What makes a good DD / primary vehicle

[ViPER1313]

It seems like every time there is a "What should I buy" thread my ideas of what makes a good DD are at complete odds with what most other people in the club consider good criteria. I wanted to start this thread so that people can debate what features and traits make a car a good daily driver to them. I also want people to include their commuting distance, average annual mileage, and what mix of back road / highway / bumper to bumper (city) traffic time is included.

Commute: 20 to 30 miles each way, 5 days a week.
Annual Mileage: ~30k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City: 20% / 60% / 20%

Handling / Ride Comfort: I don't find handling characteristics that important when looking at a DD. I don't usually push any car past 6 or 7 10ths on a public road anymore. After my experiences paying out the ass for summer tires and lowering the SHO, I found that I really liked driving the car more before it was a PITA taking it over any small bump and wearing out tires every 10k miles. Having a car that doesn't slam me around on the highway (where I spend most of my time) is way more important to me than being able to go 10mph quicker around a corner.

Power: I like having a car that will get out of its own way. I have really become accustomed to using power as an "out" of many situations that arise on the road. Whenever I drive something that is slower than I am used to, I tend to get into trouble (or beat the shit out of it trying to get out of trouble).

Size: I like the presence of driving a larger (not huge) car. People don't try and run you off of the road as often, they hold a lot more stuff and I'm not cramped beyond belief (I'm 6'3"). Driving the Talon for more than 1hr is torture for me.

2 vs 4 doors: 4 for me - I like the 2 door look better but also like to be able to throw stuff in the back seat without having to climb everywhere.

Fuel Economy: Important, but not over power.

Automatic vs Manual: Automatic all the way. I love unwinding the SHO or Talon on a back road, but I'm on highways about 80% of the time, and considerable portion of that is done at 15mph or less. Going from 1st -> 2nd -> 0mph in a clutch got really old after a while.

Looks: Not all that important to me. I care a lot more about how a car performs than impressing people with what I drive.

[WRXtranceformed]

Commute: Completely variable. I drive a LOT, so I've had a lot of time to think about this.
Annual mileage: ~25-30k miles
Backroad / Highway / B2B&City: 5% / 55% / 40%

Handling: I've found that there is a fine line for daily driving between a "sporty" suspension which is important to alleviate the boredom on offramps, backroads, etc. to "stiff" where you feel every bump in the road and track over every little crevasse in the road. I have to say that the IS300 and the TL have been exceptional in terms of handling and ride comfort, with the TL being slightly more sporty, in a good way. I can't stand driving cars with super soft suspensions that just roll completely over in turns, it makes you feel unsafe.

Power: I think it's very important for getting out of sticky situations. I have never felt myself wishing I had less power, usually only more... but I think that's inherent in all of us as motorsports guys :lol:

Size: The one big disadvantage I've found with my current car. I really liked the smaller size of the IS, but having a larger car just makes you a larger target on the road. It also makes parking and stuff like that more difficult. I do like the extra space of a larger 4 door, but it's not worth the tradeoff in overall vehicle size.
With that being said, I LOVED driving my old Tundra. That's a different kind of big though, like a get the hell out of my way big.

4 door all day long, I've never owned a 2 door car. The utility is so worth it for a daily driver.

Automatic all day long too. MTs are too frustrating to drive as a commuter car, especially in traffic... I don't care how "fun" the car is.

Looks: Important to me, I like to feel comfortable with the interior and exterior of a car I spend so much time in. It never hurts the ego to get double-takes from other people every now and then too

[.RJ]

Oontz. V8 mofo. Cruise for ho's.

[BLINGMW]

Commute: 15 miles each way, 5 days a week
Annual Mileage: ~15k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City: 15% / 75% / 10%

1) Lack of value - able to park anywhere, cheap to buy/fix/replace if I need to run over something, no payments
2) Reliability - I don't like working on cars, especially a POS DD. It's nice to think it's not about to fall apart.
3) Utility - Being able to run to Lowes or pick up a bike on the way home is helpful. Otherwise, smaller is better.
3) Fuel economy - 30+MPG preferably
4) Comfort - I have lower standards than most. I mean non ripped-up seats, functioning AC and radio, working windows.
5) Preferably stick - Always, even when we lived in ATL. I wish my van was stick.

Looks, power, handling, other features, that's all fairly ignorable. Bonus for sunroof and working power locks though. I tell you what, if sharing a car with someone, like Jess' 325 for instance, I freakin' love power memory seats. I hit my keyfob to unlock and it's all ready for me. :thumbup: For just me though, that car is WAY too nice. My Previa and our old Accord are more my speed.

