revs to 8k, limited slip and a harness? On a daily? Do you pass by a racetrack on your commute?
      I'm not being accusing or snarky, just interested (and maybe a little jealous).

      1. Lotte Avatar
        Lotte

        Oh look, my sarcasm meter just came back from the shop; I knew I shouldn't be posting without it…
        DISREGARDlalalathisneverhappenedlalala…

        1. Andrew Avatar
          Andrew

          I just want something that'll make me smile on the way to work every morning… works better than coffee.

          1. Lotte Avatar
            Lotte

            You must work irregular hours to escape the daily jam, though. I would probably go crazy if I had to crawl in traffic with a race car.

        2. Andrew Avatar
          Andrew

          I just want something that'll make me smile on the way to work every morning… works better than coffee.

  49. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

    Originally I'd have said and engine, seat, and brakes of some sort, but as I become older and slightly more practical this has changed. I now desire at least four seats, good power, and A/C. I can live with a pretty craptastic radio, but it has to be somewhat serviceable. Smooth highway manners and some go are desirable.
    I think I just described a Lincoln Town Car.

  50. Alff Avatar

    Like many here, I prefer the portfolio approach. Thus, any new vehicle has to be substantially different than anything already in the driveway. Right now, I'd like something older (pre-malaise), with a stick or three on the tree.

  51. P161911 Avatar

    Requirements and desires are two totally different things. The Z3 is in the shop this week getting some gremlins sorted out ( I do most of my own wrenching but modern engine control systems isn't one of my specialties.) So I'm driving the F-150. It does not have the following:
    Functioning A/C
    Working driver's side power window
    Functioning Radio
    working ABS.
    It works just fine for getting me back and forth to work on my 12 mile commute.
    That being said, I would like to have the following:
    Some sort of weather protection
    Functioning windshield wipers
    Functioning headlights
    Functioning AM/FM Radio
    Functioning heat and A/C
    Windows that go up and down
    150+ HP or at least the ability to pass other cars safely, 275+HP is preferred
    RWD
    3 pedals
    IRS
    4-wheel disc brakes
    ABS

  52. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    I had a sleepless night yesterday because of the heat, so I need either air conditioning or a traffic-free road. Rolling down windows in the middle of a jammed downtown freeway isn't effective. Also, an Aaux-in jack would be nice. I'm sure I can live without, but I'll miss it greatly.

  53. name_too_long Avatar

    Working AC (I can bundle up in the winter, you can only take so much off before those damn "decency" laws kick in)
    At least mostly reliable
    Seat that doesn't twist my spine into a pretzel
    Suspension that absorbs bumps while still being communicative
    Enough power to go uphill on the freeway while maintaining speed without downshifting.
    Power steering that still leaves some weight and feeling
    ABS
    Light clutch or DSG
    Functional radio

  54. name_too_long Avatar

    Working AC (I can bundle up in the winter, you can only take so much off before those damn "decency" laws kick in)
    At least mostly reliable
    Seat that doesn't twist my spine into a pretzel
    Suspension that absorbs bumps while still being communicative
    Enough power to go uphill on the freeway while maintaining speed without downshifting.
    Power steering that still leaves some weight and feeling
    ABS
    Light clutch or DSG
    Functional radio

  55. ptschett Avatar

    Winter-specific:
    -tall enough to permit seeing over the snowbank where I pull onto my street (it was taller than my T-bird's roof from mid January till March, and too tall to see over from inside the car from Christmas till mid-March, and deep enough toward the sidewalk that stopping further back didn't mean you had any better chance of having a view)
    -4wd to get through the fresh snow that hasn't been heaped into the snowbank yet, and to get to work/back home from a place that's never closed for a blizzard in its 23-year history despite being in Fargo
    -excessively powerful cab heater
    -engine block heater + synthetic oil, so the oil has better flow than molasses on those -30 mornings
    My Dakota fits the bill pretty well.
    In summer/all year:
    -sufficient acceleration & handling to merge in a reasonable manner (i.e. at/near the 55mph speed limit by the bottom of the ramp, regardless of ramp speed signage)
    -sufficient brakes to handle the 20 mph/5 mph/20 mph/0 mph/40 mph traffic flow for the last 3 blocks before the onramp
    -air conditioning that'll take effect before I'm at my last stoplight on the way home
    -enough rear visibility to enable finding gaps in traffic once at the merge end of the ramp (new Camaro would fail.)
    For summer my T-bird works.

