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

[1X83Z]

The LS should be a nice choice; there aren't too many around and it isn't too sought after, so you might get a nice one if looking around. But doubt it would go under $9000 though...and you might have to live with a V6 model.

Never gonna happen of course - if it isn't a V8, I'm plainly not interested.

A Monte Carlo SS Supercharged.
I drive a Monte Carlo LS and I love it. I have had no problems with mine at all. The supercharged version makes 240HP, and 280 lb-ft of torque which is good for a 0-60 of 6.8 seconds. Mine is plently luxurious: heated black leather seats, sunroof, heated mirrors. If the supercharged is out of your price range the SS with the regular 3.8L engine is also very nice. The 3.8L engine (also known as the 3800), has a ton of modifications you can make to gain significant power. CAI, catback exhaust, and DHP are all easy mods.

Actually I love the 00+ Monte Carlo as well - but the supercharged one didn't come out until 2004, and the average price on '04 Monte Carlos is $16400, about double what I can afford. I'd rather have the Buick anyway - same engine, sleeper status, and more practical, plus it's a premium brand.

 

[ozyran]

Well, one vehicle floated into my mind that seems to meet your specifications, but it isn't a car at all: the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited.

Quick? 60 mph from a standing start comes at 7.3 seconds.
Powerful? She's not the most impressive, but the 360 c.i.d. (yes, yes, 5.9L) puts out 245 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Since she's an Grand Cherokee, if you decide to get a toy to play with, you can trailer it around, and look *good* doing it.
Luxurious? Only comes w/ a 4-speed automatic transmission. They're equipped with an electronically shifted transfer case. Most can be had with a leather interior and a moon roof. They're also spacious and give you a commanding view of the road. They're equipped with the Infinity 180-watt 10 speaker surround sound system.
Reliability? Jeeps are pretty rugged and reliable. I've got some stories about Jeeps, but I won't get into those right now. In a pinch, these things will get you out of trouble.
This review gives you a pretty comprehensive look at the beast.
Pricing? Right about now they're hovering at about $10K. Next year you could probably get one for about $9K.
As for practicality, well, it's about as practical as you can get.
Wanna have some fun? Pull up on the line next to the stock 3rd Gen F-body of your choice, and smile as you see the look on the face of the guy you've just smoked (provided it's not one equipped with the L98). Better yet, you could go Mustang and ricer hunting in this thing heh heh heh.

 

[JCE]

One problem with that suggestion as I see it...it's a Chrysler product.

 

[=V8 Power=]

Chrysler is a very good company. We have had two Chrysler vans in the years back. They both had over 110,000 with no problems. I think alot of this is due with the fact that Diamler Chrysler owns Mercedes as well.

 

[1X83Z]

Well, one vehicle floated into my mind that seems to meet your specifications, but it isn't a car at all: the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited.
http://images.securedwebform.com/reviews/images/98grandcherokee.jpg
Quick? 60 mph from a standing start comes at 7.3 seconds.
Powerful? She's not the most impressive, but the 360 c.i.d. (yes, yes, 5.9L) puts out 245 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Since she's an Grand Cherokee, if you decide to get a toy to play with, you can trailer it around, and look *good* doing it.
Luxurious? Only comes w/ a 4-speed automatic transmission. They're equipped with an electronically shifted transfer case. Most can be had with a leather interior and a moon roof. They're also spacious and give you a commanding view of the road. They're equipped with the Infinity 180-watt 10 speaker surround sound system.
Reliability? Jeeps are pretty rugged and reliable. I've got some stories about Jeeps, but I won't get into those right now. In a pinch, these things will get you out of trouble.
This review gives you a pretty comprehensive look at the beast.
Pricing? Right about now they're hovering at about $10K. Next year you could probably get one for about $9K.
As for practicality, well, it's about as practical as you can get.
Wanna have some fun? Pull up on the line next to the stock 3rd Gen F-body of your choice, and smile as you see the look on the face of the guy you've just smoked (provided it's not one equipped with the L98). Better yet, you could go Mustang and ricer hunting in this thing heh heh heh.

Yeah... you'll notice I actually mentioned that vehicle in my opening post.

I've always had a strong affection for the Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited. I'm not worried about reliability with that vehicle, but I am worried about fuel consumption - with me driving it won't top 10mpg. I'm sure I'll be able to afford to purchase one outright though. It's definitely on the list and has been for several years - before there even was a list.

 

[ozyran]

Yeah... you'll notice I actually mentioned that vehicle in my opening post.

