Cars in the $10k-$14k range?

[Ryan]

Scion xB p0wn3s j000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wag]

Scion xB p0wn3s j000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only if you're <30.

 

[sniperruff]

get a used 00'-03' maxima

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you'd stay away from that FWD BS, you could have your domestic cake, and eat it too:

• Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002
  • A rolling example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," philosophy, the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis twins continue to be the vehicles of choice for taxi companies, police departments, retirees and families who want a large, comfortable sedan without having to spend the big bucks on a luxury nameplate.

• 
  
  yeah, unless you need to parallel park it or get decent mileage.
  
  Mind you, they get very good mileage for what they are, but it's no >30mpg. If you need to haul stuff around a lot, they're good, but for commuting, not so much.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you'd stay away from that FWD BS, you could have your domestic cake, and eat it too:

• Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002
  • A rolling example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," philosophy, the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis twins continue to be the vehicles of choice for taxi companies, police departments, retirees and families who want a large, comfortable sedan without having to spend the big bucks on a luxury nameplate.
  
  Value is the story here, as well.
  • After spending several weeks behind the wheel of this big Merc and its sister in the Ford product lineup, the Crown Victoria, our elders have earned newfound respect for the wisdom of their automotive preferences.
    It's fairly obvious why the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are smart choices. The cars are, most importantly to our staff, fun to drive.
  
  What's with kids these days? I guess there are some things they'll just never understand.
  • But the original "pony car wars" actually signaled the end of the muscle age ? an era that had its genesis with a slew of big-engined, full-size hardtops and sedans.
    
    That's right, fast family-size cars started it all. Big Chevy Impalas, Pontiac Bonnevilles, Buick Wildcats, Ford Galaxies and Plymouth Furys ruled the roads. They touted huge, powerful V8s ? the fabled Chevrolet 409. Poncho's (Pontiac's) hot 421 and Buick's 401. Ford's venerable 406. And Mopar's 413.
  
  Who Needs a Minivan when Lincoln Offers a Trunk this Big?
  • Truth be told, we did not expect to like this Lincoln, which obtained an unsavory nickname concocted by a groomsman. Still, after living with the Town Car for ten days, we came to appreciate the comfortable interior, the huge trunk, the V-8 power, and all the little luxury conveniences. Driving this Lincoln made us wonder how big rear-drive cars fell out of favor with the American public.
  
  An enduring, endearing tradtional.
  • It is, as they say, a lot of car for the money.
  
  1992-2002 Ford Crown Victoria: Consumer Guide Best Buy
  • Handling and stability are fine for a big sedan. The base suspension absorbs bumps nicely, yet doesn't wallow or float past pavement swells.
  
  Ford Crown Victoria, 1992-1998
  • It's hard to believe, I know, but this big four-door handles surprisingly well. Even the base suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road bruises... The truth is, you don't wallow and float in a Crown Vic, at least not to the extent you might think.
  
  Jedlicka Reports
  • Virtually all American family cars were downsized and switched from rear- to front-drive in the 1980s to lighten them so they could deliver higher fuel economy without losing much?if any?interior space.
    
    But guess what? New large domestic cars with rear-drive will be introduced in the not-distant future. Engines and transmissions have become far more efficient, and American automakers know that a rear-drive layout?common with upscale European cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz?gives better weight distribution and balance. The result is sharper, more stable handling.
  
  Review by RON DRYSDALE
  • Such antics are more typically undertaken in something like a Porsche, but they also provided my most edifying moment in the surprisingly-athletic Crown Victoria that I was driving that day. Simply put, the car remained flat and cornered like it was on rails.
  
  Edmunds Used Car Best Bet
  • Ever wonder why police departments and taxi companies use these "old-tech" V8, rear-wheel-drive sedans? Because they're basically bullet-proof. Really, could a car have a tougher job than serving cab duty in New York City? Or cruiser duty in Los Angeles? Not only that, but these traditional American full-sizers are also very comfortable to ride in, have plenty of luggage capacity and are cheap to keep in light of their low maintenance requirements and commendable fuel efficiency (highway ratings are as high as 25 mpg). They also have very good crash test scores.

