Need a New Car

[ErikCLDR]

Hi Everyone,
After totaling my Land Rover Discovery thanks to a deer I am looking for a new car. My price range is under $10,000 with under 100,000 miles.

I am looking into another Rover, either a Discovery Series II or possibly a P38 Range Rover but I am leery over the air suspension and severe electrical problems in the Range Rover.

I am not sure what I want. I live in a rural town in Connecticut so 4wd or AWD is preferable with all the snow and ice we get. FWD is better than RWD. Gas is over $3.00 a gallon so a car might be better than an SUV. I am partial to foreign cars just because American cars have such poor fit and finish. They run for ever and are cheep but I can't stand their cheap manufacturing.

Other cars I am interested in
- Toyota 4Runner
- Nissan Pathfinder/Infinti QX4
- BMW 3-series
- Audi A4
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Maxima
- Old Land Cruiser (not really worth it though cause a 1995 costs like $10k with 200,000 miles)

Any Advice? Recommendations? Reviews?

[CHROMEDOME]

You can't go wrong with a BMW 3-series except they are RWD, but the engine's are bulletproof and a nice set of snow tires for the winter will set you up real good.

I have a 01 A4 quattro. I love it, but unfortunately I wouldn't recommended it. The quattro AWD system kicks ass as does most of the car but stuff breaks on it and when it does its a lot of money to repair. If you can find one in your price range with a warrantee they you might want to go for it, but in the 14 months I've had my car the reliability has been a little disappointing.

Go Subaru. Japanese reliability, AWD, safe. Good quality cars.

[adk]

You can't go wrong with a 4runner. fantastic vehicle. If you're looking at a japanese car, though (especially honda or toyota) you really shouldn't worry if it has between 100,000 and 150,000 miles on it because their vehicles just last forever.

[extraextra]

I wouldn't get an Audi. The newer ones have improved significantly quality-wise, but if you're looking for a $10,000 Audi it's going to be like 10 years old and parts/maintenance will be expensive. Same with a Land Rover. Jeep kind of has poor quality too (from what I've seen/heard), but I don't know about parts/maintenance costs.

I've heard the new Nissan Pathfinder's aren't very safe compared to other models, have no idea what that means for older models but you might want to be aware of that.

I have a 1999 Rav4 that's very stable and reliable. Parts and upkeep are generally not expensive, and the car has given me no trouble. Imo, you couldn't go wrong with a Toyota 4Runner, RAV4 or Highlander, or a Honda Pilot or Element (not sure if the Element comes in 4WD though). Plus most of their SUV's get decent mileage.

[Clarence]

hey bud, its me again.

I'm SHOCKED to see two toyota's on your list!

really, the only three vehicles that I think could be procured for under 10k in good shape and with decent miles are the jeep, the pathfinder and possibly the maxima.

its pretty tough to get the others for under 10k, especially if you want to stay in the 2000's and dont want somebody elses problem.

www.shultsauto.com

=)

[zioxide]

how old are you? just out of curiousity

[Clarence]

29, you?:D

just out of curiosity?:cool:

[zioxide]

29, you?:D

just out of curiosity?:cool:

not you O_o

[Counterfit]

Subaru Outback/Forester?

[sysiphus]

Find a Volvo V70 XC/Cross Country from around 2000 or so.

[iGav]

What do Audi Allroads (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_allroad) go for in the States?

[ErikCLDR]

What do Audi Allroads (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_allroad) go for in the States?

They're really expensive.

I am 17

[Scarlet Fever]

Subaru Outback/Forester?

+1 for the Outback. They are great soft-roaders, and they are awesome on-roaders :D

[Abstract]

You have the absolute worst luck with cars and driving.

[iGav]

They're really expensive.

The 99/00 model not reached affordability there yet then? That's a little surprising.

In which case, as sysiphus suggested, what does the Volvo XC go for?

