YACT--buying a car: Maxima, LS, or what?

[slag]

My 97 gtp has 134k and my wife told me to get something else.

I've been looking at 2000 Lincoln LS with the sport package. 255 hp, V8, autoshift, etc. I have driven a few and they are nice, but mileage is not a strong point. They feel a tad bit slower than my modded gtp. Reliability is not their strong point either.

I havent driven any maximas yet, but I think a 20000-2001 is definitely in my price range (around 20k or so). I saw a sweet brand new maxima today, navy blue on the dealer lot, for 39,780k.

What else should I be considering in my category/price range. I dont really want another GTP. While I like the car immensely, I am ready for something different. Camry's are too blah for my taste. Altimas are too small, and I really cannot think of any others. Any BMW 3 or 5 series in my range?

Thanks

Slag

 

[Vortex22]

autoshift

Nono, you want manual

 

I'd go for a Maxima, or a new Altima if you can afford it. You'll get reliability and smoothness and power in one nice looking vehicle.

 

[LiQiCE]

Around $20K, if you want brand new you can get something like a Mazda 6, or a RSX-S. But I'm assuming you want something faster and beefier than that ... I know you can probably score a new 2003 Maxima SE 6spd. with little to no options for around $22-23K (plus tax and tags) if you can still find one ... My brother got one of those for I think $22K.

BTW- $39K is completely outrageous for a 2004 Maxima. You can get a fully loaded G35c for less than that and its a much better car in terms of performance, holding value, and looks (in my opinion)!!!

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: slag

I havent driven any maximas yet, but I think a 20000-2001 is definitely in my price range (around 20k or so). I saw a sweet brand new maxima today, navy blue on the dealer lot, for 39,780k.

$40k for a Maxima? Or $30k? The Maxima body style that ended with the 2003 model (not sure how long they used that one) was possibly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

 

[slag]

I'm sorry, 30k, not 40k. my bad

And no, I definitely do not want a manual, especially in a luxury or semi luxury car like these I am looking at. I have 2 kids, a 2 yr old and a 2 month old and a wife who likes automatics (along with me), so automatics only. I leave the manual for my old rx7 or any sports cars I get in the future.

 

[HappyCracker]

For $20k, you can get a sweet BMW. Probably like a 96 at least. Those things run forever; it's not unheard of for them to go over 200k miles. Just make sure you get them out on the highway and let the engine run.

 

[rubenswm]

With 20k I'd go certified used and pick up a warranty better than new. =)

 

[HappyGamer2]

ls vs maxima
check this thread out

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

I'd go for the latest Lincoln LS that you can afford, atleast compared to the Maxima also you can check out Lexus GS300 (if its in that price range used...not sure).

The GS300 is much better package of the LS and obviously over the Maxima.