In 2008 I sent out this postcard:
You had to go to the website to find out the answer. The answer was….
A 2001 Toyota Avalon. Kinda funny considering somebody out there is gonna assume I’m driving a Bugatti.
Why would an “internet guru” be driving 7 year old car with 107,000 miles? I’ll tell you why….
- I wouldn’t even think of buying a car brand new off the lot. I’ll let somebody else soak up the depreciation, thank you very much
- An Avalon is pretty close to a Lexus, minus the snob appeal
- It’s quiet, very comfortable, better gas mileage than a SUV, super reliable
- Has a great JBL stereo system (that’s what sold me in the end)
I went on to explain that how I choose a car is exactly the same as how I teach you to buy clicks on Google: With basic old-fashioned common sense, a certain amount of thrift, and as little vanity as humanly possible.
What I didn’t explain was how many other cars I’ve driven nearly into the ground! I bet I’ve driven three or four of ’em past 200,000 miles, then sold them to some guy for six hundred bucks, rust and all.
Our previous minivan was a purple Honda Odyssey. It was 5 years old with 70K miles when I bought it for $13,000 cash. That was six months after I escaped from the Dilbert Cube. 2 years ago we sold it to a junkyard for $150. Bought MamaLaura a red Toyota Sienna.
And now I STILL have my 2001 Avalon. It’s 10 years old, it’s got 136,000 miles, and it’s got a few more dents and dings. Last week I was driving some clients to dinner during the 4-Man Intensive and one guy is sitting in the back seat. He says to me, “Perry, you live an austere lifestyle.”
Later that night we’re backing out of a parking garage. I scrape the front door against a cement post, busting the mirror and making a huge dent.
MamaLaura says to me, “Perry, you do NOT live an austere lifestyle . . . but my dear husband, it’s time for you to get a newer car.”
I had to agree. Yeah, I can’t keep driving cars into the ground. A guy like me ought to drive a respectable vehicle.
Yesterday I rented a new Avalon from a dealer. Cheap way to find out if I really like it without having a car salesman riding around with me. Verdict’s in: It’s SWEET. But it’s not the only car in the world and I’m not gonna buy a brand new 2011.
So…. I’m interested in your opinion. What kind of car do YOU think I should drive?
I’ll consider every one of your comments before I buy.
Oh yeah, and one other thing. I’m going to start naming my cars. Matt Gillogly has Klaus the Volvo and Betsy the Honda mini van. The winning suggestion gets to name my next car. Plus I promise to talk about it in emails and newsletters every now and then . . .
Perry
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About the Author
Perry Marshall has launched two revolutions in sales and marketing. In Pay-Per-Click advertising, he pioneered best practices and wrote the world's best selling book on Google advertising. And he's driven the 80/20 Principle deeper than any other author, creating a new movement in business.
He is referenced across the Internet and by Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, INC and Forbes Magazine.
81 Comments on “What kind of car does Perry drive?”
Perry, this is a no-brainer, but my recommendation has been the Car of the Year for a while.
It has a sound system only one other car in the world has, namely a Rolls Royce with a Lexicon Sound System.
The car is understated on purpose, huge warranty, quick, quick, quick, but economical as well.
Nicely appointed, people will come up and ask what it is.
The car, a Hyundai Genesis.
Honda accord Very reliable, nice they are very elegant
and stylish. You could call it. James since most drivers in Hollywood are called James . This will be your
James, driving you around. Now if you are most confortable with a female name call it Maguie
Thanks Felipe Hernandez or [email protected]
I think whatever car you think you want in your burning desire is the car you will obtain !!!!!! Sound familiar ????? Then thats the car for you !!!
I have a Citroen Berlingo Multispace, purchased 24/02/01 18 mouths old on test drive clocked over to
10,000 miles, it’s good to drive, good carrying space.
We also have a SLK (my wife) & and a Freelander which
agood second best. I was told when I got the Berlingo
by my daughter that it was very good in always but had
no street cred, which just thing for me.
“Should”? That comes from an interesting, though limiting mindset.
If I were to ask you for your input regarding my business, would you recommend that I consider training outside my comfort zone? Would you recommend a course only because I was thinking about spending so much, even though I could clearly spend more?
Should you only be logical and reasonable in what you recommend? Or maybe consider some more personally satisfying aspect of a more advanced route?
Which car? The car you would really like to have but challenges your comfort zone a bit. That’s my recommendation.
Of course… who says you can only have one?
Joe Mobley
Joe,
Interesting point you make, about the word “should.” Sharp eye, bringing that up. Yes, to me, a car buying decision is a “should” sort of question.
