So a couple days back I made a four hour return trip to the city (we live in the country and don’t go to the city any more than is humanly possible) with the RL, and on the way, it hit me that in 36 years of vehicle ownership, THIS is the first vehicle that I’ve ever owned that hits all the nails on the head for my current usage.
Every vehicle, some dearly loved and some hated with a passion that borders on the religious, had one thing in common… there was at least a couple spots where it would fall short.
Ram 3500 SRW Quad Cab short box… sucked for the camper.
Ram 2500 Crew Cab 8’, sucked to park.
Chrysler 300c, sounded awesome, worked great, useless for towing and winter.
Pontiac TranSport, carried all manner of stuff, great on the highway, sucked because… Pontiac TransSport.
Jeep JK Rubicon, cool AF, drive over anything, sucked on the highway, can’t tow shit.
Golf TDI Wagon, great mileage, super useful, but too low to get in and out of…
Etc etc etc ad nauseum.
In the moment, I need the following: in no particular ordr and non-exhaustive list…
- Not to sit on the ground
- Comfortable highway manners
- Utility to carry country house maintenance tools, etc etc
- Towing lightly
- Space for the dog
- AWD for steep winter driveway
- Leather bum heat
- Reliability
- Bangin’ stereo
- 1/2 sensible gas mileage
- Fits in the garage
- Suitable aftermarket following
- Acceptable acquisition and maintenance cost
TOTAL no brainer to buy the RL.