Sick of my car.

BigJohnKC

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
2,448
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0
I've had this 1989 Olds 88 for about three years now, and I need to get something new. Not that the car doesn't work, I'm just getting tired of it. I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions for me? I want something flashy and fast, but not too expensive, maybe in the 30 - 40K range. I can't fit into a real sports car (I'm 6'7"), so I need something with a little more head and leg room. I want to be able to throw an mp3/cd in dash in the vehicle without having to replace the factory speakers immedaitely, but maybe later when I have more money. Not opposed to a truck or SUV of some flavor. Any suggestions?
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
81
One car that came to mind was the Chrysloer 300M. Performance is exceptional for a sedan of its size, it is roomy inside and fits your price range very well.
 

BigJohnKC

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
2,448
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<< One car that came to mind was the Chrysloer 300M. Performance is exceptional for a sedan of its size, it is roomy inside and fits your price range very well. >>


I think my Dad looked at that one when he and my Mom were looking for a new car. He said there was this huge console between the front seats that took up all the leg room. I'll still take a look at it, and thanks for the suggestion.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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2002 Nissan Maxima SE - 6 speed gearbox - Amen

my dad is looking at one of these and going to trade in his 2000 Maxima for it.

AWESOME car.. 255 HP, 17" rims, allll the options... it's only $35K Cdn.
the best deal for a sedan PERIOD, IMHO...

the other good car was mentioned, the 300M, those are really nice cars!!! and 253 HP too!! :Q
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
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Just found this article at Edmund's. Surprisingly, the car with the most front driver/passenger space is the ... drumroll ... Nissan Maxima! More room than the Lincoln Town Car, Ford Crown Vic et. al.! Take a look at that car... load up the SE and you have a very sporty, reliable sedan.
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
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Wow...going from a 89 Olds to a new 30K-40K car. If you worked for the CIA, I'd have you investigated for selling secrets to the Russians. ;)

300M is a nice, large car...biggest troubles with it include the lack of a manual transmission, lackluster build quality (it's a Chrysler after all) and poor resale value. If it cost 25K new, not 30K, it would be a smashing buy.

330i is the defacto standard sport car in that price range, but I'm not sure it can accomodate 6'7" drivers...not too many foreign cars will. Many are designed with tighter dimensions.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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The car rules. What can I say... what other car can you pull up beside a Mustang in and beat it... 255HP with a 6 speed?? the thing is thorobread!!!

and yes, No other engine touches a smooooth revving powerful Nissan engine... reliable and fast = joy.


 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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I have found Chryslers to be good quality compared to other American cars.. My car has very good quality for it's class and I like it alot! (2001 Neon R/T)
the 300M is a sweet car, I haven't noticed ANY quality problems with it at all... they ARE a good deal.. however, the Maxima is better. :)

 

BigJohnKC

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
2,448
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Wow, I'm quite surprised that a Nissan would have the most room for a sedan. Even more legroom than a Lincoln Town Car!



<< Wow...going from a 89 Olds to a new 30K-40K car. If you worked for the CIA, I'd have you investigated for selling secrets to the Russians. >>



The olds was my college car.....got a new job as a computer programmer, which pays the bills quite nicely and leaves room for some car payments, except I may not be able to finance quite such an expensive car without a cosigner. Oh well, I wanna give it a try anyway.

The Nissan sounds like a great deal. Doesn't that one come with a decent sounds system too?
 

natto fire

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2000
7,117
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i would go with the MAD MAX. crazy fast car! and it is rather large and i know the 2000 model cruised so quiet (even at 140 MPH!)
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
81


<< The Nissan sounds like a great deal. Doesn't that one come with a decent sounds system too? >>


Yes, you can get it with a Bose System (if you like Bose) with an in-dash 6-CD changer.

If you were looking to spend 30-40K, you could get an absolutely loaded Maxima - we're talking the Bose, leather, sunroof, even a Navigation system - for closer to 30 than 40. You can get a manual tranny, too! :)
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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Comes with a BOSE sound system, and YES it's good!!!
it's a killer system infact.. the whole car is god.. I love it.. hahah
 

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
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yup, they're right about the Maxima. you will hear nothing but praises about the Maxima in this forums, any other forums, or from just about anyone. never heard a negative statement yet ;)

Nissan ~ Driven
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
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Nice jump in vehicles there.