[twoodcc]

i vote for the 4runner. they are the only toyota still made in Japan

[hotwire132002]

Well, I know you mentioned that you're looking at an SUV, but as you mentioned... a car gets much better gas milage. I personally drive a Pontiac Vibe (I traded in a Mountaineer for it) and I love it. I have an '04 AWD model, which works great up here in Northern Michigan... handles well in this winter weather we're starting to hit. I've found that it's much roomier than a sedan (almost as roomy as my old Mountaineer, in fact!) Plus, you can't beat the gas milage -- I usually get between 25-32 miles to the gallon.

I know it wasn't on your list, but it's a thought.... I paid under $10,000 out the door. It had 83,000 miles on it.

[true777]

I would go for the Audi A4 or the BMW, and definitely stay away from the LandCruiser.

[ErikCLDR]

I would go for the Audi A4 or the BMW, and definitely stay away from the LandCruiser.

Why stay away from the Land Cruiser, other then the fact they are ridiculously expensive.

My sister's BF has an A4 and my mom had an A4 and both agree they are very unreliable and very expensive to fix. I also hear BMWs are very expensive to fix. ... Then again I did own a rover, which is probably the same, but at least with the a Rover I know that I can at least change a headlight on it without having to take apart the 1/2 the car. German engineering... :rolleyes:

I have located a couple Land Rover Discovery Series II's in Massachusetts. I think it would be a good car for me in that I loved my old rover and they are more comfortable and ride better than what I had before. I think I am going to stay away from range rovers just because of their air suspensions, flaky and over-sophisticated alarm system, scarcity of parts, and unreliable HVAC systems.

[true777]

We have an older Landcruiser from 2000 or so that has been extremely well taken care of, and it is basically horrible. The engine got weaker and weaker by the year, and the shop can't find anything wrong with it and claims everything is great, except for that you can barely get the thing up to 55mph at this point, hardly any acceleration left, etc. Also inside everything seems weak and flimsy and little things break... just not a positive experience at all (and we have 4 other cars we are extremely happy with -- LandCruiser has been the only disappointment in recent years).

[mactastic]

With the price of gas the way it is, I'm shopping for a diesel for our next car.

[ErikCLDR]

We have an older Landcruiser from 2000 or so that has been extremely well taken care of, and it is basically horrible. The engine got weaker and weaker by the year, and the shop can't find anything wrong with it and claims everything is great, except for that you can barely get the thing up to 55mph at this point, hardly any acceleration left, etc. Also inside everything seems weak and flimsy and little things break... just not a positive experience at all (and we have 4 other cars we are extremely happy with -- LandCruiser has been the only disappointment in recent years).

Bad head gasket? My friend has a Pathfinder that used to be his dads (2001 3.5 LE I believe) and they've noticed significant power loss and have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can't find anything wrong with it. I drove it and it felt like I was driving my 4600lb Rover with the engine from a corolla. I floored it and laughed as I slowly crusied up to 45mph with the engine shifting at high RPMS.

You see a lot of Land Cruisers around. I would suspect most are reliable because their resale prices are insane. I don't think I would buy an LC anyways though, they're so pricey.

With the price of gas the way it is, I'm shopping for a diesel for our next car.

I wish I could find a diesel car to buy. There are like 2 options. Old Mercedes, or Jetta. The US seriously needs to allow more diesel cars.

[Big-TDI-Guy]

I went Diesel, and haven't looked back. Something about a car that can hold it's own on the highway, fit a full size washing machine in the back, while comfortably seating a 375lb adult male. And yet still manage to return 49-50mpg, even when being treated like (#*$. It's just nice.

Definitely not for all, but most of the general publics views on them are extremely dated and irrelevant. Never treated it special for cold weather - and starts every time (in NH). Smoke isn't even visible, and it's certainly not slow. It's quiet enough that most passengers aren't even aware it's a TDI.

Now Hexane pushing aside: Toyotas are SOLID vehicles, there are lemons here and there, but apart from some models being bland - they're borderline appliances.

Audi and BMW - can be expensive to fix, but you have to pay to play.

Scoobies are great New England vehicles, especially if you're venturing around a lot in the snow. Just keep an eye out for blown head gaskets - seem to plague quite a few of their H4s.

