What car to get

[puff_daddy_58_99]

Apparently the Impala SS I was looking at isn't a cool car (according to the RFD Cool Wall voters), so I'm looking for other options. Here are some of my preferences

- good power
- decent looks
- new (or at least under full warranty)
- full size (I'm a big guy, no civics or mazda 3's for me)

Budget is $35-40k plus tax, I'm looking between 600 and 700 per month to buy over 60 months. Make any suggestions, hopefully I can narrow down my options from there.

If the Challenger was out now, I would buy that in a heart beat. Others I have/am considering;

Dodge Charger R/T in Sub-Lime
Audi A8 (2001-2003)
VW Phaeton (imported from US for around 45k)

[charliebrown]

300C w/ hemi package? :)

[SkeptiKal12]

I wouldn't get an older Audi. Their reliability seems to go hand in hand with VW.

You could probably get into a new(er) 3-series with your budget.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

no interest in a 3 series, nor any BMW. Same goes for Acura or Lexus.

300C would be a bit more money from my calculations. With GM family pricing/APA price, the Impala is $34k, and 300C is closer to $45.

[new_vr]

I wouldn't get an older Audi. Their reliability seems to go hand in hand with VW.

You could probably get into a new(er) 3-series with your budget.
You are worried about Audi reliablity, but say go with BMW? Brilliant.

[mdc]

Have you looked at the Legacy GT?

Great car for the money

[SkeptiKal12]

You are worried about Audi reliablity, but say go with BMW? Brilliant.

Thanks. 2001-2003 Audi vs. new BMW with warrenty, you must've missed this. But I forgive you.

[enko]

MazdaSpeed 6? Acura TSX?

[new_vr]

Thanks. 2001-2003 Audi vs. new BMW with warrenty, you must've missed this. But I forgive you.
You are also comparing apples and oranges. an A8 is not comparable to a 3 series. You need to look at at least a 5 series.

[bionicbadger]

You are also comparing apples and oranges. an A8 is not comparable to a 3 series. You need to look at at least a 5 series.

or a 7 series. A8 is nice car and I'd take an A8 over a 5 series any day.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

I'm not a huge fan of the 7 series, the old ones are decent but old, the newer ones were 'bangled' by their head designer.

I'm not a fan of acura, lexus, etc. either, they always seem like expensive toyotas/hondas. Good quality and reliability, but a high pricetag. I'd also like something with decent room too.

The mazdaspeed 6 would be ok, but I don't want a manual. Tiptronic, fine, but that's mostly useless.

A G35 would be nice, but is a bit out of the price range brand new, and on the used market they are pretty pricey

I think new is best, again for the warranty and repair reasons. I'm sure repairs on an A8 or Phaeton would be pretty pricey.

[MrDisco]

Apparently the Impala SS I was looking at isn't a cool car (according to the RFD Cool Wall voters), so I'm looking for other options.

oh come on that is totally ridiculous. Don't base such an expensive decision on what the import fanboys say. The SS has gobs of power, has a full warranty (if you buy new), and has a lot of interior room (not to mention a gigantic trunk).

Having test driven the new LT and LTZ I was close to buying one myself. Sure it may appear a little bland on the outside but then that's just one way to keep people's attention elsewhere while you're zipping along with that huge engine. Personally I like the look of the Impala in black with the 18" polished rims that they offer.
You'll have more room to bargain on pricing and very few cars out there have the same set of standard features for the amount you'll be paying.

I suppose you could also look at an Avalon but you'll paying a mighty premium for one.

[enko]

Sounds like you're as picky as I am, and if so then any opinions here won't do for you. Good luck hunting :)

[SkeptiKal12]

You are also comparing apples and oranges. an A8 is not comparable to a 3 series. You need to look at at least a 5 series.

Who or what gave you the idea that I was comparing?

[SkeptiKal12]

I'm not a huge fan of the 7 series, the old ones are decent but old, the newer ones were 'bangled' by their head designer.

I'm not a fan of acura, lexus, etc. either, they always seem like expensive toyotas/hondas. Good quality and reliability, but a high pricetag. I'd also like something with decent room too.

The mazdaspeed 6 would be ok, but I don't want a manual. Tiptronic, fine, but that's mostly useless.

A G35 would be nice, but is a bit out of the price range brand new, and on the used market they are pretty pricey

I think new is best, again for the warranty and repair reasons. I'm sure repairs on an A8 or Phaeton would be pretty pricey.