[Ryan T]

Commute: 4 miles, 5 days a week.
Annual Mileage: 30k, but a lot of that is on business trips and spent in a demo. Actual mileage on MY car is about 15k.
Backroad/Highway?B2B&City: 75%/20%/5%

I guess my car is one of the least viable options for a "daily driver" but it works great for me. I'm glad it's an automatic just because most of my driving, even though it is on a backroad, isn't really very exciting. Other than that I would rather drive something I enjoy driving and that looks good rather than something that just gets the job done. It's comfortable, gets decent gas mileage and can certaintly get out of it's own way when I need it too. Storage space blows as does passenger capacity (only 1) but I'm not really constrained by it because I can always take a demo that hauls as many as 7 people if I need/want it too.

[Mike]

Commute: 1.25/each way
Annual mileage: 1.5k

I ride a bicycle. I drive the Civic when I have to. Hatchbacks rule for utility. No, I didn't read the thread.

[ScottyB]

Commute: 25 miles each way, 5 days a week.
Annual Mileage: ~20k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City: 10% / 60% / 30%

Handling / Ride Comfort: for a car, i value handling. personally that is my "out" in emergencies besides my brakes and i want to feel the road, all the time as my main feedback. comfort comes secondary and basically has to be decent enough that i don't feel like i couldn't take a sip of a drink without it splashing in my face. i enjoy taking ramps at speed when the situation permits and zipping around side roads within reason.

Power: the weakest car i ever had was 150hp and i never, ever felt like i was in danger or couldn't just steer or brake out of a situation i didn't like. even when i go out in the country i never find myself above 70mph, but i realize that also has alot to do with the regional terrain. i don't get "5th gear passing" and why it matters, since i have no issue with shifting into 4th or 3rd to git er done. keep in mind though that my power figures are fitting for the size of car that i choose...

Size: i don't feel comfortable driving large cars. i don't mind from time to time but i tend to always fall into the midsize/compact sedan category. when i'm out of the city i'll feel more comfortable with an even smaller car due to less chance of getting drilled at an intersection. I never carry so much crap or people that I need something larger than a smallish sedan.

Safety: front airbags minimum, i don't think i'd be comfortable without ABS on a DD. traction control/stability/yaw/repulsorlifts, i couldn't care less. side airbags i wouldn't mind if offered but not a deal breaker.

2 vs 4 doors: 4 doors for any car that is designed to seat 4. i don't mind 2 seaters though and for a DD I carry only myself 99% of the time. If I need to get topsoil or some crap IÔÇÖll either take the wifeÔÇÖs SUV or rent a home depot truck.

Fuel Economy: I have a hard time warming up to anything that gets under 28-30mpg highway. I just donÔÇÖt think thereÔÇÖs any real payoff to accepting less. Octane doesnÔÇÖt matter to me, it doesnÔÇÖt add up enough to deter me.

Automatic vs Manual: I cant stand automatics. Even in the worst traffic I feel at home driving a manual and will likely never own a car without one. I like the efficiency of manuals and fun factor besides the better control. Autos have their place and Im sure when my knees blow out Ill feel differently but until then.

Looks: as long as the car is decently styled I donÔÇÖt mind if itÔÇÖs beat up a bit and scratched. I donÔÇÖt like rust and I donÔÇÖt like too much crud on the paint. if itÔÇÖs shiny and nice, fine, but if not It just means I have less to worry about when I park it at wally world

ideal situation: ride a mountain bike to work, drive for fun on the weekends

i realize i'm a fringe case and my values aren't realistic to most people. but i've been pretty consistent with my preferences for years now.

[Apoc]

Commute: 4 miles each way, 5 days a week
Annual Mileage: 8k
95% of my mileage is suburbia

I thought a great daily driver had 250 hp, four doors, AWD, fuel economy >20 mpg, airbags and other safety stuff and all the creature comforts like satnav.

I've recently realized that I was just trying to duplicate my B5 S4 and the Subaru doesn't have "it" whatever that is. I'm seriously considering selling it for a two door, RWD hatch back that is very impractical. I never carry 4 people and rarely carry a ton of shit in my daily drives, so why do I need all that space?

I think this might be the start of an early mid-life crisis.

[ScottyB]

I think this might be the start of an early mid-life crisis.

sounds like you're just having a breakthrough in logic. i don't see the crisis part.

if you're not carrying a ton of shit why do you need the space? i thought i would but my back seats have been sat in only 3 times.

