Which to choose - compromise looks/power

I've had a Buick LeSabre ('96) for several years now, and it's about to hit 180k - I know it'll last a bit longer, but I really don't want to get into the no-man's-land that is "constant repairs".

I want to get a good used car, and I'd like it to be a Buick - I enjoy the line and really wouldn't want to give up the comfort / interior space I currently have.

At the same time, I would like a year/make with a good engine - hopefully the best possible compromise of mileage/power. (I have an annoying brother who enjoys scooting around in his Accord - I'd so LOVE to flat out beat him on acceleration with a Grandma-mobile)

Any suggestions as far as year/model?

Also, assuming I find it used at your "default loadout" (been playing too much Counterstrike lately - sorry), what kind of work/expense can I expect to put out to get it up to "racing specs"? (And I use that term loosely)

Upgrade to a new LeSabre, or step up to the PA. PA was redesigned in 97 and the LeSabre in 98.

Anything with the 3800 engine will give good power, the SC 3800 will give even more, with about the same economy.

I beat a V6 accord(not sure what year) it was close, but I whooped it.

Is the SC3800 you mention standard on anything, or would I have to install/request it specifically?

When you talk about nailing down an Accord (O glorious visions which assail my mental sight, may you soon be mine!), did you have to modify your vehicle at all, or was that straight out of the gates?

SC3800 is standard on the 97 and up Regal GS, and the 97 and up Park Avenue Ultra.

I have a 94 Park Ave, all I've done is removed the throttle body screen that robs performance. It's a matter of just removing an unnecessary part. The accord I pantsed was something like a 98-00 model year I think, I dont know my Hondas. I also beat a ~93 mustang 5.0, but it could have been a v6 with 5.0 emblems, idk. I absolutly dusted a Kia sportage today, it was more funny than it was a satisfying victory.

The SC 3800 is awesome, When i upgrade(hopefully soon) it'll be to a ~97 PA

Sounds absolutely great. How is the Regal compared to a PA? Or even to the LeSabre, as far as interiors go. Call me soft, but I would be reticent indeed to give up the legroom. ;)

And by the by - is there anything I can do to the '96 LS that I've got, in the meantime, or am I pretty much stuck?

The LeSabre ought to run forever.

The regal is smaller than your lesabre. you'll lose trunk space, and legroom up front and out back. Interior is nice, but there is little wood grain

The Park Avenue has more room and trunk space than the Lesabre. The Park is decked out in wood grain, optional heads up display, it is the superior car IMHO.

Don't forget to add the Bonne SSEi to this list. Besides the supercharger, pontiac adds all the extra's you can imagine. My 92 SSE (no I) has fog lights, HUD, 4 wheel disc, climate control and you talk about storage. There coviholes everywhere and cup holders built into the door pockets that'l hold a big gulp! Lord knows what a new one will have.

all this talk about racing reminds me of when I had an Olds Inrigue 3.5L. I wouldn't recommend buying one, but man can they fly. It was great beating the kids with ricers. Almost spent a night in jail just after beating a modded Probe GT

Yes, the SSEi does have the L67 engine(L67 is the code for the SC3800). As does the Pontiac grand prix GTP. I neglected them because he said he was partial to Buick's.

Le Buick- I was looking at the same console earlier, I'd have to remov my middle seat somehow.