As a Texan, I’m not entirely familiar with the extensiveness of safety inspections in other states, but here in Texas none of those “silent killers” are even checked.

Agreed. I currently drive a 1994 Mustang and while the handling isn't atrocious(nor does it actually handle well) the LRA it definitely isn't very comfortable from the factory. I think there is something to be said for a well sorted LRA set up though(3-link etc) seeing as how light, simple, and effective they are. As…

If by LRA you mean live rear axle, they are usually lighter than IRS set ups.

This. A week ago our family rented a 2012 and drove it all the way from East Texas to Cheyenne, Wyoming and then back sidetracking through Estes Park, Colorado. This was with 6 people and all of their luggage for a week. It was super comfortable even for 6 people, had gobs of luggage space, compartments everywhere for…