The Accord is out due to reliability issues. So the hunt continues.

  • Thread starter Thread starter JCE
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$140/mo is reletively cheap for full coverage on a car with a high symbol rating. That is, it would of been cheap had I recieved that quote 3 years ago. I would of already owned a WRX if I could of got cheap insurance. :(
 
New stuff--sort of.

I'm going to get ratings for the following within the next week or so:

2002-2004 Honda Civic Si (I know I know, this is the anti-christ for me)
2003-2005 Mazda6 (the good sport model and 6 only)
2005-2006 Dodge Charger/Magnum (V8 is preferred)
2004 Acura TL (high miles is my only hope here)
2004 Acura TSX (*see TL)
2005-2006 Ford Five Hundred (cheap to run, cheap to buy, and cheap to insure)
2006 Ford Fusion (V6 SEL only)
1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette (I found three for $15k)
2003-2004 Ford Focus SVT (preferably a ZX5 5dr)
2003-2004 Infiniti G35 saloon or coupe (higher mileage)
2001-2003 Lexus IS300 (insurance will be in the higher bracket, me thinks around $400 per 6mo)
1993-199? Mazda RX-7 (won't find this I'm sure)
1991-1994, 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT (1991-1994 VR4, 1999 SL)
2002-2003 Nissan SE-R SpecV (prefer Yellow or Black)
2003 Nissan 350Z (high mileage)
1998-2001 Porsche Cockxster...errrr I mean Boxster. (These are cheap to buy, I just hope the insurance isn't more than a damn Camaro Z28)
2005 Subaru Forester XT (WRX on steroids)
1994-1998 Toyota Celica GT (The best Celica to come to America)
1991-2003 Toyota MR2 (3rd gen need some aftermarket to get looking good)
1991-1992 Toyota Supra Turbo (Only Supra that would be in decent enough shape and affordable)
2002-2004 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Cheap to buy)
2003-200? Volkswagen Jetta GLI (I rather like these)
2002-2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4motion (Always liked these, plus 273bhp isn't anything to sneeze at in a inconspicuous car is it?) <-- YSS will no doubt comment on the 4motion being the best thing since sliced bread. :D

Thoughts?
 
I'm also considering on going to a Smart dealer and applying for a loan to see if I can even get approved. I'm really liking the Smart fortwo's.
 
Monday I'm going to check out the white '99 Mustang GT from here [don't worry I'm going to put regular headlights back on it]: http://www.pristine-motors.com/pages/inventory.html

I'm going to see if they'd take a $600~700 USD down payment. Otherwise I'm going to ask them to find me something in the $4,000~7,000 range. I think I'm going to go cheap this time and maybe buy a nicer car later. I still haven't decided yet. If they will take a $600~700 down payment on something upto $10,000~15,000 I'm going to see if they can find me what I want...or I'll just buy that 2000 BMW 328Ci unless someone thinks the mileage is too high..?
 
Update:

I got approved for $6,000-8,000 with me paying a $500 down payment so now they (the car lot) are looking for the following:
  • 2000-2005 P71 Crown Vic
  • 2001-2003 Volvo S60
  • 1999-2003 Volvo S80
  • 2000-2003 Saab 9-3
  • 2000-2003 Saab 9-5
  • 1997-2001 Honda Prelude
  • 1994-1996 Nissan 300ZX
  • 1997-2002 Nissan Maxima SE
  • 2000-2003 Lincoln LS V8
 
The P71 would be the cheapest to run/fix, but the depreciation would be horrible. I'd be open to the Saab choice if it had the right engine, but I'm still a bit weary on their overall reliability.

...Although, that Lincoln offer sounds great...

Just had a thought:

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YSSMAN
The P71 would be the cheapest to run/fix, but the depreciation would be horrible. I'd be open to the Saab choice if it had the right engine, but I'm still a bit weary on their overall reliability.

...Although, that Lincoln offer sounds great...

Just had a thought:

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Marauders are going for $15k+. Trust me, I want one bad. And I'm not worried about the depreciation of this vehicle I buy.

*edit*
I might turn my P71 unto a Marauder clone minus the interior (or maybe with the interior?) once I get my Camaro finished...oh and I do plan on stuffing one of these into the P71 when I'm done with the Camaro: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Triton#6.8.C2.A0L_V10
 
If you can afford the Lincoln, I find that difficult to ignore. They were infinitely nice cars, really good looking, and drove incredibly well. Furthermore, I'd place a sizeable bet that it is faster than most of the cars there, would get you some more Tang, and likely would last a bit longer.

