2015 Mitsubishi 
Outlander Sport
127k miles, 4X4, air, cruise, fog lights, selectable drive modes

Ok this one comes as a bit of a surprise. The Outlander Sport was simply not on my radar. It was there, but like earth worms and avant-garde theater it was underground. But we have come to discover that this is a nifty little SUV. It handles well, has positive steering, and it’s sprightly. Dare we call it sporty? Yes, we dare.

It also has push button drive modes; front wheel drive, automatic all-wheel-drive, and lock-out 4X4. It’s cheap and cheerful which fits the I35 ethos perfectly. We like reliable, inexpensive, and practical cars and this one is that with bells on. A perfect first car, winter car, or second family car. The Outlander is an outlier we didn’t see coming and one we’ll be looking for in the future. We got some detailing and maintenance to do, and once that’s done, it can be yours.

2013 and 2004 Volvo
XC70's AWD

The Volvo wagon, nothing more needs to be said, but I can’t help myself.

These wagons are legendary. I’m not talking about winning the state fair hotdog eating contest two years in a row legendary, I’m talking about versatile, tough, reliable, go-anywhere, haul-anything legendary. The 2013 has the turbo six cylinder and all the options, luxurious, powerful, and fully equipped. The 2004 Cross Country is old school Volvo: solid, safe, and comfortable. Its turbo five cylinder won’t win any races, but it has all you need for hundreds of thousands of miles.

These wagons are the smart choice for winter snow slogging or summer vacations. Imagine showing up at a family Christmas in one of these, luggage and presents loaded in the back and everyone safe, warm, and cozy for the trip. You’ll be your own Swedish Hallmark card and Normal Rockwell painting all in one. I can already smell the chestnuts roasting on the open fire…or microwave popcorn.

2010 Acadia

148K Miles, AWD, V6, Auto, Heated leather seats, power everything.

​The GMC Acadia, just another mid-sized SUV you’d say, and you’d be right. Many times, things become a cliché because they are so right, they get worn out in the repeating. The Acadia is one of those things.

Come on, maybe it’s time to follow the crowd a little, it works for roller coaster lines and traffic patterns. Save the individuality for choosing ice cream toppings and bumper stickers.  

All-wheel-drive, room for the family, cargo space galore, and a rugged “throw some winter at me” attitude. This rig will get it done in style and comfort. Please check out the Carfax on this one, diligently dealer serviced since new.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

103,900 Miles, AWD, heated leather seats, three-row seating, hands free phone.

I don’t want to be the one to break the news, but winter is coming. Your sweat glands may be the only ones relieved to hear this. Let’s meet the inevitable head-on with an all-wheel-drive SUV that laughs at snow and scoffs at the cold. Heated leather seats help you do a little scoffing too. Three row seating can accommodate 14 slush covered boots (7 passengers for the math impaired). Very low miles for the year, consider it slightly inexperienced. This rig is ready to go dashing through the snow laughing all the way. No bells, no bobtails, just Bluey and black Friday sales. You may lose it in the parking lot but you’ll never get lost in a winter wonderland.