JCE's Car Hunt Thread 2.0

[JCE]

I'm slowly leaning towards the G35 coupe. Every time I look at one I just go "damn that is such a pretty car". I think I am falling in love...and her name is G35.

Later ones might be better, I do remember road tests commenting that they seemed better built, but whether that solved the electrical gremlins I'm not sure. If you're going for one with comparatively low miles you might be okay. And the V6 should be a nice enough engine. My uncle owned a W203 C240 for a while and it was a nice car... just not the most reliable he's ever had. Still, it was better than the Range Rover Sport he has now...

That's what I thought about the 2006+9 models. And the C240 is the base model with a tiny amount of bhp? I'd want a C230 with the V6.

Hrrrrrrmmmmmm. Well I'm at a loss, because all the professional reviews and buyers guides I can find for the S-Type seem to be generally positive, but if you search for owners' reviews it's overwhelmingly negative. So I'm not quite sure who to believe as generally the press get their reliability information from the owners in the first place through reliability and customer satisfaction surveys (23/152 in Top Gear's 2007 survey and 9/100 in Auto Express's 2009 survey, and it's also come 14th, and 12th twice in previous years, but 37th in it's first year).

There's also the fact that bad news travels quicker than good news. Someone who's had a poor experience of a car is more likely to go on the internet and complain about it than someone whose car has been perfect from day one - so if reviews look negative, then they may well just be a few tiny drops of duds in a massive sea of happy owners.

From what I can find out though they definitely get better as they get newer. The first models with the most similarity to the Lincoln LS seem to do poorly, and as Jaaaaaaag improved the car so too did the reliability.

There are a couple of buyers' guides here and here, admittedly for UK buyers.

Thanks for the buyer's guides, but I am still iffy on the Jaaaaaaaaaags.

So you're best off making your own mind up on this one! I'd have an S-Type, but I can't hand-on-heart recommend one as reliable transport...

True...

Personally I'd go with the G35. Good choice. Great engine (the 350Z more than proves that), and it is technically a more luxurious 350Z with a different badge.

Plus 2 more (unusable) seats.

The A8 is very tasty as well, but there's a higher chance that somethings going to fail fairly soon when compared to the G35.

Very true, Nissan products are pretty damn well screwed together. I seriously doubt I'd ever have an issue with anything other than the emissions system...aka catalyst or O2 sensor.

As for the Jaaaaaaaag situation, I'm a bit iffy on Jags. Most likely the one you're looking at is going to be coming straight from the Ford parts bin as it was only very recently that Jag was sold to Tata, so it's either going to be quite reliable or quite UNreliable...

+1 I'd not want to be me if I snag one that is the lemon...

You want a Mercedes and you love maximas... Buy a newer Maxima AND a W124 E420. problem solved.

2 problems with that...

1. The 2nd car--the Merc--won't be financed from the dealership.
2. I'd probably drive the Merc more than the Maxima which would defeat the purpose of a new car.

 

[homeforsummer]

That's what I thought about the 2006+9 models. And the C240 is the base model with a tiny amount of bhp? I'd want a C230 with the V6.

The C240 might have been the base model out there but over here we had three models beneath it - the C180, C180K and C200K. The latter two are supercharged, all are four-cylinder. And indeed, we also had two diesels below the C240 too. The C230 V6 apparently replaced the C240 V6 in 2004. About 30bhp more (went from 170 to 200) and a second off the 0-60.

 

[///M-Spec]

How rare is a 540 with a 6spd manual that's in my year/mileage/price range? If I get a 5-series I'd prefer it a V8 with a stick--but would settle for a I6 with a stick. Don't see much reason to have a German sport saloon with an automatic, unless the 4.4L V8's are that good?

Not that rare. 540i/6s are probably more common than 530i/6s.

Here's an '03 540i Sport not far from me with only 47,000 mile for $18k.


M

 

[JCE]

Edited the list again, this time I'm only including the most reliable of the original choices. But I'm still open for legitimate suggestions. I'm leaning towards going cheap and getting a Maxima or Prelude.

