First Vehicle Research

Hello:

A new forum member. This will be a bit long-winded, sorry. I'm doing a bit of digging to research the possible (eventual?) purchase of a first vehicle. (The '98 TJ/Wrangler is not mine, it's my Dad's truck. I love the thing to bits, but a bit small at times for cargo haulin'.)

Here are the criteria:

1) Insurance will be through the roof (less than 25 years old), but hoping to get something which is at least _reasonable_. ie. not a hot theft item. I'm accident free, and have been driving since 16, not that the insurance industry cares about that.

2) Prefer if it is able to move a lot of stuff on occasion, but realizing that passenger (and single passenger, at that) commuting is likely to be the most frequent use. As my parents live 6 hours away from me, there is the potential for a bit of long distance highway driving from time to time. I'd like something I'm comfortable with on the highway, no white knuckle merges a la Nissan Sentra here, please. Doing some construction work here and there, so plywood haulin' and stuff is a "need" at the moment. Also do occasional sound work for a small band, and so if I have a vehicle, I'll end up hauling band gear around.

3) Must be capable of comfortably towing a 20' trailer rig consisting of an 800lb 16' sailboat on it from time to time. Trailer weight is about 1000lb, so class I or II hitch, but I like a class III hitch platform, myself. (Granted the trailer is quite small, but I like "overkill" engineering, plus we have a bike rack for 2" hith receiver.) Boat usually has a bunch of ancillary stuff which goes in vehicle cargo area while towing. Must be able to haul heavier stuff, if I want to do that later, and must be able to make a boat ramp with the boat attached to it.

4) Ease of servicing is a plus, I do work on things myself often.

5) I like the environment, but realize that I can't have towing performance and miserly fuel bills at the same time. So, whatever fits the vehicle bill, I'll live with the gas bills.

My rough short list consists of:

older Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Comanche 4.0L

older Astro / Safari

square body Caprice Wagon

older Chryco Minivan

Experience driving our family's cottage clunker, a 1988 Mercury Tracer hatchback, indicates I'm partial to trucks or utility vehicles--I treat the thing as if it is one, and have almost killed it by doing so. (Ever seen a Tracer with a sailboat in tow? Good thing I don't move it far with this car!) As first gear is now going, this vehicle will be toast next summer. The Tracer was a "gift" from a relative. It has held up really well (over 300k kms), but don't go asking for parts! I would _never_ consider a Ford or by extension a Mazda, myself.

There's a Caprice Wagon down the road here which is still for sale, has been for a few weeks. Looks okay, and has been a daily driver for the owner for a while, I think since it was new. I know the guy's a car nut, because he keeps an older Camaro as a summer car. I therefore assume that the Caprice is probably well maintained. I assume they are selling because of the new Chrysler minivan they got a while back.

So, do I bug my parents, or don't I? I'm seriously thinking of going to look at this vehicle up close.

I'm currently unemployed, just out of university, so have no money to purchase a car, but will need one soon at any rate. If the Caprice is a good deal, I would certainly bother my parents for a loan. I hope that I will get a job sometime in the near future, and once I do, I will probably need a car quick.

Input appreciated:-)

Regards,

Dante McLean
[email protected]

The caprice might have a little trouble haulin that size trailor if its got a v6 in it. Make sure if you get it, to make sure it has a 305 or a 350 V8 in it. They both have a good amount of torque so you'll be able to pull a lot. As for plywood, I'd reccommend a truck, but the caprice wagon, you can very easily strap it to the top of the car. If your lookin' for a cheap car, then you've found your match. The old boxy's aren't wanted by very many people anymore (even thought I love em), so they're pretty cheap. These cars are also extremely reliable (even if it been beaten on in the past). I've heard of em going over 300,000 miles before the engine quit on em. My dad's old caprice had 178,000 on it an was still runnin like new when he sold it. It's almost like you can't kill em. These cars love to drive long distances (excellent car for a road trip). Also, they're so incredibly comfortable to drive, nice smooth ride, tons of space, its like sitting on a couch while you drive, and they're solid as hell... you can feel it when your driving. (My buddy called my Caprice a floating living room) And you know you'll be protected if ya happen ta get into an accident. Personally, I'd go for it. It'll meet almost all of your needs, and it'll always be there for you. If something does happen ta go wrong with it down the road, it'll be something simple, and if ya need help, jus post your question here, an youll get the help you need. If the price seems a little high, try to work it down. Good Luck!

My 84 Caprice wagon went 367,000 miles on the original engine before it died.

It will haul 4x8 sheets of plywood inside the car.

Suspension/brakes on the wagon are the same as the half-ton truck.

Oh yeah, I forgot that plywood'll fit inside the car.