The Contis are not available in the US as best as I can tell...they are NOT on the Conti USA site, and I cannot find them at a US retailer online. Ditto the Pirellis and the Bridgestones. Perhaps the CC2s are still the best AVAILABLE in the US?

But I *do* keep peeking at used Contis in case I get an case of old guy fever.  They are just pretty American luxobarges, and I could see one fitting the bill as the road trip car for me, FWD or AWD.

I plunked down my $1K at the dealer yesterday to order an XLT Hybrid. It is the spiritual successor to my Jetta Sportwagen TDI that I’m handing down to my son once the Maverick comes in. Next Summer.

I daily a lifted VW JSW TDI, and it’s just a little too tight with the family on road trips. I’m secretly lusting over a Grand Caravan GT or whatever with the Journeys Offroad lift kit. I’m used to swapping winter rubber+steelies instead of awd, but I want the stow+go and a little extra ground clearance to hop curbs…

How about a real-world cargo capacity?  How many golf bags can it hold in the boot? How may 20" rolling suitcases?  Let’s see some *utility* in our compact crossover sUvs.

How is backseat legroom? Is there enough space for a couple of knicklehead teenage sons to coexist on a family roadtrip?

4th Gear: Why isn’t a left-hand-drive Transit EV the new mail truck?

Against the law here in CT:

yup came here to say this

“it don’t matter WHO’S right or wrong” not “whose”.  sheesh.

I had a Valvoline shop overtighten a VW lock lug bolt with an impact gun to the point that it had to be CHISELLED OUT at the dealership at my next tire rotation. Lesson: Specify lug torque, and don’t let them near your car if you don’t see a torque wrench #88ftlbs

Is the photo car ‘Midnight’? It looks blue, and *checks notes* blue is a terrific color.

Hey, if you HURRY you can snag a super rare convertible on ebay!  https://www.ebay.com/itm/224553253650?hash=item34486abb12:g:hxEAAOSwZDFhA0k~

In 1987, I bought a blue/tan 1980 Prelude 5-speed with sunroof from my older sister for $500. The clutch was almost shot — which was perfect for me as I used it to teach myself to drive stick shift. It would. Not. Stall.

I saw a Mercury Topaz the other day...they used to be EVERYWHERE and now they’re all rusted into dust.

Yes...came here to post this and happy you already did!

Yes, YES. I stopped in to recommend VW JSW TDI as well. I picked up a post-buyback one for under $10K and about 70K miles two years ago and it is the best. And with luck, you can track down the Jalop Holy Grail: Diesel, manual, wagon...in BROWN!

Neutral:

Yes! Those!

My wife has a 100-mile round trip commute 3x per week. For her daily driver we picked up a 4-year old Fusion Energi with about 70K on the clock and it has been absolutely amazing. No, there’s no room in the trunk, but: Silky big-USA-sedan cruising comfort, sharp styling, all the bells+whistles, comfortable back seat…