 

[Tornado]

No more Lincoln LS? I'd personally go for the LS over any of the sedans you have still listed.

 

[High-Test]

I would advise you to go with the newer of the two Maxima generations, assuming that Nissan actually did manage to iron out the previous generation's TERRIBLE brake issues. The 1995-1999 Maxima/I30 ate brake rotors with every meal. It's not that I see many around here, they're all beige so they blend in with the rest of suburbia. It's that I hear them. Drive one with crunchy brake issues, and you'll know that sound.

Plus, the newer one should have better electronics and it's a heck of a lot prettier. I don't know what your color palate is, but they look damned pretty in White and Black.


Aside from their om-nom-noming of brake rotors, I have nothing but praise for the 1995-1999 generation. They just have brake issues. My Dad had one for nine years. (I30) and it went at least 240,000 miles. Knowing my dad, eighty thousand of those were on one oil change.

That must mean the 2000-2004 is even better.

 

[JCE]

No more Lincoln LS? I'd personally go for the LS over any of the sedans you have still listed.

No LS. Girlfriend really doesn't like it, which is too bad because I'll never hear the end of it. I'm proposing to her tomorrow night on our 1yr anniversary so I'm in for life.

I would advise you to go with the newer of the two Maxima generations, assuming that Nissan actually did manage to iron out the previous generation's TERRIBLE brake issues. The 1995-1999 Maxima/I30 ate brake rotors with every meal. It's not that I see many around here, they're all beige so they blend in with the rest of suburbia. It's that I hear them. Drive one with crunchy brake issues, and you'll know that sound.

Plus, the newer one should have better electronics and it's a heck of a lot prettier. I don't know what your color palate is, but they look damned pretty in White and Black.


Aside from their om-nom-noming of brake rotors, I have nothing but praise for the 1995-1999 generation. They just have brake issues. My Dad had one for nine years. (I30) and it went at least 240,000 miles. Knowing my dad, eighty thousand of those were on one oil change.

That must mean the 2000-2004 is even better.

I have nothing but good things to say about both my '95 SE and '96 GLE Maximas. I didn't eat rotors and I drove the hell out of them. I've never heard of these brake issues from anyone about these cars as well. Also to think of it, I never had any issues at all with either with anything, infact they are one of the most reliable vehicles I've owned. My mom has my '96 GLE now and its still almost brand new, everything is tight and there are zero issues and that's with over 140k miles.

Last but not least the only colors I will take are white, black and silver. No other colors will be considered. 👍

But the 2002-2003 model with the VQ35 is appealing as well because of the extra power and 6spd transmission. Finding a 2004-2006 model with the mileage I want in my price range is a difficult task, and honestly I'd want the older ones first because the final cost will be less and that means it will be paid off sooner which means a second car can arrive in my drive.

 

[McLaren]

No LS. Girlfriend really doesn't like it, which is too bad because I'll never hear the end of it. I'm proposing to her tomorrow night on our 1yr anniversary so I'm in for life.

Been a year already? Damn, son. 👍

 

[JCE]

Tell me about it, doesn't seem like that long.

 

[land sea air]

JCE what is your budget? I didn't read the entire thread but I didn't see it in your first post.

 

[JCE]

Its been revised, but I didn't update the topic. $15,000 or no more than $300 per month.

 

[McLaren]

You want an '08 Si? Because $300/month is exactly I've got it for. 💡

 

[JCE]

I wouldn't qualify credit wise for one of those, and because the sticker price starts at almost $20k I wouldn't get that $300/mo. And I don't qualify for a lease either. My credit is hindering me a bit.

P.S. She said yes!

 

[Tornado]

Congrats.
👍

Now mention to her that marriage is about compromise and go buy a Lincoln LS.

 

[JCE]

I read your post to her and she gave me a look.

 

[land sea air]

Its been revised, but I didn't update the topic. $15,000 or no more than $300 per month.

