... will run badly longer than most cars will run at all

I think you’ve got it

A lesson that I’ve learned the hard way is that rust prevention is a PITA, and costs money, but rust repair is a bigger PITA, costs more money, and is still basically a bandaid.

Yes. several at a time, in fact. Remove the rear seats (they unlatch easily), leave the hatch/tailgate open, and it’ll go in standing up diagonally. Just gotta strap it in so it won’t side out the back.

This is a solid suggestion having just replaced an Element for the same reason he’s replacing his Ranger. The cargo space is astounding with the rear seats removed, and there’s plenty of space to sleep. Plus, he wants a tailgate or a hatch. Why not both?

Doesn’t surprise me. No helmet or seatbelt laws either. They take their state motto pretty seriously over there.

Most of my interstate driving is also 89, North of and down to Burlington. Now that I think of it, for several miles around Burlington it turns into "THROUGH TRAFFIC KEEP LEFT", and it seems to throw people off even beyond where it's in effect.

Absolutely. You can do a lot more damage careening around in 4,000lb of steel and flammable/combustible fluids than you can on your own.  Ensuring that potential damage is paid for is a pretty small ask in exchange for the privilege of driving.

I don't, in general, like being told I have to buy something. Having said that, I find it hard to argue with my state's (VT) requirement of carrying a minimum amount of liability coverage.

Can confirm for VT.  Not that the wording stops anyone.

This would be squid heaven all right.  And the number of helmet cam videos from bikes going to plaid will skyrocket on YouTube.

It took me quite a while to find a car I wanted, in acceptable condition, for a reasonable price, with three pedals. But damn was it worth it.

Just got back to it after 4 years in an auto Element, myself. I feel your pain.

A 4-wheeler plow would be about the right size for a Tracker.

“ 'Cause you're not mine, won't walk the line"

I take the same approach, but I might just have to steal that phrasing.

On EVERYTHING.

I like this line of thought, and it seems like it could be pretty affordable and easy to retrofit something like this to older bikes, depending on the tech used. Or put it in gear like the RECCO effort skiers.

Having just spent a couple of months watching car listings within 200 miles of home, I agree that within $15,000, you can find a decent vehicle for any real need. Minivans for families, Work Truck spec Sierras and Silverados if you need (not “need”) a truck, and so on.

I firmly believe that if motorcycles were invented now, rather than over 100 years ago, there would be no way in hell that they'd be legal on the road.