If this guy needs space/flexibility, all weather capability, and something that doesn’t suck to drive in a spirited manner, I think he needs a 2016+ Mazda CX-9 AWD.

I bought a 2012 Focus SE 5MT with 76K on it for 5 grand in Chicago 2.5 years ago. After it was totaled, I bought at 2015 Focus SE 5MT with 103K miles for $5,700 in June of 2021. 10 grand should still buy you a LOT of Focus.

If he’s shopping mopar vans, and the goal is bang for your buck, I’d go for a 2012-2014 Volkswagen Routan. It doesn’t have second row stow and go seats, but it has nicer interior finishings, arguably better looks on the exterior, and usually doesn’t command a price premium compared to it’s Chrysler and Dodge cousins.

The ‘09 4Runner with a V8 was rated to tow over 7k, but it appears 4Runners from the last 10 years are rated at 5,000. Same 5k rating for an FJ Cruiser or Xterra. You can get a late model Grand Cherokee with the 3.6 Pentastar that is rated to tow 6,200 if you find the right trim/package. Nissan Frontier crew cab would…

I understand the nostalgia factor, but you could also try channeling your nostalgia towards the spiritual successor of the first gen chrysler minivan - The Mazda5. Sized just right for 6 smallish people. 6 speed manual. Cheap, and doesn’t suck (have one in our garage). http://onestopautogroup.360vinspin.net/Fitchburg-M…

I owned an 02 LW200 wagon with a 2.2L and 5 speed (and heated leather and the premium stereo). Torch has bad info stating these were automatic only; they were auto only with the V6.

The aformentioned Acura TL and Mazda Speed6 are good sedan options. Did they make Infiniti G35 or G37s with AWD and a manual trans?

There is indeed a (small) category of tires referred to by the manufacturers as all-weather. They’re pretty uncommon in the US, are pricey, and are still a comprimise, but they can be the right solution in some cases, although those cases certainly do not involve a track. These all carry the snowflake rating for…