The 2nd gen Matrix with the 2AZ didn’t succeed either. Americans really prefer their SUVs over anything that looks like a hatch/wagon. More power wasn’t good enough.

Not discouraging anyone. I’m just lazy.

I get that if you want absolute reliability, the Corolla is the way to go. Other than that...

C’mon. Work with me here.

And how long will that Golf last?

Then I wouldn’t be able to drive an M20A with a manual. It would still be a 2ZR.

I’m not going to waste 5 months looking for the 3 that were sold in manual.

Neither of those will last.

But that 2ZR CVT combo is a pain. Even as a commuter car.

Lutz has some amusing stories about Chevy small block integration into Opel cars. Turns out German cars were over engineered for a reason.

Nope. Subaru’s are turbo only. Not just forced induction.

It makes sense even for a DD beater.

If you want open air, step outside your car.

Weight that could have been spend on an even more durable transmission, transfer case, or something actually useful.

Trucks that can be used in severe duty are even worse. I don’t even want to know what all that tortional stress will do to an open sky roof. There’s a reason all the ROW Land Cruisers that are actually used for their intended purpose have metal roofs.

So you prefer vinyl?

Depends on the dealer. If you buy one off the lot, not a lot you can do because of dealer prep. I think the local police or CHP hassle the car dealers so some are starting to hold firm.

It’s wasted space up top. That weight could have been spend on something more useful. I also want to feel the these drivers do on the inside. Serious headroom is the true luxury.

Ever see an actual ROW Prado that sees severe duty with a sunroof? All my points are valid.

I have plenty of headroom with my GX. It’s still not enough. I the kind of experience these drivers are having. And whoever said I bought a GX for the cargo capacity?