The Rake Magazine

I recently suffered through a wine and cheese party at Lutsen. I met two investment bankers (I have nothing against investment bankers) who had just turned 40. Our conversation immediately focused on lines and distinctions. The talk centered upon Denver, where one of the bankers had grown up. I mentioned where I have my office and he tried to discern (not ask) exactly where it was located. I never thought about this much, till he pestered me for landmarks. The dude was nice enough, but his questioning had a subtle pugnacity that made me flinch.

I quickly turned the conversation away from Denver and inquired about his office in Minneapolis (as I had heard he worked downtown). His office, he informed me, was in the building previously called the First Bank Tower, "designed by I.M. Pei," he added.

I recalled that that I.M. Pei had indeed designed this tower and that to me it remains a forgettable work, with marble the color of a Don Johnson blazer from Miami Vice days (first season). He also said something about only "3 buildings" in Minneapolis being worthy of a successful enterprise. His yardstick of architectural worthiness seemed to center on height.

Needless to say I did not bring up the Japanese-penned masterpiece that is the old Northwestern National Life building.

And, being the uttter snob that he was, I refused to talk about cars.

Used car dealers have always had a richer lexicon than they are generally given credit for.

While terms such as "cream puff" and "stand up vehicle" remain vaguely incredulous, I don't know of another industry in the world that has done more for the image of geriatrics. Any used car dealer in the United States can transform a negative into positive with just two little words:

Grandma's Car.

The more legit dealers will even back up this claim with a proof of purchase from the original owner (average age 67).

The good news about Grandma Cars today is that many newer models (in my opinion) conveiniently fall into this category. They are generally bland, inoffensive cars that blend into almost any neighborhood Chatauqua while offering impressive reliability and highway manners.

Best of all you rarely buy a car like this. You, sensible shoes shopper than you are, will steal it.

I am talking about terrific vehicles that have been undermarketed, overpriced, or are just a little too odd for the general public. For example, I spotted a used Buick Rendezvous Ultra in the Walser Pontiac lot just last night. This is an ultra plush SUV with wood accents, soft leather and a 245 HP ultra smooth 3800 Buick V6 in pearl while with a contrasting tan interior.

This SUV sold for around 40k new--way overpriced for a fairly mediocre SUV (with a Buick stigma to some). But right now it can be had for about 25k virtually brand new. It's also one of the quietest, smoothest riding SUVs on the road (in the Ultra guise and only in the Ultra guise--a basic Rendezvous is not worthy of anyone's Grandma).

I'd also make a deal on another vehicle that is selling well but is still overbuilt in the category. I am talking about the Hyundai Azera. This is about the most road cruising car for the dough at about 21-22k if you can find a demo. It is also the fasest Korean car ever built with a 263 HP engine and a 0-60 time of about 6.2 seconds. Its also quite good looking.

These are just two vehicles that catch my fancy at the beginning of the year. Let me know if you spot a Dodge Dart with a slant six this spring.