Voldos I have no current model knowledge of - except that the old Swedish Bricks seemed to NEVER die, seen a few in the 350,000 mile range on original engines.

[mactastic]

I wish I could find a diesel car to buy. There are like 2 options. Old Mercedes, or Jetta. The US seriously needs to allow more diesel cars.
Probably won't help your situation much, but I'm hearing rumblings that Honda will be adding a diesel engine option to several lines. The new VWs will be out in the spring with 50-state legal diesels.

And just for esses and gees, check this guy (http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/120/motorhead-messiah.html)out. How much ass would it kick to have a Hummer that blew the doors off most cars, could outhaul most pickups, and got mileage comparable to a Prius???

[zioxide]

This is just my opinion, but I really don't see the point of a 17 year old blowing so much money on a fancy car. Insurance would be even more expensive.

Just get a cheap decent small car for like 5 grand. Good on gas, lower insurance premiums. You don't need some big 4WD monstrosity just to drive in the snow.


I'm 19 (live in Mass) and I drive a stupid piece of **** oldsmobile. It's old and looks like ****, but it gets me around, is decent on gas, and my insurance is really low. I'm probably getting something like a 2000 saturn next summer.

[Big-TDI-Guy]

For the record - you can also get the Beetle, Jetta Wagon and Golf with Diesel engines. If you had a ton of cash, even a V10 Toureg Diesel.

I myself have the Golf. The MKIV TDI Golfs can be found, you just need to search. Jettas and Beetles are orders of magnitude easier to locate. (I'm speaking of used, BTW)

For anyone seriously considering diesel - check out tdiclub.com - they have a LOT of info.

[ErikCLDR]

Yea I think diesels will be out of my price range.

My mom has an 05 Touareg V8 and that thing has been an nightmare, but I must say its a nice car. The TDI looks so cool.

[wizwaz3]

I would choose either the 4Runner or the Maxima, depending on your limits with size. Maxima's are rather sleek and quite fast (not sure which year you're looking at tho) and I've never heard anything bad from 4Runner owners, as for the rest (except the Jeep, don't get it) I haven't heard anything.

[devilot]

The new VWs will be out in the spring with 50-state legal diesels.Seriously?!?!

*drools*

I'd <3 me some TDI biodiesel lovin'. I see you're in CA, too. So you'll be waiting for those to come out, then?

[ErikCLDR]

I would choose either the 4Runner or the Maxima, depending on your limits with size. Maxima's are rather sleek and quite fast (not sure which year you're looking at tho) and I've never heard anything bad from 4Runner owners, as for the rest (except the Jeep, don't get it) I haven't heard anything.

My aunt had a maxima and liked until it was totaled (by a deer :rolleyes:). The only bad thing about 4Runners is that their bumpers always seem to rust out. My cousin has a 2002 and likes it. If I can find a good deal on one I would definitely consider it.

Are maximas FWD or RWD. I've driven my uncles 2005 3.5L altima and I thought the gas pedal was too touchy and it had a lot of torque steer.

[iGav]

I'd <3 me some TDI biodiesel lovin'. I see you're in CA, too. So you'll be waiting for those to come out, then?

No sign of the Cooper D on those shores then... ;)

[Abercrombieboy]

I'd check out the Ford Edge. Both Consumer Reports and JD Powers have rated it high in quality (right up with the Japanese models) it gets up to 24MPG on the highway, has 265 HP V6, 6 speed auto, available AWD, standard AdvanceTrac with RSC, The new Sync system for connecting your phone and iPod is also available. The full Panaramic Vista roof is cool as well. It has as much room as any mid-size SUV and you can even get a Class II towing option that will allow up to 3,500 lbs. of towing. CUV's will eventually take over the market from SUV's because they are better on fuel, ride better and are more stable on the highway.

You can't just assume that because it says Toyota it will never break down. Consumer Reports just took the Camry off the recommended list because of all the issues the new model is having. The same is true with the poor reliability of the new Tundra pickup.