Have you had a look at importing a 2007 G35 Sedan from the states. I was in the market for a coupe a while back (not any more) and found out that they honoured warranty in Canada when bought from the US.

They start in the low 30s USD which would put you slightly above 40,000 CDN (depending on exchange rate and how you bargain) with fees and taxes.

[TenzoR]

My vote is for the Audi S8 or VW Pheaton, they look fantastic inside out

The maintanence might eat you alive but I think for the amount of money you are paying for it, you are getting a helluva car

I just checked trader and there is a 2002 Audi S8 for only $35,000.

[new_vr]

Who or what gave you the idea that I was comparing?

Umm, I don't know,...you said stay away from the audi, and go for a 3 series...

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Don't listen to those rice boys who hate the Impala because it's faster than their Civics. FWD has it's advantages in the snow, It's not a bad tradeoff for most people who want a daily driver with lots of power if they need it.

[new_vr]

Don't listen to those rice boys who hate the Impala because it's faster than their Civics. FWD has it's advantages in the snow, It's not a bad tradeoff for most people who want a daily driver with lots of power if they need it.
One episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said he didn't care if a car was FWD, RWD or AWD...all that matters is how it drives.
Most of the people telling you that you need a RWD have probably never driven one, since most RWD's are out of the reach of a lot of people

[frogger]

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1116192&adid=5538413

[VivienM]

Apparently the Impala SS I was looking at isn't a cool car (according to the RFD Cool Wall voters), so I'm looking for other options.

Are the RFD Cool Wall voters going to be driving the car? Are they going to be paying the payments? Are they the ones who are going to be staring at it for 4-5 years every day?

If the answer to all of these questions is "no", then why are you ruling out a car you seemed to like based on their opinion?

[MrDisco]

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1116192&adid=5538413

Very nice :)

[puff_daddy_58_99]

Are the RFD Cool Wall voters going to be driving the car? Are they going to be paying the payments? Are they the ones who are going to be staring at it for 4-5 years every day?

If the answer to all of these questions is "no", then why are you ruling out a car you seemed to like based on their opinion?

Everybody loves to jump to conclusions eh? I didn't say I'm writing off the Impala, I just thought it would be decent to ask what other competitors would be at that price. I guess one of the problems is that most people haven't driven an impala, just like I haven't driven most hyundai's and kia's and yet I still wouldn't recommend them.

I appreciate the suggestions. As for the STS, not a huge fan, and it's only a 3.6 V6, not the same power as the Impala. Oh and it's 2 years old.

[Andro]

One episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said he didn't care if a car was FWD, RWD or AWD...all that matters is how it drives.
Most of the people telling you that you need a RWD have probably never driven one, since most RWD's are out of the reach of a lot of people

althought i agree with you, i'd have to say that RWD is quite affordable since smart is RWD.......however, i'am not sure if that qualifies as a car :lol:

[frogger]

Everything I've read about the new Impala SS seems to lament its suspension and FWD dated architecture. Its still tuned for a floaty ride. The W-body has been around a long time and although the front seats in a W-body are roomy, the rest isn't packaged that well for its large size. I've had a non-SS for a rental a few times and wasn't impressed with its interior materials at all.

I suggested the STS because it will have a longer warranty than a Chevy so it being a few years old isn't a big deal.

Charger might be worth a test drive for sure but budget wise, new might be pricey.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

don't even think of suggesting a smart car. I'm 6'3" and I played nose tackle in highschool. Big people don't drive grocery carts, so no smart cars

[Andro]

don't even think of suggesting a smart car. I'm 6'3" and I played nose tackle in highschool. Big people don't drive grocery carts, so no smart cars

hey, i would never suggest that car to you......i'am 6'1 and it's too small for me too........i just brought that car up as an example that RWD is quite affordable.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

ok, sorry, my reply was harsh. My bad

[Andro]

ok, sorry, my reply was harsh. My bad

no prob......btw Impala SS is a pretty decent choice IMO, i was considering that car myself for some time.....however i would suggest to wait maybe a little more if you could since there is some new cars that are gonna be coming out soon.......Challenger(you liked that one right?), new Accord, new CTS, and so on.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

I love the challenger. and the CTS that was unveiled in detroit? HOT

I see the A8's are around 26-30k used. Any real problems with them?

