The ultimate Starter

[ClubBurton]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

If you go German,avoid a Volkswagon with an automatic transmission.The Automatic transmissions in the Volkswagons are junk.Yes the the late 90s Chrysler engines in the late 90s and you want to void anything with a 2.7 for a Chrysler product.The 2.7 is put in 1998 to 2004 Dodge Intrepids and Chrysler Concordes,Sebrings and some Chrysler 300s starting in 2005 I believe.SOme were put in the Magnums for the base level models too.

Is the 3.5 any better?

[Shpuker]

Agreed I wouldn't go with a Magnum ever personaly.

and there are a lot of suvs that get better than 20mpg, theres some website with almost every car,suv and trucks gas mileage on it, I'll go look that up real quick

here you go
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

[wafrederick]

The 3.5 is a good engine and pretty much lasts a long time.The 2.7 is known for eating crankshafts due to a very weak bottom end,timing chains,waterpumps and very expensive to repair.The magnums with the 5.7 hemi get great fuel mileage,has a fuel saving system which shuts off 4 cylinders.

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

The 3.5 is a good engine and pretty much lasts a long time.The 2.7 is known for eating crankshafts due to a very weak bottom end,timing chains,waterpumps and very expensive to repair.The magnums with the 5.7 hemi get great fuel mileage,has a fuel saving system which shuts off 4 cylinders.

to bad it only gets an average of 18mpg

You should know what your saying before you say it.

[wafrederick]

Not true,My mother has a 2006 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7 Hemi with the MDS and it gets 24 MPG.The hemis in the Magnums,300Cs and Chargers,use 5w20 oil only and there is a reason why.Use the wrong grade oil,the MDS system will not work right and the acuators for the MDS get gummed up.

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

Not true,My mother has a 2006 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7 Hemi with the MDS and it gets 24 MPG.The hemis in the Magnums,300Cs and Chargers,use 5w20 oil only and there is a reason why.Use the wrong grade oil,the MDS system will not work right and the acuators for the MDS get gummed up.

your mother drives one? lol funny sounding.

any way, how bout this?

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
how bout them apples? I believe that says the average for actual drivers that posted on there was 15.6MPG

EDIT: and its good that you know what type of oil your moms car takes. but you can find that posted ON THE OIL CAP

[wafrederick]

My mother's Chrysler 300C with the Hemi gets 24 MPG and this is not a lie.

[akboss]

Perhaps your mom only drives on the highway? City mileage is what drops mileage like a stone, especially if you're talking a big V8. The cylinder deactivation only comes into effect when you're cruising, which pretty much never happens around town, so you're using all 8 cylinders in constant gas-and-brake. The 3.5 has lots of power, not to mention it's lighter.

[ClubBurton]

3.5 Chrysler sounds good to me. On FuelEconomy.gov, it mentions a 19 MPG, which is ok. The Chrysler LHS / Concorde goes on my list.

So far I have: '00 Buick LeSabre, '97 Buick Park Avenue, '99 Chrysler Concorde, '99 Chrysler LHS,.

One more question: is the Ford 4.6 V8 modular a good engine?

[akboss]

Originally Posted by ClubBurton

3.5 Chrysler sounds good to me. On FuelEconomy.gov, it mentions a 19 MPG, which is ok. The Chrysler LHS / Concorde goes on my list.

So far I have: '00 Buick LeSabre, '97 Buick Park Avenue, '99 Chrysler Concorde, '99 Chrysler LHS,.

One more question: is the Ford 4.6 V8 modular a good engine?

My folks had a '97 Concorde they drove to almost 350,000 Kms, then they got knocked at an intersection and it wasn't worth fixing the car (rust) - the car never had major engine trouble, tranny was perfect, and neither of them are sticklers for maintenance. Compared to the Buicks, you'll get a more modern, 'driver oriented' interior in the Chryslers. Also look up the 300M, that was a little sportier and tidier in size compared to the big-butt LHS/Concorde.

[Shpuker]

the LeSabre is a good car, never had an encounter with a Park. Most Ford engines are good quality, only thing to be aware of in Fords is really electrical issues. Can't disagree with the Chrysler advice.

[ClubBurton]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

the LeSabre is a good car, never had an encounter with a Park. Most Ford engines are good quality, only thing to be aware of in Fords is really electrical issues. Can't disagree with the Chrysler advice.

The Park Avenue shares the same engine with LeSabre. It is basically larger and more loaded.

I would say the main difference between the Buicks and Chrysler mentioned above is styling. Buicks look more conservative, while the LHS and Concorde display a more aerodynamic design.

[freedhardwoods]

Originally Posted by ClubBurton

I have already been to autotrader, but somehow prices are kind of expensive right now. I still have my parents' Volvo for now, so I'm not in a hurry to buy.

I typed in Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler coupe and sedan, $5000 limit, 100 mi radius of your area and got over 1200 cars. Surely there are a few out of that many that would fit what you are looking for.

I am in the market for a large sedan because our Chrysler is getting several minor annoying problems (still runs and drives good). After much research on reliability I am looking for a Ford Crown Victoria. I am not saying it is more reliable than other brands/models, but it fits what I am looking for and rates pretty high. Mid 90's Chevy Impala is a very close second for me. Average mpg is supposed to be about 20. I am only intending to spend $2,000-$4,000. I'm in no hurry either. Watching and waiting for a deal.

[freedhardwoods]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

any way, how bout this?

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
how bout them apples? I believe that says the average for actual drivers that posted on there was 15.6MPG

I went to that link and the average actual reported mileage was over 20 with a high of 23.

[ClubBurton]

Actually, I will wait untill summer 2010 to buy a car, since my parents are kind enough to lend me their Volvo for now.

I still have time to think, but right now I had in mind a V8 manual Camaro or Mustang. MPG might be lower than 18, but I think these cars are worth it.