I think as Toyota does whatever it takes to be the largest auto company in the world they have started to forget what got them where they are today. They are still excellent for the most part, but you can't cross some of the new models from Ford off your list anymore. The Fusion and Milan were two of the most reliable midsize cars in the last CR survey.
http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/01/29-ford-edge/Ford%20Edge%204-lg.jpg

[Big-TDI-Guy]

I think that car is a little out of the OPs price range. It hasn't been around long, so finding a cheap Edge?

Also - take Consumer Reports ratings with a grain of salt. I seriously question some of their ratings - or how they got to those ratings - be it for car or vacuum cleaner. :confused:

[Abercrombieboy]

I think that car is a little out of the OPs price range. It hasn't been around long, so finding a cheap Edge?

Also - take Consumer Reports ratings with a grain of salt. I seriously question some of their ratings - or how they got to those ratings - be it for car or vacuum cleaner. :confused:

Well it was just a suggestion. I looked at a few this weekend when I had my truck in for an oil change. They were priced from around 24K on up. Of course at 24K you don't get a lot. I think it was an AWD SE. They have only been out a year and are pretty popular so I suppose you are right when you say it will be hard to find a good deal on one.

Maybe a used Nissan Murano then? I work with a lady that really wanted an Edge, but settled for a used Murano because of price.

Also, I do generally agree with you regarding CR, however many people do use it as a resource when buying products. What I generally look at is how well a model does in many different surveys. If it does well in 3 or 4 survey's then one can assume it is a solid design.

[Rapmastac1]

If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.

[devilot]

No sign of the Cooper D on those shores then... ;):( No. And I thought it was called the MINI One? :p

ARGH!

I sooooooo want/-ed one.

Though stock it only came w/ 90hp (er, in '04 or so)-- the not-bestest aftermarket turbo kits gave that baby more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and still better fuel economy! *sobs*

[Cassie]

Hi Everyone,
After totaling my Land Rover Discovery thanks to a deer I am looking for a new car. My price range is under $10,000 with under 100,000 miles.

I am looking into another Rover, either a Discovery Series II or possibly a P38 Range Rover but I am leery over the air suspension and severe electrical problems in the Range Rover.

I am not sure what I want. I live in a rural town in Connecticut so 4wd or AWD is preferable with all the snow and ice we get. FWD is better than RWD. Gas is over $3.00 a gallon so a car might be better than an SUV. I am partial to foreign cars just because American cars have such poor fit and finish. They run for ever and are cheep but I can't stand their cheap manufacturing.

Other cars I am interested in
- Toyota 4Runner
- Nissan Pathfinder/Infinti QX4
- BMW 3-series
- Audi A4
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Maxima
- Old Land Cruiser (not really worth it though cause a 1995 costs like $10k with 200,000 miles)

Any Advice? Recommendations? Reviews?

They have rural towns in Connecticut? :eek: :D

[smokeyrabbit]

They have rural towns in Connecticut? :eek: :D

Everything east of the CT river is pretty rural - more like the rest of New England than NYC, Thank God!

And ErikCLDR, we just got a '04 D2 to replace the old D1, and it's fantastic!

[ErikCLDR]

Everything east of the CT river is pretty rural - more like the rest of New England than NYC, Thank God!

And ErikCLDR, we just got a '04 D2 to replace the old D1, and it's fantastic!

I actually live just to the west of the River but its all good. Its a nice rural town, surprisingly. Basically high taxes and strict zoning rules help keep it that way, but I am sure by the time I am older it will be like every other town.

What year was your D1?

My dad has a 2003 DII SE-7. You've got to admit the DII is a much better riding car. Not only are the seats better and its a little better ergonomically, your chances of being able to see a stoplight at an intersection are greatly increased because of the bigger windshield. Most of the plastics seem to be higher quality too. The handling is better and my dad's has ACE which really takes out the body roll, I am sure a non ACE DII is still significantly better than a D1. You can actually fit stuff in the trunk too. My only gripe is they put the rear A/C equipment in the trunk so that decreases the trunk space. Much better radio too.

I dunno, I just love rovers. You can't beat their stock performance in bad driving conditions and their visibility is superb.
---

I am 17, I don't have $25,000 to spend on a car. I have like under $10,000.

