The last three vehicles we have owned are a 1992 Chev Lumina (used), 2002 Chev Venture Van (new), and a 2005 Chev Uplander (new). I have never owned a "driver's vehicle" before but that changed while we had the Uplander. I bought a loaded, even with a heated steering wheel, 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE with 67K on it. It drives like brand new, feels rock solid and is an absolute thrill and treat to drive. When we let the uplander go a couple of weeks ago (leased vehicle) we bought a 2004 Acura MDX touring model with all options except Nav and DVD. What an awesome vehicle and I can't wait to use the AWD in a Saskatchewan winter. I look forward to buying premium slightly used vehicles for some time to come over newer North American ones for more money. I can't get over how solid both vehicles feel for their age. The build on each vehicle is awesome and the thoughtful small options on each vehicle really makes them feel nice. My younger brother has always tried to steer us towards what he has called driver's vehicles and I am glad I finally listened; just wish I would have listened a few years ago.

This is a new term to me, but then again I'm not natively from Canada. Would you mind elaborating on what it means? My usual "term search" engines have failed me on this one (just like they did when we had a discussion on what the heck a "shag" party was)

Let's just say it ain't a Pontiac Grand Prik or a Dodge Caravanquished.
Rather it's a real car. One that does not require brakes every 40,000K, also if you want something you'll find it right where it would be if you had designed the car.

A driver's car centres the experience on the driver. It is meant to give the driver an experience rather than just a mode of transportation.

I never have, nor will, own a vehicle (primary) strictly to get me from point A to point B. Like mmp, I want an experience behind the wheel. That's why I love my Mazda3. (Despite the car not sounding like it brings much to the table. It does!)

Driver's Vehicles

Are typically the over priced models within a manufacturers catalogue. They are expensive, usually take the biggest depreciation "hit", and parts, though many times identical to those found in lesser models, are always overpriced.

One of my hobbies is buying "Driver's Vehicles", 10-15 years on for virtually nothing, and restoring them.

Thank you all so much. That helps a lot.

I guess I've preferred such vehicles, but mainly because I'm 6'3" and no longer skinny (who said "Guinness gut!!").

I prefer cars with real engines (by this I mean V-6 or better) and the more electric jiggery-pokery there is, the better. My previous car was a Buick Park Ave, but before some Green Party member hits me over the head with a recyclable nightstick for being an unrepentant gas hog, I should say that it we got it up to 30mpg with some fine-tuning and other trickery. Not bad for a V-8.

Our present vehicle, OTOH, *is* a gas hog -- it's a Ford Windstar, but we had to have it in order to move from Florida to here. Never got it much up above 25MPG, even with all that highway driving. Very very comfortable though, with lots of very nice touches like electric doors, separate environmental controls and so forth.

That is odd. Our 2001 Windstar easily gets 35 + mpg on the highway and always has since new. Sounds like something is not right.

Hauling additional 'weight' can have a negative impact on fuel economy....

I can see why you find the newer vehicles more exciting to drive.... congrats!

These days used cars are probably the best deal, especially if you find good ones that are off lease and have been serviced properly. I personally will not buy a new car/truck anymore because the depreciation on a new vehicle coupled with the amount of mileage I put on in a year will wipe out a warranty and it's resale value in a couple of years.