Drat, I was going to recommend a R170 SLK. You could probably find a 230 or 320 from the early to mid 2000s with a 6 speed for that price but it would probably be private. A good friend of mine bought an 03 SLK32 AMG last year for about $18k and has had virtually no trouble with it for a year now.

 

[JCE]

I've edited the list. I've been looking and I can get a killer deal on an F150 with the V8. Plus I've added the Charger and Magnum R/T's to the list.

 

[McLaren]

I've edited the list. I've been looking and I can get a killer deal on an F150 with the V8. Plus I've added the Charger and Magnum R/T's to the list.

Why?

 

[JCE]

I like them and they are cheap.

 

[Bones Brigade]

Someone mentioned the Mazda 6 earlier. I didn't see your response regarding that. The V6 model with lower miles will be well within your price range and they even come in a 6spd manual. (Though, I don't know if you want or don't want a manual.)

Also, the Volvo S40 T5. Might not be super reliable, but it's based on the Mazda 3 platform and I don't know of any major issues with the 2.5L 5cyl. (Though, I also really don't know much about Volvos.)

I don't know if you're looking for something "fast," but both of those are at least as quick, or quicker than the Fusion V6 and could probably keep up with the Maxis even with the VQ35 if attached to a slushy.

Where'd the G35 go? Insurance? 15K does seem a little low for one with good mileage, but they're going to be as reliable as anything you've mentioned.

I've been looking to dump the Z and get something with a back seat, and still retain some fun. Both the Mazda6 V6 and S40 T5 are on my list. (I somehow almost ended up buying an MS3 yesterday, though. And I drove an MS6, which I loved, but it was not 15k, and it had 13,000 miles and needed an alignment (badly) and was very rough on start up. Yikes.)

 

[homeforsummer]

I've edited the list. I've been looking and I can get a killer deal on an F150 with the V8. Plus I've added the Charger and Magnum R/T's to the list.

Sounds fun to me. No chance of getting a Lightning or do you need an extended/double cab?

 

[JCE]

Someone mentioned the Mazda 6 earlier. I didn't see your response regarding that. The V6 model with lower miles will be well within your price range and they even come in a 6spd manual. (Though, I don't know if you want or don't want a manual.)

The Mazda6 is more expensive than the Fusion--which (the Fusion) has more power out of its V6. And unfortunately there are very few Mazda6's around here and even less with the V6 and even less than that with a stick (as in zero). Plus, I prefer the Fusion to the 6 anyway.

Also, the Volvo S40 T5. Might not be super reliable, but it's based on the Mazda 3 platform and I don't know of any major issues with the 2.5L 5cyl. (Though, I also really don't know much about Volvos.)

Not a fan of the S40, its too small and for the same money pre-owned I can get an S60 or S80--which are infinitely better. But Volvo's have to go along with the Germans, just cannot afford to take a chance on a higher mileage one in my price range with the engine I want. I will only accept the T6 or the S60R. I'm picky with my Volvo's.

I don't know if you're looking for something "fast," but both of those are at least as quick, or quicker than the Fusion V6 and could probably keep up with the Maxis even with the VQ35 if attached to a slushy.

I am looking for something that does 0-60 in less than 7.5s minus the F150 which is more like 8.5s.

Where'd the G35 go? Insurance? 15K does seem a little low for one with good mileage, but they're going to be as reliable as anything you've mentioned.

The G35 went away with with the Swedes and Germans due to the mileage and maintenance costs. I can only afford a higher mileage one and that means trouble.

I've been looking to dump the Z and get something with a back seat, and still retain some fun. Both the Mazda6 V6 and S40 T5 are on my list. (I somehow almost ended up buying an MS3 yesterday, though. And I drove an MS6, which I loved, but it was not 15k, and it had 13,000 miles and needed an alignment (badly) and was very rough on start up. Yikes.)

I do need something with a reasonable backseat--that is unless I get the WS6 Trans-Am.

Sounds fun to me. No chance of getting a Lightning or do you need an extended/double cab?