[JustinG]

Commute: 4.6 miles/10 minutes each way, 5 days a week.
Annual Mileage: 8k give or take
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City:10/30/60 im assuming this is all throughout the year not just on my commute to work

Handling / Ride Comfort: needs to be comfy, leather, heated seats, cold A/C, sunroof. Good ride that doesnt throw my ass around all over the place, but I dont wanna feel like im gonna flip over when I take a turn somewhat spirited either.

Power: has to move, don't wanna feel like im gonna die when merging into traffic or passing someone, so leaning towards a V8

Size: need something that will haul 2 dogs or survive a trip to lowes as well, so leaning towards Wagon/SUV territory

2 vs 4 doors: 4

Fuel Economy: Not to big of a deal, if we worry about MPG well take Casey's Focus

Automatic vs Manual: Automatic for a DD, im tired of a heavy clutch in stop and go traffic.

Looks: Important, cant stand an ugly car.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Commute: 10 miles/30 minutes each way, 1-5 days (take the bike when I can)
Annual Mileage: ~15k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City:10/70/20

Handling / Ride Comfort: I have really come to love how just plush and easy and smooth the lexus, no amount of pothole upsets the chassis. I am pretty sure it could hit a curb and keep going, handling is a huge penalty in the car tho. Doesnt matter tho, after working out I look forward to "resting" in my car. The m3 is a ton more fun, but ride comfort is top priority now as my back aches, my legs ache, everything aches. The largest annoyance that I never would have figured is shoes. Business shoes suck for manual driving, and its just a pain to take off some shoes just to drive.

Power: Do you really need to ask me? It matters largely, especially for a daily driver, as I never hit back roads, so I gotta get my "kicks" driving the shit outta toll roads. SC400 is actually hilariously fun, m3 boring as hell coming out of toll roads, it just doesnt have any power.

Size: Honestly, the sc400 fits my road bike, all the clothes I could ever need, passengers, 4 rims/tires. transmissions. The only thing I cant haul is engines that I pick up. This is a rare occurance, and I can just grab it with my mom's station wagon/friends cars.

2 vs 4 doors: 2 or 4 no big deal to me, I just have always like coupes, and thats the only cars ive ever had.

Fuel Economy: Not too big of a deal, because I bike to work my gas bill is rarely hard, I would like something with more than the sc400 gets, I like the m3 gas mileage, but not at the expense of fun/power.

Automatic vs Manual: Automatic for a DD all the way, come on, its nova.

Looks: Semi-important. I could care less what other people think, but I have to like it. It really is nice with the sc400, cause its not ugly, but its pretty beat, so I dont care about dings and can park it anywhere.

Sound System: I added this, because I cannot have a car that has a crappy sound system. The car has to have ipod hookup or a cd changer. First thing I did to the sc400 was hardwire in an ipod. I still have to hardwire one in the m3, ive just been a bit lazy as im trying to get the gsx together. Also has to have good "clarity", more important than massive bass, although the sc400 has some pretty serious bass for a 1993 car. Blows the m3 out of the water.

[CaptainHenreh]

Commute: >5 miles each way, 5 days a week. (15 miles to school once a week)
Annual Mileage: ~15k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City: 10% / 10% / 80% (City = All stoplights and speedbumps and 35-45mph zones)

Handling / Ride Comfort: I do wish my car were more comfortable. The seats are nice, but the suspension is harsh. However, I'll always take a "good handling stock car" over a "shitty cushy floaty stock car" any day of the week.

Power: "I like having a car that will get out of its own way. I have really become accustomed to using power as an "out" of many situations that arise on the road. Whenever I drive something that is slower than I am used to, I tend to get into trouble (or beat the shit out of it trying to get out of trouble)." I'll echo this. I love having horsepower to dart out of situations that invariably find me. People who don't know what "yield" means, for example.

Size: I prefer medium to small cars. I don't like driving big cars, but I drove a Metro all through college. If I can't reach something I've got in the rear passenger seat while driving, it's too big.

2 vs 4 doors: 4 Doors. Hell, 5 if I can get it. I love the looks of coupes but I'll never own one as a DD ever again. Even if I *don't* use the extra room, whether it's heading to the range or hauling tools to help someone or driving coworkers to lunch, I love the utility of a 4 door hatch vs the UN-utility of a coupe. Also, maybe I'm just getting old, but I hate the "sitting on the floor" driving position most coupes seem to have.

Fuel Economy: Important, but not over power. <-- what he said.