Yes, I love the P71... But the LS is a lot cooler...
 
Problem is the LS is quite expensive when compared to the others. I think it is actually the most expensive on my finalists list. :indiff:

But, I would PREFER the LS over everything there minus an AWD turbo Volvo. The S80 T6 even without AWD speaks to me on some erotic level that I can't explain. :crazy: Something about being safe, comfy, and slightly quick all rolled up into an inconpicuous executive saloon that says I have money (when I don't) makes me smile.

*edit*
Speed has absolutely ZERO to do in my decision making. I'm looking for comfort, reliability, good looking, and practicality in size/mpg.
 
If either of the Volvos were wagons, I would say go for it. I have a soft spot for awesome wagons and the volvo is one of them. Correct me if I am wrong, but the 6 cylinder Lincoln comes in a 5 speed version, yes?
 
Boz Mon
If either of the Volvos were wagons, I would say go for it. I have a soft spot for awesome wagons and the volvo is one of them. Correct me if I am wrong, but the 6 cylinder Lincoln comes in a 5 speed version, yes?
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I like Volvo estates and all, but I'm exclusively after the saloons. On the LS, only the 2000 model (2001?), and it isn't that much quicker than the autobox. And there were VERY few 5spd models sold.
 
No qualms with the Volvo personally either, I just find them slightly boring. I haven't driven one personally, so yeah, I can't comment on that easily. Then again, I've always preferred Saab over Volvo too...
 
YSSMAN
No qualms with the Volvo personally either, I just find them slightly boring. I haven't driven one personally, so yeah, I can't comment on that easily. [GM]Then again, I've always preferred Saab over Volvo too...[/GM][/
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Edited for truth. :D

JCE, I think the Volvo is a great Choice. AWD and Turbo. Can't go wrong there.

But the idea of a hotrodded Interceptor does ooze evil out of its body gaps...
 
High-Test
Edited for truth. :D
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No no no no no... I'm talking about the pre-GM Saabs. You know, back when it was actually Saab? The 900 Turbo and such?

*sigh*

I will admit that the new Turbo X 9-3 is f'ing amazing though...
 
YSSMAN
No no no no no... I'm talking about the pre-GM Saabs. You know, back when it was actually Saab? The 900 Turbo and such?

*sigh*

I will admit that the new Turbo X 9-3 is f'ing amazing though...
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Ahh, okay. The "Quirky" ones? 👍 (Not that the GM 9-3s don't have quirks..I drove one for a year and a half)
 
I miss the days of the awesome Swede sedan and coupe. I have very fond memories of the old 900 Turbo and 9000 Turbo. Actually, I think I could honestly say that the Saab 9000 was the first "luxury" car I can remember riding in...
 
take some advice from an old man.
buy a cheap, reliable car. preferably one with good fuel economy. pay if off as soon as possible. if your camaro is your toy, put some money in that. but be smart about it.

invest your money in either your 401K plan at work, or stocks, or index funds. a depreciating asset like a car is not a place you want to sink real money in. or borrow it.

i drive an 19 year old car. mercedes 300E. bought it for cash. do most of my own maintenance. im socking away as much as i can in my retirement funds.
my 401K appreciated by 30% last year including my contributions. 30% is incredible. i've got enough cheddar in a savings acct that i'm earning a dollar a day in interest. interest rates just too a dump with the fed lowering rates to stave off a possible recession. thats my rainy day/ is there a recession coming money. if youre halfway smart you can figure out how much that is.
if the economy picks up, that money is going to either buy stocks or a motorcycle. cash of course.

i do have a toy car. two in fact. both crappy BMW 2002s. taking all the good parts and making one great car. or at least attempting to. i'm doing most of the work myself. getting ideas right now for how im planning to work this project. starting to accumulate little things im going to need here and there. heck i got a tip on a cheap good looking paint job a few weeks ago, and im saving hat info, even though i might be 2 years from paint.

cars are fun, but i liken them to how girls buy shoes. there will always be another project. another cool car. your daily driver should be a boring, mundane, economical car. especially if you have a toy car on the sides to play with. if you only have one, then i could understand modding it some. but in the end, you dont want to spend 10- 15K on this car, then when grown up life beckons (marriage, kids, buying a house, medical bills, even higher education, theres a long list!!!) selling it for one third of what you invested.

thats my 2 cents
 
neanderthal
take some advice from an old man.
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Old man? Just how old are you.

