[Drivesthebeast]

Thanks for the replies guys, and I appreciate the input/advice. I am interested in the Magnum as it's got utility, and it should have enough balls and creature comforts to overlook the fact that it's an autotragic (yes, I love manuals). I also like them because they look pretty cool and aren't as common as other vehicles. After doing research on these cars, they have a very good track record for reliability, being safe, and not overly pricey to fix. I know that the R/T has the 5.7 Hemi, and even with the cylinder deactivation it might not have as good fuel economy as other vehicles out there. I am willing to sacriffice spending some extra cash on fuel a little more often, if that means I don't have to drive something I might consider frumpy, or make me feel regretful for buying/driving. For example, if I bought a Toyota Corolla or Camry with a 4cyl engine, I think I'd hate myself for doing so, every time I drove it, regardless of fuel economy or reliability. I place the quality/experience of my drive, over the cost effectivenes...if that makes sense. Some folks concern themselves with Point A-Point B, wheras I wanna enjoy that trip as much as I can.

With regards to the Taurus X or the Edge, we both like the Edge a lot, but I think we'd only be happy with an AWD SEL or Limited, as I wanna have maximum creature comforts or "poor man's blingage" for my money. I would only be interested in a Freestyle or Taurus X if the misses would let me tint it and put rims on it, etc...and it would have to be Pitchblack in colour (which she might not approve of). I like the looks/prospects of that Flex, but I don't know if those are going to be as good as Ford makes them out to be.

We DO NOT want a Japanese car (her family all own Toyotas and Lex's), coz I like being the black sheep of the family...lol... We'd look at the Volvo S40 or S60 AWD's, or the Wagon (think that's the V50 and V70's), but my dad said that Volvo's are rather dear to maintain/repair. Though I hear nothing but good things about the new generation of their cars.

I know the magnum is being discontinued after 2008/2009 model years, but I want to buy a vehicle like them, or similar to them, that I can rack up mileage on, and not worry about it (I am horrifed that my Stang is already around 46,000+ km's, and wish to put a stop to that and trade it before it's worthless...).

Thanks again for the feedback, and keep the suggestions coming.

L8tz

Ian