[VivienM]

I appreciate the suggestions. As for the STS, not a huge fan, and it's only a 3.6 V6, not the same power as the Impala. Oh and it's 2 years old.

In the other thread where another poster and I were talking "STS", we were talking about the 98-04 Seville STS, which was FWD and came with 275/300HP Northstars, NOT the 05+ Sigma STS, which is RWD and has the 3.6/4.6.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

so I'm no closer to any other model. The A8 is fantastic, but the mechanical problems and repair costs scare me. Same for the Phaeton. The Charger is nice, but more money. I'd like a 300C, but there is a huge premium on them; they are too popular.

I priced out one of the new base bmw coupes, and they are pretty decent. 36 month lease was around 550 + tax which wasn't bad.

[galanz]

Most of the people telling you that you need a RWD have probably never driven one, since most RWD's are out of the reach of a lot of people

Or they're over the age of 25. I've owned 7+ RWD cars in my years of driving.

[new_vr]

Or they're over the age of 25. I've owned 7+ RWD cars in my years of driving.

I have owned 3, but I still think most of the people haven't

[puff_daddy_58_99]

well if there aren't any more suggestions, it looks like I'll be heading to the dealer tomorrow night to iron things out.

[Anessa]

E39 5 Series is really a driver's car and it would suit a big guy like you.

[MrDisco]

you could also take a look at the Buick Lucerne. It's also a big car, nice ride, and you don't see too many on the road so its unique. only thing i don't like it is the base model uses the 3.8 v6. you'll need to head upscale to get the bigger engine choice.

should also throw in the Ford Five Hundred. Another big car you don't see too many of. I'm not a fan of the styling though.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

E39 5 Series is really a driver's car and it would suit a big guy like you.

the problem is that I really prefer something with a warranty, so I don't have to worry about the repairs and maintenance, which will be costly in a bmw. Plus I've never found the styling that great, nor the performance.

[that_staples_guy]

you could also take a look at the Buick Lucerne. It's also a big car, nice ride, and you don't see too many on the road so its unique. only thing i don't like it is the base model uses the 3.8 v6. you'll need to head upscale to get the bigger engine choice.


Lucerne is a great looking car, and I heard that Buick has quality product.

http://www.buick.com/images/vehHome/nonflash/lu_exterior.jpg

[puff_daddy_58_99]

the lucerne is decent, I tried out a GM exec model, fully loaded, and they were asking $40k. Of course it was a year old with 20k kms, but it was nice. Styling wasn't fantastic, and to be honest I didn't find the interior that much better than the company impala that I drove for most of the summer.

The allure is decent, but they have no value after you drive them off the lot. The base models are going in the 14-15k after 1 year, purchase price was 24+ tax.

I'm heading to the dealer today after work to finalize things. My uncle works for GM, so they're going to try and get family pricing and order one specifically for me. I don't want to pay for the sunroof, polished rims, or 6 cd changer, which will save around $2500 from the price. I use my ipod, hate the existing rims and will get my own, and the sunroof isn't all that awesome anyways.

If things fall through, then it will be back to the drawing board.

[frogger]

For me if I'm not going RWD I'm going with either an Altima SE 3.5 or Aura XR. So much more contemporary styling wise inside and out and suspension tuning.

[cereal83]

RWD is the only way to go. I can't believe people actually buy FWD unless it is a family car.

[new_vr]

RWD is the only way to go. I can't believe people actually buy FWD unless it is a family car.

The probably go with FWD because it makes the most sense.
-it's cheaper to make
-it weighs less (which increases fuel economy)
-you have extra weight on your driving wheels, which adds to traction
-no bulky driveshaft going down the center of your car.

Why can't you believe people would want these advantages?

[SkiD]

RWD is the only way to go. I can't believe people actually buy FWD unless it is a family car.

Blame Honda and Toyota's rise in popularity for the switch from RWD to FWD. Because FWD was the "new/advanced" technology and "safer", everybody jumped on the bandwagon and voila we have the situation we are in today.

We will see what happens when GM starts switching all their large cars to the RWD Zeta platform (Buick Lucerne, Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Impala, etc. ) and see if the public switches back (at least for non-family cars).

When you look at it, how much money is wasted on research trying to get a FWD car to handle like a sports car and put huge amounts of power down through the front wheels (hello, torque steer). I would rather cars be simplified and get better fuel economy.

