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Rob Simpson is a car enthusiast who has a long history with Volkswagen. In the last six decades, he has owned 16 vehicles, with the majority being by the German automaker.

It started in 1969, when he purchases an era-friendly yellow Beetle with a hand-cranked sunroof for $2,100. While he bought a Porsche 914 in 1973 – it was through a Volkswagen dealership – he was soon back with the automaker when he purchased a Super Beetle, followed by a 1977 Golf and a 1981 Scirocco.

While marriage and two children placed his friendship with VW on hold – he wanted a family-friendly vehicle – he rekindled their relationship in 2017. Attracted by the positive reviews, he bought a Golf R.

Last May, Simpson ordered a new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R through Georgetown Volkswagen. With supply chain issues, when he went to pick it up from the dealership in early December, his Golf was the only car on the lot. Simpson tells us why he loves his vehicle.

“From the moment I got my license I’ve been entranced with cars and how they handle,” said Simpson, who lives in Guelph. “My first car was one that I could afford. It was a Beetle. As soon as I was making money, I bought a Porsche 914. It was a mid-engine car, and its handling was amazing. But it cost $7,500 in 1973, which was $300 more than my annual salary. But it fulfilled my passion for a vehicle that was all about balanced handling.

“I ended up selling the 914 when I decided to go back to school. I couldn't afford to keep it. But it stayed with me as a sort of dream car and the epitome of handling.

“I always liked Volkswagens. In 2017, my wife and I were trying to decide between a GTI and the R at the dealership. We took the GTI out first and thought it was nice, but then we tried the R. It was head and shoulders above in terms of the feel, and the responsivity was just amazing. It was love at first sight. I came to think of it as the ideal combination of everything that I valued: Its handling, its performance, and it had a nice restrained and understated exterior.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Golf-Interior-May14-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-168279" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Golf-Interior-May14-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Volkswagen Golf R" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“It had seating for five and a hatch, which was tremendously functional for everyday living. It had four-wheel drive. From my perspective, it ticked off every box of what in I would want in a car. None of the others had the perfect combination. The R is by far the best all-around car I’ve owned, with zero meaningful weaknesses or deficiencies – other than the lack of a heated steering wheel,” Simpson said.

“The 2022 model promised another 25 horsepower and even greater levels of refinement, including an all-digital dash, more finely tuned suspension, air-conditioned front seats and the previously overlooked heated steering wheel. This car feels even tighter and more dialed-in than its predecessor and offers the most gratifying drive imaginable.”

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Golf-Exhaust-May14-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-168280" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Golf-Exhaust-May14-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Volkswagen Golf R" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“It’s certainly a driver's car,” said Simpson. “My wife and I want to drive up to Red Lake in the summer or fall when the leaves change colour. There’s a route where you go up to Sudbury and then take the Trans Canada Highway along Lake Superior. It’s one of the most beautiful drives and parts of the road are very hilly and twisty, which the R will handle so smoothly. It’s a dream trip, and we’re going to do it.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Confident handling

“I really like the handling. It’s got a tremendous, button-down feeling, like you're planted firmly on the road. There's a relatively low center of gravity; you constantly feel the responsivity of the steering and its ability to accelerate so quickly and so easily,” said Simpson. “You feel a lot more confident passing because you know that you can accelerate as quickly as you need to in the situation. But other than that, it’s about driving those hilly, windy country roads. You can imagine that you’re driving in a rally.”

Comfortable seating

“I’m very particular about seating comfort,” said Simpson. “Mostly it's lumbar support that I find troublesome. The seating in this car is just to die for. It’s got a glove-like fit that you can configure and includes enough length in the seat to support your thighs and an ability to raise the height so you can see comfortably over the dash. I mean, what do you do in a car other than sit? And some automakers pay so little attention to that basic function. Volkswagen has nailed it in this seat.”

New features

“There are innovations that I didn't think I'd like with the 2022. I thought the heads-up display would be really distracting, but now it’s my go-to for determining the speed or navigation,” he said. “I don’t have to take my eyes off the road. I really like that. On the other side, they've gone overboard with the digital displays. It’s like they’re offering you way more than anyone would realistically want. They’re just an unused resource, from my point of view.”

THE SPECS
<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: Compact hatchback</li>
 	<li> DRIVE METHOD: AWD</li>
 	<li> ENGINE: 2.0-L turbocharged inline-4, 315-hp; 280 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li> FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 11.8/8.3 litres per 100 kms</li>
 	<li> CARGO VOLUME: 564-977 litres</li>
 	<li> PRICE: Starting at $45,995</li>
 	<li> WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.vw.ca">vw.ca</a></li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

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An internal service advisor at Thornhill Toyota, Kelly Fung would get to work driving a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 that she was shared with her father. With the lease on that vehicle about to end, Fung and her fiancé, Zeb Doherty-Wayne, decided it was time to get a car of their own. The couple first considered a Mini Cooper Countryman, but then heard about the Korean luxury vehicle Genesis. Placing their order last October, they picked up their car – one of the first of these vehicles delivered in Toronto – from Genesis Markham in mid-March. They tell us why they love their vehicle.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Genesis-Dash-May7-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-168049" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Genesis-Dash-May7-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Genesis GV70" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“The price points for the different models were really compelling,” said Fung. “As a couple, we’re bad at budgeting. We looked at the basic model, and we just kept going up until we saw the package we have now. We settled on the Advanced Plus, which is the second highest package for our model. It came with a lot of cool features. It seemed nicer and had so many more options than was offered by a big brand, like Mercedes. I think Genesis is really trying to secure a customer base since they’re starting out, and it was also a great buying experience.”

“The buying experience was very different from other car companies where there might be some haggling involved,” said Doherty-Wayne. “With Genesis, it’s kind of like Tesla, where the price is set. You can price it out online and compare the different packages. There is no pressure to try and get a better deal. And it is a smaller dealership – they were sharing the space with Hyundai – so it's a very friendly, welcoming environment. They seem almost as excited as we were. It was a very pleasant experience dealing with them.”

