Finally! Time for a New Car: $9k budget; Quick + Reliable + Luxurious

[1X83Z]

With the Volvo on the chopping block, it's finally time for a new car. Well not quite - I actually have to wait ten to twelve months. But I'm already brainstorming, for two reasons: one, I've already got the cash, and two, I want to start test driving. I want to hear your opinions on a) other choices I'm overlooking and b) the cars I'm presently considering.

The stipulations are these, in this order:
- the car must be worth no more than $9000 (by next summer)
- the car must be reliable - very reliable
- the car must be quick: 0-60 in 7.3sec or better
- the car must be luxurious: leather, auto climate, sunroof are basically essential, and a premium brand is highly smiled upon
- I would much prefer the car be 1996 or newer
- automatic is MUCH preferred

Do note that:
- bodystyle is totally unimportant - it could be a sedan, coupe, wagon, or even an SUV - I don't care at all
- handling is only marginally important
- this vehicle will be driven primarily in Georgia and therefore snow capabilites aren't important at all

At present, these are my top two choices:

1997 BMW 740i

282hp 4.4-liter V8; 7.0sec 0-60

This is the top choice, however it remains to be seen whether I can actually afford this vehicle. Most '97s go for ~$10k, but then, most '97s are the long-wheelbase model which I refuse to own. My main concern with this vehicle is reliability; I'm turning down the '95 because it uses the old engine, which was unreliable, and I'm afraid even the '97, with the DOHC 4.4, isn't going to be stellar. Thoughts?

2000-2002 Buick Regal GS

240hp 3.8-liter supercharged V6; 6.8sec 0-60

I've already researched the BMW quite well and I know everyone here's going to love it, but I'm totally torn about the Buick. It matches every criteria on my list except "premium brand" and that's where the trouble really is - people look down upon Buick owners like I look down upon B9 Tribeca. I've had to cover for my car for the last two years (it's, er, a Volvo... take a ride, though, it's really fast!) and I'm quite tired of that. But then, the Buick offers a spectacular deal, with spectacular performance, and frankly I could probably save enough money so that I could probably upgrade its performance even more. Some things scream "no" (it's a Buick, it's got a 4-speed auto, its handling isn't up to any sort of sporting standard) but so many things scream "yes" (6.8sec 0-60, tunable, cheap, handling will be better than my Volvo, reliable) that I'm not sure what to do. What do you guys think about the Buick?

I'm also considering, though less seriously, the Lexus SC400, Lincoln LS V8, and Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited.

Do note that I will not consider the following vehicles which will probably be brought up:
- any BMW but the '97 740i - either I can't afford them, or they don't perform well enough
- any Saab
- any Volvo
- any Mustang, Firebird, or Camaro
- the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
- the Audi A4 (not quick or cheap enough)
- the Ford Taurus SHO (I hate the V8 ones, and the others, which I love, are too old)

Any other suggestions? Comments about my suggestions? (particularly the Regal?)

 

[Master_Yoda]

Your pretty much in the same deal as I am there. I have been definatly looking at the 740. But yeah there a little bit pricy. I've been seeing them going around 15k or so. But they are in pretty damn good condition.

Lexus could be another thought, there quick, owned by Toyota so there definatly reliable, and yes there Luxurious. But there alittle pricey.

And knowing me I don't know much about American Cars, and to me Buick isn't the greatest car of choice. But thats someoen who doesn't know anythign about them, and thinks that only old people own them.

Volvos are fantastic cars, definatly something to consider. All the ones that i've been in have had leather seats and are very comfortable to sit in. And there plenty fast.

I can pretty much say, anything on your list would do fine, but finding somthing things, like a decently good shapped Mustang for 9k, i don't know, but then again I don't know mch about American cars.

I'm gonna go look at what people sell these cars around here for. I'll be back with some prices and links.

Buick Regal GS:
Anywere from 5k-13k is what i'm seeing. Heres one that pretty much fits your needs.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/185406428.html
I asume you want a Manual though.

96' Mustang GT:
This quickly caught my eye, when i saw it. 78,000 miles, pretty nice for a 96.
$5900, seems like a bargin to me. O but wait, it's Auto... Although still plenty of fun, not as much as you would like. Just remember you won't be able to get these, i'm jst trying to show you what prices for what you get. It also may depend on the area.

