Buying a "new-used" car soon, questions inside
12-09-2002, 05:56 PM
#1
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Location: Rio Rico, AZ 85648
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Car: 1989 IROC-1
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Buying a "new-used" car soon, questions inside
1. It will be primarily for my wife to drive to work. Apx 60 miles a day, all freeway.
2. I live in southern Arizona, AC is a must.
3. I will be going back to school soon and that limits the amount of money I will be making, so it will have to be something we buy in cash, no more debt right now.
4. Price range will be around $5000.00 or so.
I have her pretty convinced on an IROC with an L98, auto. She would prefer a 5 speed, but we already have a 5 speed F-body. I would definitely be adding keyless entry, remote start and stuff like that.
I am also considering another Grand Prix (we currently have a 92 getting close to the 200,000 mile mark and the AC is terrible), a Saturn, a Bonneville and so on.
Any ideas?
2. I live in southern Arizona, AC is a must.
3. I will be going back to school soon and that limits the amount of money I will be making, so it will have to be something we buy in cash, no more debt right now.
4. Price range will be around $5000.00 or so.
I have her pretty convinced on an IROC with an L98, auto. She would prefer a 5 speed, but we already have a 5 speed F-body. I would definitely be adding keyless entry, remote start and stuff like that.
I am also considering another Grand Prix (we currently have a 92 getting close to the 200,000 mile mark and the AC is terrible), a Saturn, a Bonneville and so on.
Any ideas?
12-09-2002, 08:02 PM
#2
Well, your lattitude and requirement for AC rules out most vans, unless you get dual heat/air. Even at that, the fuel for 300 miles/week could eat you alive. My wife does that with her Astro, and we just accept it. You might not want that much vehicle, either.
Have you considered a Bonneville or other GM 'G' body car? If you get one with the Buick 231, you have a real runner. The market on '95s is right about in your price range for an average condition Bonneville from a private seller. It's a fairly solid platform, large enough to be comfortable with an adequate trunk, yet gets decent mileage on the road, and doesn't have too much of that "old fart" styling. On top of that, the 231 can be made to produce some very good power levels if you're ever so inclined.
An 'F' car is likely to demand a little more cash in an equal condition, and is more likely to have been used hard. We've all seen the prices on the nicer ones.
Personally, I'm not sold on the Saturns, Cavaliers, Sunfires, or other small platforms. That just isn't designed as a 300,000 mile car like the larger platforms.
Being biased, I'd suggest a later 'B' car, but only if you get the LT1 engine. I'm almost sure you won't find one of those in decent condition in that price range. I get 26 MPG on the road if I keep my foot out of it with the '94. Because of the interior space, the AC does leave a little to be desired on those really hot, humid days however (100°/95% RH). Obviously, it's a very solid car, designed to last a long time and be very reliable. I'm not sure black would be the best color choice in your location either.
Just some opinions.
Have you considered a Bonneville or other GM 'G' body car? If you get one with the Buick 231, you have a real runner. The market on '95s is right about in your price range for an average condition Bonneville from a private seller. It's a fairly solid platform, large enough to be comfortable with an adequate trunk, yet gets decent mileage on the road, and doesn't have too much of that "old fart" styling. On top of that, the 231 can be made to produce some very good power levels if you're ever so inclined.
An 'F' car is likely to demand a little more cash in an equal condition, and is more likely to have been used hard. We've all seen the prices on the nicer ones.
Personally, I'm not sold on the Saturns, Cavaliers, Sunfires, or other small platforms. That just isn't designed as a 300,000 mile car like the larger platforms.
Being biased, I'd suggest a later 'B' car, but only if you get the LT1 engine. I'm almost sure you won't find one of those in decent condition in that price range. I get 26 MPG on the road if I keep my foot out of it with the '94. Because of the interior space, the AC does leave a little to be desired on those really hot, humid days however (100°/95% RH). Obviously, it's a very solid car, designed to last a long time and be very reliable. I'm not sure black would be the best color choice in your location either.
Just some opinions.
12-09-2002, 09:03 PM
#3
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Car: 1989 IROC-1
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Vader,
I figured for sure you'd suggest a Hyundai!
Seriously though, I love Bonnevilles. I had a new one in 91 and it was awesome.
I'll probably end up convincing her otherwise, but right now she thinks they are "too big". Ironic, my uncles F-350 (4door cab and long bed-460 EFI) 4X4 isn't "too big".
That crappy Dodge Dynasty (actually smaller wheel base than our Grand Prix) is also considered "too big". (I think it just sucks, big or small)
What else are G bodies? What are the Caprices?
Anybody else with input?
I figured for sure you'd suggest a Hyundai!
Seriously though, I love Bonnevilles. I had a new one in 91 and it was awesome.
I'll probably end up convincing her otherwise, but right now she thinks they are "too big". Ironic, my uncles F-350 (4door cab and long bed-460 EFI) 4X4 isn't "too big".
That crappy Dodge Dynasty (actually smaller wheel base than our Grand Prix) is also considered "too big". (I think it just sucks, big or small)
What else are G bodies? What are the Caprices?
Anybody else with input?
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