It might surprise a lot of people to know that spending, or not spending, an extra $5 or $10 grand on a car DOES make a big difference to us. It’s $5 or $10 grand put into a depreciating asset that we can’t invest in something else. In our business, that’s one well executed experiment or maybe two or three. It’s enough money to feed 20 kids in developing countries for a year. Laura is heavily involved in the adoption community and that much money could tip the scales for a half dozen people, as to whether they can afford to adopt a special needs kid or not.
Laura and I don’t take that kind of expenditure lightly. We’re entrepreneurs and when we invest money on the business side, $5 or $10 grand this year could turn into $7 or $15 grand next year. And more the year after that. Or it could turn into $4 or $8 grand next year, if invested in a car. As a Christian I see myself as a steward of God’s money, not a spender of mine.
20 years ago I heard a riveting talk by Tony Campolo, who people in the Christian world know as an edgy, left-leaning challenger of the status quo. Not your typical republican evangelical. He gave a talk called “Would Jesus drive a BMW?” His answer was no, Jesus would use the money to build an AIDS hospice or feed the poor instead. At the time I agreed. As I’ve grown older I’ve seen his approach to the question was rather black and white. Tony never considered that if you’re a consultant or real estate agent, the things you own can potentially be part of your customer experience and your alchemy formula. If you’re a real estate agent, you don’t drive clients around in a 200,000 mile rusty car if you can possibly avoid it.
5 years ago we moved from a 2 bedroom bungalow to a 5 bedroom house, much nicer, twice as much money and 3X as much space. I couldn’t have DREAMED of doing a 4 Man intensive in that old bungalow. It would have been de-motivating to anyone who showed up. Because of the intensives, which might be the highest-satisfaction product I sell, current house has literally paid for itself as a business asset. It’s not ostentatious by any means. It’s just a nice place to live, it looks sharp and people feel comfortable here. A lot of clients comment that eating lunch at our dining room table with kids yelling in the back yard feels like home.
This whole blog post was triggered by the question, “Hmmm, I wonder if my car could be an asset like my house, rather than something that just depreciates?” I didn’t explain all that, because I didn’t really want to turn this into a heady philosophical discussion. I’d prefer for it to be a more fun conversation than all that. But if you lived inside my head you’d know that everything is a philosophical discussion…. :^>
3 years ago I did a blog post http://www.perrymarshall.com/perrys-greed where everyone argued about whether I have a right to charge people for a lunch appointment. The central point that I tried to make – which I don’t think very many people understood – was that if I’m going to be generous, I have very finite choices as to who I am generous with. I said I prefer to be generous with orphans in 3rd world countries, than to be generous with Americans who in many cases don’t have enough discipline to pick up a book and read it. I explained that I can’t give my time to everyone, because there’s only so much of me to go around. It appears as though this sailed right over most peoples’ heads.
Yeah this whole thing does challenge my comfort zone a bit. And it’s also a measure of Luxury vs. Practicality. Several people have mentioned the book “Millionaire Next Door” which depicts most millionaires as people who don’t look like millionaires at all. I’m MUCH more comfortable with that. Is that a comfort zone I “should” stretch?
Great question, Joe.
P.S.: I get serious inspiration from a good sound system. Most people don’t know it, but most of the best copy on my site is embedded with driving rhythm fueled by great music. Another part of my alchemy formula…
Thank you Perry for the time and thought you put into the response. I believe it will be of value to all who read it.
And… enjoy the car.
Joe Mobley
Tony Campolo and prostitutes in church
Perry- since you mentioned him… our pastor shared this clip from Tony Campolo in church last week. Has the square root of zero to do with purchasing a car, but it was so good, and since you mentioned him- I just had to share:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ePohwDKx4
Great lesson on joy.
GREAT video!
I have a quick comment about the comfort thing. I just got done with the celebrity webinar, (which I bought. Looks awesome, btw!) and on there you talked about how to basically be a nerd version of a rock star, which is cool. It positions you well in the marketplace. That, though can be seen as a sort of snobbery. It’s inevitable. Kind of like the book “Winning by Intimidation”, which I think you recommended.
I was kind of intimidated to introduce myself at the Thanksgiving seminar, which I didn’t do. Not that you were intimidating per se, but I just felt like I didn’t have anything to offer to the conversation for some reason. (what could I possibly teach you, the nerd rock star?)
The celebrity and snob factors are closely related in my opinion, and are things I don’t think you can eliminate if you want to have a high level of success in business and position yourself properly. It just means your time and effort are worthwhile, and you make it known to others.
The only people that actually get upset at that are the ones that you’re trying to filter out anyway.
