What Car Have You OWNED And ABSOLUTELY ADORED?

What Car Have You OWNED And ABSOLUTELY ADORED?
One of the things we take pride in here at AutoSpies is that, unlike other automotive publications, we OWN cars. We have skin in the game, unlike the other guys and gals that hop from press car to press car and don't even know what it's like to own one of their own.

And, we like to talk about our ownership experiences — the good, the bad and the ugly.

So the other night when I asked "What car have you owned and ABSOLUTELY HATED?" I was happy to see folks chiming in and sharing their experience. That's what we're here for.

Tonight we'd like to do the inverse and ask what car have you owned and ABSOLUTELY ADORED?

Please indulge us with your anecdotes and love for your piece of metal!

Personally, I have two I will share. One now, one later.

The first is a 2003 BMW 330Ci in Orient Blue/Sand. It had everything in 'er with exception of navigation. I loved the 18'' M Sport wheels it came with. The car really opened my eyes up to what it was like to "feel" the road through the steering wheel and what it was like to drive a car that made you feel something. I could drive that car sans radio for hours and it got better even moment. Brilliant machine.

So, what's yours?


t_bonet_bone - 8/17/2014 10:51:22 PM
+1 Boost
I bought a new 2001 Boxster and used 2004 Boxster S about 6 years later, which I still own. Never thought I would repeat the purchase of a model, but to me it has been that good.

Also loved my 2001 330i, so I can relate to the e46 affection too.


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:05:49 AM
+1 Boost
The E46 was a special breed.

Interesting to see you picked up two Boxsters but I understand after driving one — the Boxster Spyder.


MattDarringerMattDarringer - 8/17/2014 11:13:41 PM
-2 Boost
Orange 1972 Mustang Grande with avocado green interior
1998 F150 4x4
TVR Tasmin
Boss 302 Laguna Seca
Kia Optima SXL


MattDarringerMattDarringer - 8/18/2014 8:26:58 AM
-1 Boost
The funny thing about the Mustang Grande was that it was worn out when I bought it at age 16. I was poorer than poor and it was all I could afford $500. The interior was trashed so I went to the junk yard and got "new" seats for it. It was a gross polluter but I had a friend who would cheat the smog certificate by smogging a car that would pass and putting my car's info into the system. The Mustang never failed to run, but it smoked like a diesel. Fill the tank and top off with oil.

The F150 was a present from two "grandfathers" who determined that the Mustang was too worn out to keep patching back together. They weren't literally grandfathers but they filled the role in place of my real grandfathers who were violent alcoholics that I avoided.

Sometimes, the cars we love are about who we were when we owned them and the people in our lives at the time.



freeagentfreeagent - 8/17/2014 11:22:07 PM
+1 Boost
1972 Fiat Sport Coupe
'99 BMW E39


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:06:28 AM
-1 Boost
Has the Fiat been a pain in terms of reliability?

A dear friend of mine has a '73 Alfa GTV and it's hit or miss. When it runs though it's a dream.


freeagentfreeagent - 8/18/2014 6:46:08 AM
+1 Boost
It wasn't too bad. But I had it in the 70's. Great handling for the era.


pepito66pepito66 - 8/17/2014 11:39:56 PM
+1 Boost
Two silver serie 3 also 2 white and one Orient Blue 5 series E60. I love those cars .



delandelan - 8/18/2014 12:23:37 AM
+1 Boost
2007 E Class. I love her like a fat kid loves cake :-)


JDMUSMuscleJDMUSMuscle - 8/18/2014 12:51:11 AM
0 Boost
Subaru Impreza WRX, Infiniti M and Mitsubishi Outlander.


momentofsurrendermomentofsurrender - 8/18/2014 12:53:22 AM
+3 Boost
2011 Range Rover sport supercharged. Loved it for so many reasons but sold it due to such awful reliability.



Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:07:39 AM
0 Boost
Yikes!

I wonder if they all-new models have made leaps in terms of reliability. We'll find out soon enough...


