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It's the "Best of Kansas City" issue for the Pitch and in honor of this annual event I've decided to include my very own "Best of Kansas City" list. Unfortunately, you didn't have a vote in this. Winners of these prestigious AUTOBUZZ awards were chosen totally by myself. However, I'd like to hear from you. If you have an opinion, agreement or disagreement, simply e-mail me at stan@kcautosource.com. Let's start out with the understanding that no one vehicle is right for every occasion. In fact I believe for myself, necessity demands that I have access to at least three different vehicles. I want the sexy little convertible roadster for most of my fun driving, but I realize that I need a luxury sedan for entertaining business clients, or transporting children and friends. I still want a pickup to stroke my male ego and to haul furniture, equipment and building supplies. No self-respecting male will substitute a van or SUV for a pickup. Luxury Sedan - 2005 Cadillac STS I've driven some outstanding luxury vehicles including the BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz and even the surprising $104,000 Volkswagen Phaeton. Any one of these vehicle including the all wheel drive Audi vehicles would be a good choice for the personal luxury vehicle. You can spend upwards of $300,000 for the ultimate Maybach, but value must always temper the quest for pampered luxury. The newly designed STS, Cadillac has simply created a higher standard for others vehicles to aspire. Convertible Roadster - 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata How can I possibly pass up the new 2005 Corvette, Dodge Viper, BMW Z-4, Honda S2000, Jaguar XKR and Nissan 350Z. All which offer more horsepower, more comfort and more room than the lowly Miata? Even if I won the lottery, value and bang for the buck remain important. For the $25,000 that the turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata will set me back, I can have two for less money than one Corvette. However, I sure like that new Corvette as well. Best Pickup 2004- Ford F-150 This is another class in which it is hard to make a mistake. Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, and Nissan all make terrific pickups. I love the Hemi engine of the Dodge Ram. The GM Durmax is the quietest diesel of the heavy-duty crowd. Toyota is as dependable and well engineered as anything on this planet. Nissan may have the best feature to value content of any truck. But I still keep coming back to the Ford F-150 as the one pickup I would buy with my personal money. The other classes are just as close: Best Sport Sedan under $40,000 - 2004 Acura TL
Now lets get beyond the ordinary. Best conversation starter - 2004 Scion xB
Finally, if I could have only one vehicle the winner would have to be the 2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet Quattro. It's all wheel drive convertible luxury and 340 horsepower of V8 performance for four. At less than $60,000 this vehicle does everything in style but haul lumber. Ok, Now it is your turn. Let me know if you agree or disagree. Drop me an email to stan@kcautosource.com. |
©2003 - Stan Risener