My $0.02. 50 more of these, and I’d have a buck!
Chris,
I know the feeling. I’ve often shied away from introducing myself to other famous people. Sometimes my attitude was, “Someday I’ll have something valuable to offer them and they’ll want to know my name….”
But it’s ALWAYS great to meet you or anyone else and shake their hand at a seminar.
Hope you enjoy CelebEx.
Oh, and on the missive submitted:
We live on the Front Range of the Rockies, and I now dive an 88 4×4 1/2 ton (referred to as a “heavy half” because it is actually rated at 1875 GVW) Suburban.
Her name is “Roxy”.
Why “Roxy”?
Well, as said, a name is “a personal thing”.
When we first moved here we felt we needed a truck, though one with 4×4 capacity to haul our family (6 all told) + gear.
Found this truck. Loved it; bought it.
“It” became “Roxy” when we got her plates.
88 4×4 Suburban.
Plates?
884 RXY.
“Roxy” was “born”.
As said – “A name is a personal thing”, eh?
Glad to me part of your planet.
Rick
Get yourself a TESLA. You won’t regret it.
Hi Perry;
Interesting question you have posed, and allow me to attempt to apply a touch of “Planet Perry” gleaned insight to pre-framing my response (not to be confused with “answer”) to your question.
As I understand what you said, that when you initially purchased your current “gallant steed”, your criteria was that of “purpose driven function” (reliability, mileage, etc.), and that once this criteria was satisfied, the “closer” was the quality of the sound system; is that accurate?
Next question.
Is your criteria now as it was at your last decision point, or are there different or additional criteria by which you are evaluating this choice, and if so, would you please share them with me, in order to help you to more fully achieve the outcome you want.
Assuming that you have done so, I would next pose the following (to help you make the “right” decision):
“Well, Perry, based on what you just shared with me, what choices have you (already)determined may give you the (outcome/result/personal satisfaction) that is important to you in making the “right” decision”?
You answer.
My Response:
“And why do you say that/feel that way?”
Bottom line:
Perry, you have taught me, in clear, actionable terms, that “you can lead a horse to water…”, and that rather than attempt to “tell the market” what they “should” want, why not instead find out what the predisposition is, and help them to “discover it”?
You, in particular, are a perfect example of this “case study” because you, of all people, are both at once intransigent in your beliefs, and yet totally open to suggestion, more so than most I have ever encountered (you shared your “40th” with me, my wife [who you totally ‘won over’], and about 12 others (Thank you – That was great).
You are at once both the “insightful guru” and “everyman”.
Ergo, the principles you teach are applicable in any circumstance where direction or influence is involved.
Thank You, Perry; you give a Lot.
Oh, I almost forgot, “name her for you”; (cars are always girls with guys, eh?).
Whatever strikes your fancy, Perry – Only you can assign something so intimate as a name, because embodied in the name you choose, will be the story of how you “chose her”, no?
Thank you again, Perry, for this “exercise” – I hope to revisit meeting with you again “face to face” one day soon.
P.S.: Sorry I couldn’t “chose your next car for you”, but hey, everything I have learned sez that that isn’t my place if you actually trust me to “help” you.
Rick,
Yeah, that’s about right. Wanted a practical car. Had to seat at least 5 people. My previous car had been a Geo Prizm, which had gotten wrecked. I bought that while still in the Dilbert Cube, when the $100/month car payment was a definite strain on the budget. I deliberated between the Prius and the Avalon. Prius was noisy and small. 2X gas mileage and lousy sound. Oh, and a little more expensive. It would have taken a lot of tanks of gas to make up the diff.
In the Dilbert Cube I generally drove lousy cars. I told my boss I didn’t believe a person should spend more than a month’s salary on a car. That philosophy still works for me.
I actually found myself having a hard time asking myself what kind of car I wanted. Cars are so stereotypically status symbols, it’s something I don’t like to give into. I bet a Lexus is a fantastic car, but it’s branded to be a bit of a status symbol and I’m uncomfortable with that. I want a car that fits like a comfortable pair of blue jeans. A nice pair. Late model Avalons are REALLY nice cars. I think the Infinitis are worth a look too. I’ve disliked GM’s ever since my dad bought a Buick Skylark when I was 12, and it was a lemon.
-It’s gotta seat at least 5 people
-I don’t like vans, trucks or SUV’s. One time I threw a van into reverse and smashed the car behind me because I couldn’t see it at all. It sounds like I have a lot of accidents but I really don’t. I like driving lower to the ground, in any case.
