QOTD: What Vehicle Can You Not Stand No Matter What?

A good many questions that start with the phrase, “Given an unlimited budget … ” tend to focus on what a person would buy with a bottomless pit of money — and why not? It’s fun to fill our imaginary garages with machines made of moonbeams and unobtanium.

Not this time. Right now, I’m here to ask you: what car makes you froth at the mouth? What car offends you worse than a gunnysack full or rotting tuna? What car would you never buy?

We’ve all got one. Whether it’s a specific model or an entire category of vehicles, I am certain everyone passionate about cars has an example of something they really can’t stand.

Me? I can’t ever see myself buying a minivan (apologies to my minivan-owning readers and co-workers). This, of course, makes no logical sense: minivans are large and well-shaped boxes into which one can plug cubic acres of people or stuff. Most of them are powered by decent V6 engines, many of which offer more horsepower than the 5.0-liter Mustangs I coveted in high school. Fuel mileage is reasonable. Maintenance costs are manageable.

They’re packed with technology, too. The Toyota Sienna’s intercom system will let drivers pipe their voice rearward towards young miscreants in the back row. The Honda Odyssey will let owners vacuum Cheerios and Gummi Bears from between the seats. Chrysler’s Town & Country keeps the young’uns updated on the trip ETA, quelling most are we there yet bleatings. In-flight entertainment abounds. These are all very good things.

Minivans are great vehicles and do a great job of their intended purpose. They are a supremely logical buying decision. And yet … I can’t. Call it being a slave to modern marketing. Call it a matter of pig-headed pandering to my own “image” (or lack thereof). Call it whatever you want. You’ll never find my signature on the bottom of a five-year note that reads “minivan” in the space where the F&I manager fills in the vehicle type.

That’s my never car. What’s yours?

[Image: Clover Autrey/ Flickr ( CC BY 2.0)]