ask your insurance agent the price differential between a 3.8L base/LS vs 3.8L LTZ. If the LTZ is more expensive, go with a 'sleeper' base/LS with the 3.8L... just a thought. Let those women know you're not afraid to drive a non-LTZ type of lumina.
My mom has a taurus a bit newer than yours, and this may not be important to a young adult, but my lumina is smooth & quiet compared to the taurus which felt like a front wheel drive. Clunky, if that makes any sense...