-Gotta have a nice sound system. @Hal, do ya think Mark Levinson might have a little snob appeal of its own? :^)
-I’d design the sound system if I had time, but in cars that’s a very involved process, and having done that for a living 15 years ago – I designed the speakers in the 95 Acura Vigor and several other cars, it’s very hard for an amateur to beat a factory system now.
-Gotta have a sunroof, and leather seats (they don’t stain), and a light colored interior that doesn’t fry an egg in the summertime.
-A quiet ride sure is easy on the nerves. I wouldn’t like driving a corvette with its stiff suspension.
-Back to the snob appeal thing – I like a quality car that doesn’t seem like it’s making a “statement.”
-Gotta be relaible.
Thanks for your kind words!
Perry
No more than a JBL… :). Sounds like you have your heart set on another Avalon… A fine vehicle IMHO. Make sure you use an Internet dealer (i.e. eBay). There is nothing more liberating than negotiating with car salesmen via email or text message…! And the 2010 Avalon gets solid reviews. http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/avalon/2010/
I recommend buying another… and calling her ‘Frankie’. :). Not too original but comfortable none the less. Look forward to hearing what you decide!
Hal,
In the audiophile world, Mark Levinson is multiple heads and shoulders above JBL. JBL is “mid-fi” – Levinson is “Hi-Fi.” Actually…. the Mark Levinson could tempt me in a serious way. I had never even considered it. I will at least have to check it out. So hat’s off to ya.
Ah… I see… Hal = Not an Audiophile… I guess that Mark Levinson system in our new rig is like a pearl before a swine. Sorry if I offended the aficionados in the crowd! I’m sure comparing JBL to ML made some of you cringe. Glad to hear you’re gonna investigate. Lexus is a fine automobile that has come a long way as a brand. A well-kept used one in my book is a smart use of your transportation dollars. (lots of lease turn-ins in this category with low miles too)
There is also a pretty good online community of geeks and freaks that like to ‘hack’ them… And that appealed to me also- here’s the hybrid version of the forum but they have other sections for other models: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/f79.html
Hi Perry! I think that you should buy whatever car that you want to buy and name it anything you want.
Hey Perry!
Long time!
Perry go with your Heart.. Get what really moves you!
Keep in mind…You only live once…So, live in the moment!
Lots of respect and love.
— Vince
I have two loves. One of them is cars.
I researched for 2 years. I ended up with a used Lexus 300 ES (2009) that was a late 2009. (sometimes its the difference between 1 extra years warranty and it’s still a 09 or 08). Basically the same model year = same money, but 11 more months of warraty.
Anyway the Lexus is not snobby. Who are you?
A rolls is snobby. You of all people should change tour mind set on cars. If I told you “that website looks snobby” but it had more thrills and options, you’d be talking my ear off to buy it.
Lexus comes with a 6 or 7 (forget) year power train also.
A Lexus is not much mor then an Avalon
And the only reason you’d buy an Avalon new is because the used ones are so close in price. Also Avalons are not that popular, hence the asking price for used.
Also, didn’t the Avalon look “thin”. Also, I am an interior guy. The Lexus Es300 or any Lexus kills the Avalon. Plus I like “heated and cooled” seats.
Lastly – the Lexus has a 19 speaker (I think 19) Mark Levinson system. :). It’s an option and I’d rather have that then the Navigation. But the nav, looks so cool.
The Avalon is awesome. But it’s really the “pop pop” car. You only love once and snobby – is for a Rolls or Bently. Which you can afford. So I’d also “quiz” …your car mindset.
Finally something you are not a lock down expert in… :).
God bless and I wish you good luck.
Escalade! Great war wagon for Chicago traffic.
20% people buy cars to impress others.(Ferrari, Lambo, Rolls, Benz, BMW, Lexus, Cadillac)
80% buy to balance their needs (Prius, Avalon, Civic, Forrester, Hyundai, Explorer)
Of the 80% who buy to balance their needs, 20% can afford to buy any car but prefer to chose logically, while the remaining 80% are lead by their pockets.
People who have been following Perry’s thoughts for sometime can predict with remarkable accuracy which car Perry is going to buy. And this is precisely why I have featured Perry in my upcoming book: Sniper Marketing-Hidden Secrets of the World’s Greatest Marketers.
Hilarious!
I beg to differ. I would still buy he G35 I recommended initially, even if I was the last person on earth. Of the 20% of people that buy luxury cars, 20% buy hem because they appreciate the differences the car has. Is a Mercedes S63 for 180k bought to impress others? Almost guaranteed yes. Is a Lexus ES300 or an Infiniti G35 bought for 25k purchased to impress others? Often, no.
