Least memorable car was a free GX, proudly rides an R310 GS. I know all I need to. 

Ugly, difficult (I’m looking at you iDrive), expensive, and unreliable is no way to sell cars, kid.

This is ticks every box for half the money:

Max didn’t buy that...

Are we counting diesels? Ford or Mercedes

Who sells the most of them where people just want them right now?

Math, logic, and reason have entered the funky equation- and won! Would you agree that a TReg, while quite rare, isn’t terribly distinct?

Perhaps you just notice the Q7s and Cayennes more... I like the Treg, but they tend to blend, which I also personally prefer. Lack of air suspension is something I’d be looking for- coming from a Denali and 1st gen allroad. 

Touareg doesn’t really tick the funky box save saying “Touareg”. Q7 tdi does, Cayenne diesel really does. Can you find a good Treg 2 tdi or Cayenne diesel for $15,000? Ideal would be one that hasn’t had the dieselgate reflash done... a true unicorn. That said, a Q5 tdi is on my saved search list on Autotrader. Only…

I didn’t consider an FJ specifically because the roof and doors didn’t come off. A true Wrangler/Bronco competitor from Toyota would be of much interest. 

This checks all the boxes but price-

If this were a manual, it’d be mine

Here’s 30 under $12k within 300 mi from him

GX market has been pretty solid on its own, overlanders seek them specifically over FJs and 4runners due to interior space,V8, and Lexus touches.

Get a Cayenne- 1st gen can be had (a decent one with V6) for $12,000. These are reliable, if maintained- good off road, great on. Everyone at the gym will think you hit the powerball.…

GX470: can be had for around $10k leaving 5 for add ons, will swallow 3 dogs, as reliable as they come, will commute nicely and off road very well, not as funky as a Lada or Vehicross but parts are abundant and community is huge- a lift/33s, snorkel, tube bumper, and roof rack/tent/awning will go a long way to…

He’s worth it, dad. Also, cool!

SAAB 9000 aero: quick, efficient, comfortable, spacious, quirky, safe, fun to drive, good/great in snow, outstanding ergonomics, some of the best seats ever fitted, huge cargo capacity relative to exterior dimensions... it boggles the mind to imagine what a modern version would be capable of given 30+ years had the…

Source? 

It has been announced, but not released- will have a diesel option everywhere else in the world just like every LC ever. You have google, no?