Automatic vs Manual: Automatic transmissions make for lazy drivers. It's less efficient, less fun, and it takes your mind away from the task at hand: Driving. I don't think we'd have so many dumb bitches in Lexus RX300's out to kill me if they had to row their own gears. (They'd stay the fuck home!) So as for me and my house, our transmissions are manual. And don't get me started on your whining about traffic. I sit in Nova traffic too, grow a sack and drive a real transmission. And what's this about a manual being bad on the highway? When you're up to speed, set your cruise control and call it a day. If you need to go faster, gear down and go. WTF?

Looks: I like a "sharp" car, but it doesn't need to stun anyone.

[ScottyB]

I don't think we'd have so many dumb bitches in Lexus RX300's out to kill me if they had to row their own gears.

Amen and praises. RX300's are tard magnets.

[CaptainHenreh]

I don't think we'd have so many dumb bitches in Lexus RX300's out to kill me if they had to row their own gears.

Amen and praises. RX300's are tard magnets.

I refer to them as "Nemesis", particularly when they were purchased at Pohanka Lexus, which apparently makes you fail a retard test before they will sell you an automobile.

I've almost been killed by an RX300 with that "Pohanka Lexus" plate surround more times than i care to count.

[ScottyB]

I refer to them as "Nemesis"

LOL. here's to hoping you scream that out at them when you see them on the road. :thumbup:

[CaptainHenreh]

I refer to them as "Nemesis"

LOL. here's to hoping you scream that out at them when you see them on the road. :thumbup:

Every time, that's how this whole thing got started. I even shake my fist at them, unless julie is in the car.

I guess she's afraid some dumb azn bitch is going to shoot at us or something. I'm not scared, she can't see me and even if she could she's too busy talking on her goddamn phone!

[Ken]

Commute: >5 miles each way, 5 days a week.
Annual Mileage: ~12k miles
Back Road / Highway / B2B&City: 33% / 33% / 33% *not sure how to place this since alot of my mileage is just driving down here from Long Island, so id you don't include that than it is mostly Back Road and City.

Handling / Ride Comfort: As long as i don't feel like i am sitting on a skateboard, i'm okay. I also don't like the feeling that i am sitting in the air either.


Power: "I like having a car that will get out of its own way. I have really become accustomed to using power as an "out" of many situations that arise on the road. Whenever I drive something that is slower than I am used to, I tend to get into trouble (or beat the shit out of it trying to get out of trouble)." I will also second this thought, it is absolutely true.

Size: I find my mother's (09) TL to be a boat, that is just about the biggest car I will willingly drive.

2 vs 4 doors: Definitely four doors. Had my RSX and yes i was once able to fit nine people total in it, but that sucked tremendously. Sure it was a hatchback and the seats rolled forward but i still never would have been able to fit the crap that i can in the Ralliart, even with it's tiny pretend trunk.

Fuel Economy: Important, but not over power. <-- what he said

Automatic vs Manual: Manu-matic(twin clutch though). Granted i haven't learned manual yet, wasn't allowed to drive a manual car for my first car and still haven't learned. However sitting in NYC traffic I really don't feel like dealing with it anyhow. I like my car for i can choose when i want to be shifting or just slap that sucker into automatic and let it do the hard work. I hated shifting in the RSX with the old school type manumatics but love the twin clutch in this car. Still a new tech. and by no means a replacement for a manual transmission, but definitely a step in the right direction i think.

Looks: I do like to stand out a bit, i will probably grow out of that however. The spoiler/diffuser on this car now is probably the biggest i could stand. I like an aggressive stance, i absolutely hate cars that look like they are smiling.

[ScottyB]

unless julie is in the car

do you at least seethe with a hearty grimace on your face? silently i mean :lol:



ah Rex, you renew my faith in humanity. sorry for the threadjack, carry on.

[CaptainHenreh]

do you at least seethe with a hearty grimace on your face? silently i mean :lol:

You misunderstand. I still do it, julie just swats my fist down and says 'You're going to get us killed!'

Then I scowl and

[D_Eclipse9916]

I don't think we'd have so many dumb bitches in Lexus RX300's out to kill me if they had to row their own gears.

Amen and praises. RX300's are tard magnets.

I refer to them as "Nemesis", particularly when they were purchased at Pohanka Lexus, which apparently makes you fail a retard test before they will sell you an automobile.

I've almost been killed by an RX300 with that "Pohanka Lexus" plate surround more times than i care to count.

WTF: So true, pohanka and their rx300s. Do they just sell to incompetent asian women drivers? SERIOUSLY!?!!? I cant beleive you have the same exact problem.