There is a reason the cars are 25-40% more expensive, other than status.
Maud the Hot Rod (1984 4-banger eco-mustang),
Jean Luc de Grand Prix,
Larry the Laredo,
Higgins the Honda
and finally Pete the Pathfinder and Lexy the Lexus, our current rides have all been blessed with catchy names. I always found that alliteration is a fitting mnemonic when choosing a good name for a car…
That being said, my wife’s new car… a 2008 Lexus RX400h Hybrid is a GREAT vehicle. It is smooth, comfortable, well-equipped with the modern technologies that make it a pleasure to drive (Bluetooth, GPS, Backup Camera- those are genius gadgets by the way and after having one on my Pathfinder I will never own another vehicle again that doesn’t have one) it also has a premium Mark Levinson sound system which can really pump up the jams when you want to let the music carry you away from the hurry-up stop and go Chicago-land traffic.
The fact that it is a hybrid is the best part… My wife and I had a competition to see who could get the best mileage out of it and she won with a respectable 27.8 it averages about 26.5 when we are not trying to eek out the mileage. Because it is an SUV, it’s nice and roomy, will comfortably fit 3 adults in the back seat alone with room to spare in the back.
I must admit your ‘snobby’ comment about the Lexus made me cringe a little… but when you start looking around, the RX 350/400/450’s are everywhere on the road today.
For good reason.
I never would have considered a Lexus until my parents surprised us all as the conservative boomers that showed up with an RX 350 one day. After driving it and then learning it came in a hybrid model, I did a little more research.
Turns out, if you wheel and deal on the Internet, you can find one for $29k with low mileage and all the bells and whistles and get it delivered. We bought ours in LA and had it shipped to Honolulu. It had 28k miles on it, and Lexus has an incredible 100k warranty on their vehicles. They aren’t messing around.
So pretty good gas-milage, good sound system, great looking SUV and hybrid technology, not to mention a 5 star crash rating and a good long warranty sold us on the Lexus lifestyle.
After selling her old Toyota Corolla, my wife now complains much less about her commute too.
Seeing how ‘Lexy’ is already taken, if you do decide to go with the Lexus (and I promise it’s only as snobby as you let it be :) you should name her ‘Lindsey’.
Aloha Perry!
Perry,
Go for a Honda. Either CRV, Accord, or Pilot.
About the car´s name, what about PERRITO, which in spanish means, your little friendly doggy pet, that goes with you everywhere.
All the best,
Octavio
Perry,
I had another comment but it didn’t make it somehow…so I didn’t feel like rewriting it. So instead I’ll just ask “Why should we care what you drive?”
Does it matter? I’ve yet to purchase anything from you because of my own lack of techie cred and the money to pay someone to implement in my place…yet I still get emails from you for $2,500+ weekends in Maui and $10,000 Roundtables…Buy a Cadillac Escalade. I hear it’s the most popular car out there.
Quantella Owens
Perry,
Even though you never answer my emails, I’m going to give you my two cents. Buy a Suburu. Great ground clearance (good for flooding), modest price and good resale.
But whatever you do, don’t put a full page picture of yourself in some bling mobile in a newsletter and think that people will be delighted to pay you for it, like an unnamed “guru” once did.
Quantella Owens
P.S. Who is “Mr. J?”
Mr. J from Roundtable? If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you…..
Hi Perry,
You’re not a flashy guy, and you abhor hype. That’s why I’ve followed you for so long. I like Hyundai, I know several people who traded Lexus’s for them, and are happier. I also really like the Buick LaCrosse, but maybe a bit pricey, and too many “gadgets”. Here’s my suggestion. A Black Mercury Gran Marquis. I just got one for my mom. A 2008 corporate trade in. For all practical purposes, about as nice as a Lincoln Town Car for a lot less. Great track record of dependability. Full frame – one of the safest cars on the road, hers has a small V-8, less than 300 cubes, so mileage isn’t bad. Plenty of room, a cavernous trunk, and classy enough without being pretentious. What I did is have the dealer put a brand new set of Michelins on (they come with whitewalls – Have them turned inside – looks much classier). No fancy gadgets – just junk you don’t need that will sooner or later break, useless repairs. Rides like you’re riding on pillows (Chicago streets). The only drawback is the stereo is average. I’m like you, I love high end vintage audio, especially JBL. I’m a music fanatic. Add a better set of tunes to your liking and you have a really nice, dependable, safe ride. Name it “Perfect”.
Perry,
If you buy new foreign cars, you don’t get the dramatic instant depreciation as you drive off the car lot as you do with domestic cars. Built into domestic car prices are ALL KINDS of things that add nothing to the value of your car.