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:12:18 AM
0 Boost
My second car I've adored is my currently daily driver, a 2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5, 5-speed. It's been modified quite a bit and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a basic car with essentially zero frills. Though folks criticize the five-cylinder motor, it makes a great sound and it gets me 33-34 mpg on my ride to the office.


irishmikeirishmike - 8/18/2014 1:40:12 AM
+1 Boost
Out of about 60 cars, here's the picks, pretty diverse...
'59 VW bug w/rag top, '65 '396' Corvette, '69 Z/28, BMW 2002 tii, BMW Bavaria, Alfa Spyder, BMW E30 325i, 'Miata NA, '96 Accord EX 4dr, Porsche Boxster.


Agent001Agent001 - 8/18/2014 2:35:19 AM
0 Boost
So many over the years but here are the notable ones...1979 Jeep CJ-7, 2011 BMW 335d M-sport, My new 991, 2002 BMW M5, BMW 335is Convertible, 2005 Audi S5, 2013 Wrangler Unlimited 10th anniversary, 1999 BMW 528 sport wagon, 2010 Carrera S

001


cidflekkencidflekken - 8/18/2014 2:37:33 AM
+4 Boost
My top 3 cars:
1.) 1989 Acura Integra LS - I still shed a little tear thinking about this car. Just absolutely sublime to drive. The interior quality was absolutely better than the Mercedes and BMWs my family members owned at the time. The 1996 Integra I owned later didn't even compare.

2.) 2006 Nissan 350Z - Had this car for 6 years and had not a single issue with it. Just a blast to drive.

3.) 1999 Nissan Pathfinder - Yes, I know, it's an SUV. But I truly look back on this car with such fondness. And, truly, I didn't realize how good this car was until I owned a Lexus GS and a Toyota 4Runner afterwards and both are my two least-favorite cars ever.

Honorary mention: 2012 Audi S5. I've really grown to really, really like this car, but certain things hold me back from just loving it. When I drive it with bravado, it truly is something absolutely special and could easily be my favorite car ever. But, when driving it day to day, it's heavy and completely unexciting. Lots of squeaks and rattles in the interior. The paint job is pretty fragile as well. However, in 3 years, I've had zero issues with the car (knock on wood) except for the squeaks and rattles - I'm only saying this because people love to beat up on the Germans for "lack of reliablity". I'll add that the dealership/service center is phenomenal.


pcar4evrpcar4evr - 8/18/2014 8:21:31 AM
+1 Boost
I had the 260Z as one of my worst cars. You didn't have the vapor lock problems (or did you get them fixed as I did, removing all the emissions junk?)


cidflekkencidflekken - 8/19/2014 2:23:06 AM
+1 Boost
Nope, I had zero issues with the Z.


rumnycrumnyc - 8/18/2014 3:26:33 AM
+1 Boost
loved my 335i msport e90. tracked it atleast once a month.

love the interior/exterior and gadgets of my f10 5 series lci, but it handles like a boat.


w222w222 - 8/18/2014 5:54:59 AM
+1 Boost
2012 Audi A8L, 2014 Mercedes S550, 2007 Lexus GS450H


TomMTomM - 8/18/2014 6:28:48 AM
+1 Boost
My first car was a 1939 Chevrolet that was in My Great Uncles' garage when I inherited his property. I drove that for more than 10 years - and sold it to a relative who still has it.


pcar4evrpcar4evr - 8/18/2014 8:19:27 AM
+1 Boost
1972 240Z, 1993 M3, 1996 993 turbo, 2012 R8 V10 spyder, 2014 991 Turbo S.


TheSteveTheSteve - 8/18/2014 10:11:24 AM
+1 Boost
'97 BMW 328 convertible, custom-ordered to my specs. It was my first BMW, and my first premium car. I loved that thing! :-) <3


TheSteveTheSteve - 8/18/2014 10:12:29 AM
+1 Boost
PS: Kudos to '00R for bringing out the best from readers :-)


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:23:05 PM
0 Boost
Glad you're enjoying the thread, @TheSteve!

How did you spec your E36?


TheSteveTheSteve - 8/18/2014 3:06:53 PM
+2 Boost
Agent00R: Montreal Blue, blue ragtop, light gray leather interior, 5-speed, sport package (seats + steering wheel + air effects), 5-CD player, plus the wood trim that came with the M model (stick, center console, dash accent, sunglass holder base). Never had any reliability issues.


scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 8/18/2014 11:45:34 AM
+1 Boost
91 318i Convert, only car I've had sellers remorse.
03 Z4 a great two seater you can actually live with.