Heres a 850i... I know it's not a 740, but there certainly very nice, and rare.
The funny thing is, this is the exact car I saw on the road a few weeks ago. I am 99.9% sure. But's 9.5k, i don't know if oyu can bust about another .5grand but it looks nice, even though it's a manual.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/187636264.html

I'll be back with more, i'm gonna go play some more source.

 

[Poverty]

audi a8 4.2 v8

 

[1X83Z]

Volvos are fantastic cars, definatly something to consider. All the ones that i've been in have had leather seats and are very comfortable to sit in. And there plenty fast.

After my last experience with Volvo, it will be a cold day in hell when I walk back into a Volvo showroom.

I can pretty much say, anything on your list would do fine, but finding somthing things, like a decently good shapped Mustang for 9k, i don't know, but then again I don't know mch about American cars.

The cars at the bottom - BMWs besides the 740, the Mustang, etc. - were cars that I won't consider. I can't afford the upkeep on an 850 (it's a V12!), and I'm a bit classy so the Mustang won't do.

Your views of the Buick image are about in-line with those that I'm afraid to hear - if only that car weren't a Buick...

audi a8 4.2 v8

👍 They came to the US in '97 but in '98 they added Tiptronic and side airbags, so the '98 on model is the one to have. They're excruciatingly rare, but alas if I find one in my price range - which is likely - I'm going to have a long look. I wouldn't even mind the 3.7-liter front-drive version, as it'll reduce weight and save me a bit on fuel, though acceleration would suffer.

 

[JCE]

• 1998-1999 CLK320 (w/AMG package) -- 0-60 in 6.8 sells currently today for $9500-12000 I'm sure one more year of depreciation will drop that down a grand or two. The CLK430 does 0-60 in 6 seconds flat...mmmm if you can afford it get one of those. I'd post pics but you know what a CLK looks like.
  
• 1995-1999 Buick Riviera (get the Supercharged model) -- 0-60 in 7.0~7.1, these are one of the best looking GM FWD slush mobiles. I considered getting one of these myself. Prices range from $5k for high mileage ones to $8.5k for low mileage granny owned ones. And being a GM product the drivetrain will last 1000 years of hard abuse with little problems. 👍
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 1999 Nissan Maxima SE -- 0-60 in 7.0 flat, I owned 2 Maximas and they are bulletproof and are sexy as hell in my personal opinion...and of course I am biased towards anything Nissan. Prices for a clean low mileage 1999 Maxima SE run $5.5k-7.5k.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  If this is too old look below.
  
• 2000-2002 Nissan Maxima SE -- 0-60 in 6.0 flat. With the new VQ35 engine this generation it was quite fast, and if you get the 6spd transmission it's just a blast to drive...plus it has 4 doors and you can haul stuff if you need to. 👍 Prices for a 2000 model now run about $8k-9.5k, next year I'm sure you can take off another grand or so.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ^ ^ This dude's exhaust tip is hanging too low...he must of broken the mount.
  
• 2000 Honda Prelude VTEC -- 0-60 in 6.7~6.9. Great looking car, decent gas mileage, and of course it's got such a huge aftermarket. Definately a Honda product I like alot. One of the best looking Hondas ever. Sells currently from $7k-10k depending on mileage. Find a low mileage VTEC and chances are it wasn't abused by some hat backwards wearing white teenager.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

[Master_Yoda]

Never mind, that was 3 in the morning so I was half alseep. So everything i said was just pretty random >.< But everyone has there own opinions on different things. I've never seen to much wrong with Volvo, other then the drivers around here drive them REALLY slow. >.< Like 15 in a 25 zone.

 

[Wolfe]

The E34 and E39 540i's are cheaper, faster, a bit more frugal on gas, and handle better than the 740i. They're also better-looking, in my opinion, and the E39 satisfies every category in your list except where you decide that every other BMW other than the 740i isn't good enough for you (the E34's only fault is that it's a pre-1996 car).

 

[xXSilencerXx]

I like that Buick you're considering. It's one of the few that I see and don't think old person right away. I actually like the looks of it and it seems to fit everything you want except for that image thing. Although when I see a Buick like that I don't really think of someone who isn't classy. I've only owned one car and am only 16 so my opinion could be totally wrong but I think you should go with the Buick for now.

 

[Tornado]

If you are getting a 740, make sure the car has less than 100k on it. The big Beamers (740 and 840) usually decide that every electronical thing must break a 100-110k, and it typically starts with the digital odometer (so if the odo doesn't work, stay away from it regardless of mileage).