Another vote for a fully loaded Maxima SE. It will cost around $30k I think and damn does that car kick MUCHO ASS. I am in love with Maximas.

you will hear nothing but praises about the Maxima in this forums, any other forums, or from just about anyone

Damn tootin! I'd be buying one now instead of a camry/altima (groan), except insurance is still a bit high for a 23 year old and I'm a cheap bastard.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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<< yup, they're right about the Maxima. you will hear nothing but praises about the Maxima in this forums, any other forums, or from just about anyone. never heard a negative statement yet >>



no doubt man! I can tell too, my dad has one and I get to drive it, it is such a great car.. I love getting behind the wheel... and his only has 222 HP as opposed to the new 255, and it feels FAST with 222. mmmmmmmm 255....
 

BigJohnKC

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
2,448
1
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Thanks for all your help everyone. I had briefly thought of looking at the Nissan dealership, but now I will definitely stop by as soon as I get a chance.

I originally was thinking of picking up a Ford F-150 SVT Lightning...in fact that's been the vehicle I've really wanted, but I got the feeling when I went to the Ford dealer last weekend that it was out of my league, like a supermodel among regular looking trucks. That Maxima sounds like quite a car, though....guess I have some thinking and financial planning to do!
 

LiQiCE

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,911
0
0
I'd recommend the Acura TL Type S if you want a Sporty car with lots of features for ~$30K ... It has a lot of room from what I understand and its pretty fast (260HP, 232lbs/ft @ 3500-5500rpm). Not going to blow away most expensive cars, but its a nice Luxury Sports Sedan. check out www.acura-tl.com for more info on the car ... It did pretty well in Edmund's entry level Luxury Sports Sedan.
 

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
My pick would be the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

stock it has 240 hp, 280 ft/lbs of torque. I am 6-1 and the seat is no where near all the way back in the rails.. It still has plenty of room to move. a couple simple and cheap mods push this car in the 275-280 hp range.. you can easily get to 300+ hp for around 1 grand.

Also, it is a faster car than the 300m. The 300m is much heavier and not as quick, although close.

Plus, the styling of the grand prix is very very sexy.

Joe
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Just make sure you get a 5 speed. Nothing worse than a fast car losing a bunch of power because the guy is too lazy to shift gears!
 

LAUST

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2000
8,957
1
81


<< i would go with the MAD MAX. crazy fast car! and it is rather large and i know the 2000 model cruised so quiet (even at 140 MPH!) >>


Yep he had a pretty neat Falcon coupe in that movie huh ;) Aussie's get some cool cars :)
 

Rent

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
7,127
1
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I was gonna say CL-Type S. :D

I'll also echo the Maxima ravings. Great car. Definately check it out.



<< My pick would be the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

stock it has 240 hp, 280 ft/lbs of torque. I am 6-1 and the seat is no where near all the way back in the rails.. It still has plenty of room to move. a couple simple and cheap mods push this car in the 275-280 hp range.. you can easily get to 300+ hp for around 1 grand.
>>


My roommate has a 2000 GTP. Hes been modding it and with his ~$650 in mods he putting out near 270hp. Quick car, but it feels like a boat and you have to live with GM build quality.

My recommendation - if you can find and fit in one, check out the Lightning or a Contour SVT. Both exceptional Ford products. :D
 

LAUST

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2000
8,957
1
81
If you just need car ability there is a lot to chhose from now adays
 
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Rent

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
7,127
1
81
I went to my local Ford dealer a few months ago... they had 2 used lightnings sitting there. I got to sit in one of them... wow. Wow! I never expected a truck to be that nice! :D



<< Lightning would be sweet, those are very fun :) plus they are much more useful then any car... well it depends on your lifestyle actually, but I tow, race, haul, and 4x4 that's why my Silverado fit the bill :)

If you just need car ability there is a lot to chhose from now adays
>>

 

LAUST

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2000
8,957
1
81
It's very nice to see they put such a strong Tranny in those also. :)
 
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