Car recommendation

[dwasson]

Here's the deal. This fall the Marauder will be retired from everyday use. Before then I will be looking for a transportation module to use for everyday commutes, shopping, and other boring stuff. The basic requirements are as follows:

No more than 30K miles on the clock. No older than say, 2004.

$14K Max.

Decent gas mileage, high 20's + on regular. If I'm driving a transportation module it should save money.

Reliability is the primary goal. It will get 30K miles per year and I don't want to spend any money on it that could be better spent on guitars or the Marauder.

Must have leather upholstery. This is a deal breaker, I have to wear a suit every day and I hate the way most car upholstery collects dog hair.

Must meet minimum comfort and space requirements. Mazda 6 yes, Mazda 3 no.

Must have an automatic trans, I hate driving a stick in stop and go.

What should I buy and why? Make your best case.

[04MEMA]

Define "decent" gas mileage...? low - mid 20's?


For 30k miles per year - premium fuel is likely out of the question?

[dwasson]

Define "decent" gas mileage...? low - mid 20's?


For 30k miles per year - premium fuel is likely out of the question?

High 20's + on regular.

[offroadkarter]

Why not a Taurus? Our old 02 was good on gas, and if you forget to put the air filter in and run it at WOT, sounds just like a V8 :D

[04MEMA]

There's a free publication "Auto Focus" that I pick up at the market or Blockbuster... Now, it's all dealer ads - but I regularly have seen Buick Lesabre's and Park Avenue's - low mileage and maybe 5-6 years old for good prices. I personally know two people who have had good luck with Park Avenues. They're big and comfortable and I believe will get upper 20's on the highway. The 3800 V6 has a good reputation for durability. Maybe a Bonneville - a non s/c SSE has lots of toys - and some of them have million way adjustable seats - helpful for a bad back - perhaps...

Jeff

Added more info:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=223069186&dealer_id=60236463&car_year=2000&search_type=both&num_records=75&keywordsfyc=&make=BUICK&transmission=&model=PARK&distance=50&make2=&address=48307&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=12000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2002&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1999&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=23

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2000_Buick_Park_Avenue.shtml

[Bluerauder]

Here's the deal. This fall the Marauder will be retired from everyday use. Before then I will be looking for a transportation module to use for everyday commutes, shopping, and other boring stuff. The basic requirements are as follows:

No more than 30K miles on the clock. No older than say, 2004.

$14K Max.

Decent gas mileage, high 20's + on regular. If I'm driving a transportation module it should save money.

Reliability is the primary goal. It will get 30K miles per year and I don't want to spend any money on it that could be better spent on guitars or the Marauder.

Must have leather upholstery. This is a deal breaker, I have to wear a suit every day and I hate the way most car upholstery collects dog hair.

Must meet minimum comfort and space requirements. Mazda 6 yes, Mazda 3 no.

Must have an automatic trans, I hate driving a stick in stop and go.

What should I buy and why? Make your best case.
Dan,

I ran your "specs" through Kelly Blue Book and didn't come up with very many options. Price, newer model, and MPG are drivers in the decision/

Not sure that this meets ALL your requirements but how about a 2004 Ford Focus ZTS. Current estimated retail is $11,195 in excellent condition. MPG in the mid to upper 20's. Comes with optional leather seats. I have had one a couple times as a rental and it is surprisingly roomy inside. Reliability is good to very good. and it is nearly $3,000 under your target. So get the 2005.

The only other reasonable "hit" that I got was a Honda Civic and that had a manual trans. Don't think that they sell them in Detroit .... didn't see many when I was there. ;)

[dwasson]

I'm thinking that the first Fusion/Milans will be coming out of lease in the fall. They may be in my price range.

[Bluerauder]

I'm thinking that the first Fusion/Milans will be coming out of lease in the fall. They may be in my price range.

You may have trouble meeting your $14K target cost.

2006 Mercury Milan Premier with 2.3L $18,505. Might be down to $16,000 next year.

2006 Ford Fusion with 2.3L and optional leather is also $18,505. Go with the Mercury.

Maybe you'll be able to find a real deal ... but its gonna take some looking to get down in the $14K range.

My son (you met him at MV III) just picked up a Milan Premier for his "bride to be" and he likes the car alot. He did lots of research before jumping on the Milan.

[grzellmer]

I have the same plan as you. (Store MM, pick up a daily driver.)

I just picked up a new 2007 Grand Marquis for $17K+ Tax.

Nice car.

[RCSignals]

Mazda6 with leather interior?

[Mike Poore]

I'm thinking that the first Fusion/Milans will be coming out of lease in the fall. They may be in my price range.

Ford 500 has more room. How about a GM, or CV sport? Big guys need big cars. You don't want to step down into, or up out of, one of those damned things you have to put on.

[dwasson]

CV's and GM's are a little more thirsty than I want for this purpose.

AutoTrader has a few 500's and Montegos that look reasonable. I need to stop by by local L/M dealer and see how they fit. I'll probably look at some '05 Impalas too. The last time I checked VLADD was still available as a vanity plate.

[rvaldez1]

CV's and GM's are a little more thirsty than I want for this purpose.

AutoTrader has a few 500's and Montegos that look reasonable. I need to stop by by local L/M dealer and see how they fit. I'll probably look at some '05 Impalas too. The last time I checked VLADD was still available as a vanity plate.

High 20 mpg? that sounds very unlikely in a midsize. Especially stop and go. I would say try the newer Hyundai xg 350s and elantras. Or a Kia Optima.

[RCSignals]

I think the new V6 gets better gas mileage than the one it replaced, and is even close to the 4cyl fuel consumption.
If you are looking at a Fusion/Milan you might want to look at one of the new ones.

[whd507]

I get 25 city /30 hwy in my 95 town car.

dirt cheap used with goodies. my next used car will be another town car. for small car prices, you get a lot of car.

[04MEMA]

I get 25 city /30 hwy in my 95 town car.

dirt cheap used with goodies. my next used car will be another town car. for small car prices, you get a lot of car.


Damn 25/30 - that's strong...

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=mpgData&vehicleID=12055&browser=true&details=on

[dwasson]

I get 25 city /30 hwy in my 95 town car.

You might, I wouldn't.

[mrjones]

Here's one about what you would be looking for...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-MERCURY-MILAN-POWER-MOONROOF-16-IN-WHEELS-21K-MI_W0QQitemZ180133931874QQihZ0 08QQcategoryZ150115QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

[dwasson]

Here's one about what you would be looking for...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-MERCURY-MILAN-POWER-MOONROOF-16-IN-WHEELS-21K-MI_W0QQitemZ180133931874QQihZ0 08QQcategoryZ150115QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

That would be about perfect. Just a little early. Thanks.

[cyclopsram]

Two year old Crown Vickie or GM off lease with 20K miles for about $12000....most of the comfort of Marauder with a 2.73 rear and 25MPG on regular

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I'd Look At The Gm Also. Reasonably Priced 2004's Are A Good Deal.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

That's not enough to spend for something loaded in an 04+ midsize or larger for your requirements.

I'd recommend the 04+ Acura TL (260 hp, high 14s in the 1/4 mile stock, 28 realistic mpg highway), but it's going to cost a lot more. Handling is so far superior to something like the cars we drive, not even on the same page. Honda reliability. That's my case, I'd drive one. I had the Type S in the 03 and it drove really nice.