Yep, you got me there. It wasn't until after my dissertation that I looked...and there it was hehe. Unfortunately, you're right; highway mileage would probably be no more than 18 mpg if you drive it civilized. In this day and age, the cast iron V-8 has that going against it. However, I must say that if you buy it outright, the cost of owning this vehicle would probably still come in cheaper than the average cost of financing a vehicle these days.

 

[1X83Z]

Yep, you got me there. It wasn't until after my dissertation that I looked...and there it was hehe. Unfortunately, you're right; highway mileage would probably be no more than 18 mpg if you drive it civilized. In this day and age, the cast iron V-8 has that going against it.

Indeed - and I get ~14mpg in my 2.3-liter Volvo. So you can imagine how I drive. Still, I'm considering it - it's definitely a sleeper, it's cool, and it's quite luxurious.

 

[Carl.]

Some members here might suggest something like...

*cough*

*cough*

...V6

*cough*

But me, I second the Acura TL. First Honda I've ever drove with low end torque, a very nice car... and it handles great in snow.


Oh, and a Buick Regal outhandling a 850 Turbo? Do you mean something like Straight line handling?

 

[1X83Z]

You're recommending the V6 Vue to the person who first fell in love with it back in 2004?! It's a good sleeper rec but I can't afford it - the original V6 in that car only produced 181 horsepower and was out until 2003. The Honda V6 didn't come in until 2004 - that's when it got 250hp and a 6.6sec 0-60 time. Don't think I haven't considered it - but I've dismissed it.

Not enough power on the TL. Do note that the only TL I can afford is the 1995-1998 model and possibly a very high mileage and very uninspired 1999 model. Whereas the only ones worth getting are the later Type-S models (02-03 I think) which list for $15k-$20k.

And trust me on the handling thing. A Ford Bronco would out-handle my car. (all-season tires don't help)

 

[Tornado]

What about a Taurus SHO? Both gen. 1 and 2. go for cheap these days, and gen. 2 has a slushbox.

 

[GT4_Rule]

I'm not sure a Taurus SHO is sporty - fast it may be, but the suspension lets it down.

 

[Tornado]

I'm sure it's more sporty than a Buick Regal.

 

[1X83Z]

As I said it's too old, particularly with that Yamaha engine whose reliability I question greatly, and also quite devoid of features (like no sunroof). I have been considering them though because I can basically have my choice of any 93-95 SHO.

Obviously the third-gen models wouldn't be considered by anyone with eyes.

I'm sure it's more sporty than a Buick Regal.

Perhaps - though certainly not as luxurious. You'll note that "sporty" didn't make my list of attributes in post one - "quick" was on there instead (and the Regal is quicker than the SHO). As was "luxurious."

 

[Carl.]

I don't see how 225hp and 216 lb/ft for a sligthly lighter car than the regal isn't enough for road use, but it's your call. I do agree about the mileage though, the Buick depreciation makes it quite a deal. Personnaly, I'm not sure I'd take one over a Lincoln LS V8, though.

And I'm not taking your words on the Volvo, I've driven a 850T, a 960, a S70T5(mine) and a S60T5 They all handle quite decently all year round, WITH PROPER TIRES THAT IS. (obviously, they all are oversteer-prone at the limits, but those limits are quite far when riding on proper rubber bits). I pity the poles in your area if you keep to all-season tires for next winter.

 

[1X83Z]

I don't see how 225hp and 216 lb/ft for a sligthly lighter car than the regal isn't enough for road use, but it's your call. I do agree about the mileage though, the Buick depreciation makes it quite a deal. Personnaly, I'm not sure I'd take one over a Lincoln LS V8, though.

I agree with everything stated here. The car is quite quick - in fact, the '93-'95 Ford Taurus SHO is nearly a dead-on performance match for my 850 Turbo: they're within three horsepower, four pound-feet, and 150 pounds! But alas, I can get a five year newer Buick that's marginally quicker than both vehicles. And I'd take an LS V8 over everything mentioned as well - but the ones I can afford are first-year, high-mileage examples, and I'm afraid for their reliability (after all Jaguar did design the engine ).

And I'm not taking your words on the Volvo, I've driven a 850T, a 960, a S70T5(mine) and a S60T5 They all handle quite decently all year round, WITH PROPER TIRES THAT IS. (obviously, they all are oversteer-prone at the limits, but those limits are quite far when riding on proper rubber bits). I pity the poles in your area if you keep to all-season tires for next winter.

I've driven two 850 Turbos and a '97 GLT, and none of them handled better than your average family sedan. A 1996 issue of Car & Driver I read the other day saw the 850 Turbo pull a lower number on the skidpad than the Bonneville SSEi, and that was with stock tires. Essentially the 850 is a 3-series for women.