Depends on mileage or condition. I'd also love to get one of these:

2002-2004 Ford F150 Harley Davidson 340bhp 425tq (supercharged 5.4L V8):

Yes the Lightning has more power (380bhp 450tq [2001-2004]) but the Harley is no slouch. And I like the paint scheme.

I'm also throwing around the idea of finding one of these in my price range with less than 65k miles:

Honestly, the Marauder has everything I want in a car except a manual. Its fast, its cool, it make an awsome noise, it seats more than 4 people and the boot is larger than some small hatchbacks. I just have to convince the fiance' that this is no grampa's car. Literally my fiance' is keeping me from putting this right at the top #1. Its a Mustang GT with 4 doors and a huge boot...what's not to love? If looks can kill this already killed you, your family and your neighbors for good measure.

*edit*
Oh, and I need something with 4 proper doors.

 

[Tornado]

I like them and they are cheap.

But they aren't particularly reliable.



Look for a Marauder. That is all. You could put a bullbar on it and screw with people!

 

[McLaren]

I like them and they are cheap.

Well, you got the cheap part right. But they're slow as hell....

 

[JCE]

But they aren't particularly reliable.

I'm definitely interested in seeing why and how they aren't reliable. I will take them off my list if they are. I figured they couldn't be as bad as pre-Diamler cars.

Look for a Marauder. That is all. You could put a bullbar on it and screw with people!

I wouldn't want to ruin the good looks of the Marauder's face, if this was a regular Marquis or Crown Vic I would!

Well, you got the cheap part right. But they're slow as hell....

0-60mph in 6s is slow?

 

[Tornado]

I'm definitely interested in seeing why and how they aren't reliable. I will take them off my list if they are. I figured they couldn't be as bad as pre-Diamler cars.

As I understand it, they are about the same in regards to mechanical reliability, but now with electrical niggles as well.
Also, interiors.

 

[McLaren]

0-60mph in 6s is slow?

To some, yeah. I had a Charger as a loaner for the Civic. It was cheap, heavy, & slow, dude. From a go, sure, it has pickup. But that's it.

I mean, c'mon. It's RWD with 320+hp, and even my TL can hit 60 in under 6 seconds. You've got much better choices.

 

[JCE]

As I understand it, they are about the same in regards to mechanical reliability, but now with electrical niggles as well.
Also, interiors.

I know the interiors are bad, but V8 and RWD solves my hatred of the interior. I need some data in regards to what to watch out for and what is a common occurrence.

Well, and truth be told I'd rather have a Marauder but they are extremely limited and I'm not likely to find one at a non-main dealer. I need a smaller dealer that does in-house financing or has second chance lenders--and they aren't probably going to let me find a Marauder. But I can dream...

To some, yeah. I had a Charger as a loaner for the Civic. It was cheap, heavy, & slow, dude. From a go, sure, it has pickup. But that's it.

I mean, c'mon. It's RWD with 320+hp, and even my TL can hit 60 in under 6 seconds. You've got much better choices.

340bhp for the regular R/T and it hits 60mph in 6s dead. And your TL is likely a 6spd manual. One of these R/T's with a 6spd manual is likely to hit 60mph in less than 6 as well.

 

[Tornado]

Joey might know. He pays attention to these things more than I do.

 

[McLaren]

340bhp for the regular R/T and it hits 60mph in 6s dead. And your TL is likely a 6spd manual. One of these R/T's with a 6spd manual is likely to hit 60mph in less than 6 as well.

Mine's a 5-speed semi-auto which rates at 5.8 stock (6spd is 5.7) in 0-60.
As far as I've read, a 6spd Charger is 5.7 as well.

C'mon mate, the Charger is a 340Bhp, RWD, V8 car. I'd expect those kind of figures to beat a 286Bhp (250whp), FWD, V6 in 0-60, not equal it. But, it's heavy and that's where it really starts to go bad til' you look inside. Worse yet, the Charger only seems to make torque in 1 situation; 0 to whatever.

Like I said, you've got much better choices to look at first.