I was told this by a salesman who works for a dealership that sells BOTH foreign and domestic new cars. It’s one of the foreign car benefits that answers objections he gets from people like you and me, who raise the instant new car depreciation issue. Just sayin’ you should check it out.
As for what I think you should drive, it ought to be a car you really want, that does what you want it to do, that looks respectable, as befitting your position.
I applaud you for being immune to gross consumerism, in an industry that used to flash bragging photos of big houses, fancy cars and boats, etc. in front of our faces at every opportunity to show how successful the marketer was (supposedly). I always considered it a testosterone-charged thing and was personally repulsed by it.
Thank you for being a voice of sanity and reason in an increasingly insane marketplace.
Deb Gallardo
Avalon? Yuck!
Kidding aside, my Nissan is 9 years old but looks brand new…But don’t look under it – the damn floor is rusted through! My advice: Stay away from Nissan.
I would go with a Toyota Highlander. My wife has a 2000 and it’s drives like a charm. Reliable.
I would go with a Hybrid Highlander. So go for the “Perrylander”!
Al.
I drive a 98 Buick Regal with 258,000 if you’re interested…
Perry, you have the Mercury Blues.
But which Mercury Blues? The David Lindley version, or the Ry Cooder version?
Wait! You can have both at the same time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GibKnePgkos
This ’69 Mercury Marauder X-100 would look so hot sitting in your drive. Imagine the cred you would give your kids when Dad showed up to pick them up in this ride!
http://blog.cardomain.com/2009/02/16/cardomain-obscure-muscle-car-parking-lot-the-1969-70-mercury-marauder-x-100/
Best part about a Mercury is you can drive with your knees so you can use both hands to slap rhythm on the steering wheel.
The gas mileage of the Prius is great and they are surprisingly versatile. Acceleration is no problem when you need to get on the freeway.
But I am wondering if you might subconsciously be asking your peeps for permission to live a little.
I hear a subtext in your seminars of Perry starting to liven up. You went to Maui and got rejuvenated. You went to Drum Camp (“I remember this one time, at Band Camp…”). I hear more sardonic wisecracks in webinars these days.
Now the Marauder may be a bit too obvious, but it is traditional for a successful businessman to buy himself a great car. That’s what the Mercury Blues is all about.
So yeah, step out of your comfort zone and live a little. :-)
I had a ’70 T-Bird with the 429. I just loved the combo of luxury and power.I must add that we have moved to a new century and for an everyday ride you want fuel injection.
Hi Perry,
I was thinking that you would have driven an estate car that would have been five to eight years old and going great. Probably a VW Golf or Passat given that you have a family.
No stints on the upkeep, nor driven recklessly.
Take a look at the older cars on the road – they tend to be VW Golfs and a few other VWs along with Opels. From that you can take all the other makes and you have as many again.
Volvos need to deal with Swedish winters. If you have experienced one of them (along with the dark nights) then you will understand why they are robust! Not only do they need ot be corrosion proof, but if you drive off the road by accident (as we once did) you need a car that will get you back on the road, if you can find it under the snow!
I drive a bright red Opel Corsa which is 15 years old and has 170 000 kms on the clock – around 100 000 miles – and the age of the car is important for Dutch tax laws …
Of course all my cars have had names – White Mustard for the Polo we had back in the 80s to The Blue Whale for the van we shared, Peppermint for my black Polo which died age 21 last year and now my bright red Opel is called Cherry Belle, after the Cherry Tomato which is the same colour ;-)
Hi Perry,
For transport of kids I would recommend a Honda Odyssey but if it is mostly you I would recommend a Prius.
The Odyssey has elbow room and luxury without pretention and the Prius is a very drivable and reliable car with unbelievable mileage.
Also I recommend a 10 year old four wheel drive pick up for times when the plows can’t keep up with the snow and to pull a boat or other trailer.
If you were single, I would recommend a mercedes SL600 convertible!
Noah
Perry, I’d recommend a Subaru Outback or Forrester. We’ve owned two, and the only reason we don’t still own two is the first was totaled in an accident (driver walked away unscathed). High-quality, good fuel economy, great fit & finish, quiet, and zero snob appeal.
the latest Audi A6…
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhvnj2_2012-audi-a6-first-look_auto
A car makes a statement about your values. Therefore, I think you should drive a Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai is all about giving people “maximum value for their money”. It’s a truly elegant car for the investment. I think it’s consistent with what you do, giving people elegant answers for a reasonable investment. For this reason, you should drive either the Sonata, or the Genesis. These cars have quality, style, and substance–like you. You don’t need to spend wads of cash–even if you have it–to enjoy something that meets or even exceeds much higher priced products. Unless of course, you want the snob factor, but frankly, I don’t think those products reflect your values as I said at the outset. So that’s my 5 cents worth, lol.
