I realize that I will never own a Rolls-Royce.  People say you should never say never.  Well I am saying it here.  I will never ever own one.  And the reality is, if you are reading this, you probably won't either.  People who are able to buy a Rolls-Royce rarely find themselves on the internet looking for car deals.  But one can still enjoy looking.  So without further ado, I submit to you the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Being that I've had a taste of greatness, albeit a disappointing one, by owning a Landrover Discovery, I think I will feel incomplete until I have one of these.  Of course I know that's not true, but could it be that I would be maybe a little closer to complete?  Check out the video from Roadloans.com.  

 

Another SUV Hybrid from our video department.  Features power and acceleration, controlled ride, interior space (ESV), and increased efficiency safety. 

If you can afford the 50K plus price tag, this vehicle is perfect for the warrior dad who wants to keep Mother Earth happy.  Features towing and hauling ability; spacious interior; compliant ride and handling relevant to other SUV's.   

ALRIGHT STOP!!!  Collaborate and listen: If you plan on buying a used Landrover Discovery, think twice!  One word: Fail.  You might look cool driving one (as I most certainly do), but you will waste more money than betting on a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.  I have had it in the shop for the following reasons:

1.  to replace the rear air suspension system with regular shocks

2.  to fix the mysterious rattling that still hasn't gone away

3.  to fix the automatic windows that have petered out

4.  to fix the air conditioner

5.  to find out what in the h*** that piece of metal that dropped from the bottom of the vehicle was

...and more odds and ends.  Not to mention the lights that flash onto the dash board at random times that no one but a trained Landrover mechanic can figure out. 

I payed 6k for the vehicle, and have put another 2k into it.  

In addition, it guzzles PREMIUM gas like a college girl does wine coolers on new years eve.  

The funny thing is, I knew all of this had more than a decent chance of happening, and I bought it anyway.  For the record, I love driving it.  It is a fun vehicle to own.  I look like a cool yuppie driving it, but I don't make yuppie dough.  This is not a good thing.  Shame on me.  Don't let it be shame on you! 

I realize that not all Landrovers will have these issues, but mine is from 2000, and while they sell low due to high depreciation, they are a real potential money pit.  Imported parts, systems that don't make sense to Texas mechanics, and more add to the frustration.  I'll say it once more, think before you buy!  

This USA Today article gives us some good information about the upcoming FT-CH concept, as it was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto show. 

Did you know that when electric cars become available to the public, that you will only own the car, and not the battery?  Read about it here.  What do you think about not owning your ENTIRE vehicle?  

There was a time when I made fun of people who drove minivans.  I would call the women "soccer moms" and considered the men, well, less than manly.  All of that changed when we started having children.  Putting a child in a car is like getting shot in the knee.  At some point, for the sake of sanity, it is necessary to trade convenience for cool.  This is where the minivan comes in.  They aren't cool.  They just work.  Even better...they are for the most part very affordable and very safe.  

I introduce to you the Dodge Caravan, our very first minivan, a fine vehicle that served us well for years.  

If you are into safety, have a bit of coin to drop, and like Germans, then check out the Volkswagen Routan video review, a new feature from Roadloans.  

 

Roadloans is proud to present to you the launch of a our car review video section over at the website.  This is a great tool for the shopper, so be sure to share this with your family and friends. 

Here is an example of what the videos look like (click on picture to visit site):