Today I had the privilege of selling a used Volvo to my parents. Dad was needing a second vehicle and had seen a 1998 Volvo V70 Cross Country on our website. So, he and mom drove up this afternoon to check it out. After a thorough walk-around, test drive, look at the underside, and a talk with one of our Volvo mechanics, dad bought the car for a fair price. It’s a nice car with a 190 hp turbo I-5 and the versatility of a wagon. With proper care, it should last for a long time. Thanks, mom & dad!

1998 Volvo V70 XC AWD

Before you snicker too much, take a look at what I brought home this weekend. It’s a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 Wagon. The E-Class is Mercedes’ mid-size vehicle; a step below the luxurious S-Class but very nice. This particular E-Class has a fold-away third row that allows for a total of seven passengers (2-3-2). The rear-facing extra seat is perfect for two smaller kids.

Now just because I’m a family man, don’t think that I have lost the thrill of driving. I still enjoy performance machines. That’s why I like this wagon. You see, it’s an E500. That means it has Mercedes’ 302 hp 5.0 liter V8. Compare that to the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullit (315 hp) or the 2010 Volvo S80 V8 AWD (311 hp) and you’ll soon realize that this is no slouch when it comes to get-up-and-go.

So, the next time I “have to drive” the family somewhere, we’ll have enough room for all of us and two extras. And … I’m pretty sure we’ll have some fun on the way.

I will always like these SAABs. There’s just something about the styling that works for me. Plus, it helps that it’s one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market. Some people decry the fact that SAAB borrowed an already-many-times-badged-engineered product. But with this one, I think they did a good job; it’s similar but distinct. It was a market that SAAB had no experience in and adding this model to the “flock” helped to keep them afloat during the difficult last couple of years. So, the next time you see one of these SAAB SUVs, smile and be happy. It’s a great car that has and is still serving the company and its customers well.

For details about this and other SAAB vehicles at Leikin Motor Companies, click here.

1987 Jaguar XJ-S

The boys and I were walking through a parking lot in Wake Forest, NC, when we chanced upon a woman placing her groceries in the trunk of this beautiful car. I couldn’t help asking her about it. “Ma’am, I used to have an XJ-S. Would you mind if I took a picture of your car?” She said, “Sure, as long as I’m not in the picture.” For the next five minutes we swapped stories about our cars. She and her husband only drive it once in a while. It’s kind of a special events car. But as we spoke one common experience was evident. We both commiserated about the high cost of maintaining the V12. Even so, it was nice to experience this iconic car again.

You’ve always wanted to be different. You like to stand out in a crowd. So, you did it. And why not? Flames on a minivan are very cool. And don’t worry too much. Your wife will appreciate the extra attention as she carts kids to and from boy scout meetings. And if you’re worried just let the kids help. It’s all about quality time together, right?

Just do it.

Seeing those cars made me wonder if other brands have done the same.  Can you think of any besides Volkswagen?