Perry,
The time has come to do what’s right for the planet. Cars as status symbols are passe and irresponsible from an environmental perspective and being a good steward of the earth (because the vast majority of them place their focus on performance and very little on minimizing their carbon footprint.) If you haven’t see it in your part of the country yet, the trend is moving in the direction of less emissions is cool and good for all of us.
My wife and I turned in our 10 year old BMW 5-Series last March for a 2011 Prius II and we love it. We get, on average, 50 MPG. And when I try hard, I can get up to 60 MPG even with the air conditioner on!
The Prius is still the best option for saving fuel and still being able to take long trips – not an option with the Nissan Leaf or the Chevy Volt because of their limited range.
When it comes to status, people say, the car you drive says a great deal about you. I am proud of what the Prius says about me, and don’t need a slick performance vehicle to pump my ego.
All the best with your choice,
Fred Boucher
Perry,
Get a Honda Accord 08 or newer. 5 star crash rated big inside and rides great.
The gas mileage and pickup on the 4 is ok.
Mike
Perry,
I recommend a pimp mobile! Huge rims, spoilers, etc, etc.
That would make you really stand out.
You would be the envy of the whole neighborhood and the online world! :)
Best,
– Alex –
Well…there are a lot of people on here who want you to buy expensive cars that ultimately cost a fortune to own and maintain. Personally, I would buy a domestic car that is a few years old with about 45,000 miles on the odo. You then pay for it in cash so there is no financing BS to deal with. Now before anyone has a hemorrhage let me explain the logic.
Domestic cars are on average cheaper to fix than imports. These days they last anytime as long and often longer. You will save about $120/month on insurance each month versus buying new. There’s also a good chance the rims won’t be 18 or 20 inches, meaning you won’t have to shell out $1,200 to put new tires on the thing. Instead it will be closer to $600. All in all, buying a used car that’s a few years old will save you a pretty big chunk of change versus buying new or even newer (I’m thinking in the $20,000 range over the life of the vehicle).
My experiences: I have a 2003 Impala with 194,300 miles on it. To date I have stuck a total of $3,100 into it for repairs (routine maintenance doesn’t count) and have driven many, many, many miles. Insurance is a paltry $60/month for extremely comprehensive coverage and it gets a combined 26mpg. It is very good to tires, e.g. comfortably got 70,000 miles out of a 60,000 mile tire. It’s the easiest car in the world to fix and parts are inexpensive.
What you buy is up to you. Personally, I’m probably getting an Impala or Malibu next time around. The mpg’s aren’t that far behind the new Chevy Cruze and the car is as big as your Avalon, but definitely not in the same class. However, when all is said and done, the Avalon is still one of the best cars on the road hands down and you certainly can’t go wrong buying another. Of the current generation Avalon, the 2007 has the best reliability rating. It certainly isn’t flashy which is no good for people with an image thing, but it is very respectable.
2010 or 2011 Subaru Outback or Legacy. Either will fit in your 200,000+ value system. They have a reputation of the body falling off before the mechanicals wear out. I’m an ex-Chicagolander so I know what your weather is like and I know a Subaru would handle it. The 4-cylinder can get 32 mpg.
You could name it Rod, on a trial basis. Sort of an inside Illinois joke there.
Sorry for changing the subject…. Did the transmission ever go out in your Honda Odyssey?
Go for a Toyota! And name it Larry…
Transmission on the Odyssey was fine, as I recall.
Our Odyssey transmission went out, and then I found out it was a very common problem. Honda was paying for full replacement of the transmission in some cases if you were the original owner. But 2nd owners, like myself, got little or no help. So I started an Odyssey Transmission bashing website to make myself feel better. Thanks to Honda’s crappy support dept the site is getting really popular… I wouldn’t buy a Honda…
Subaru Outback. All wheel drive (excellent for Chi-town winters), 5 star crash rating, good fuel economy, Boxer engine, basically a Prosche design (in fact, only Subaru and Proshce use this design configuration), proven reliability and dependability in rough areas, especially those where salted roads in winter are a factor. Available with the coolest mobile Wi-Fi setup as a retro-fit option (I bet you’d be the only one in your hood with this feature, while still maintaining your austere life-style). Go for the 2.5 liter, 170 hp naturally aspirated engine – better fuel economy!
As for the name…Well, I can only think of one…Olly Outback…Perry Marshall edition.