Edit: '94 Town Car < $4,000.00 with 5/5 JD Power Rating for Mechanical Quality

What a load of BS.

I particularly enjoy the comparison to a Porsche.

 

[Shlong]

Slightly Used Scion TC.

 

[Ornery]

"What a load of BS..."

Facts suck, eh Francis? :laugh:

Links? 😕

 

[CFster]

Facts? Links? Don't need 'em. Common sense is all I need.

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you'd stay away from that FWD BS, you could have your domestic cake, and eat it too:

• Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002
  • A rolling example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," philosophy, the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis twins continue to be the vehicles of choice for taxi companies, police departments, retirees and families who want a large, comfortable sedan without having to spend the big bucks on a luxury nameplate.

• 
  
  The only reason is because they're big and come with bench seats. I for one prefer a Maxima or an Accord which while being smaller on the outside somehow manages to still be roomy enough for me on the inside (and I go about 6'4"). It has do with an efficient use of space - something the American's haven't figured out yet. And, I don't care to be slung from one side of the car across those bench seats during cornering either.
  
  

  Value is the story here, as well.

  • After spending several weeks behind the wheel of this big Merc and its sister in the Ford product lineup, the Crown Victoria, our elders have earned newfound respect for the wisdom of their automotive preferences.
    It's fairly obvious why the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are smart choices. The cars are, most importantly to our staff, fun to drive.

  
  If you don't mind a boat that handles like a pig I guess. Far be it for me to argue with the racers over at Edmunds though.
  
  

  What's with kids these days? I guess there are some things they'll just never understand.

  • But the original "pony car wars" actually signaled the end of the muscle age ? an era that had its genesis with a slew of big-engined, full-size hardtops and sedans.
    
    That's right, fast family-size cars started it all. Big Chevy Impalas, Pontiac Bonnevilles, Buick Wildcats, Ford Galaxies and Plymouth Furys ruled the roads. They touted huge, powerful V8s ? the fabled Chevrolet 409. Poncho's (Pontiac's) hot 421 and Buick's 401. Ford's venerable 406. And Mopar's 413.

  
  We had this arguement in another thread. IMO, outdated, inefficient, unreliable iron. Their time has come and gone. Time for progress.
  
  

  Who Needs a Minivan when Lincoln Offers a Trunk this Big?

  • Truth be told, we did not expect to like this Lincoln, which obtained an unsavory nickname concocted by a groomsman. Still, after living with the Town Car for ten days, we came to appreciate the comfortable interior, the huge trunk, the V-8 power, and all the little luxury conveniences. Driving this Lincoln made us wonder how big rear-drive cars fell out of favor with the American public.

  
  Maybe it was the terrible handling in the snow, or all that space taken up by the transmission tunnel.
  
  

  An enduring, endearing tradtional.

  • It is, as they say, a lot of car for the money.

  
  As are most American cars - in the beginning. Then when they start breaking repeatedly, you'll pay...oh you'll pay.
  
  

  1992-2002 Ford Crown Victoria: Consumer Guide Best Buy

  • Handling and stability are fine for a big sedan. The base suspension absorbs bumps nicely, yet doesn't wallow or float past pavement swells.

  
  Ford Crown Victoria, 1992-1998

  • It's hard to believe, I know, but this big four-door handles surprisingly well. Even the base suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road bruises... The truth is, you don't wallow and float in a Crown Vic, at least not to the extent you might think.

  
  BS, they make me seasick. And if you ever had to do an avoidance manuever in one you'd be screwed.
  
  Remember, cop cars got bick tires, and big shocks. But they're still no match for 9 out of 10 cars in their size range out there. That's what the radio is for. Oh wait, there are no cars in their size range - I guess they would all be trucks!
  
  

  Jedlicka Reports

  • Virtually all American family cars were downsized and switched from rear- to front-drive in the 1980s to lighten them so they could deliver higher fuel economy without losing much?if any?interior space.