BTW, I remember a Honda advertisement that showed a dog sled with dogs at the front pulling (FWD) and a dog sled with dogs at the back (RWD) and asked consumers which one made sense. I wonder which one people picked :|

[VivienM]

Blame Honda and Toyota's rise in popularity for the switch from RWD to FWD. Because FWD was the "new/advanced" technology and "safer", everybody jumped on the bandwagon and voila we have the situation we are in today.

Actually, I'd blame the American government. In the early 80s, when cars had to be downsized to meet strict fuel economy standards, FWD made a whole lot of sense...

Of course, this was the era when the first FWD "big" Cadillac had a ~125HP V8, IIRC. Torque steer is probably less of a problem then...

[VivienM]

I'm heading to the dealer today after work to finalize things. My uncle works for GM, so they're going to try and get family pricing and order one specifically for me. I don't want to pay for the sunroof, polished rims, or 6 cd changer, which will save around $2500 from the price.

Just to be clear... what are you ordering? Lucerne? Impala?

[bionicbadger]

RWD is the only way to go. I can't believe people actually buy FWD unless it is a family car.

Most cars are "familiy" cars, thats why you see so many minivans.

And I would say AWD is the only way to go if you live where it snows a lot.

[careener]

I would reconsider before buying a new NA car. They depreciate way too fast.
Go to Buffalo and pick up a used 2005 CTS or CTS-V for 20-30k US.

[Sewert]

I too am looking for a new car and I am average to large guy...

Here's what I want:

AWD for safety
4 door for easy family use
Decent gas mileage (4 cyl)
something sporty with some power

CONCLUSION:
Subaru WRX Sti!

Oh yea!:lol:

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

You bought an STi for "decent gas mileage"? Are you sure you've thought this out all the way? :lol:

[MrDisco]

the lucerne is decent, I tried out a GM exec model, fully loaded, and they were asking $40k. Of course it was a year old with 20k kms, but it was nice. Styling wasn't fantastic, and to be honest I didn't find the interior that much better than the company impala that I drove for most of the summer.

I would disagree you there. The exterior is a bit off a toss up, though i think the Buick edges it out (and you don't get that silly spoiler :P)

Both cars use the same corporate wheel, gauges, dash and radio cluster. The oddball shifter on the Chevy is ditched for a more normal looking gated shifter on the Buick (complete with gear markings! what a concept). My other beef with the Impala was the use of hard cheap plastic on the door panels. Total turn-off. At least in the Buick you get a nicer leather lined panel with better looking faux wood that wraps around onto the front and back doors (or at least in the higher end trim). You do pay more though for this name plate.

gl.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

deal is done. Paid the deposit, got financing, everything is good to go. Should arrive from factory in 8 weeks. Got it for 31,800 plus all the taxes and admin.

thanks for the comments, in the end, I like this car.

[mdc]

What did you get afterall?

[puff_daddy_58_99]

2007 Impala SS

[that_staples_guy]

Cool, do this to it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/vanquishv12_tt/2252950_35_full.jpg

:cheesygri

[puff_daddy_58_99]

not a chance. first up is 20% tints all around. The stock stereo is decent, but I'll be putting my kenwood system into it to bump things up. I've never had xm sattelite, but I doubt I will keep it after the first 3 free month trial. I've got a set of 18" boss 304 rims, might give them a try when summer comes around, they are summer only tyres.

The subaru GT spec B would have been my choice, but I don't drive stick and the closest subaru dealer is 40 minutes away in hamilton. The Phaeton will have to wait for a while, the repairs would just be too much.

[cereal83]

The probably go with FWD because it makes the most sense.
-it's cheaper to make
-it weighs less (which increases fuel economy)
-you have extra weight on your driving wheels, which adds to traction
-no bulky driveshaft going down the center of your car.

Why can't you believe people would want these advantages?

Yup, I don't really care what the facts are. I just hate fwd unless it is for a family car or people who drive 10 under the speed limit. No fwd imo is even half of a sports car.

Oh yeah, rwd would be cheaper to make, if it was more popular.


Blame Honda and Toyota's rise in popularity for the switch from RWD to FWD. Because FWD was the "new/advanced" technology and "safer", everybody jumped on the bandwagon and voila we have the situation we are in today.

We will see what happens when GM starts switching all their large cars to the RWD Zeta platform (Buick Lucerne, Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Impala, etc. ) and see if the public switches back (at least for non-family cars).