“I’m the main driver,” said Fung, “One of the biggest things I really wanted was remote start and having a heated steering wheel, which my Mercedes didn’t have. The more we compared the cars, we realized that even simple things, like moving the seat in the Mini Cooper, were not electronic. You had to manually pull the chair forward and back, which seemed a little – I know, it’s a very first world problem – outdated.

“It’s the little things, like memory seats, remote start, a heated steering wheel and Apple CarPlay that came standard with the Genesis. We also have wireless charging, fingerprint ID that loads driver profiles and settings in our infotainment system, and even heated and cooling seats. I think it’ll be nice in the summer, given our leather seats, to be able to start the car and cool it down before we even get in there.”

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Genesis-Back-May7-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-168050" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/wh-WhyLove-Genesis-Back-May7-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Genesis GV70" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Genesis GV70, Advanced Plus

A luxury feel  

“I really like the exterior of the car, particularly the front grill and the rear taillights,” said Fung. “The front grill looks a bit like a Bentley to me. The rear looks like a Porsche, to the point where I saw my own car on the road next to me, and I didn't recognize it. I was like, ‘Hey, that's a cool looking car.’ Then I realized it was the same vehicle.”

Value added

“Compared to another luxury vehicle, Genesis gives you all the features that you won't get unless you pay a lot more with those brands,” said Doherty-Wayne. “I think part of it is that Genesis hasn't really built up that brand recognition. Mercedes, BMW, and these other high-end brands don’t have to try as hard to get customers to buy their cars because people are buying it for the name. Plus, the Genesis is nice. I think people are starting to recognize them the more they see them on the road, and they’re going to become very popular.”

Unique touches

Doherty-Wayne said one small feature that he thinks is cool is a 110-volt AC power outlet in the rear interior of the vehicle. “We have an actual three-prong outlet in the back for passengers. We’d never seen it before. It's always been a cigarette lighter that you can use with an adapter,” he said. “Any passengers in the back can also control their heated seating, which I thought was a nice touch. Although these days it’s usually just our dog in the car. He loves being in there. He falls asleep soon after he gets in.”

THE SPECS: 2022 Genesis GV70, Advanced Plus
<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: Midsized luxury SUV</li>
 	<li> DRIVE METHOD: AWD</li>
 	<li> ENGINE: 2.5L T-GDI I4 300-hp; 311 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li> FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 10.7/8.4 litres per 100 kms</li>
 	<li> CARGO VOLUME: 818.4 litres</li>
 	<li> PRICE: Starting at $59,500</li>
 	<li> WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.genesis.com">genesis.com</a></li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 2022 Genesis GV70

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Maurizio Mascioli lives and breathes pizza. Not only is it his favourite food, but he is also the chef at Parry Sound’s Maurizio’s Pizzeria (a restaurant he opened with his Sicilian mother in 2013), is an instructor at the School of Italian Pizza in Toronto and a guest columnist for “Canadian Pizza” magazine.

Running a restaurant means Mascioli – who uses a 300-year-old family pizza recipe he has modernized – is constantly driving to visit suppliers and to source unique ingredients. Those trips from Parry Sound to the Greater Toronto Area to run errands can sometimes see 700 kilometres added to his odometer.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Tesla-Steer-April30-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167875" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Tesla-Steer-April30-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Tesla Model S Long Range" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

He had been driving a 2018 Audi S5 Sportsback, but Mascioli said he was concerned about the impact his driving habits were having on the environment. With the help of Umit Ozturk, a sale consultant with Tesla in Vaughan, he decided to purchase a 2022 Tesla Model S. Mascioli tell us why he loves his vehicle.

“I drive a lot,” said Mascioli. “My daily commute is 50 kms from my home to the pizzeria, but I drive to Toronto at least twice a month. Sometimes it’s five or six times a month depending on how busy we are.

“I average approximately 40,000 kms a year, so my car has to be comfortable, have good fuel economy, be reliable and have some fun associated with it. Diving the Tesla is fantastic. It’s very comfortable and I got the Model S Long Range because of my lifestyle. So, I can do 652 kms on a full charge.

“You have to educate yourself on how and when to charge your EV. It's a little more involved than pulling up to a gas station and filling your tank,” he said. “I have a Level 2 charger at home. It basically charges the car in four hours. I run it overnight and schedule it on my phone, so I avoid peak usage.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Tesla-Details-April30-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167874" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Tesla-Details-April30-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Tesla Model S Long Range" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“The unique thing about the Model S is that it’s got the yoke steering wheel. It looks like a racing steering wheel from a Formula One car. Because I've been driving since I was 16 years old – I am 46 now – I had to re-educate myself to drive with this steering wheel. In the beginning, I hated it. It took me a solid three weeks to learn a new technique.

“Other than that, it's absolutely wonderful. It looks like a spaceship. It's got a 17-inch center console screen and a console behind the steering wheel that almost looks like a heads-up display because there is no traditional steering wheel. It's got a rear monitor for passengers, and it's so intuitive.

“Owning an electric vehicle is a lifestyle change,” said Mascioli. “I’ve been living with internal combustion engine vehicles my entire life, and this is a different type of technology and way of doing things. But once you build that habit, you’re good to go.

“The fact that we're saving a planet and having a good time at the same time is an excellent benefit. I love this car. If you don’t already drive a Tesla, I highly recommend one.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range

No pumping gas

“I love the fact that it’s fully ready to go all the time and I don’t have to pump gas in frigid temperatures,” Mascioli said. “When I was younger, I used to smoke. I've kicked that habit many years ago, but I remember going out in the winter to have a cigarette, and I was like, ‘What am I doing?’ With the Audi I was pumping gas in minus-25-degree weather, and it's like, ‘Oh my god, this is like having a cigarette.’ I definitely do not miss that. That is one beautiful thing about having an EV.”

Filled with tech

“It’s a less stressful drive,” he said. “This car is loaded with tech. It comes with autopilot: it's like driving cruise control on steroids. It’s a nice feature if you want to kind of relax, but you still have to be aware of what's going on around you. You can't take a nap. We're not in that kind of autonomy yet. I've tried it but kept my hands on the steering wheel in case of a hiccup, but it hasn't given me any hiccups at all. It keeps the car in the center of the lane, and it does a fantastic job. I'm very impressed.”