  • 
    
    Yes. And for some strange reason they're still doing it. Except, certain high end vehicles coming out (300, certain Caddys). That's because, the people who buy those also have a sport-ute in the garage for nasty weather. They won't be making a rear wheel drive Cavalier (or Aveo, or Neon etc) anytime soon. They wouldn't be able to sell them.
    
    

    But guess what? New large domestic cars with rear-drive will be introduced in the not-distant future. Engines and transmissions have become far more efficient, and American automakers know that a rear-drive layout?common with upscale European cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz?gives better weight distribution and balance. The result is sharper, more stable handling.

  
  I agree - in a performace car. A Crown Vic is not a performance car. There is a big freeking difference between how a BMW and a Marquis handles. If you don't realize that, then you haven't driven both.
  
  

  Review by RON DRYSDALE

  • Such antics are more typically undertaken in something like a Porsche, but they also provided my most edifying moment in the surprisingly-athletic Crown Victoria that I was driving that day. Simply put, the car remained flat and cornered like it was on rails.

  
  I'm not going to dignify this with a response.
  
  

  Edmunds Used Car Best Bet

  • Ever wonder why police departments and taxi companies use these "old-tech" V8, rear-wheel-drive sedans? Because they're basically bullet-proof. Really, could a car have a tougher job than serving cab duty in New York City? Or cruiser duty in Los Angeles? Not only that, but these traditional American full-sizers are also very comfortable to ride in, have plenty of luggage capacity and are cheap to keep in light of their low maintenance requirements and commendable fuel efficiency (highway ratings are as high as 25 mpg). They also have very good crash test scores.

Edit: '94 Town Car < $4,000.00 with 5/5 JD Power Rating for Mechanical Quality

They make good service vehicles and that's the only reason they're still around. In fact, they may only be offered as such in the near future (read not available to the public).

BTW, at least 4 of your links are broken. Could be my browser (Opera) not displaying them though.

In parting I'll say this, when you show me some reviews by actual car guys (C&amp;D, R&amp;T, MotorTrend etc...) instead of some page out of Canada and half a dozen links from Edmunds I'll sit up and take notice. Some people may accuse those publications I mentioned of having the manufacturers in their pockets but when they say a Crown Vic is better than it's foreign competition - well, then they'll make a believer out of me.

In the meantime, I'll use my own experience being in the wholesale auto industry for the past 18 years.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

 

[PCTweaker5]

Originally posted by: Shlong
Slightly Used Scion TC.

I dont see why anyone would be selling a Scion tC, that car is bloody awesome. Ive test driven it and its pretty damn quick and looks so nice inside.

 

[Ornery]

Yep, everything is true:

• ...a large, comfortable sedan without having to spend the big bucks - Check. BTW, I wear a seatbelt and enjoy the extra seating, elbow and legroom of a bench.
  
• The cars are, most importantly to our staff, fun to drive - Yeah whatever, they get my family and I from point A to point B safely, comfortably and dependably with at least 17MPG, and a low initial price.
  
• ...fast family-size cars started it all - Give me back some power in a family car, and I'll be happy as hell. Damn thing only gets driven on public streets, so "cornering &amp; handling" mean NOTHING to me.
  
• Driving this Lincoln made us wonder how big rear-drive cars fell out of favor with the American public. - No mystery to me... gas mileage! Consumers are generally stupid. Now that they've figured out that gas is actually cheap, all the auto manufacturers have retooled to FWD econoboxes. There's nothing left to buy in a full sized, full framed, V8 except for trucks and SUVs. I'll skip the SUV as long as I have my Town Car. BTW, your wondrous console takes up more room than a tranny tunnel.
  
• It is, as they say, a lot of car for the money. - Yep, no better bang for the buck. I've owned 'em for 20 years, all used, and keep buying them because they're so dependable and rugged.
  
