Ideas for a new car.

Spazdog · Mar 25, 2011

For about $12000, you should be able to get a 2006-ish Maxima.

The SL model has a little softer ride than the SE, but I have never seen an SL model with a manual transmission.

The only thing I really don't like is the odd chrome "beak" in the middle of the grill. The VQ35 has a reputation for being sludge-prone and/or oil consumption but I have seen plenty live a long and healthy life.

sciphi · Mar 25, 2011

Look into a 2002-2003 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. There's a ton more room to work on the engine than a W-body Regal. The supercharged 3800 V6 is 240 hp/280 tq, ages very well, will get 30 mpg highway with a little moderation on the go/loud pedal, and is a comfortable ride that can actually handle well for a 3800 lb car. Only downside is that they drink 18 gallons of premium for each fillup.

Throw a tune and a few mods on there and you're looking at a comfy-riding car that's plenty quick while still getting compact-car highway fuel economy.

whip · Mar 27, 2011

Judging from the OP's responses, it sounds like he wants a Vette. Stop trying to justify it, and just buy it.

mc2lizard · Mar 28, 2011

Well. did a bit of shopping around... I wanted a vette, was kinda trying to justify it

. Tested one, Now I'm not getting one lol. WAAAY too harsh, Felt like I got hit with a crowbar after hitting a decent sized pothole. maybe its because it had the z51 suspension. but. either way, I looked more into the marauders. they're looking pretty good to me now, I realize an Sts/sls or a park ave would be more practical but all the ones i've seen around here are either beat up and riding on rediculous sized rims (park ave) or leaking oil from every possible gasket and one blew a HUGE plume of blue smoke at startup.. lol tried to tell me it was normal (n* caddies) and truthfully I LOVE RWD! I think im going to try and find a marauder to test drive, but they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth around here, I think I would like that, ESP with a trilogy supercharger setup

. Also looked at an Audi A8 but their trnasmissions make me nervous from what I've read. Last thing I need is a 6k+ bill after I buy it. As for the chargers.. None around here with a reasonable price that I could find, Regardless of the milage but I'm gonna keep looking. And thanks guys for the new Ideas because i was pretty heart set on the corvette, too bad it rode like a go-kart. But now Ive got a bunch of new avenues to explore and research

UNC017 · Mar 28, 2011

Originally Posted By: mc2lizard
As for the chargers.. None around here with a reasonable price that I could find, Regardless of the milage but I'm gonna keep looking.

Told ya.:-/ Trust me, when they get affordable I'm gonna pounce. But they are just *not* coming down in price (so much for generalizations about Chryslers 'not holding resale value.') Magnums have been sinking in price faster than Chargers, but that may change now that the Charger got a significant upgrade for 2011, there'll be a rush of trade-ins and the older ones will seem... well... older compared to the coke-bottle shaped one with flashy all-the-way-across LED taillamps that's on the Dodge dealer's lot today.

Darn. Now I made *myself* want to wait for a used 2011....

PF52 · Mar 28, 2011

Originally Posted By: mc2lizard
I think im going to try and find a marauder to test drive, but they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth around here...

You'll probably have better luck looking for a nice Crown Victoria, which is a pretty nice car itself.

LS2JSTS · Mar 28, 2011

If you can get past the bland outward appearance, the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO can be had for a great price.

I have an 06 and love it, very solid car with a fantastic drivetrain. Not the best looking car on the road, but from the drivers seat, it's aallllllright! You'll have the drivetrain of a Corvette with the added utility of a rear seat...I wont go so far as to call that boot they have an actual trunk. I cant even get my full size staff bag into that tiny trunk!

addyguy · Mar 28, 2011

Has a used Cadillac CTS been brought up?

They are pretty sporty, and there seem to be a fair few around.

UNC017 · Mar 28, 2011

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Has a used Cadillac CTS been brought up?

They are pretty sporty, and there seem to be a fair few around.

A couple of times ;-)

mc2lizard · Mar 29, 2011

Gto. This appeals to me.. How is the ride quality? please tell me alot softer riding than the corvette... Maybe I can have my cake and eat it too

Hokiefyd · Mar 29, 2011

Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
I have an 06 and love it, very solid car with a fantastic drivetrain. Not the best looking car on the road, but from the drivers seat, it's aallllllright! You'll have the drivetrain of a Corvette with the added utility of a rear seat...I wont go so far as to call that boot they have an actual trunk. I cant even get my full size staff bag into that tiny trunk!

I may be one of the few who think GM got the modern GTO just right. The modern GTO is panned as being too plain and too non-descript. But when you think about what the original GTO was, it was based on a rather plain and unassuming Tempest. Sure, we see historical beauty in these cars today, but at the time, it was "just another Tempest".

I think GM really hit it with the modern GTO. Big engine and big power in an unassuming looking automobile. I think they're excellent packages, and are a great idea for OP's situation.

LS2JSTS · Mar 29, 2011

Originally Posted By: mc2lizard
Gto. This appeals to me.. How is the ride quality? please tell me alot softer riding than the corvette... Maybe I can have my cake and eat it too

From the factory, they definitely ride softer than the Corvette. I would say even slightly softer than the newer Mustangs, but closer to a Mustang type ride than a Corvette. The uni body itself is very stout and can accomodate just about any set up you want to throw at it.

Actually, one of the first things I changed out was the suspension as I found it too soft, for my personal tastes. Pedders is a great Aussie company that offers packages from light street use to full on race car set ups, and they can work miracles with this uni body imo.

SteveSRT8 · Mar 29, 2011

as stated, if you don't mind the 'cavalier' look the GTO is a fantastic deal.

They go for good prices, too.

Spazdog · Mar 29, 2011

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
as stated, if you don't mind the 'cavalier' look the GTO is a fantastic deal.

They go for good prices, too.

Hey! is that a Grand Prix GXP or GTO? Do a burnout for me so I can see which tires spin to tell.

LS2JSTS · Mar 29, 2011

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
I have an 06 and love it, very solid car with a fantastic drivetrain. Not the best looking car on the road, but from the drivers seat, it's aallllllright! You'll have the drivetrain of a Corvette with the added utility of a rear seat...I wont go so far as to call that boot they have an actual trunk. I cant even get my full size staff bag into that tiny trunk!

I may be one of the few who think GM got the modern GTO just right. The modern GTO is panned as being too plain and too non-descript. But when you think about what the original GTO was, it was based on a rather plain and unassuming Tempest. Sure, we see historical beauty in these cars today, but at the time, it was "just another Tempest".

I think GM really hit it with the modern GTO. Big engine and big power in an unassuming looking automobile. I think they're excellent packages, and are a great idea for OP's situation.

I wouldn't disagree with your historical perspective at all.

Given the available RWD platforms at the time, and the fact that there wasn't money for a full on platform development, I think the Monaro was an excellent choice.

The GTO really is a car that needs to be driven to be appreciated, I never thought much of them before I got some seat time in a 2005. When I saw what I could get a 2006 for and considering the content of the car, it was an easy choice despite not being in love with the looks.

Ideas for a new car.

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