A quick ride

“It’s got to be the fastest car I’ve driven and does, on paper, zero to 100 kms in 3.2 seconds. You can get out of a precarious situation much quicker than a gas vehicle because EVs have instantaneous power. You hit the pedal and, boom, you’re going. It actually pulls you into the seat,” Mascioli said. “I Googled cars that do zero to 60 in 3.2 sec, and they’re half million-dollar cars like the Lamborghini Huracán EVO. So now I’m driving a car as fast as a Lamborghini for a third of the price. I’m okay with that.”

THE SPECS
<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: Luxury hatchback</li>
 	<li> DRIVE METHOD: AWD</li>
 	<li> ENGINE: Dual Motor, 670-hp, 670 ft.-lb. torque</li>
 	<li> RANGE: 652 kms</li>
 	<li> CARGO VOLUME: 793 litres</li>
 	<li> PRICE: Starting at $128,990</li>
 	<li> WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.tesla.com">tesla.com</a></li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range

wh-WhyLove-Mazda-Main-April23

A crane operator for Stelco Holdings Inc., Hamilton-based John Fuciarelli is the proud owner of a 1980 Mazda RX-7 GS. It was the first car he every purchased, and – using it only between April and October – he is still driving it 42 years later. While he has owned other vehicles, including his current 2016 Hyundai Tucson which he uses during the winter months, Fuciarelli has stayed loyal to his sports car.

To date, he’s clocked 250,000 kilometres with the Mazda’s original engine, and put another 20,000 on it after rebuilding its motor four years ago. As well as being his daily summer ride, Fuciarelli has driven the car as far as Myrtle Beach, S.C. He tells us why he loves his vehicle.

“I'm the original owner of this car,” said Fuciarelli. “I bought it June 2, 1980, for a little over $12,000 with taxes. In 1980 that was considered a lot of money, and I remember my father flipping out about the cost.

“I’ve taken care of it. I kept it original and never modified it. I still have the 13-inch rims and tires that came with it. I’ve got a file with 42 years of this car’s history. If I buy a five-cent washer or a spare part, I’ve got a receipt. I can check my history of things, so if anything is wrong with it, I know what I did.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Mazda-Paper-April23-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167733" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Mazda-Paper-April23-scaled.jpg" alt="1980 Mazda RX-7" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I’m not one of those guys who have an old car and drive it once every month. I drive it a lot,” he said. “I’ve only had a little fender bender, but it was minor. For the first 26 years, I did nothing to the car. But in the last six years, I decided to restore it. It got to the point where I looked at it and it needed a paint job. I took it to a mechanic and after inspecting everything, he said, ‘John, there’s nothing wrong with this car.’

“I'll give you a perfect example: About four years ago, I bought a brand-new windshield and the guy who installed it looked at me after taking the trims and old windshield off and wondered how there could be no rust built up behind those trims after 35 years. People are surprised that I don’t have an ounce of surface rust on the car.

“But I have rebuilt mechanical stuff, like the steering box, the radiator, the rear differential and got a new distributor put in in 2019. Otherwise, I kept it with stock parts but did put in a better suspension system which came from Racing Beat out in California, who specialize in RX-7 aftermarket parts.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Mazda-Moulding-April23-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167735" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Mazda-Moulding-April23-scaled.jpg" alt="1980 Mazda RX-7" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I live in Hamilton, so, for example, I’ve seen Niagara Falls a thousand times. I’ve had my car for 42 years and, for me, it’s like Niagara Falls. It’s not a big deal, but everybody who sees it loves it,” Fuciarelli said. “Guys like me – I'm 62 years old – see the car and comment that they haven’t seen it in a long time. The 20-year-olds ask me what it is or want to buy it. But I would never sell it.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 1980 Mazda RX-7 GS

The drive

“The handling is like a bat out of hell,” said Fuciarelli. “With the new suspension system (I added), I could enter a ramp, let’s say, at 80 kilometres per hour and I could exit it at 120 and it holds the road. It’s a rear-wheel drive and I don’t feel like I’m going to lose the car. I don’t go crazy with it, but in the old days I experimented, and it could go up to 200 kilometres per hour. For 1980, that was considered pretty quick.”

A classic style

“I love the look,” said Fuciarelli. “It has a beautiful style that Mazda kept from 1978 to 1985. The company changed and destroyed it in 1986. For example, the front end on my car is sharp but in 1986 it was made with rounded edges, which I don’t like. I also don't like the mouldings (you know, the strip across the door) in the 1986 model. The first generations like mine have skinny mouldings, so you see more of the body rather than moulding. On these newer ones, it's a wide moulding across the whole side of the car, which, for me, takes away from the look.”

 Easy to preserve

“I love the fact that it’s becoming a rare car,” said Fuciarelli. “I also love that it’s easy to maintain. The Mazda’s original equipment manufacturer parts are available, and I have contacts throughout North America that deal with RX-7s and who can find the parts I need.”

THE SPECS 1980 Mazda RX-7 GS

<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: 2-door hatchback coupé</li>
 	<li> DRIVE METHOD: RWD</li>
 	<li> ENGINE: Rotary 2-rotor inline 100-hp; 105 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li> FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 14/9 litres per 100 kms</li>
 	<li> CARGO VOLUME: 391 litres</li>
 	<li> PRICE: Original sold for $8,795 (U.S.)</li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 1980 Mazda RX-7

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Cshandrika and Kirk Bryan live in Ajax with their three children and own The Genesis Group, an all-in-one brokerage firm that was named one of the best independents in the country by “Canadian Mortgage Professional” magazine in 2020.

While Kirk gets around in his pre-owned Lamborghini and Range Rover Sport, Cshandrika drove a used 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum that they had nothing but issues with. “We spent way more than we thought we would just to keep the car on the road,” said Kirk

The Bryans had never purchased a new vehicle before. “We’ve never had the blessings or courage to buy brand new, because it takes a lot to shell out over a hundred grand for a car,” said Kirk. But after calculating the costs associated with maintaining a used vehicle – everything from repairs to car rentals for when it is being services – they decided buying new made more sense.

