what to buy

[Chris]

About 6 hours ago my dads car was creamed by a big mean dodge truck. So we need a new car!
He wants something cheap, 4 doors, good mileage, and a MANUAL YEAAAAHHH!!!

So what do you think. We have looked at an Accord LX already. Any suggestions are good!

[MercCougarXR7]

What was he driving when he got creamed? After getting smacked by a huge truck, why would he want to get another tiny car ? Best of luck to you both in your search though...

[Chris]

He was in a 1992 Cavalier VL coupe. A shit box. He was hit by a Dodge Ram 3500, and older one.

We have since got a 1996 Ford Taurus (yuk! I wanted soemthing fun, but no luck)

[MercCougarXR7]

He wasn't hurt I hope... Here's my recomendation (unless gas economy is a strong deciding factor): Test drive a CrownVic. Their ONLY weak spot in my opinion is the suspension, as it is Granny soft. That is easily fixed with Bilstein shocks, and my Monkey now rides like a truck, but handles great . Plenty of power, size, comfortable seats, power everything... and Reliable as hell. Nothing breaks on these cars .

[tanjwarrior]

A cheap car?!

Man, that's asking for alot. Depending on what you want, plenty of Cavalier's out there to replace it with. Anything with the 3.1 V6 would be good.
A Crown Vic is a good car. Nice suggestion!
How about a Buick...like a Riveria?

I've noted in Iowa that many of the late 1980's or early 90's BMW 325's have decent prices. Don't let high mileage [150,000+] make you think they are ready to croak. If well maintained, they'll last 1/4 million miles easy!

Any Caddy w/4 doors for something that says "Money"!

For manual tranny fun in the sun, a MG or Triumph. Forget a Miata. Looks like an oversize model car with wheels. I'd hate to get hit by a big, bad Dodge truck in one.

For those that like muscle cars of long ago, any Chevy, Dodge, Ford or whatever musclecar! Smallblock V8 with a 4-speed - Great! Bigblock V8 - OH WOW!

[Chris]

Here's my recomendation (unless gas economy is a strong deciding factor): Test drive a CrownVic.

We actually have a 94 crown vic, its my stepmoms. We considered another one, but the 2 of them wouldnt fit in the garage, and it might be silly having two of them. Does yours have the bench or buckets up front??

I begged for a mini cooper s (the original), a triumph spitfire mk. III, or something like that, but they just wouldnt listen
A caddy would have been boughten (for about 25 grand canadian, for a three year old STS, 1/3 of the value when new!!), but we just changed our mortgage, so it will be payed off in a few years, saving money in the long run, so cash isnt too plentiful.

[MercCougarXR7]

Hey - another CV owner ! I also didn't realize you were a fellow Canuck !

My Marquis seats are the Bucket type with an arm rest on each one. I love the 8 way seat with the lumbar in there, but there is little lateral support in them for wailing around corners . I am going to buy a Taurus SHO console, and put that in the middle between the seats. I have to do some farmer surgery though ...

What model is your Mom's CV? Does it have dual exhaust, and 'light up the sidewalk lights' when the signals are on (an LX)? Also, what do you guys get for milage? I know when I baby my Marquis, I can get close to 30, but on average about 20, because I drive like an idiot! Hey, if your interested in the Vic, check in at www.crownvic.org . See ya - Merc.

[Chris]

We get 10L/100km, or roughly 24mpg. We have the bench seat up front, and it isn't very good No support anywhere.
I think its the LX, but I'm not sure (will check later).
I like it because it is rear wheel drive, with a 200 or so hp and 280lb-ft (yeeeesssss!!!). It will probably do a one-wheel burnout after a brake stand, and should be hella fun to power out of corners.

I wonder if I could convince them that by fitting new, stiffer and lower shocks that it would improve gas mileage (by lowering wind resistance).... Its worth a try!

[MercCougarXR7]

Doubt it - didn't work for my parents ! My parents had 4 CV's before their last one got smacked up. Then, they went out and bought a Chrysler Concorde - total POS IMHO. Well, maybe not such a bad car, but if that is supposed to be a Luxury car, NO F'ING Thanks! I am not crazy, but I love to drive my Marquis. Moves pretty good, starting to handle like a real car now, and is incredibly unique. People around here either drive Mustangs, Civics, or Cavaliers. A nice looking Marquis that hustles is something very odd around here, but people generally like it. Even the 94-96 Impalla owners .

Look at it like this - a 95 CV with the newer tail design will cost about $6000 Cdn., $1000 for port and polishing, another $1000 for gears and shocks - and you'll have one kick ass CV .

How's your Dad making out in his search?

[Chris]

We're picking up our brown 96 taurus (too bad...) tommorrow, Friday the 21st.

[MercCougarXR7]

! A brown Taurus... Talk about Boring, eh? Enjoy .

[Chris]

well, at least its more fun than watching paint dry. Or maby not.
At least I will get to drive the CV once in awhile. And I get to drive my moms 99 grand am SE1 with the 16 inch wheels and 225/50 rubber. But the steering is overboosted.
If I get a job, then I will buy an original mini and mod it.

Also, if (a VERY BIG if) my moms boyfriend buys a Camaro SS, I might get to drive it. But I doubt he'll get it, and even if he does, would you let me drive it

[Jay!]

Originally posted by Chris
Also, if (a VERY BIG if) my moms boyfriend buys a Camaro SS, I might get to drive it. But I doubt he'll get it, and even if he does, would you let me drive it

I would definitely let you drive your mom's boyfriend's car.

[Chris]

I would definitely let you drive your mom's boyfriend's car.

Perhaps I should re-phrase: Would you let me drive your Camaro SS??
muhahahahahah
325 hp going through a 6-speed gearbox to monster 275(?)/4?-17ZR tires, wheeeeeee!!!!