I think I might go take a look at a 2000 Land Rover Discovery- 7 Seat package, 70,000 miles, winter package (heated seats and windshield), Burgundy (ehh) w/tan interior, possibly air suspension (not really what I want- it has one function- to break).

[smokeyrabbit]

1994 D1 (7 seats) with about 4" of lift - you don't know body roll until you drive that thing. The '04 is an SE-7 with rear air too (paid $14900). I like how they took all the leftover bits from the 2nd gen. RR and put them on the 03-04 Disco's. Our kids love the back seats so we don't end up using the loadspace too much anyway.

You could rebuild your D1 with parts from my '94, you know ;) And I have a deer-proof bar ...

[ErikCLDR]

1994 D1 (7 seats) with about 4" of lift - you don't know body roll until you drive that thing. The '04 is an SE-7 with rear air too (paid $14900). I like how they took all the leftover bits from the 2nd gen. RR and put them on the 03-04 Disco's. Our kids love the back seats so we don't end up using the loadspace too much anyway.

You could rebuild your D1 with parts from my '94, you know ;) And I have a deer-proof bar ...

Wow 4" lift, I would not want to take any corners in that.

Land Rover tends to not let things go. For example the Discovery II is based off the Discovery 1 which is based off the Range Rover classic. The engine for all of them has been this 1960's design buick 3.5L v8 that has just becoming bigger over the years. Infact the 1995 Range Rover Classic's interior is basically the same as the Discovery 1's.

My dad bought his new, something like $43,000. Ridiculous for a car that devalues faster than a used pair of underwear.

[smokeyrabbit]

Wow 4" lift, I would not want to take any corners in that. ...


My dad bought his new, something like $43,000. Ridiculous for a car that devalues faster than a used pair of underwear.

You should have seen it with the roof rack and sea kayak on top. Depreciating faster than a used pair of underwear, or, I believe "pants", is a particularly British sounding expression.

[iGav]

:( No. And I thought it was called the MINI One? :p

ARGH!

I sooooooo want/-ed one.

Though stock it only came w/ 90hp (er, in '04 or so)-- the not-bestest aftermarket turbo kits gave that baby more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and still better fuel economy! *sobs*

They got rid of that Toyota sourced rubbish for the MINI II... ;)

I'm a little surprised BMW didn't see fit to install one of their own peachy units, but opting for a PSA/Ford developed unit couldn't exactly be considered a sacrifice either, with Cooper S matching torque and overboost. ;)

In fact, you could say it's almost custom designed for you on those hilly streets. ;)

[Plymouthbreezer]

If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.
I too love the Aurora. I looked for one when I was shopping for a new car a few years ago. I decided upon a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, which is similar to the Aurora... I love massive cars, as they can go fast and a awesome on the highways and have a real road presence.

If I found a good condition Aurora before mine, I'd have got that. The sheetmetal on that car is just stunning, and the interior is of high quality. Not to mention the Northstar, as you said, makes it a speedy sedan.

[Rapmastac1]

I too love the Aurora. I looked for one when I was shopping for a new car a few years ago. I decided upon a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, which is similar to the Aurora... I love massive cars, as they can go fast and a awesome on the highways and have a real road presence.

If I found a good condition Aurora before mine, I'd have got that. The sheetmetal on that car is just stunning, and the interior is of high quality. Not to mention the Northstar, as you said, makes it a speedy sedan.

Amen! It's a really good car.

[mrsollars]

toyota will be above and beyond the most reliabe on your list.
they hold resale well. most of the other stuff drops like a brick year after year.
toyota gets my vote.

[Cassie]

Well, you can get a Hyundai Accent for about $10,000 new... and a Kia Rio for about the same. Although not exactly what you're looking for, they do have FWD...

[ErikCLDR]

Well, you can get a Hyundai Accent for about $10,000 new... and a Kia Rio for about the same. Although not exactly what you're looking for, they do have FWD...