For their eight-year wedding anniversary, Kirk decided to surprise Cshandrika – who also goes by Cshandi – with a new car. Although they considered alternatives, including the Lincoln Navigator and the GMC Yukon or Denali, the couple found those models didn’t include some of the options and features Cshandrika was used to with her Escalade.

Despite the current semiconductor shortage effecting vehicle production, they were able to purchase a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport from Ontario Motor Sales in Oshawa. The Bryans tell us why they love their vehicle.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Escalade-Interior-April16-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167402" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Escalade-Interior-April16-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Cadillac Escalade" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“Cshandi wasn't expecting it, but it was something she deserved,” said Kirk. “There’s so much she does for the family business and because she’s in charge of the family. Our children are active in sports, cheer camp and everything else. We’re always on the road for competitions, taking my son to daycare or helping friends who might need us to pick up or drop off their kids. So, she needed something reliable in the winter or harsh elements.

“There’s a huge difference between the two vehicles. We got the extended cab, so we finally have enough room to do a Costco run. The technology is phenomenal – it’s ‘MacGyver’ level. Like (on the TV show) ‘Knight Rider’ this vehicle talks to you and could drive itself. The screens are huge, and the cameras have an aerial, rear, front and side view, so if anything runs out at you, you will be able to see it from every angle,” he said.

“It’s the mommy wagon,” said Cshandrika. “The body style is ‘large utility’ and it’s higher, wider and just as long as a pickup truck. I named it FLOTUS because it gives off this presidential stature.” Her former Escalade was nicknamed POTUS because of the presence it exuded.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Escalade-Trunk-April16-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167403" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Escalade-Trunk-April16-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Cadillac Escalade" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I was spoiled with the previous Cadillac. Besides the features, it was the comfort of having luxurious seats that you just sink into. Since I’m constantly behind the wheel driving everywhere, I want to be comfy on the road versus having a stiff neck or back.

“This was really an amazing surprise for our anniversary,” she said. “We were at our anniversary dinner, and Kirk handed me a file. It thought I was getting a land deal and was really excited about that. When I opened it, it said ‘Congratulations on your 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV.’ I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh!’ After we left the restaurant and were sitting in this car, I was screaming my head off.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

Display features

“There’s three different modes on the dash,” said Cshandrika. “You can put it on driver gauge, switch it to on-screen map view or to the camera that lets you watch the road in real time like you’re seeing it through a window. I think the camera feature is really cool, especially while you're using the navigation system. You don't have to keep looking to the right of the vehicle, so your eyes are constantly focused on the road and surroundings versus always having to turn and look at something.”

Ample room

“Space is my thing, and this definitely delivers,” she said. “The back wheel well we had in our 2015 is gone in the 2022 model, so there’s more leg room. Another thing is the trunk space. I’m able to fit a stroller, groceries, the uniforms, shoes and all the stuff the girls need for competitive cheer. The kids are no longer stepping on things in the middle of the car. Because it is wider, we can fit two booster seats and a regular car seat without compromising. The kids are not crammed or squished and are comfortable.”

The added details

“The car has so many features. Because it’s big, there are blind spots, but the technology that they’ve included to help you with it is amazing. I like how the camera comes on automatically. One time it was dark, and I was reversing, and someone ran out behind me. The car just automatically stopped itself,” said Cshandrika. “I tell you, it’s no regrets,” said Kirk. “You feel safe that your significant other and your children are protected. And nothing is better than that new car smell.”

THE SPECS: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: SUV</li>
 	<li>DRIVE METHOD: Four-wheel drive</li>
 	<li>ENGINE: 6.2L V8, 420-hp; 460 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li>FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 16.8/12.4 litres per 100 kms</li>
 	<li>CARGO VOLUME: 3584.9 litres</li>
 	<li> PRICE: From $111,768</li>
 	<li>WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.cadillaccanada.ca">cadillaccanada.ca</a></li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

WHY I LOVE MY VEHICLE: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

wh-WhyLove-Blackwood-Main-April9

Brampton-based Robb Lockie is the IT director for Spire Group Limited, a cold storage company that’s based in North York. Besides commuting to work, he racks up a lot of kilometres driving to see his parents in Peterborough, going to his Ontario summer home and making frequent pre-pandemic trips to his place in Orlando, Fla.

While Lockie also drives a 2003 Jaguar XKR, 1990 Lincoln Mark VII and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Summit to help get him around, it’s his 2002 Lincoln Blackwood that he loves the most. Sold briefly in the United States and Mexico only, it has been billed as the world’s strangest and least-practical pickup. Not only is its cargo capacity limited because of a non-removable motorized cover, but its truck bed is lined with carpeting. He tells us why he loves his vehicle.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Blackwood-Interior-April9-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167255" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Blackwood-Interior-April9-scaled.jpg" alt="2002 Lincoln Blackwood" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I did my research, and it was too good a deal,” said Lockie, who purchased the Blackwood on eBay for  $16,000 (U.S) in October. He found others with similar mileage, but they were selling for between $30,000 and $40,000. “I just gave the seller what he was asking for and had it shipped up from Richmond, Va. I’d never seen or touched a Blackwood until it was dropped off at my mechanics to be safety checked. It was just so different, and I like the wood siding on the back of it. It was one of those things I just wanted.

“It’s a very rare vehicle. Only 3,356 were produced and they were never sold in Canada that I’m aware of. It’s a truck with a carpeted trunk as opposed to a box in the back. It was ahead of its time. They built it at the time the Navigator came out for those who wanted a high-end luxury vehicle. But it didn’t sell.

“When I got it, it needed detailing but there was nothing mechanically wrong with it. There are a few minor things. The shipping company lost the keys and the fob. There's a piece of molding on the passenger side, just behind the rear door, that’s fallen off. It’s quite common. Everybody I’ve contacted have told me the same story, that it’s the first thing to go. It’s funny, I went online to look at pictures of them – the ones on sale – and I did notice a lot of them had that piece missing.”