When you look at it, how much money is wasted on research trying to get a FWD car to handle like a sports car and put huge amounts of power down through the front wheels (hello, torque steer). I would rather cars be simplified and get better fuel economy.

BTW, I remember a Honda advertisement that showed a dog sled with dogs at the front pulling (FWD) and a dog sled with dogs at the back (RWD) and asked consumers which one made sense. I wonder which one people picked :|



I can't wait, fwd is just sad. A real car needs to have rwd or awd. fwd cars just blow



Most cars are "familiy" cars, thats why you see so many minivans.

And I would say AWD is the only way to go if you live where it snows a lot.


We see so many minivans because we have so many people who like them :( I would rather walk.

I agree, awd > rwd > walking > crawling> fwd

But if it is awd then it can't be like 90% front and 10% rear, it has to be like 70% read and 30% front.



This is just my opinion, you don't have to agree with it. I just feel this way about cars, nothing I can do.

[VivienM]

I agree, awd > rwd > walking > crawling> fwd

So I assume you would rather take PUBLIC TRANSIT than drive a FWD car?

Sheesh.

[careener]

Glad to hear you like the car. Congrats. Enjoy it.

[MrDisco]

deal is done. Paid the deposit, got financing, everything is good to go. Should arrive from factory in 8 weeks. Got it for 31,800 plus all the taxes and admin.

thanks for the comments, in the end, I like this car.

Congrats!! I love the SS..I'm actually pretty jealous. Did you get the black on black?

Was your total around $38k?

[new_vr]

Oh yeah, rwd would be cheaper to make, if it was more popular.

Spoken like someone who has no idea how a car works.
In a RWD you need a drive shaft and a rear casing. Also the Transmission and the differential are one piece in an FWD, compared to a RWD.
How does this make it cheaper? I always assumed when you added parts, things got more expensive.

[dgmorr]

Most of the people telling you that you need a RWD have probably never driven one, since most RWD's are out of the reach of a lot of people

What do you mean by this?

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Spoken like someone who has no idea how a car works.
In a RWD you need a drive shaft and a rear casing. Also the Transmission and the differential are one piece in an FWD, compared to a RWD.

Unless you put the engine in the rear too. :lol:

http://www.motormagazinesha.co.jp/medialog/car/ferrari/360s/img/engine.jpg

[Gold Monkey]

Go for the new Toyota Camry.

[new_vr]

What do you mean by this?
There aren't a lot of cheap RWD's out there, so most people haven't driven one

[galanz]

There aren't a lot of cheap RWD's out there, so most people haven't driven one

It wasn't really that long ago most cars were RWD. I'd be willing to bet %80+ of drivers over 30 have driven a RWD vehicle. You also have to realise how many rwd trucks are out there.

[new_vr]

It wasn't really that long ago most cars were RWD. I'd be willing to bet %80+ of drivers over 30 have driven a RWD vehicle. You also have to realise how many rwd trucks are out there.
My first vehicle was a truck. I wouldn't say it, or any other truck I have driven handled better then my current FWD car.
I think over 30 is a little optimistic. Most cars since the early 80's have been FWD, and seeing that someone who is 30 would have gotten their license in 1990 at the earliest, the would have had to be driving a pretty old car (with a few exceptions)

[careener]

It wasn't really that long ago most cars were RWD. I'd be willing to bet %80+ of drivers over 30 have driven a RWD vehicle. You also have to realise how many rwd trucks are out there.

Make that 40 ;)

[galanz]

My first vehicle was a truck. I wouldn't say it, or any other truck I have driven handled better then my current FWD car.
I think over 30 is a little optimistic. Most cars since the early 80's have been FWD, and seeing that someone who is 30 would have gotten their license in 1990 at the earliest, the would have had to be driving a pretty old car (with a few exceptions)

What can I say I'm getting old? My first 7 cars were all RWD. I was driving my 2nd gen RX7 up until early this year.
That said most RWD cars back then handled like crap anyways. My first beater 84 Prelude outhandled any of my previous RWD cars. The best handling RWD car I had before the Prelude was my 78 Nova which I upgraded to 78 T/A springs, rear end and sway bars and the Prelude still outhandled it.

[galanz]

Make that 40 ;)

D'oh! Time flies, I'm creeping up to 40 was faster than I like.