My friend has a Hyundai and I must say its a very well built car. I would prefer and SUV just because we get lots of snow and ice here and my town isn't very good at plowing, and my road is private so we have to pay the town to plow it and they always seem to plow my road last. Add in some hilly roads an it makes for quite an interesting driving experience.

I cannot find a car though that I like. I'm not being too picky about color but so far I've looked at the following
- 1999 Discovery: Leaking oil
- 2000 Discovery: Leaking oil + non functioning driver's window
- 2000 Range Rover: Sketchy Dealer
- 2001 Discovery: ABS/Trac Control/HDC lights on

I might check out a 1999 Range Rover in Somerville, MA (Boston) tomorrow, same place I got my first car.

I don't know what other cars I like. My parents hate BMW's, mercedes, and Audi's. They think they are too snooty, apparently a LR is not. I've been searching around for a Qx4 but haven't seen anything in my price range that I like, there aren't many of them around.

I'm not really concerned about the resale of a car, I mean, I am buying it used so I would prefer a car that has low resale assuming that I will be keeping this car for a while.

[Lord Blackadder]

Is it even possible to buy a Land Rover worth owning for under $10k? That's pretty darn cheap for a luxury off-roader.

My friend has a Hyundai and I must say its a very well built car. I would prefer and SUV just because we get lots of snow and ice here and my town isn't very good at plowing, and my road is private so we have to pay the town to plow it and they always seem to plow my road last. Add in some hilly roads an it makes for quite an interesting driving experience.

I live in a town that is very hilly and gets 200+ inches of snow each winter (just under 300 last year actually IIRC)...it's a blue-collar town of lower-to middle-middle class people - so nobody can afford Land Rovers, Audis or AWD BMWs, or any of the luxury SUVs.

Anyway, maybe I'm being a party pooper here, but the reality is you don't need an SUV or AWD or 4WD or even a limited slip to deal with snow - my next door neighbor drives a 1990 Geo Metro 3-cylinder all winter in pretty bad snow...front wheel drive and no limited slip diff. How? Snow tires, and the willingness to accept the fact that you must drive more carefully in the winter. AWD/4WD makes you feel king of the road but you just don't need it.

In fact, just last night, some genius across the street with a lifted Wrangler tried to get out of his driveway without shoveling the apron (the plow left a big pile of snow there). He beached it on the pile and spent the next hour trying to rock it out...he could have shoveled it in 15 minutes instead of the using the all-too-common method of substituting 4WD for any kind of logical thought process. :rolleyes:

By whatever you want and get good snow tires for it, and you should be fine. If you want the Land Rover because you like Land Rovers, that's fine too, but don't be too wedded to 4WD for its own sake - any car, some snow tires and common sense should get you through the winters.

[ryannel2003]

If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.

Yeah Erik HATES American cars, especially the Cadillac Seville ('98-'04) and the Oldsmobile Aurora. Personally, they are my favorite cars of all time. I think the older models look much better and are built better than the new models. However, as with most Cadillac's, have little electrical gremlins that can get worse over time. Another point is the head gaskets blowing on the Northstar. If the previous owner didn't maintain coolant and change it frequently, that can be a $4,000 fix.

But yeah, he really hates them. Thinks they look like grandma cars. I completely disagree. I'm trading in my Camry one day to get one.

[ryannel2003]

My friend has a Hyundai and I must say its a very well built car. I would prefer and SUV just because we get lots of snow and ice here and my town isn't very good at plowing, and my road is private so we have to pay the town to plow it and they always seem to plow my road last. Add in some hilly roads an it makes for quite an interesting driving experience.

I cannot find a car though that I like. I'm not being too picky about color but so far I've looked at the following
- 1999 Discovery: Leaking oil
- 2000 Discovery: Leaking oil + non functioning driver's window
- 2000 Range Rover: Sketchy Dealer
- 2001 Discovery: ABS/Trac Control/HDC lights on

I might check out a 1999 Range Rover in Somerville, MA (Boston) tomorrow, same place I got my first car.

I don't know what other cars I like. My parents hate BMW's, mercedes, and Audi's. They think they are too snooty, apparently a LR is not. I've been searching around for a Qx4 but haven't seen anything in my price range that I like, there aren't many of them around.