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Blackwood-Back-April9-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-167256" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Blackwood-Back-April9-scaled.jpg" alt="2002 Lincoln Blackwood" width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I haven't used it as a pickup truck, nor do I intend to use it as that. I consider it a big truck that drives like a truck but with a trunk I can put stuff in,” Lockie said. “I was thinking of flying to Orlando at the end of April, but I would just feel safer driving. I’m going to do the drive over two days. I’m taking the Blackwood because it’s more comfortable, which is nice especially on a long trip. I’m going to have new wiper blades put on it and do an oil change.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 2002 Lincoln Blackwood

Luxury details

“It’s all colony leather, the same leather that’s in my Jaguar,” said Lockie. “It’s a true luxury vehicle. Not like today’s luxury vehicle with sensors and all that stuff, but it has everything you could put on a car in 2002. There’s a CD changer built into the console, a sunroof, power windows, power locks and very good quality seats. The heated and air-conditioned front seats is done with air, so when you turn them on, you get air blowing through the seats for both cooling and heating. And it’s very comfortable to drive.

A distinctive look

“It is a very unique pickup truck. When they built the concept vehicle and they took it to shows, people loved it. But, when they put it into the market, people said the back end is a box that’s not very useful,” Lockie said. “It’s lined with stainless steel, and it’s all carpeted, and you can’t use it to carry stuff. It was designed to carry a set of golf clubs and that sort of thing. So, it was kind of an offbeat pickup truck that wasn’t usable as a pickup truck.”

The smooth drive

“I was surprised that I had to use the cruise control because if I didn’t, I would be speeding a lot.  I was driving on Highway 407, and I was flying. I was doing 140 kilometres per hour, and I didn’t feel it at all. I thought I was doing 100. I would have thought you’d feel (the speed) more in a pickup truck,” he said. “I plan to drive it in the summer to work and as my daily driver. I’ll take it to Florida, and I’ll put miles on it. I’ll keep it well maintained – although I’m still looking for that one piece of missing molding.”

THE SPECS: 
<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: Pickup truck</li>
 	<li>DRIVE METHOD: Rear-wheel drive</li>
 	<li>ENGINE: 5.4-liter InTech DOHC V8, 300-hp; 355 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li>FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 21.4/15.7 litres per 100 km</li>
 	<li>CARGO VOLUME: 750.4 litres</li>
 	<li>PRICE: Priced at $51,785 (U.S.) in 2002.</li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 2002 Lincoln Blackwood

wh-WhyLove-Civic-Main-April2

Enhancing a vehicle’s performance is Daryl Goh’s passion, and his livelihood. Goh is the co-founder and co-owner of Adrena Garage, a tire and repair shop in Oakville that deals in high-end modifications.

Up until the birth of his son last November, Goh drove highly modified 2017 Nissan 370Z. He also raced it in the Canadian Sport Compact Series for three seasons, securing second place at a Calabogie Motorsports Park event last summer. But, with the need to accommodate at child car seat, he wanted a new vehicle that had more than two doors.

Goh decided on a which he picked up from Oakville Honda. Although he opted for a family-friendly car, the new dad still wanted a vehicle that was fun to drive, so Goh customized his new ride the way he wanted. He tells us why he loves his Civic Hatchback.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Civic-Interior-April2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-166988" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Civic-Interior-April2.jpg" alt="2022 Honda Civc " width="1200" height="811" /></a>

“Being a Honda fan growing up drew me back to the Civic,” said Goh. “I needed something that was practical, reliable, good on gas, would get me and my family around safely, but something I could modify and still go out to an occasional track day with. I was looking at a couple different models, but nothing really was quite as spacious as the Civic was.

“I’ve had to put racing on hold for now, but I look forward to getting back into it as my son gets a little bit older and sharing that experience with him. I want him to grow up with me in my shop, learning about cars, racing cars, all of that.

“I was going to get the automatic transmission when I bought the Civic so my wife could have an easier time driving the car, but after a little bit of thought, I figured this might be one of the last opportunities Honda would be making a manual car,” he said. “I got the manual so that my kid can see his dad driving manual – an old school way of doing things that people don't really do anymore.

“When I'm modifying cars, I like to try to keep it within original equipment manufacturer specs. There is usually a good reason the engineers and the designers do things a certain way. I don't want to make modifications that are going to take away from things like comfort or drivability. What I’ve done is taken the base LX model, and I've dressed it up.

<a href="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Civic-Exhaust-April2-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-166989" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wh-WhyLove-Civic-Exhaust-April2-scaled.jpg" alt="2022 Honda Civic Hatchback LX," width="2560" height="1707" /></a>

“I’ve done a lot of modifications to enhance the driving experience, things like lowering the car, putting on new rims and tires,” Goh said. “I added a custom exhaust for the car because I wanted a little bit of sound, character, and something visual in the back. This spring, I’ll be tackling some power modification. Next year I will be improving the handling even further.

“Honestly, I'm actually enjoying my family car more than my old sports car. A lot of people don't seem to get that the fun doesn’t have to end when you give up your sports car.”

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback LX (Manual)

The look

“Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen all make very good products for the price,” said Goh of the vehicles within this competitive class he researched before opting for the Civic. “The thing that drew me to the Honda was the esthetic. They really hit the mark for me with the interior and exterior design. It was really the most beautiful option and had everything that I was looking for.”

Autonomous driving

“The Nissan Z didn’t have a lot of the tech, so getting into the Civic was a very refreshing experience for me,” said Goh. “The LX – which is considered the base model – comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Level 2 autonomous driving. This is only Level 2 so it’s not a full self-driving system.  But the way it intervenes is completely mindboggling for me. I’ve tested the system quite extensively, in poor weather conditions, in aggressive corners and at different speeds. I’ve gone from Stoney Creek all the way to Markham, and I didn’t steer, hit any gas, or brake the car.

Handling and safety

“I love the new Agile Handling Assist (AHA) system,” said Goh. “It basically makes the car unbelievably stable when driving in poor weather conditions. With some of the bad weather that we’ve had recently, it’s great for inexperienced drivers who might not have the same level of confidence correcting in those situations. Having AHA was a big safety feature for me because my wife is going to occasionally drive the car with my kid in the back.”