Go luck Perry in whatever you choose. Just remember, “Life, even and austere life, is too short to drive an ugly vehicle”. Oh yea, and if it weren’t for that passel of young’ins you and Ms. Laura are raising, I’d of recommended a Mini Cooper John Cooper Works edition.
Perry, buy a used 80’s Chevy church van .. Small block engine, plenty of seating, room to carry clients, family and a few bikes. Name it Redemption.
Xoxo Julie
Hi Perry
Well im a brit so i cant be sure of th year you should buy But…
You strike me as a Mercedes driver :-)
Qaulity finish, reliable, solid, Rigged enough for around town and a lot of style
something like an SLK, also sporty and fast :-)
If you have to move the family around well than it had better be an E-class.
regards
BMW M3 — how could you possibly consider anything less.
Hi, Perry,
I would choose for you a car 2008 BMW X5 Sport Utility
Vehicle.
Eva
Perry thanks for the mention. You are a volvo guy. They go for forever… I drive an V40… 2001 with 133,000 miles. Bought it used for 6k… Stereo system isn’t great. However, you can get the XC70 with all wheel drive for 15k or below in great shape.
You gotta try out the Saab 93. I have driven them for past 15 years best car ever!
Call it Sabrina!
Rent one Perry you will thank me!
All the best, keep up the good work
Though I’ve always wanted Porsche (have even had a factory tour & ride around the test track), with 3 kids I’d go nuts making sure it didn’t get scratched/dinged/dented.
We recently purchased a Ford Expedition & it rocks. I don’t remember how many/old your kids are, but with 3 boys, 2 dogs and untold friends, we need space.
I refer to this vehicle as the mom-tank.
Oh, and all those cars mentioned above…as safe as they may be…I wouldn’t want to be in one when it met a big ass SUV in a dark alley.
http://conferencebike.com – very good for large families and intensives. Also encourages cooperation and entrepreneurial spirit in getting where you need to go.
I cast ten votes for Howie’s suggestion. That is too funny, while being environmental at the same time!
Rod
I live in Chicago and I love my Prius. It’s the most amazing car I’ve ever owned and I’m not an environmentalist. I highly recommend it.
I agree with Daniel about the Volvo. I thought “Volvo” immediately upon reading the question …and for those same reasons he cited.
Check out some from the 1970s.
Warm regards,
Chris
Hi Perry,
I bought a 2009 Nissan 370z one year ago and LOVE this car. It looks a lot like a Porsche 911 and gets the same reactions from people but without the hefty price tag. Mine is fully loaded and got it slightly used with 5,000 miles on it which resulted in a savings of 10k off from what a dealer would charge. I’ve got the shiny magnetic black with the mag wheels, sport suspension and touring package with the built in GPS screen into the dashboard. It does 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds and people look at you where ever you go. The 370z is seriously the best bang for your buck in America today if you like powerful sports cars. Looks super expensive, but it’s a regular priced car.
Dear Perry,
a Volvo is the ultimate thrifty car. Hands down. You should google people who drive a Vovlo. In my mind you belong in that group.
Plus they are super safe and stylish.
Peace, Love and Happiness,
Daniel W.
2007+ G35/37 hands down. It’s extremely reliable, as nice as a lexus (because it’s an Infiniti) and if you make sure you have the Premium Package or the Nav, an amazing stereo system. 24bit/96k playback if you’re so inclined. And a 2007/2008 can be had for about $20K, or ~$25K if you just go to Carmax.
The best value on the road, IMO. The 4 door version can comfortably seat 4 adults, too.
I would recommend a 2010 Toyota Prius Five for a few reasons:
1. You’re looking for a slightly used car.
2. You probably cruise around Chicago a lot and this car has the best fuel mileage.
3. The Prius Five is the only one with the awesome 17″ rims. (The standard 15″ rims look very dorky, in my opinion.)
4. You already drive a Toyota, so you know they build good quality vehicles. Plus this one has all that awesome hybrid electric technology.
5. It will survive the Chicago winters because it’s built to endure even Canada’s brutal cold temperatures.
6. It also has a great JBL sound system!
For a name you should choose PPC the Prius. If you’re going with human names then choose Patricia the Prius because cars usually have female names. :-)
Perry,
You should buy a 2010 Volkswagen CC and name it Søren.
Perry,
Yep…Grandpa gave me some sage advice about buying cars when I was a kid:
“Don’t sink your money into a depreciating investment…ever. A car is a depreciating investment.”
I’ve driven every car I’ve ever owned into the ground before buying a one-year used model. :)
But you gotta admit — driving a Bugatti would be cool.