 

[ShobThaBob]

I suppose the 97-99 Lexus GS400/430s are still a bit over your price range? Sounds like you're looking for a bit more sport than the GS delivers, as contrasted to the luxury.

 

[1X83Z]

• 1998-1999 CLK320 (w/AMG package) -- 0-60 in 6.8 sells currently today for $9500-12000 I'm sure one more year of depreciation will drop that down a grand or two. The CLK430 does 0-60 in 6 seconds flat...mmmm if you can afford it get one of those. I'd post pics but you know what a CLK looks like.

• 
  
  I've thought lonnnnnnnnnng and hard about these vehicles but ultimately I think they'll end up being just too damn expensive. You'd think the value would drop enough in a year that I'll be able to afford it, but do remember the CLK has the best resale of any vehicle presently manufactured, so I think it's flatlined by now. The only ones I'll be able to find in a year for $9k would be high-mileage ****boxes. I also hate the interior and the wheels. All of that said, I'm adding it to the list - in the rare event that I find one for that price, it'd be worth a serious look - they ARE quick as hell, they're well-built, and they're good cars.
  
  

  1995-1999 Buick Riviera (get the Supercharged model)

  
  Good cars only please.
  
  

  1999 Nissan Maxima SE -- 0-60 in 7.0 flat, I owned 2 Maximas and they
  2000-2002 Nissan Maxima SE -- 0-60 in 6.0 flat.

  
  I love the Maxima, but it's a pity that I'll never own one. The 95-99 model might do 0-60 in 7 with modifications and a manual transmission, but I raced a 95-99 SE with my Volvo on the road and absolutely tore it to shreds. I have a reliable source stating an 8 second 0-60 time for a '96 automatic, which seems just right. Obviously the 00-01 ones would be nice, but given my desire for an automatic, they wouldn't be quick enough - mid sevens to 60 (6.0sec 0-60 is ABSURD - if you think that then you think the 02-03 does it in 5.5 or so, and the current ones are hovering around Evo territory ). The only Maxima I'd really consider is an 02-03, but I can't afford one.
  
  

  2000 Honda Prelude VTEC -- 0-60 in 6.7~6.9.

  
  Nah - nowhere near luxurious enough.
  
  I'll add the CLK to the list. I'm dismissing the 95-99 Maxima outright (it's got 32 horsepower less than my present car) but if I find an 00-01, I might take it for a drive. So that's added to the list too.
  
  

  The E34 and E39 540i's are cheaper, faster, a bit more frugal on gas, and handle better than the 740i. They're also better-looking, in my opinion, and the E39 satisfies every category in your list except where you decide that every other BMW other than the 740i isn't good enough for you (the E34's only fault is that it's a pre-1996 car).

  
  I agree fully - but here's the oddest thing you'll hear today. Ever check out the prices on an E39 540, even a high-mileage first-year ('97)? They're at LEAST double the E38 '97 740. In fact, I can't even afford a '97 528. It's absurd!!! I can barely even afford a '97 328. The cheapest 1997 BMW is the 740. Crazy, yes, but it's true - I swear - and if you don't believe me, check AutoTrader.
  
  I am considering the E34 5-series, but only marginally. I love how they look but I think it's a bit dated and, most importantly, they're quite expensive given their age. I think a 530iT would be cool - that's the 3-liter V8 plus the wagon - but we'll see what comes up. Also, the auto that I'd most likely get will blunt acceleration - and reliability is a huge concern. I wouldn't settle for a 525, either, so I'd be likely stretching my price range.
  
  

  I like that Buick you're considering. It's one of the few that I see and don't think old person right away. I actually like the looks of it and it seems to fit everything you want except for that image thing. Although when I see a Buick like that I don't really think of someone who isn't classy. I've only owned one car and am only 16 so my opinion could be totally wrong but I think you should go with the Buick for now.

  
  Thanks for your input - that's actually a very good thing to hear. 👍
  
  

  I suppose the 97-99 Lexus GS400/430s are still a bit over your price range? Sounds like you're looking for a bit more sport than the GS delivers, as contrasted to the luxury.

  
  Actually I love the vehicle (it came out in 1998, not 1997), but indeed, as you say, it's too expensive. I checked a bit ago and the only one I found on AutoTrader in my price range had 240k on the clock. The average hovered around $11k.
  
