Help me pick a booring automatic daily
01-04-2010, 08:56 PM
#1
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Help me pick a booring automatic daily
OK I have to drive too much for work. I have to drive all over the DC area and nowadays am frequently sitting in traffic for 2+ hours on an individual trip. I love my miata but when I borrow anyone's automatic car I feel awash in luxury. Stop and go traffic begs an automatic and of course, my miata is a manual.
Plz give me some recommendations for a trouble free low cost maintainence booring automatic daily.
Something that has leather and buttwarmers would be a +. Coupe is a +. Car that can carry a snowboard bag is mandatory so I don't have to take a cab to the airport just for the bag.
Something that is "civil" enough for long road trips with my girlfriend and short trips with customers/coworkers. RWD fine. FWD fine. AWD fine. If it snows **** my meetings I will stay hone so RWD is fine.
Gas economy would be nice but I don't really care. Budget is $20k. I don't want a car to mod.
ty
Plz give me some recommendations for a trouble free low cost maintainence booring automatic daily.
Something that has leather and buttwarmers would be a +. Coupe is a +. Car that can carry a snowboard bag is mandatory so I don't have to take a cab to the airport just for the bag.
Something that is "civil" enough for long road trips with my girlfriend and short trips with customers/coworkers. RWD fine. FWD fine. AWD fine. If it snows **** my meetings I will stay hone so RWD is fine.
Gas economy would be nice but I don't really care. Budget is $20k. I don't want a car to mod.
ty
Last edited by Faeflora; 01-05-2010 at 12:10 AM. Reason: budget adjustment
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01-04-2010, 09:21 PM
#10
2004+ Grand Prix
2000+ Bonneville
Both can be had in the price range. Both have optional heated leather, 6 disc, sunroof, etc, classy enough for any executive to ride in, have the 3.8L w/ it's nice reliability record. Lots of power when you need it but very civil in snow/rain. 28-30 mpg on highway, 25-27 city.
My parents had a Bonneville go 287k before the engine locked up because the oil hadn't been changed in about 40k. G/f drives a fully loaded '04 Grand Prix, has 97k and has never been in the shop (though I did fix the HUD, replaced a thermostat, battery terminals, and coolant flush because of a plugged heater core)
2000+ Bonneville
Both can be had in the price range. Both have optional heated leather, 6 disc, sunroof, etc, classy enough for any executive to ride in, have the 3.8L w/ it's nice reliability record. Lots of power when you need it but very civil in snow/rain. 28-30 mpg on highway, 25-27 city.
My parents had a Bonneville go 287k before the engine locked up because the oil hadn't been changed in about 40k. G/f drives a fully loaded '04 Grand Prix, has 97k and has never been in the shop (though I did fix the HUD, replaced a thermostat, battery terminals, and coolant flush because of a plugged heater core)
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01-04-2010, 09:26 PM
#12
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2004+ Grand Prix
2000+ Bonneville
Both can be had in the price range. Both have optional heated leather, 6 disc, sunroof, etc, classy enough for any executive to ride in, have the 3.8L w/ it's nice reliability record. Lots of power when you need it but very civil in snow/rain. 28-30 mpg on highway, 25-27 city.
My parents had a Bonneville go 287k before the engine locked up because the oil hadn't been changed in about 40k. G/f drives a fully loaded '04 Grand Prix, has 97k and has never been in the shop (though I did fix the HUD, replaced a thermostat, battery terminals, and coolant flush because of a plugged heater core)
2000+ Bonneville
Both can be had in the price range. Both have optional heated leather, 6 disc, sunroof, etc, classy enough for any executive to ride in, have the 3.8L w/ it's nice reliability record. Lots of power when you need it but very civil in snow/rain. 28-30 mpg on highway, 25-27 city.
My parents had a Bonneville go 287k before the engine locked up because the oil hadn't been changed in about 40k. G/f drives a fully loaded '04 Grand Prix, has 97k and has never been in the shop (though I did fix the HUD, replaced a thermostat, battery terminals, and coolant flush because of a plugged heater core)
Hmm is there any reason why I shouldn't seriously look at a GTO?
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01-04-2010, 10:27 PM
#16
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Those are both very good choices, you'll have to go a few years back to get a fully loaded version with leather and such.
I really wish Saabs were a little more reliable. They're fast, cheap, decent mileage (turbo four), don't look half bad, and are hands down the best long distance car for the money. I have NEVER sat in anything more comfortable than my '97 9000. Too bad the 9000 auto is the one car you should avoid buying if you're buying cars. The later 9-3 and 9-5 are much better but still touch and go. All are great in the snow. They'll also be quieter than an accord or toyota, by far. For what you're looking for, you could pick one up for 4-5k, well under your budget.
I really wish Saabs were a little more reliable. They're fast, cheap, decent mileage (turbo four), don't look half bad, and are hands down the best long distance car for the money. I have NEVER sat in anything more comfortable than my '97 9000. Too bad the 9000 auto is the one car you should avoid buying if you're buying cars. The later 9-3 and 9-5 are much better but still touch and go. All are great in the snow. They'll also be quieter than an accord or toyota, by far. For what you're looking for, you could pick one up for 4-5k, well under your budget.
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01-04-2010, 10:45 PM
#19
I know to purists my '97 900 SE Turbo isn't a "real Saab", it's just a GM/Opel, but for the $3500 I paid for it, it's pretty damn comfy, quick, useful, and fun to drive. And it's been dead-nuts reliable since I bought it, random MIL's notwithstanding.
Those are both very good choices, you'll have to go a few years back to get a fully loaded version with leather and such.
I really wish Saabs were a little more reliable. They're fast, cheap, decent mileage (turbo four), don't look half bad, and are hands down the best long distance car for the money. I have NEVER sat in anything more comfortable than my '97 9000. Too bad the 9000 auto is the one car you should avoid buying if you're buying cars. The later 9-3 and 9-5 are much better but still touch and go. All are great in the snow. They'll also be quieter than an accord or toyota, by far. For what you're looking for, you could pick one up for 4-5k, well under your budget.
I really wish Saabs were a little more reliable. They're fast, cheap, decent mileage (turbo four), don't look half bad, and are hands down the best long distance car for the money. I have NEVER sat in anything more comfortable than my '97 9000. Too bad the 9000 auto is the one car you should avoid buying if you're buying cars. The later 9-3 and 9-5 are much better but still touch and go. All are great in the snow. They'll also be quieter than an accord or toyota, by far. For what you're looking for, you could pick one up for 4-5k, well under your budget.
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