 

[1X83Z]

Strongly now considering the E34 540iA, after doing a lot of research tonight on trouble spots and performance. I'm not sure if I'll find one that evaded the huge problems that plagued many of the vehicles (due to high sulfur content in gasoline) but if I do I'm going to strongly consider it. I found more than a few under $9k with less than 90k on the clock. That's a deal for a 282hp sedan. Note that the E34 5-series is the first car ever with a 5-speed automatic!

My favorite-looking sedan...

 

[Pupik]

Note that the E34 5-series is the first car ever with a 5-speed automatic!

I think the Nissan President or Cedric was the first-ever 5-speed automatic, but that wasn't US market, of course. It was around 1989-1990.

The Lincoln LS has been mentioned, and I'll second that. It's been discontinued, and it's like a poor-mans Lexus LS 400. They're quite the bargain.

 

[Carl.]

I've driven two 850 Turbos and a '97 GLT, and none of them handled better than your average family sedan. A 1996 issue of Car & Driver I read the other day saw the 850 Turbo pull a lower number on the skidpad than the Bonneville SSEi, and that was with stock tires. Essentially the 850 is a 3-series for women.

Again, that's weird. Mine with performance summer tires had way more grip that I was inclined to use on public roads while being close to my testosterone peak, although it didn't feel as good as a BMW while pushing it. Anyways, your mind seems to be set on Volvos, but I do believe - mileage/price considered - that you'd get a hell of a lot better car in most aspects than anything you've considered with a S70T5, and you'd get your holy 0-60mph time very low, bone stock (it's easily tuneable if that's not enough, I know someone who had one faster than his NSX in a straight line). And yeah, a Volvo isn't very macho nor look-at-me upscale (neither is a friggin Buick).

One thing is undisputable: whatever you're buying, prepare yourself to miss your seats.

 

[Jim Prower]

Here's an idea if you want to do some work on it...though, judging by your prefrences, you probably don't want to....but, here goes...

'91-96 Buick Roadmaster

My brother owns one, and he loves it's ride..."It Floats" he says...now, i'm not sure if you want that, but here's the thing...seek out an old Caprice 9C1 or Impala SS and swap out the springs. Now, go and find an LT1. A bit of work, and your 7.1 sec requirement and sporty handling requirements should be met.

For $1,100, to $4,700, you should have plenty of money to perform the modifications and have a little left for wheels and tires. I reccommend the Impala SS rims. Reliability? We're talking Small Block Chevy, here. And you have a car that you can say you modified yourself.

Think about it.

 

[Carl.]

^^ And an adult can confortably lay down on both front and rear seats, think of all the possibilities... Surprisingly fast boat, but quite scary in snow.

 

[Duke]

2000 DeVille paddle your canoe?
Here's a Seville to go with it - not too old.
Low miles STS...
A4 2.8 quattro?
Low miles RWD FTW!
You know you want it.
Subie Legacy GT?
I didn't find one off the top of my head (these are all within 200 miles of Augusta, GA), but what about a supercharged Xterra?

 

[TopHat]

DONT BUY A CATERA!!!! Please spare your self the misery of paying the repair costs, I know this might violate your preferences, but why not a lincoln?
Like a 99 Townie, they are reliable enough and parts are cheap as hell:tup: .

Friends dont let friends drive Chevys(minus the monte+camaro ) OR CATERAS!!

 

[1X83Z]

I think the Nissan President or Cedric was the first-ever 5-speed automatic, but that wasn't US market, of course. It was around 1989-1990.

Dunno - Wikipedia says it's the E34 5-series:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automotive_superlatives

First 5-speed automatic - 1991 BMW E34 5-Series and E36 320i/325i ZF 5HP18

I'm not saying you're wrong though; my only knowledge of the Nissan Cedric is that I think it was a twin of one of my favorite cars, the original Infiniti M45.

'91-96 Buick Roadmaster

seek out an old Caprice 9C1 or Impala SS and swap out the springs.

Car will be parked exclusively and driven frequently on a moderately-sized college campus in a large city and must be at least relatively compact. My size limit hovers around 200 inches. It's not set in stone, but those two vehicles are two feet beyond that. The Impala would be a decent suggestion otherwise. (the Fleetwood's a little slow - but just a little - the '94-'96 models with the 260hp V8 did 0-60 in the low 8s).

DONT BUY A CATERA!!!! Please spare your self the misery of paying the repair costs, I know this might violate your preferences, but why not a lincoln?
Like a 99 Townie, they are reliable enough and parts are cheap as hell .

Friends dont let friends drive Chevys(minus the monte+camaro ) OR CATERAS!!