BlakuraBlakura - 8/18/2014 11:51:15 AM
+6 Boost
Probably not a popular choice here on Autospies, but my 2008 Acura TL Type S was my favorite thus far, the car was fun to drive, it handled better than any fwd car should be. The interior was comfortable with good bolstering, the instrument cluster was well laid out and easy to read. The 6MT was the easiest shifting transmission that I've ever driven (along with the '10 SH-AWD TL). The car did have torque steer of course, but I learned how to avoid it for the most part. No car is perfect, but this car was a lot better than it was given credit for.


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/18/2014 1:24:12 PM
0 Boost
You'd be surprised! We actually think that is one of the best styled products of all time.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 8/18/2014 12:30:02 PM
+2 Boost
My 2002 BMW 5 Series; 2014 Audi S6


SamFriedmanSamFriedman - 8/18/2014 12:31:01 PM
+1 Boost
First Car - Infiniti Fx35 (2005) - Great first car. Unfortunately, the brand has gone down hill since.

2nd Car - BMW 328I Coupe (2008) - Amazing car. My introduction to BMW's, the love affair has not ended, though this was my only BMW thus far. Love the hard drive and connectivity with the road.

3rd Car - Chevy Camaro SS (2010) - WOW. This car was a beat. I miss it so much. The power was amazing, the sound was even better. Why even bother to honk your horn? just rev the engine at the people in front of you, they will get out of the way! LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS CAR

4th Car - Ford Focus Titanium (2012) - WORST CAR EVER. Has deterred me from ever buying a Ford again, the car itself was trash, but the customer service was even worse. Its a shame, because I always wanted a Mustang, but I may never get one due to the horrible service Ford offers.

5th Car - Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude (2014) - Just got this one. I LOVE IT. Comfortable and reliable.


W124E320W124E320 - 8/18/2014 1:00:32 PM
+1 Boost
1st Favorite: 2003 Audi A6 Quattro was a fabulous car. The quality, the interior, the sleek style (silver with 18"RS6 wheels), the quattro drive train. It was an amazing car.

2nd Favorite: 1995 W-122 E320 Mercedes, simply put, the last of the cost is no object engineered Mercedes cars. After 17 years there was not a tear in the interior, headrest, or dash. Properly maintained, I think those cars will run forever and survive accidents that many new cars might fail. The 2007 E-500 4Matic, 2009 E350 were good cars but nothing like the W124.

3rd Favorite: 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6. The car is fantastic to drive with 321bhp its scoots around town. The Black/Red (Ext/Int) combo is terrific to look at and ride in. Never had 321bhp before, its heady.

4th Favorite: My first car a 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport, Aztec Gold with matching vinyl top and bucket seats w/console, Rally II wheels with dream rings, AC/PS/PB... best $1200 I ever spent until that tree got in front of me! Those cars were beautiful. I think the Audi A5 has a look that reminds me of those A-Body cars.


internationalmanofmysteryinternationalmanofmystery - 8/18/2014 1:15:22 PM
+1 Boost
2005 330i with the M package - grey on grey


GambitGambit - 8/18/2014 1:15:53 PM
+1 Boost
2004 RX-8

I never had any of the "reliability issues" that less educated owners have had. It was a blast for 100k miles until I had kids and had to get a bigger car.


iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 8/18/2014 7:42:09 PM
+1 Boost
2005 m3 coupe . wish i never got rid of it.


w222w222 - 8/18/2014 8:36:16 PM
+1 Boost
I've never owned a BMW and never been a fan of BMWs but I gotta say M3s of any year are incredible machines.


BimmersNmeBimmersNme - 8/18/2014 10:01:05 PM
+1 Boost
1987 325 5 speed manual, once I drove it I was hooked.
1996 328i Motorsport, was a blast to drive.(very good memories of it)


PatronusPatronus - 8/18/2014 10:46:23 PM
+1 Boost
I'll chime in here, my favorite car ever is my current driver - Mk 6 GTI. Second favorite was my 2004 Boxster. The one that I always dream about, however is my '79 SAAB 99 3-door.