THE SPECS: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback LX
<ul>
 	<li> BODY STYLE: Compact, Hatchback</li>
 	<li>DRIVE METHOD: Front-wheel drive</li>
 	<li>ENGINE: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 158-hp; 138 lb.-ft. torque</li>
 	<li>FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 9.1/6.6 litres per 100 km</li>
 	<li>CARGO VOLUME: 693 litres</li>
 	<li>PRICE: Starts at $28,000</li>
 	<li>WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.honda.ca">honda.ca</a></li>
</ul>
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.

Why I Love My Vehicle: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback LX

WH-WhyILove-March12 (1)

For over two decades Markham’s Stanley Ko and his wife, Margaret Lui, have wanted a Lexus.

As a technology projects program manager for York Region’s community and health services department, Ko’s role required a fair amount of driving. Despite mainly working from home these days, the family still rely on their vehicles to get around. While they also have a Toyota Prius Prime, it’s the SUV that’s the preferred mode of transport.

Although the couple owned a GS before they had children, they opted for a more sensible Toyota Sienna with the birth of their kids, then downsized to a 2015 Nissan Rogue as their daughter and son became older. Now that their kids are 19 and 17, respectively, Ko found himself considering yet another upgrade for a very special reason: his and Lui’s 20th wedding anniversary.

Knowing that Lui prefers driving an SUV because it’s higher off the ground, Ko kept his purchase of the 2022 Lexus NX350 a secret in hopes of surprising Lui. Initially slated as a Christmas gift, Ko put in his order at Lexus of Lakeridge last October. However, due to delays in shipment the vehicle arrived shortly after, with Liu securing the NX350 on New Year’s Eve, still making it within the couple’s anniversary year. He tells us why he loves their vehicle.

“Owning a Lexus has always been on our wish list,” said Ko, who is the preferred driver when he and Lui are both riding in the vehicle. “Almost every vehicle we’ve owned has been within the Lexus and Toyota brand because of its reliability. Since we couldn’t go anywhere to celebrate our anniversary, I thought I’d get a new car for her.

“I had so many criteria. If I was going to replace a car for my wife, it couldn’t be too big or too small; it had to be a four-wheel drive SUV, so this stood out. I chose this model after a lot of research. It’s a 350 turbo with luxury trim – it’s the entry level but only about five to six thousand dollars more than a fully loaded RAV4. Besides being reliable and safe, I learned that the NX was coming out with a new generation, and everything from the exterior to interior design was new.

“My dealership helped me get the car in three months, which I really appreciated – my sales rep told me this was probably the first shipment to arrive in Canada! I know others who’ve had to wait four to six months for their cars. And since you can only view videos or pictures of the new NX350’s interiors on YouTube or in the brochure, most people ask me about its touch and feel, the multimedia 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and how it responds. In the first week of having it, my wife has also caught other Lexus and NX drivers around us looking at our car because this was probably the first NX350 in Markham or Richmond Hill.”

“It delivers on everything that I read and expected,” said Ko. “The cabin is super quiet because they put in thicker acoustic glass on the front windshield and the side windows. They also enhanced the engine and transmission. When I’m sitting behind the wheel, I can feel how smooth the transmission and suspension are when I’m driving to the point that I can't believe that I'm going over a bump.

At the time of this interview Ko admits to only have driven 250 kilometers, but he has plans for the new ride.

“One of the biggest hobbies my family has is travelling, especially taking road trips in our own car. We travelled a lot before the pandemic. My kids always travelled with us and enjoyed spending long hours in the car even when they were tiny. They’d buckle in and never complained.

<a href="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-I-Love-21.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165921" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-I-Love-21.png" alt="2022 Lexus NX350 Luxury Trim" width="6000" height="4000" /></a>

“We’ve driven from Toronto down to Yellowstone National Park, Boston, and Miami. Last year, during the lockdown we went up to Timmins, Ont. because we couldn’t go to the States. Work is getting busy, but that doesn't stop me from planning our next trip to San Antonio, Texas with the car. I expect the NX350 will be a lot more comfortable than the Rogue because of the craftsmanship and ridership.

“My son is really excited about the car because he just got his G2. When he tried the car out on the first day, he said that it’s like a new concept to him because it operates differently than what he’s learned; from how to open the door to how to put the gear shift into drive, and so on. I mean, they made so many major changes to how drivers should experience a car in this model.

“With all the safety features and the technology on the Lexus, the driving experience will be more superior than before. I'm not saying that the Nissan is not good, but I'm sure that the Lexus has a better rating on it. I feel that Toyota did a great job.”

This article was edited for space and clarity. Want to be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle? email us at <a href="mailto:wheels@thestar.ca">wheels@thestar.ca</a>.

&nbsp;

Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer/photographer and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/rssuen">@rssuen</a>
<h3>A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Lexus NX350 Luxury Trim</h3>
BRAND APPEAL

“First of all, it’s the brand name of the manufacturer,” said Ko. “Both my wife and I loved the Lexus when it first came out over 20 years ago, but I couldn’t really afford one that was brand new. For us, the brand is synonymous with craftsmanship, reliability, and value. This all new NX model is still assembled in Japan. A few media sources mentioned that in the next year, they will be manufactured at the Cambridge, Ont. plant. My previous 2007 Camry Hybrid and current 2020 Prius Prime are both assembled in Japan.”

COLOUR SPEAKS

“Blue is my wife’s favourite colour,” said Ko. “She’s crazy about blue. The colour of the SUV is a light blue called Grecian Water, which definitely matches what she likes. It’s hard to get a car with this colour unless you special order it. I special ordered this one from Japan, but I do expect to see more of them on the road because it’s a very pretty colour.”

ATTRACTIVE NEW FEATURES

“I love that this NX generation debuts with Lexus’ Safety System+ 3.0 features,” said Ko. “Among them is the Oncoming Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, panoramic moonroof, and heated and ventilated seats. Those are the key things that my wife looks for in a car. I’m glad that this model has what she needs and is made with this colour for her. “

WHY I LOVE MY VEHICLE: 2022 Lexus NX350 Luxury Trim

WH-WhyILove-March5 (1)

A production designer and illustrator in the film business since 1987, Michael Borthwick relied on his vehicles to get him to work for the extremely early and very late hours typical of the industry. Alternating between a sports car and more practical vehicles, he’s been known to drive everything from an Envoy, an Acadia to a Firebird.