  So added to my list are:
  
  - 98 Audi A8 4.2
  - 98 Mercedes CLK320
  - 00-01 Nissan Maxima

 

[Wolfe]

I agree fully - but here's the oddest thing you'll hear today. Ever check out the prices on an E39 540, even a high-mileage first-year ('97)? They're at LEAST double the E38 '97 740. In fact, I can't even afford a '97 528. It's absurd!!! I can barely even afford a '97 328. The cheapest 1997 BMW is the 740. Crazy, yes, but it's true - I swear - and if you don't believe me, check AutoTrader.

I am considering the E34 5-series, but only marginally. I love how they look but I think it's a bit dated and, most importantly, they're quite expensive given their age. I think a 530iT would be cool - that's the 3-liter V8 plus the wagon - but we'll see what comes up. Also, the auto that I'd most likely get will blunt acceleration - and reliability is a huge concern. I wouldn't settle for a 525, either, so I'd be likely stretching my price range.

Hmm. It turns out that several of the AutoTrader E39 540i's I saw for less than $9000 were actually mis-labelled auction items. You're right, they often go for a lot more.

However, $9000 E39 540i's do still exist, ya know. There aren't many of them, but they're not nonexistent.

 

[JCE]

I've thought lonnnnnnnnnng and hard about these vehicles but ultimately I think they'll end up being just too damn expensive. You'd think the value would drop enough in a year that I'll be able to afford it, but do remember the CLK has the best resale of any vehicle presently manufactured, so I think it's flatlined by now. The only ones I'll be able to find in a year for $9k would be high-mileage ****boxes. I also hate the interior and the wheels. All of that said, I'm adding it to the list - in the rare event that I find one for that price, it'd be worth a serious look - they ARE quick as hell, they're well-built, and they're good cars.

I love the Maxima, but it's a pity that I'll never own one. The 95-99 model might do 0-60 in 7 with modifications and a manual transmission, but I raced a 95-99 SE with my Volvo on the road and absolutely tore it to shreds. I have a reliable source stating an 8 second 0-60 time for a '96 automatic, which seems just right. Obviously the 00-01 ones would be nice, but given my desire for an automatic, they wouldn't be quick enough - mid sevens to 60 (6.0sec 0-60 is ABSURD - if you think that then you think the 02-03 does it in 5.5 or so, and the current ones are hovering around Evo territory ). The only Maxima I'd really consider is an 02-03, but I can't afford one.

The CLK is probably one of the best Mercedes you can buy in my eyes, I've not heard of any of them giving huge problems--which goes along with what you were saying. Little things here and there, and as long as you find one that's been serviced at a Merc dealership and adult driven I can probably guess it'll outlast my Focus which is several years newer. I'd love to get my hands on one of these, especially the 4.3L V8 model. Granted the horsepower isn't that high by today's standards but the car does scoot quite nicely...and looks very good. Oh and did I mention the noise of either engine is quite nice, not obtrusive...then you step on the gas and a chorus of beautiful German engineering howls from the hood/exhaust.

Thing is about the Maxima is, I timed both my '95 SE auto 145k miles and '96 GLE auto 95k miles and they both did the 0-60 run in 7.2~7.6 with one of those electronic testers in the winter/spring of '04 here in Texas. But I'm sure climate has alot to do with it or somehow I just got lucky with my two. The '00-03 generation are definately below your required 7.3 seconds I can guarantee that. I googled the times myself and picked the average times listed...they can't all be wrong can they.

You don't like that Riviera? I think it's quite good looking and it's performance isn't bad. Not to mention it's just as nice as the Regal interior-wise in my opinion. But eh oh well, the Regal has the same drivetrain so either way you get a bulletproof engine/transmission.

 

[1X83Z]

Hmm. It turns out that several of the AutoTrader E39 540i's I saw for less than $9000 were actually mis-labelled auction items. You're right, they often go for a lot more.

However, $9000 E39 540i's do still exist, ya know. There aren't many of them, but they're not nonexistent.

I hate you!! You got my hopes up and everything.

The five that you showed me:

Mileage 230,000
Mileage 223,459
Mileage 143,000
ODOMETER DISCREPANCY
Mileage 130,410 (a manual)

Those aren't exactly "pristine."