Don't worry - Catera is too slow anyway, though I do like the fact that I can afford one with dual side airbags. If quickness weren't a requirement I'd be strongly considering it. Town Car is way too slow and much too long though once we rented one (because the rental place was essentially out of cars) and I can honestly say I've never experienced a better-riding vehicle. Another car I'd consider if quickness (and size) weren't requirements.

 

[1X83Z]

2000 DeVille paddle your canoe?

No.

Here's a Seville to go with it - not too old.

A few problems - mainly the fact that it's an SLS. Frankly I'd rather have an STS even if I had to go back to '97 - I know those cars will be reliable, just so long as they're low-mileage. The other problem is that it's a bit over my top limit. All that said, it's actually a pretty spectacular deal (I have no problem with the mileage; it's a bit high for a Cadillac but quite good in the grand scheme) - someone's going to be quite happy with that car.

Low miles STS...

That's really a fantastic deal. I've got to give a car like this a test drive.

A4 2.8 quattro?

No! First post says no A4s! No A4s! Essentially it's not quick enough. I also think they sell for a lot more than they're worth. I could get a low-mileage '97 850R for $1500 less, it being much more powerful, much quicker, and much more loaded. First-gen A4s haven't dropped a dime in price in two years either - a plus when you're re-selling, but not buying.

The only A4 I'd get is a '98-'99 without Quattro. And I'd get it in Colorado. And I'd spend two hours on the lot pissing and moaning about how it's not got Quattro (casually forgetting to mention the vehicle will be driven in Georgia) and won't be up for Colorado winters. Then I'll offer him 60% of what he's asking, telling him "if it had Quattro, I'd pay full price." Then he'll cave and offer it to me for 80% of his asking price. And I'll drive off in a lighter, cheaper car. Non-Quattro ones are rarer than God though, particularly here. Mileage is spectacular on the one you linked to.

Low miles RWD FTW!

Ewwwwwwwww...

You know you want it.

Dunno - would the glovebox be big enough to hold my Skoal? And I hope it'd be reliable, because if not, I'd miss my NASCAR. Hyuk, hyuk... grits are the gosh-darned best! Tell you what - let me ask my heavily overweight and very tattooed girlfriend what she thinks - I'm pretty sure sure's hanging out at the biker bar right now.

(PS - that's a gorgeous color - and it's a fantastic deal too - only 58k miles)

Subie Legacy GT?

Gorgeous cars - but ultimately too slow. I'd like to get through life without ever having owned a naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder.

I didn't find one off the top of my head (these are all within 200 miles of Augusta, GA), but what about a supercharged Xterra?

Waaaaay too expensive. Xterras have a huge following with the younger crowd (as many "capable" small SUVs do - like the Jeep Wrangler) and they sell for way more than they're worth. And the charged ones aren't quick enough anyway. Honestly it's a good rec because I love the vehicle, I just can't afford it.

By the way I appreciate you looking in the Georgia area (Emory is in Atlanta - the ZIP is 30322) but this car has a 90% probability of being purchased here in Denver (ZIP is 80222).

 

[Tornado]

Ewwwwwwwww...

That made my day.

 

[1X83Z]

That made my day.

I must admit I actually like those cars, it's just not right for me.

 

[Tornado]

But you could paint it black and charge limo services! Paint it yellow and use it as a taxi! Put CB antennae on it, supercharge the engine and chase morons in Camaros! Paint it hunter green and pretend to be old! Far more of a utility vehicle, than, say, the Ford Escape.

 

[1X83Z]

If I owned one I'd paint it the same color as the highway patrol the moment I got it. The time you'd save in having people defer to you would assuredly make up for the cost of the paint job.

 

[JCE]

Although it doesn't fit with the 0-60 in less than 7.3 seconds mould with less than $500 it could easily be. Anyone that doesn't think this car is cool needs an enema followed prompty by a horse tagging them in the rear.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/L-k-...17QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6227QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Low mileage of these CAN be found and the price will still be reasonable. With the 4.6L there are so many mods you can do to this car if you choose to. And just cruising around town in one of these means you'll not be bothered by the cops AND people will get out of your way. Infact cops will wave at you as you drive by.

Yea yea yea it isn't luxury or sporty, but it's a Police car for christ sakes. And that's cool. 👍

 

[1X83Z]

I agree that it's cool. Every so often one's listed in the paper, and every so often it's a Mustang. That one's low mileage too - what sort of police department drives just 70,000 miles since 2000? Regardless, it's not what I'm looking for - no luxury there! (in fact, one of the selling points is that the doors and windows open from the inside)