• Handling and stability are fine for a big sedan. It's hard to believe, I know, but this big four-door handles surprisingly well. - Doesn't matter to me either way, because as I said, they're driven on public roads around the posted speed limits. Hell, tractor trailer rigs navigate these same roads, so how flippin' well does a damn car have to handle? 😕
  
• Virtually all American family cars were downsized and switched from rear-to front-drive in the 1980s to lighten them so they could deliver higher fuel economy... - Fuel economy, and in return you get a pathetic, wimpy front wheel drive train that's a pain in the ass to service and expensive to boot. Funny how the more upscale and performance cars of the world avoid this "advantageous" design. :roll: BTW, the RWD layout is more rugged and reliable, which is why it's used in service vehicles. Nothing to do with "handling".
  
• Simply put, the car remained flat and cornered like it was on rails. - On public roads, at the posted speed limit, the car doesn't sway or wallow. This is a FACT, but the price paid for that little trick is a stiffer ride. I'd rather have the damn car sway a little!
  
• ...they're basically bullet-proof. - Check. After a couple decades of owning, and servicing them, I can vouch for that. Safe, comfortable, roomy seating and trunk space, able to tow easily, and cheap, readily available, easily accessible parts. Only things I could ask for are more choices, and more power. Oh, and more rear legroom in these new Grand Marquis'.

The post is ancient, so it's no wonder links are broken, but the facts remain the same...

Edit Two Of Three Broken Links:

• What's with kids these days? I guess there are some things they'll just never understand.
  
  1992-2002 Ford Crown Victoria: Consumer Guide Best Buy
  
  thecarplace.com is gone...

"unless you need to parallel park it or get decent mileage."

"Mind you, they get very good mileage for what they are, but it's no >30mpg. If you need to haul stuff around a lot, they're good, but for commuting, not so much."

The OP said he was looking for "something reliable, coupe or sedan", and he was driving a domestic that was costing too much to own. IMO, the $15,000 would be better spent on a quality used car, than a cheap new car. Why not throw in some nice bells &amp; whistles while you're at it?

Commuting? I HATE COMMUTING! I try to make my commutes as pleasant as possible, but suit yourselves. BTW, my wife passed her driver's test at 16 years old, when parallel parking was a requirement. The car she used was a '68 Olds 98. I do believe our manual shifting, boy racers could handle a measly new Town Car!

 

[Wag]

The Scion is not the kind of car I am looking for and is out of my pricerange anyways.

 

[PCTweaker5]

yeah, true. Get an Elantra then, its not as cheap as the Accent and has a little more luxury and power. Doesnt look that bad at all either.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Wag
The Scion is not the kind of car I am looking for and is out of my pricerange anyways.

No it's not - they start off around 12k - at least look at one!!!!!

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

Two of the keywords there are "I" and "like." 😉

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

i believe that would exceed that load capacity of teh car; its printed on the door jamb.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

i believe that would exceed that load capacity of teh car; its printed on the door jamb.

What? The load capacity is 825lbs - even higher than the Honda elements 625lbs 🙂

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

Two of the keywords there are "I" and "like." 😉

Blah blah blah - those are just technicalities 😛

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

i believe that would exceed that load capacity of teh car; its printed on the door jamb.

What? The load capacity is 825lbs - even higher than the Honda elements 625lbs 🙂

i never knew the load capacity was that much on the echo platform.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I can't find a reasonably priced car that I like that seats men of normal height comfortably. 🙁

Scion xb is the key to all of your questions - it will seat 4 large men confortably 🙂

Two of the keywords there are "I" and "like." 😉

Blah blah blah - those are just technicalities 😛

The xA looks ok though. Maybe I'll have to go on a test drive...

 

[psiu]

Used Police Cars

 

[Wag]

No it's not - they start off around 12k - at least look at one!!!!!

I already said I was over 30. There's no way in hell I'm getting a car that looks like that.

 

[b0mbrman]

Pretty stylish for under $14k MSRP - Link

That's an especially good pic..

Also, don't count out the Ford Focus...Customer rebates these days make for a starting price around $11k :Q

 

[Wag]

Pretty stylish for under $14k MSRP - Link

Yes, the Mazda3 is under consideration. By the time I add all the options I want it's already >$16k.

No more American cars for me.