 

[JCE]

Hate to admit it but you'll never find a half decent 5-series in the US for $9k. They aren't too bad, they are great cars. But I've heard of the electrical problem in mid/late '90s models.

*edit*
Electrical problems surfacing after 130k+ miles anyway.

 

[1X83Z]

The CLK is probably one of the best Mercedes you can buy in my eyes, I've not heard of any of them giving huge problems--which goes along with what you were saying. Little things here and there, and as long as you find one that's been serviced at a Merc dealership and adult driven I can probably guess it'll outlast my Focus which is several years newer. I'd love to get my hands on one of these, especially the 4.3L V8 model. Granted the horsepower isn't that high by today's standards but the car does scoot quite nicely...and looks very good. Oh and did I mention the noise of either engine is quite nice, not obtrusive...then you step on the gas and a chorus of beautiful German engineering howls from the hood/exhaust.

Indeed - the CLK is quite a vehicle; I love them lots. Unfortunately I'd be getting an early base model, but performance is still good enough to make me okay about that. There's also the issue of the perceived CLK owner (let's say the public's image of a CLK owner and me don't quite have the same underwear).

You don't like that Riviera? I think it's quite good looking and it's performance isn't bad. Not to mention it's just as nice as the Regal interior-wise in my opinion.

WHAT?!?!?! Have you SEEN the interior of one of those Rivieras?! You POSTED one - look at it! It scares the HELL out of me! The Regal's was MUCH, MUCH classier. Look at those air-con vents on the Riviera! It looks like the car is straight out of the late 1970s. Scary, scary, scary. Also I can't imagine the body was very rigid on those, considering their wheelbase was about as long as a Wrangler. The whole concept just scares me!

 

[Tornado]

Don't forget the fact that on said Wrangler-sized wheelbase was a car as long as two Wranglers.
Anyways, that odometer discrepency? A very scary thing. When the odo goes in the big Beamers (and more fully loaded 5-series') it is foreshadowing the (literally) thousands of dollars of work the electronic system will need probably within 500 miles of said occurence. Better to find a low-mileage one.
​

 

[1X83Z]

I'm not too weary of the reliability on the BMWs actually - I think they're pretty solid - I'm just afraid of the costs when things do break. I'm leaning more and more toward the Regal.

 

[Tornado]

But on the BMW's, the higher the mileage the higher (exponentially even) the chance of something to break. The entire dash on my uncle's car (speedometer, tachometer, HVAC panel, etc.) died on my uncle three years ago (shortly after the odo went) and he just sold the car. They are nigh-bulletproof mechanically, but if you get a loaded high mileage one...
Edit: M5Power? Getting a GM product? A Buick no less?!!? Apocalypse!

 

[McLaren]

It's too bad you don't have $6,000 more. You could find a couple E36 M3s.

I've seen a couple M3s near $10,000, but I'll look around for you. It's just kinda a shame you aren't willing to get a car just a few years older. I did find a 4-door M3 from '97 from $11,000.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997...08QQihZ006QQcategoryZ6131QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Probably not what you're completely after though.

 

[-Fred-]

SC400's would be in your price range... but I do think they're overly complex machines.

What about the 2nd generation Infiniti Q45? Older Acura 3.2TL or 3.5RL?

 

[McLaren]

Ok, Autotrader found a bunch, but they all have some high mileage.

This is one with 79,000 miles (still not the best). She's an auto, and is $450 above your price range. It's a '98 sedan.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...2007&start_year=1997&isp=y&lang=&cardist=1177

Here's the rest if you want to check them for yourself.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc..._price=10000&distance=0&address=75025&x=0&y=0

 

[1X83Z]

Edit: M5Power? Getting a GM product? A Buick no less?!!? Apocalypse!

Well I haven't got brand bias - my only bias lays with my stipulations, and against Saabs (and towards classy automobiles). Frankly I don't care what sort of vehicle I get as long as it satisfies my requirements. I've always been a big fan of the Regal GS actually.

Probably not what you're completely after though.

Several problems with E36 M3s: one, as you mention, I can't afford it. Two, I'm deathly afraid of reliability issues. And three, insurance will be supremely high. In the end, those three things all come back to "cost." Automatic will help me as M3s go, but in the end, it won't work out - the one you found that's $9450 is actually not $450 more expensive than my price range but $450 more expensive than my absolute high - ideally I'd only spend about $8000 on this car.

