The Duster was a awesome vehicle. Even the 225 Slant Six was awesome. Back in the day my buddy had a Duster [3.3] and we went from the Bronx to Seaside Heights every weekend. No issues with it. Even the a/c worked great.
I vote for a good used CVPI or PPV Tahoe. Everyone tends to move out of your way. Great for long trips with your puppy. Even though they both have a V8 [which you do not really want] they are not bad on fuel plus both use 87 octane.
Maybe you can find a high mileage Crown Victoria. I sold mine [05] for 2K bucks back in 2016. It had 300K miles on it and everything worked and it ran great.
Had a 1999 Grand Marquis [with the HPP package], 2005 Crown Vic and a 88 Town Car [5.0]. At one time my entire family had 4.6 Panthers. We all had long commutes to work from Queens NY. No major issues with any of them. We all got over 250K miles on all of them. No issues with A/C/Heat in any of...
I put 300K miles on my 2005 4.6 Crown Vic. Only things done to it [besides regular maintenance] was a Water Pump and A/C Accumulator. Wish I kept it!! At one time my whole family owned Panthers. No major issues with any of them.
There will never be a low maintenance vehicle like the Panther...
Used 10w30 Chevron in my 350 Caprice/Impala vehicles and in my 70's Caddies.
I was dealing with a independent mechanic who owned a Chevron Station so that is why I used Chevron oil. No issues with those vehicles. Changed oil every 4K miles. Was doing a lot of highway driving as I had a long...
Been buying tires from Costco for over 20 years. Michelin Defender are my go to tires. I have a good independent guy who balances the tires. I do not trust tire shops to do anything.
Almost bought one myself in 76 but ended buying a one year old Coupe de Ville in the Bronx with only 15K wet nursed 1 owner miles. No issues with. Was awesome for my long commute to work in upstate NY. Paid 5K bucks for it.
Two coworkers had the Cordoba and loved it. They had the 400 engine in it.