  56. ptschett Avatar

    Winter-specific:
    -tall enough to permit seeing over the snowbank where I pull onto my street (it was taller than my T-bird's roof from mid January till March, and too tall to see over from inside the car from Christmas till mid-March, and deep enough toward the sidewalk that stopping further back didn't mean you had any better chance of having a view)
    -4wd to get through the fresh snow that hasn't been heaped into the snowbank yet, and to get to work/back home from a place that's never closed for a blizzard in its 23-year history despite being in Fargo
    -excessively powerful cab heater
    -engine block heater + synthetic oil, so the oil has better flow than molasses on those -30 mornings
    My Dakota fits the bill pretty well.
    In summer/all year:
    -sufficient acceleration & handling to merge in a reasonable manner (i.e. at/near the 55mph speed limit by the bottom of the ramp, regardless of ramp speed signage)
    -sufficient brakes to handle the 20 mph/5 mph/20 mph/0 mph/40 mph traffic flow for the last 3 blocks before the onramp
    -air conditioning that'll take effect before I'm at my last stoplight on the way home
    -enough rear visibility to enable finding gaps in traffic once at the merge end of the ramp (new Camaro would fail.)
    For summer my T-bird works.

  57. Saturnsufferer Avatar

    I'll leave off my list the things all cars have and that the law requires for it to be driven on the street.
    Necessary:
    Heat and A/C (I live where it gets 103f in Summer and -10f in winter)
    FM stereo with at least 2 speakers working
    30+ MPG (52 mile commute weekdays)
    Fuel injection
    Burns gasoline
    Cruise control
    Nice:
    Automatic (Tired of drivng a 5 speed FWD with 8 lb flywheel and lumpy cams in traffic)
    Power windows
    Heavenly:
    Compliant but responsive suspension
    Power to weight ratio better than 15 lbs per HP
    Leather seats
    Room for four 6' tall adults
    Doesn't look like a jellybean with weird headlights
    Traction control
    When you daily drive a 15-year-old Saturn your expectations for suitable transport are few.

  58. Mechanically Inept Avatar

    Minimum:
    Reliable
    Radio
    Decent gas mileage
    A/C and heat
    Comfortable seats
    Room to put stuff
    Nice to have:
    Manual transmission
    Good handling
    Good looks
    Sunroof
    Comfortable back seats
    RWD
    Good in the snow
    My items may seem illogical, but that's because my transportation consists of a '97 Dodge Caravan (mommy's minivan) and an '87 924S. The minivan starts every time, is very comfortable, and has lots of room for people and stuff, but is slow, uncool, unfun, gets 17 MPG, and has an automatic. I'll tolerate bad MPG if it's attached to a fun car, but 17 MPG in a minivan just hurts (when you're 18 and have no money).
    The Porsche, on the other hand, looks cool, is RWD, has a large trunk and comfy seats, and has a 5-speed and a sunroof. However, at the moment, it won't start, and it doesn't have a radio (or a cupholder, for that matter). I hope to eventually see decent gas mileage from it, once it's in a better state of tune.

  59. toebitus Avatar
    toebitus

    1980 spider 2000,no a/c,no 2nd gear (3rd jumps out once in a while) smooth line hard top, worn out weber,dual hd-usb-cd player. your daily driver has a real wood dash too huh ?

  60. tenbeers Avatar

    Just be interesting and reliable.

  61. infrared portable sauna Avatar

    Useful stuff, but the theme don’t display correctly on my Powerbook…maybe you ought to examine that out. Thanks, anyway.

  62. scratch and dent appliances Avatar

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  63. Isla Watson Avatar

    i always use Ceramic Coffee mugs because they are quite tough, i dropped them on the floor without breaking;;*

  64. Doug Higgs Avatar
    Doug Higgs

    Heater and airconditioning, overdrive gear on transmission (auto or manual), 4 cylinders, excellent handling, decent drivers seat, enough power to get me out of a dangerous situation. That is all. Optional equipment might include a radio, or perhaps a way to blow thick clouds of smoke all over tailgaters.