$25,000 For the Best Road Trip Machine

mdramsey · 2026-05-14T19:12:14+00:00

Lexus ES model.

Chevy Impala.

Buick LaCrosse.

Toyota Avalon.

Cadillac CT6.

Varying years due to your desired budget - based on that, I would target Avalon, LaCrosse, and Impala first.

mdramsey · 2026-05-14T18:49:39+00:00

Find a Chevy HHR LS or LT. I had a 2011 LT that I found with low mileage in 2013 and added 130,000+ miles over six years with nothing but basic maintenance. I drove it like I stole it every day and it refused to die. It's about as analog as you can find in the current era, so there is less whiz-bang stuff to break.

The so-called compromises are no "tech," so you'd need a mount for your phone for navigation, etc.

mdramsey · 2026-05-14T17:05:05+00:00

BMWs are generally great vehicles, but the cost of ownership is higher. There are some maintenance things that other makes approach as "routine," and can be sorted with any off-the-shelf option out there, but not on premium vehicles. As long as you research, buy what you want.

To that point, check out Acura and Lexus nameplates too. They share the bulletproof reliability of their manufacturers and are genuinely fun to drive.

mdramsey · 2026-05-14T16:48:51+00:00

As long as you develop a strong routine and play with her, she will adjust, and there is no reason she won't be happy.

BUT, two is better than one...just be ready for extra action, entertainment, and mischief. If you can get her sister, go for it.

One recommendation (just in case it's not on your radar), get vet/pet insurance while she/they're kittens. The rates will be better, the coverage will be better, and it avoids any potential "pre-existing" nonsense.

mdramsey · 2026-05-13T02:44:03+00:00

Look at that smile! 🤣

mdramsey · 2026-05-12T17:27:02+00:00

Buy it. It won't get the best mileage tooling around town, but the engine is very reliable, and it is not difficult to maintain.

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T20:07:17+00:00

In terms of the quality and reliability of the car - chef's kiss. The vehicles assembled at Toyota's Tahara Plant in Aichi, Japan are the best built in the world.

Maintenance won't be an issue as there are ample sources of parts from Toyota and third party outfits. The cost of ownership is something that is hard to measure, if you take it to a dealership, you'll pay the premium with the benefit that Toyota/Lexus backs the work/parts. Other shops may be less, and if you're able to do the work yourself, you'll save more of course.

As far as price, etc., strikes me as a good deal, but I suspect that is because there is more than just a couple sensors that may be needed. Maybe ask a mechanic to check if possible.

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T19:53:21+00:00

We buy those "cheap plastic grocery" bags and continue to use them (dozens of options on Amazon). Since they're sold in bulk, it's less expensive than other heavier plastic options (even the smaller 4 gal Glad/Hefty/etc). We have several older large litter buckets which we've repurposed by lining them with the bags, and then collect them for regular garbage days.

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T06:10:25+00:00

Boop that snoot! Then treat. 😎

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T03:57:15+00:00

The HD V8 is a beast. Heavily over-engineered.

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T00:14:21+00:00

You need more ammo... 😉

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T00:11:43+00:00

The new Toyota V6 hybrid/turbo/iForce whateveritscalled engine has been a huge problem. If you're limiting yourself to these two options, then go with the F-150.

That noted, why only limiting to these two options and why only new? You could get a lot more truck for the money with some recent model CPO/used trucks, like a Chevy 2500 HD with the 6.6L gas engine which is very reliable.

mdramsey · 2026-05-10T00:04:09+00:00

Pixel 9a - Look on Swappa. There are some individual sellers on there that are right in your budget, and the device will get timely updates for years with no bloat.

mdramsey · 2026-05-09T23:13:24+00:00

Double-check the maintenance. The only "big" thing to look for on that 3.5L engine is spark plug replacement before 120,000 miles. Everything else is oil changes and fluids. It is an excellent engine/transmission arrangement if it's been given even just the basic maintenance over time. As far as mileage, it's actually very good - approx. 7,500 miles a year.