While he currently counts on a Chevrolet Camaro SS as his daily driver, it’s the cars he drives sparingly that attract the most attention. Besides a vintage Corvette, Borthwick owns a 1983 DeLorean DMC-12 (Canadian edition) which he picked up in 2005. It has appeared on set if a director wants to use it in a music video or fashion shoot with a retro theme. His car has also been a part of the Official DeLorean Owners of Canada (ODOC) convoy that’s appeared in Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the past decade. According to Borthwick, his DeLorean has even won trophies at car shows by just showing up.

While the DeLorean has a massive draw for those in the film business or fans of science fiction, Borthwick had different reasons for his purchase. He tells us what he loves most about his vehicle.

“I guess I was about 45 when I decided I wanted an older car that I could restore, something that would preserve a bit of history,” said Borthwick.

“I started looking and kept seeing variations of the same theme – Mustangs, Corvettes, Chevelles – and wanted something that was completely different. I looked at a Lotus because I like the old ‘James Bond’ movies, but heard they’re kind of problematic, and you’d need to have a lot of mechanical experience. Then I remembered the DeLorean. After two years of looking for one, I found it in the Autotrader at this little place in Vaughan (which has gone out of business).

<a href="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-I-Love-2.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165809" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-I-Love-2.png" alt="1983 DeLorean DMC-12 (Canadian edition)" width="5766" height="3844" /></a>

“I was the second owner of the car. I later found out is what's known as a Canadian spec car. Of the 9,200 DeLoreans made only 88 were made specifically for Canada. Some feel they’re pretty much the same car, but the nice thing is they're made later in the production run, where a lot of the bugs had been worked out.

“I’m a member of the ODOC and we're quite active in locating these super rare DeLoreans. It’s kind of like finding the lost Canadians, right? We’ve found about 50 of them worldwide.”

Asked about the modifications or restoration work he’s done on his vehicle, Borthwick confesses he’s kept it as close to original as possible.

“I tried to keep it really stock,” said Borthwick. “There's absolutely nothing that you can see that was not as it would have been in 1983. I even have a working old cassette radio and the last set of matching Goodyears – the tires are different sizes! The front tires on a DeLorean are smaller than the back tires, which is fun. It was in very good shape when I got it. The original owner told me he drove it like a boat, meaning only in the summer and only on weekends.

“There were a couple of dents in the stainless steel that weren’t too noticeable, but I wanted to have fixed. Plus – this is kind of funny – when the cars were shipped here (from Ireland where they were manufactured), the suspension was too high. They thought that a full tank of gas plus a little bit of gravity would push down the front and back end of the car, but the shocks were too strong, so the DeLorean was sitting about two or three inches higher than engineering specs. Even though it wasn’t technically how a DeLorean should be from factory, I wanted to lower the car to its intended height. This was before Wells Auto was around, so I had to take it down to Chicago to get fixed, which was a pain, and obviously it was in good enough shape for the nine-hour drive.

“You can't avoid having a DeLorean and not have people talking to you about ‘Back to the Future,’” said Borthwick. “Mine’s just the stock DeLorean – it doesn't have all the fancy flux capacitors and things on it, but it is the biggest conversation starter. You cannot go anywhere like filling it with gas without people remarking on the fact that they've never seen one before, somebody step uncle's friend's cousin had one, or shouting ‘Hey, Marty.’

“As a vintage car owner, you’re just the custodian of it and the idea is to keep it as nice as possible until you have to pass it on to the next person. I wish I’d gotten more because the prices for the DeLorean have gone crazy. It’s now $70,000-plus depending on how well the car is kept. It’s outperformed my RRSPs! I’ve also never seen seller’s remorse like this: People who’ve sold their car are looking for another one or asking where theirs is years later.”

This article was edited for space and clarity. Want to be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle? email us at <a href="mailto:wheels@thestar.ca">wheels@thestar.ca</a>.

Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer/photographer and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/rssuen">@rssuen</a>
<h3>A CLOSER LOOK: 1983 DeLorean DMC-12 (Canadian edition)</h3>
UNIQUE 

“What really attracted me to the car was how unique it is,” said Borthwick. “All the history, including the many patents found in that car from folding mirrors to the gull-wing doors, to the torsion bars that lifted the gull-doors.

“I knew that the performance wasn't what it was hoped to be. It came out at a time where there were all sorts of US government regulations on fuel consumption and they hadn't really figured out how to compensate cubic inches for fuel injection, so the car is a little under powered. That didn't really matter much to me because when it goes, it goes, but it doesn’t get there very quickly. But once you get it up to a decent speed, it handles very well. So, if you're trying to race somebody, you're not doing the right thing.”

POPULAR RECEPTION

“Since I got the car, I’ve been struck with peoples’ reaction to it,” said Borthwick. “They have the biggest smiles mostly because they've never seen it before or never expected to see one. People always confuse it with a Bricklin. Then there’s funny things that people believe about the car – one person even told me it was originally built out of Teflon and all the paints fell off it.

“The little community we have in our ODOC group has been surprising and amazing. It was originally the Ontario DeLorean Owners Club, but it has ballooned. We decided to go national with it and now we have about 200 to 300 people that are either fans or own cars (Ontario is by far the largest group). It's just an amazing little sense of community that we've developed through the cars.”

EMBODIMENT OF THE 80’s

“Even without the movie, the DeLorean has become a symbol of the 1980’s,” said Borthwick of the mid-80’s sports car. “It’s what the general public thinks of and it’s very much a symbol of the time. It’s the first car with folding mirrors, and they all look the same. When the ODOC get together, it takes a little time for us to figure out whose is whose. It’s pretty funny actually; you need to know what to look for. Besides three different kinds of hoods, it’s the subtle changes someone’s done to their car or their licence plate.