EDIT: by the way, transmission is irrelevant on an M3. It's one of few cars I'd learn to drive a manual for. (I plan to learn to drive a manual after college anyway, but as no-one I know has a manual it's not easy - I could easily pay a driving school, but I'd rather keep that cash and put it towards the car)

What about the 2nd generation Infiniti Q45? Older Acura 3.2TL or 3.5RL?

None of the three vehicles mentioned here breaks 8.0sec 0-60. Plus - I test drove a 4.1-liter Q45, and I've never driven a crappier "flagship car" in my lifetime. Average interior, horrible handling. It'd be a good deal if I were a lot older.

 

[YSSMAN]

As someone who has lived with a W-Body for a good part of his life, the Buick isn't a bad option. Granted, it is going to be a bit more "sloppy" than it's competition, but the absolutely outstanding build quality (superior to any Toyota or Honda) goes without question. Although most of my W-Body expirience has been limted to Impalas and Grand Prixs, I've driven a few Buick variants, and they really aren't that bad. I'm quite convinced that if I wasn't so dead-set on "feel" when it comes to driving, I'd probably have a Buick Regal or Riveria by now...

According to Edmunds, the earliest Regal GS' you could pick up would be a 2001 or 2002 in your price range, but unfortunately from what I understand they are a quasi-rare model.

---

Have you thought about the Oldsmobile Aurora? Now THAT was a great car. Northstar "Aurora" V8 power, smooth ride, good looks, and somewhat decent gas mileage for a decent price. Right now a 2001 V8 model lists at a bit over $10K, so by the time you are seriously looking, who knows? Otherwise, the V6 models aren't bad either. Yes, they are down on power, and they are a bit slow, but when you are saving nearly $2K on the sticker, it can't be that bad...

But I'm a GM guy, so I don't know...

 

[Tornado]

Toyota Avalon?

 

[1X83Z]

As someone who has lived with a W-Body for a good part of his life, the Buick isn't a bad option. Granted, it is going to be a bit more "sloppy" than it's competition, but the absolutely outstanding build quality (superior to any Toyota or Honda) goes without question. Although most of my W-Body expirience has been limted to Impalas and Grand Prixs, I've driven a few Buick variants, and they really aren't that bad. I'm quite convinced that if I wasn't so dead-set on "feel" when it comes to driving, I'd probably have a Buick Regal or Riveria by now...

According to Edmunds, the earliest Regal GS' you could pick up would be a 2001 or 2002 in your price range, but unfortunately from what I understand they are a quasi-rare model.

I think the "earliest" I can get is a '97. But the side airbag became standard in 2000 (and left after 2002) so the only models I'd consider are a 2000-2002. Ideally, I'd get a 2002 - standard steering wheel audio controls - and if that didn't work a 2001 - standard OnStar - but I'd be quite happy with a 2000. You people are making me really give serious thought to the Buick.

Have you thought about the Oldsmobile Aurora? Now THAT was a great car. Northstar "Aurora" V8 power, smooth ride, good looks, and somewhat decent gas mileage for a decent price. Right now a 2001 V8 model lists at a bit over $10K, so by the time you are seriously looking, who knows? Otherwise, the V6 models aren't bad either. Yes, they are down on power, and they are a bit slow, but when you are saving nearly $2K on the sticker, it can't be that bad...

Brilliant rec - I had meant to check them out but I never got around to it. I'd only get the V8 model - they were quite quick as I recall. (I just checked -6.8sec 0-60 - not bad at all) Added to the list.

Toyota Avalon?

Way too slow - 7.9sec 0-60.

 

[Tornado]

Really? They seem so much faster.
Chrysler 300M, LHS or Concorde?

 

[YSSMAN]

300M isn't bad, but the late sport-package versions are the only models I'd consider. I'd still call the Regal and Aurora both better cars by days end, as the overall build quality in the GM cars are quite superior to the pre-DCX 300.

 

[1X83Z]

Agree with YSSMAN. And of the mentioned vehicles, only the 300M qualifies as quick enough. And I'd stay far, far away from the early models, which had an awful reliability reputation. I'd rather have the Buick.

 

[Tornado]

Well, then I'm at a loss. I only have a couple of other cars.
Pontiac Bonneville (mostly for it you dislike the Aurora's styling, but they may be a little cheaper).
Early Acura TL?
Toyota Camry Solara?