buy a cheap, reliable car. preferably one with good fuel economy. pay if off as soon as possible. if your camaro is your toy, put some money in that. but be smart about it.
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Minus the P71 Crown Vic those ARE cheap reliable affordable economical cars for my standards. They will be paid off in less than 2 years, and they will be much nicer than just some "cheap" econobox that you might have in mind that will bore me to death and wouldn't be as comfortable or good looking enough to suit me for the long term. These are cars that I want and could live with for the long term assuming I don't lose my job or something bad like that.

invest your money in either your 401K plan at work, or stocks, or index funds. a depreciating asset like a car is not a place you want to sink real money in. or borrow it.
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I don't care about resale/residule value about a car I purchase. Unless it gets reposessed, wrecked, or stolen I plan on keeping it until the car disintegrates. The time for me to start investing for my future is not yet here. I have too many financial responsibilities to deal with.

i drive an 19 year old car. mercedes 300E. bought it for cash. do most of my own maintenance. im socking away as much as i can in my retirement funds.
my 401K appreciated by 30% last year including my contributions. 30% is incredible. i've got enough cheddar in a savings acct that i'm earning a dollar a day in interest. interest rates just too a dump with the fed lowering rates to stave off a possible recession. thats my rainy day/ is there a recession coming money. if youre halfway smart you can figure out how much that is.
if the economy picks up, that money is going to either buy stocks or a motorcycle. cash of course.
Click to expand...

That's great, I'm glad you have a financial plan in progress...I do as well. And so far it appears to be begining nicely.

cars are fun, but i liken them to how girls buy shoes. there will always be another project. another cool car. your daily driver should be a boring, mundane, economical car.
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Maybe for you that is acceptable. For me however it is not. My daily driver needs to excel in three critical areas for me to WANT to keep it.
  • Comfort
  • Overall aethetics
  • And a somewhat fun to drive if the mood desires it

especially if you have a toy car on the sides to play with. if you only have one, then i could understand modding it some. but in the end, you dont want to spend 10- 15K on this car, then when grown up life beckons (marriage, kids, buying a house, medical bills, even higher education, theres a long list!!!) selling it for one third of what you invested.
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First, I don't want a wife or (human) kids. And second I won't have to pour money into the daily driver if I buy the right one maintain it properly. Before its all said and done I will have dropped at least $20,000-25,000 into my Camaro and less than $2,000 into the daily driver. And this would be extra savings and not from my primary income portion. I've already got it worked out on how much needs to go where...with plenty of emergency funds available.

And I don't plan on selling anything I invest in, if the significant other doesn't like my cars she can deal with it. But, she will know from the begining that my car(s) ARE my children...so whe won't even have a problem if the relationship reaches that point. You don't get rid of your pet or children when you get into a new partnership. I certainly won't.
 
Go for the maxima! The maxima is a great car that is both quick and comfy. I always enjoy taking my grandpas 04 3.5 maxima out for a spin. The ride is really smooth and the 3.5 v6 (does it come on older s) is real quick with alot of pickup.
 
neanderthal
34

to each thier own.
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Agreed. I do appreciate the post though. 👍

socomplayer2
Go for the maxima! The maxima is a great car that is both quick and comfy. I always enjoy taking my grandpas 04 3.5 maxima out for a spin. The ride is really smooth and the 3.5 v6 (does it come on older s) is real quick with alot of pickup.
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If I get another Maixma great, at this point it is out of my hands on which they will locate for me first. The Maxima is probably going to be the second easiest car to locate next to the P71 Crown Vic, with the Lincoln LS being last.

And the VQ35DE 3.5L V6 was introduced in 2001, the 90's Maxima through 2000 used the VG30DE 3.0L. Both rock solid engines.
 
Looks like the Crown Vic P71 is going to be the winning canidate. I should know by Wed. if I get one. The Volvo's and Lincoln LS are unfortunately out due to the lender saying "he needs more money".

anyway, I love Crown Vic P71's so I won't be complaining what-so-ever. I would PREFER something else due to the gas mileage--but I won't complain on getting something that will probably last as long as my Camaro.
 
JCE
Looks like the Crown Vic P71 is going to be the winning canidate. I should know by Wed. if I get one. The Volvo's and Lincoln LS are unfortunately out due to the lender saying "he needs more money".

anyway, I love Crown Vic P71's so I won't be complaining what-so-ever. I would PREFER something else due to the gas mileage--but I won't complain on getting something that will probably last as long as my Camaro.
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I knew you'd make the right decision. 👍
 
ND4SPD
I knew you'd make the right decision. 👍
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Thanks. 👍 Keep your fingers crossed on me getting one with the push bumper and spotlight(s). :D AND A BLACK ONE! I doubt I'll get a black one--but you never know.
 

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