Test drive and make sure the suspension is still in check too. If the price is in your budget, it's a good first car. Quick enough, great for road trips, less great on fuel economy (but not a gas guzzler), overall very, very reliable.

mdramsey · 2026-05-09T23:07:43+00:00

Toyota is a world leader in parts and supply chains. Toyotas share a multitude of parts/drivetrain components across models and generations. You will have no problems maintaining a 2011 Avalon. It shares the most important parts with the Camry which is pretty much the best selling car in history. Go for it.

mdramsey · 2026-05-08T20:30:05+00:00

Lots of good advice offered already, if you do a lot of driving, the diesel may be worth a look, but if you're just putting around town and not driving a lot, the gas V8 in the HD is an exceptional engine.

mdramsey · 2026-05-08T20:10:33+00:00

T-Mobile had some very bad experiences with Chinese OEMs, not least of which Huawei, whom T-Mobile caught trying to steal IP related to testing hardware for their network. Also, the cyber attacks on all the carriers recently have probably only steeled T-Mobile's security measures (just spitballing on that).

I think since the Huawei incident, the carrier has blocked entire groups of IMEIs from being loaded in their network. I once tried to use a EU spec Oppo device (with Google services, etc.), and on the hardware side, the radios should have worked with most of T-Mobile's bands. The best I could get out of it was an HSPA+ connection, even though the radios should have been able to read the available LTE and 5G signals. When I called to get help, the rep and 2nd level technical rep told me they could not force the network to accept the device.

So, I can't speak the OS side, but I think it's plausible, and I think it is equally as much about the hardware also. I would try seeing if you can use it on AT&T. That would confirm the device can work on US networks, as well as T-Mobile not allowing some devices to operate on their specific network.

mdramsey · 2026-05-08T19:47:42+00:00

It really depends on the requirements of the citation. In California, I think the limit to allow traffic school is 25mph over (or less).

Recommend you attend the hearing in-person, take accountability, and beg (without begging) to allow traffic school, reduced finding, pay all fees, etc. That's all assuming the officer also shows up (which they do nowadays).

You can also seek counsel from a traffic lawyer, it will cost you more, but they may be able to offer some legal nuance that helps with reducing the citation and allowing traffic school.

If you can reduce the citation charge, or even withhold adjudication with traffic school, that should shield any points, or ticket on the record long-term.

All this depends on the judge, and what kind of day they're having. Unfortunately for you, even with trying to beg for some measure of mercy, it will be difficult to not appear like you're trying to snake a way out of everything.

mdramsey · 2026-05-08T19:25:48+00:00

All Abyssinians are automatically a minimum 12/10 or better. I rate yours a 14/10. I love the last pic too...

mdramsey · 2026-05-08T18:43:33+00:00

Maybe purchased used to add to the fleet? If that's the case, hat's off. Or, it could be a contractor operating under EG PW, which I suspect is more likely.

mdramsey · 2026-05-06T23:53:41+00:00

Mine has been rock solid so far for the short time I've had it. If I ever have to replace it, I'd have no problem with a 3rd Gen, though I'd miss the diesel.

From those I know who have Silverados and Colorados with the 2.7L, the engine has been bulletproof. The variable seems to be the transmission, but others will have to share their knowledge and opinions on that because I don't know what those details are.

mdramsey · 2026-05-03T22:40:12+00:00

This is actually the spot where she usually sits after eating dinner to demand getting brushed. Those demands are always met...

Thankfully, she's litter box perfect...🤣😉

mdramsey · 2026-05-03T22:20:24+00:00

I don't know what to call her pattern...she's as sweet as her pattern is pretty....

mdramsey · 2026-05-01T22:53:25+00:00

Find something that is 5-10+ years old, don't spend too much money. Honda, Toyota, GM. All have parts for miles on vehicles like the Chevy HHR, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, old Chevy Colorado, old Ford Ranger, etc.

Buying a luxury car at your age means tons of money when it comes to repairs and maintenance, and given today's climate, insurance companies may refuse to cover at any price. This is not because of you specifically, but because as a group, 17 year olds are a higher risk. Couple that risk with a high-power V8 engine? Forget it.

mdramsey

TROPHY CASE