WHY I LOVE MY VEHICLE: 1983 DeLorean DMC-12 (Canadian edition)

WH-11

Richard Nguyen is a technology consultant who implements smart homes for his clients across the city. The Etobicoke resident is also a big fan of performance vehicles. Besides owning a motorcycle collection, and running a car club for over a decade, he’s best known for using his 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser like a pickup truck.

In addition to carrying all his work tools, the FJ has ample space for Nguyen’s weekend adventures in the back roads with a 10-foot-long kayak. It can also pack friends and five snowboards on the roof, while accommodating his pet husky, Raiden, in its cargo area. Raiden loves the vehicle’s rear roll-up window, which he’s known to pop his head through on daily drives to the dog park (much to the delight of neighbouring drivers).

Having a practical driver might not be surprising, until one learns that Nguyen is a sports car lover with a history of owning modified vehicles, including a lowered Infiniti G35 that had trouble going up a 30 C incline or curb without getting scratched.

Admitting that his love for sports coupés didn’t suit his lifestyle needs, he sought a wise compromise. Seeing the potential in his good friend’s FJ, Nguyen eventually found one with 170,000 kilometres on it. He purchased his own in summer 2017 from a private seller in St. Catharines. Since then, he’s easily doubled the mileage. He tells us what he loves most about his vehicle.

“I use the car every day for every purpose,” said Nguyen. “It's my only non-motorcycle vehicle, so it’s got to be practical for everything I do. Going from a car to a SUV is a change in how it handles, manoeuvres, and how high you're sitting off the ground.

“I had a bit of an obsession with having a van life (chuckles). There was a period where I started looking up all kind of unique vehicles and researching minivans like a Dodge Sprinter or the Mercedes Sprinter, converting it, and doing a road trip across Canada. I don't think vans are very sexy, (laughs), so this is the perfect in-between: a fun, sporty feeling car that’s practical, and I still have a unique vehicle that defines me.

<a href="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WH-21.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165640" src="https://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WH-21.png" alt="2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser" width="5719" height="3813" /></a>

“I’ve always been fascinated with the one-off, underdog cars that are practical and outperform in their class. The Toyota FJ Cruiser had a limited run between 2007 and 2014 and has gained cult status. It’s one of Red Book’s highest retaining value resold cars. It was a throwback to the older Jeep-type Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960/70’s era – a car I’d love to own (I really like that vintage look) but it’s overpriced like many classics due to supply and is also unreliable for its age.”

Like most used cars that have chalked up many clicks, the FJ required some work to cater to Nguyen’s needs.

“Car enthusiasts, like myself, have a passion to make these older cars work to our purpose through modifications and upgrades. The FJ had issues with its brakes, bearings, and suspension. It was a clunky, terrible sounding car. I did all the safety things that made me feel secure and comfortable driving the car first, including brand new brakes and things that would help it pass inspection.

“I replaced the brake calipers, put in drilled and slotted rotors for heat dissipation, put mud and snow terrain tires onto the vehicle. I've added modern bells and whistles like reverse cameras for when I’m towing stuff, an in-dash monitor, lighting components, and upgraded the headlights because the headlights were old (they were yellow and not bright enough for going into the back roads where there are no streetlights).

“It’s roughly around $15,000 I’ve put into the car. I did most of the work myself with the help of a friend who owns a shop. And now my friend with the FJ is kind of envious of mine even though hers is technically newer.”

That enviable performance came into play during January’s heavy snowfall.

“Let's just put it this way,” said Nguyen. “I was probably one of the first guys on the road and the Gardiner wasn’t even ploughed. I didn't have to leave my house, but my dad got himself stuck in the middle of the 427. So, being a good son, I went to tow him out of the ditch. I think the FJ was purpose-built for that reason; I’ve taken it out on ice roads and it’s competent. I’m very confident in my abilities with it, but I may take too much liberty with this vehicle [chuckles] and that’s why I get door dings.”

Asked if he would ever consider selling his ride, Nguyen notes the reliability of Toyotas and their resell value.

“There are owners with over 400,000 clicks on their car who are asking for ridiculous prices – about 10 per cent under what their MSRP was a decade ago,” said Nguyen. “But I would keep mine. It’s a true sports utility vehicle for people who like to get off-grid on the weekend with their gear and dog. Just don’t ever call it a Jeep!”

This article was edited for space and clarity. Want to be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle? email us at <a href="mailto:wheels@thestar.ca">wheels@thestar.ca</a>.

Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer/photographer and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/rssuen">@rssuen</a>

&nbsp;
<h3>A CLOSER LOOK: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser</h3>
CAPABILITY

“The thing I love most about the FJ is how absolutely capable the car is from the factory. I've done minimal performance upgrades to it. I’ve done river crossings in my car, gone up inclines of mud and rocks, and it just plows through everything. I've never been stuck. I know there's Jeep owners who have invested so much money in their suspension and car to make it do all these things, while the Toyota just glides through with flying colors. I know because I see some of these massive kitted out old Jeeps and 4x4 vehicles in some of the places I go off-roading, and I’m able to take on some of the same terrain riding along in my little Toyota FJ.”

LARGE CARGO SIZE

“I think trunk space is really cool. My dog – he’s a pretty big husky – absolutely loves it. He has a full set up: He can sit up in there comfortably and can lie down in the trunk space. If he’s not with me, and I have to use the FJ for work, I can carry tons of stuff with the seat folded down.”

UNIQUE LOOK

“It's a very unique looking car – one that you either love or hate. The front is this kind of a throwback to the original FJ40. Esthetically, I wasn't fully in love with it at first – I wanted something a little bit more antique looking or a little bit more vintage looking. The FJ was a modern evolution of the original FJ40, and perhaps it didn't perform too well for Toyota at the time, but looking back, I think maybe these guys were ahead of their time because now these vehicles are sought after.

“It's funny because I was looking at the Bronco that just came out, and it certainly took a few cues from the FJ. It’s everything that the FJ has had from a decade ago. So yeah, it's kind of funny that the new Bronco is very similar in shape to the FJ, many confuse the Bronco for the FJ.”

Renée Suen

Articles by Renée Suen