PatronusPatronus - 8/18/2014 10:46:23 PM
+1 Boost
I'll chime in here, my favorite car ever is my current driver - Mk 6 GTI. Second favorite was my 2004 Boxster. The one that I always dream about, however is my '79 SAAB 99 3-door.


BabyBaby - 8/18/2014 11:07:58 PM
+1 Boost
1984 RX-7 GS-LE, my first true car and baby. I did so much to that car cosmetically it was truly way ahead of its time for what it was. My only engine mod was an exhaust but it was bare from the block so from a 145 hp Rotax got it up to 185 hp. That is just where the fun begins because I had blue flames shooting out of my tail pipes a foot or more when I revved the car 'naturally.' Yes' because I revved the car so much and so high at '11000 rpms' I fried the seals. Still ran like a champ though and I was able to get running 3rd gear fishtails consistently. Back then really nothing could beat me, GT's died shamelessly on a regular basis. I had the car professionally repainted Black with purple and blue pearlescents, hand striped to match. I had reflective surface painted between the wheel spokes to make them glow at night; plus so much more... For 1984 till 88' it was the bomb.


benzforlifebenzforlife - 8/18/2014 11:59:49 PM
+1 Boost
My 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

I bought it with only 65000 miles on it in 2005, I still own it with close to 170000 miles on it. Its black on black, drives like a dream and I don't plan to ever sell it, restore and drive a true classic forever. Lots of older gentlemen always compliment the car


PocketRocketPocketRocket - 8/19/2014 2:06:28 PM
+1 Boost
Some of best vehicles I have owned 2014 Range Rover Sport; 2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail; 2014 Mini Copper Countryman

The worst vehicles that I have owned, 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350, 2012 VW Jetta GLI, 2014 Lexus GX460...


kingsleykingsley - 8/19/2014 4:39:52 PM
+1 Boost
Well, I loved our 1992 Mercedes 300D estate car, the last year before the tiny mouth models began, by first recessing the proud radiator grille. At that point they ceased to be major players for me. Ours reminded me of great cars like Bentleys and Rolls Royces. it went off to joint the Bulgarian Mafia after only 18 months. After that we had a bright red Volvo 850 T5, which went like mad but was badly made and had multiple faults. The next car was a beautiful blue high line Passat B5 estate, which we kept for 12 trouble free years. I still miss it, but its spirit lives on in its soulmate, designed at the same fortunate time, with the same truly sexy curves, especially over the front wheel arches, a second hand V8 Phaeton, my dream car. Now approaching 6 years old in december it has taken me on long and wonderful journeys and my wife is justifiably (if in fun) jealous of her!! She has just had her annual double waxing and full interior detailing and looks so beautiful inside and out. Herr Piech's dream car may just be, as he wished, the best car in the World.To know know know her is to love love love her...


trmckintrmckin - 8/19/2014 7:23:49 PM
+1 Boost
1998 toyota 4 runner limited 4x4. We literally gave that thing no break but it kept on ticking. Finally when our first kid arrived and 230k miles on the clock, we had to sell it. Very minimal maintenance. Wasn't fast or nimble but it just did so many things well. The 2007 4runner that replaced it has been a little disappointing in comparison but is getting the job done.


arrowmgarrowmg - 8/19/2014 10:42:41 PM
+1 Boost
1.) In 2002 I bought my first dream car a used 1994 Q45A with the HICAS 4WS and hydraulic suspension - It was the year that Infiniti finally put the grill and real wood in the Q45. It had 98000 miles on it and mann that car was awesome. The power was deep, the handling was ridiculous with the 4WS and the suspension would hunker the car down above 45 miles an hour. That thing was a beast, and it was heavy, you couldn't get it to lose it's cool. I cut up a lot of newer Japanese & Germans in that thing with that old 278HP V8, that power band was deep, felt like it wouldn't stop accelerating. I finally sold it in 2005 when the hydraulic and HICAS system went as it was prohibitively expensive to repair. That car has had me hooked on Infiniti ever since up until my most recent the 2011 M37X.


Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC