Car recommendations for a friend

[Jake]

I've got a friend who's a sophomore at Radford. His first car was a 94 Lincoln Continental with the baller digital dash and less cool (broken) airbag shock system. That car died over the summer and now he wants to replace it. I told him I'd help him look and figured you all might have suggestions as well.

He wants a sedan or coupe - no SUVs/trucks/vans/mopeds. Automatic is fine, but he would learn manual if something really cool popped up. Size-wise, probably not a compact car. He liked the size of the Continental.

He's been looking at Caddy Eldorados and Sevilles, primarily for the bling bling factor I think. I'm concerned about reliability and insurance cost.

Budget is ~$6k or less. He would prefer less than 120k miles, and roughly a 1995 M.Y. or newer. Ideas?

[Goodspeed]

It doesn't sound like MM could really help this person. Given the stats, he should probably look to these people for answers



But...240SX, SC3/400, 300ZX NA, etc etc etc.

[Jake]

Hahaha... thanks Goodspeed

How bout we play this way: If you had to give up your current car and buy a "normal" or "mainstream" car instead, what would YOU get?

Any opinions on the 95-99 Maximas? I hear the 5-speed ones are pretty fun.

[Mike]

Any opinions on the 95-99 Maximas? I hear the 5-speed ones are pretty fun.

they're decent, but the few i've been around haven't held up all too well. mechanically, bulletproof.

lincoln mark viii?
previous gen thunderbird?
lincoln ls?

[ScottyB]

as Mike said the 4th gen maximas are pretty stout mechanically. the engine is a gem.

i have no idea but do any of those other boats have air suspension? i think the lincolns do. i would avoid that, it's going to leak sooner or later.

[Goodspeed]

The ~'00 Lincoln LS is a good choice. There's an article on it in an old C&D on top of the poop depository and they said it was a very good sports sedan for those on a budget. Definitely in his range these days

Also, I'd take either one of these, though the '03-'04 Marauder is about twice his price-cap (though wouldn't be hard to finance half of it). Imp SS would be a good choice



If he could stretch is budget somewhat, I'd seriously get an '03-'04 Infiniti M45. Most probably think it looks ass-like, but I love them and they look great in person. Rare too with only about 8,000 brought to the US.

[fiveoh2go]

I know it doesn't fulfill the 1995 MY or newer requirement, but why not a clean early 90's 5.0 Mustang? The engines are proven (the block will split before the rotating assembly gives), a T5 manual isn't too bad, and the 8.8 has shown it can handle big power (just throw in a c-clip elim. kit).



That and these cars are stupid fun that beg to be modded.

[CaptainHenreh]

Could an LS400 be had for that price? I think it's maybe possible.

I <3 the LS400?

[Evan]

Infinity Q45? Not sure how much they go for, but they are pretty nice.

My first car was an 81 Caprice Classic black and chrome. Loved that car. Cant go wrong with a 90s caprice or crown vic

[ScottyB]

you can pick up a mid-milage 02+ crown vic P71 ex popo car. just look for one that was a detective or supervisor vehicle and it won't have been used to drive human garbage around.

they're tanks and have enough power to be fun. you also have the bonus of everyone giving you a wide berth when you're on the road.

i've seen cars like that for 6k and under, shouldn't be hard to wheel and deal the price a bit.

[Ginger]

Minus one on the Impala SS - we've got one. It's a money pit. Sure, the block hasn't cracked, but everything attached to it has broken at one point of another. Nearly every time it's driven there's a bill with a comma attached now. Last time my Dad drove it, it stopped running three blocks from his house. He pushed it home and hasn't touched it since. That was six months ago.

[ViPER1313]

Pontiac Grand Prix GTP / Buick Regal GS / Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS w/ the supercharged motor - you can find tons of low mileage examples for well under 6k.

P71 Crown Vic +1

Chrysler 300M

[PGK]

Minus one on the Impala SS - we've got one. It's a money pit. Sure, the block hasn't cracked, but everything attached to it has broken at one point of another. Nearly every time it's driven there's a bill with a comma attached now. Last time my Dad drove it, it stopped running three blocks from his house. He pushed it home and hasn't touched it since. That was six months ago.

I guess the busted gene is hereditary.

[JustinG]

+1 on the Lincoln LS v8

also consider
Lexus gs300/400

BAWLIN CAPRICE WAGON

[Jake]

Well, search over... he Facebooked me this morning saying that he bought something. Got a '98 Caddy Seville SLS that he's picking up tomorrow. I think I found it on CL. 82k miles for $4,995 - maybe less if he negotiated.

Not my style but it looks pretty clean. No word on if that Amurrican flag on the window is included for the price

[.RJ]

also consider
Lexus gs300/400

Those are pretty sweet - maybe im getting old but a 300hp rwd luxobarge sounds pretty nice.

[fiveoh2go]

Not my style but it looks pretty clean. No word on if that Amurrican flag on the window is included for the price

Or the handful of these still left in the glove box...





Seriously those cars ride awesome, good for long trips.

[Feersty]

Looks like your boy got a great deal.

[Mike]

a seville? a seville? no respect. cadillac made some stuff that's halfway cool back in those days. the seville wasn't one of them.

[Goodspeed]

So if your friend isn't really old, I'm going to further guess he is part of an organized crime ring. Like this guy.