I've been driving a Volvo S60-T5 going on 11 years and I love it, mostly. It has >150,000 miles and still runs great. Sure, there's some problems, all of which are related to electrical items, and some surfaces have worn a bit, but I still really enjoy the way it rides and looks. I pride myself of making my vehicle last and being satisfied with what I have instead of being unhappy because of what I don't have. But the time is coming for when I will finally put my ole baby out to pasture and get a new vehicle that will transport me for the next decade.
I've convinced that I could get another 100K or more from my trusty Volvo! It will be a great car for someone looking to spend about $3K. (A fantastic safe, sporty, and beautiful car for a brand new driver!) But, I've been waiting for several years for the 2012's come out to finally breakdown and buy a new car again. I figured that would be the year when new technology, safety, design, and manufacturers would finally produce the vehicles I've been waiting for a price I'm willing to pay. The 2011 are fantastic but I believe the 2012's are going to see it all come together - and that's when I'll get the car I will be happy to drive for the next ten years.
So I'm starting a list of what I want my car for when I go shopping in about 10 months. There's a ton of minimum requirements, that I expect nearly every vehicle will meet, which is why I am only going to list the more difficult specifications that will be the differentiators. I haven't decided which style/type of vehicle to buy yet, so some items vary based on that decision. Here's my requirements in no special order:
1. Minimum MPG - Luxury - 35, Sport - 32, Green - 50. But I may go all electric if range is 150+ and features/value is right.
2. Blue-tooth integrated phone with sync to my computer address book contacts
3. Navigation system AND computer with min. 50 gig hard drive for music, books, photos, voice memos
4. Ability to upload music, trip itinerary, and more from personal computer to my car and to check my car's service needs and history from my home computer including the ability to set a service appointment up on the computer without calling
5. Voice to text and text to voice for phone operation, email/text messaging,and voice mail
6. Superb voice recognition control of vehicle systems including climate control, cruise control, sound system, etc.
7. Great display features for all vehicle functions as well as a back-up camera
8. Safety and convenience features including key-less entry and push-button start, automatic Led high-low beam dipping, lane drift detection, blind spot and back-up sensors, traction control, etc.
9. Leather, trim, and good looks including awesome interior led lighting and better storage systems with more trunk and door compartments. Chilled drink holder would be nice.
10. Large sun/moon roof or maybe convertible.
11. All wheel drive with many extra ordinary road handling features
12. An area dealer with incredible reputation for giving superb service
13. Reasonably priced 100K bumper to bumper warranty on everything
14. 0-60 in under 6 sec with just as good breaking and a 5 star crash rating
15. Dual climate zones with heated and cooled or ventilated seats
16. Prefer to stay under $35K but won't go over $40K
17. ?
Jan. 2011