For many of us, the appeal of the open road is undeniable. Speeding along the interstate with the miles rolling away under our tires is fun, no matter the destination. Or, perhaps you are one to avoid the road that starts with “I.” Maybe you like the back roads or, as my good friend Bob Frost would put it, “the road less taken.” Fast or slow, we all have one thing in common. We need to be in command of one of the best road-trip cars. Today, Gildshire is throwing much of the current wisdom about gas mileage and modern technology out the window, opting instead for comfortable and road-trip worthy rides. Pretend the gas is on an expense account and hit the highway in one of these examples of road-trip delightfulness. The prices are courtesy of Autotrader.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
When I say “Jaguar” in that European three-syllable way, few people are going to think of a long-distance tourer. That’s what makes this such a perfect car for you. Everyone at the rest stop will sidle up beside your car for a look. You can still get a 2018 model brand new for $49,842. That’s thirty grand off the MSRP!
1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R
These are hard to find for sale because owners drive them until they are used up. However, they hold five-passengers comfortably and boast 276 horses under the hood. “Mine has a lot more than that,” you may say. But, that’s because you don’t have the original GT-R. That one was made for one year.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
Stop rolling your eyes! We said that this road-trip is gas prices immune, and this one is for a particular kind of driver. The weekend mechanic. If your roady includes a little bit of off-road, the XJ may be your only answer. Remember, a car with fewer electronic creature comforts is that much easier for the weekend mechanic to fix if something goes wrong. You can find a seasoned (that’s a good thing when you’re talking about a Wagoneer) one for $6,000.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
Tell me what’s better than the windmill ON the hood and 600 horses UNDER the hood. That’s right, NOTHING! You can find one with plenty of life still left for those long road-trips for $54,000.
Chevrolet SS
Ho-hum, go back to your phone Mr. Police Officer because there’s nothing to see here. It’s just another Chevy. Ha! This isn’t your Grandpa’s Chevy, baby. Sure, it looks like a run-of-the-mill Malibu, but underneath the hood, it’s packing 415 horses from the same V8 that powers a Corvette. A family car with the beating heart of a lion can be yours for $21,900.
Volkswagen Phaeton
This car was only sold here for a short time, and we can’t figure out the reason. It was based on the Bentley Flying Spur, meaning its over the highway credentials are solid. Pick one up for $4,990, and you’ll be set for this summer’s trip.
Volvo V60 Polestar
Have you ever spent any time in Volvo’s seats? Pure butter for your tired old buns. Combine those seats with 362-horses and all-wheel-drive. That’s one capable road-trip ride. Settle in when you leave Chicago and wake up when you see the Atlantic Ocean. Um, that last suggestion was for the passengers. Buy one today for $46,875.
Buick Roadmaster
The best road-trip cars ever built must include the Roadmaster
The ultimate road-trip machine. Maybe you rode in the way-back of one of these behemoths and saw America out the back window. Or, perhaps you parallel-parked one of these and awarded yourself a medal. Or, maybe you tried to figure out how to pass one of these boats on a two-lane highway. We’ve seen them, loved them, or loathed them, but they carried 6-8 member families across the continent. Out of fashion now, one can be yours for a mere $1,995.
Many of the best road-trip cars are out of place on the morning commute or in the carpool (unless the “pool” is an office building worth of employees.) But, they hum over the freeway like they were born to drive forever. Gildshire loves the open road like we love our grandchildren, and these are just a few cars made for the trip.
While reaching the destination of the road-trip is fun, it’s the car ride that makes it worthwhile. Regardless where your destination is, you’d want to make the trip as comfortable as much as you can. Before setting out for a trip, it’s best to ensure that you have everything you need and your car is geared for the adventure.
What’s more important than the car model is how comfortable your ride will be. You’ll be sitting in your car for most of the time. That’s why you should make the seats and interiors comfortable enough for the entire trip. Suit up your car seats with stylish and comfortable custom-fit seat covers. Not only will it protect your car from stains and damages, but it also makes your interiors look stylish and your ride comfortable. The best adventure you can have is the one where you’re comfortable throughout the entire trip.