I'm not really concerned about the resale of a car, I mean, I am buying it used so I would prefer a car that has low resale assuming that I will be keeping this car for a while.

Dude I'm telling you again, you need to reconsider and look at a 4Runner or Pathfinder. I think it was a stroke of luck getting your D1. You haven't had any luck with finding another one. Yeah they aren't exactly what you want, but once you get a high paying job you can get whatever car you want. I think you dad would have been smart to trade in the Touraeg and keep the DII for you. That way you wouldn't have this pain in the ass job of looking for another Rover.

[ErikCLDR]

One thing I like about Land Rovers is that they have probably the highest depreciation of any car in the world. A new Range Rover is $80,000, 2 years old w/~30k = 50-55k, and so on. They have poor reliability and high repair costs which drives the price down, so if you can find a well maintained one its not that bad. I am trying to try a privately sold one so I know where it has been.

I know seriously, my dad had should have traded in the Touareg, its nothing but trouble and the dealer is good but inconsiderate (ie, changing brakes and leaving brake dust fingerprints all over the wheels, or inside the car :mad:). He's planning on extending the warranty on it to 80,000 miles. I don't really understand his thinking on trading in the Discovery. I honestly think he's senile.

I've decided that 4Runner isn't really for me. They're too expensive and I just don't like the way they ride and feel. I like the ride of the pathfinder but I don't like its very fake SUVish feel. It has very little capability. If you're are going to buy an SUV, it might as well be an SUV. Anything else is just wasting gas and you're better off getting a wagon.

As for the need for 4wd, my dad's commuter car is a 1998 cutlass (which only adds to my hatred of american cars). Last winter it had a tough job getting up our driveway even with snow tires. There is no chance of getting that thing though a 2 ft mound of snow at the end of the driveway left by the plow. If you park it on the road the plow will just burry it the next time it comes around. 4wd/awd does not mean you can drive fast in the snow, it just gives your more traction and it can help you pull out of slides. My town has been known to have school on days where cars are getting stuck in the driveway of the school.

[xodonniedarko]

How will you find an m3 for 10,000$?

[ryannel2003]

How will you find an m3 for 10,000$?

Unless it's really, really old it probably won't happen. Even the last generation M3 still holds value well compared to other cars on the market. BMW's are masterpieces of work in my opinion. Nothing comes close to the sound of a inline 6. Except for the rumble of a Northstar V8. ;)

[madoka]

One thing I like about Land Rovers is that they have probably the highest depreciation of any car in the world. They have poor reliability and high repair costs which drives the price down, so if you can find a well maintained one its not that bad.

1. You're a teenager with a limited budget of $10K
2. You insist on looking at a LR which you realize has poor reliability and high repair costs.

Unless you have a family member who is a LR mechanic, these 2 statements seem to contradict each other.

[ErikCLDR]

1. You're a teenager with a limited budget of $10K
2. You insist on looking at a LR which you realize has poor reliability and high repair costs.

Unless you have a family member who is a LR mechanic, these 2 statements seem to contradict each other.

The purchasing budget for my car has nothing to do with the repair budget.

I had a Land Rover before, I bought it for less than $10,000 and I had excellent luck with it until a deer jumped out in front of it and created a bit of damage. If you do not believe that you cannot buy a Land Rover for under $10,000 check for yourself. You can probably find quite a few 1999-2001 Discovery's with 70,000-80,000 miles, if maintained they can last 200,000 miles plus.

My family has owned a 1963 Series IIa, a 1990 Range Rover, a 2003 Discovery II, and currently has a 2007 Range Rover Sport.

[FJ218700]

ErikCLD, my Toyotas (http://picasaweb.google.com/FJ218700/) are still for sale btw.

[ErikCLDR]

ErikCLD, my Toyotas (http://picasaweb.google.com/FJ218700/) are still for sale btw.

Man I absolutely love you FJ. That thing is beautiful. I don't think its that practical for me though. Seriously if I was looking for a fun 2nd car to own I would take that baby in a heart beat. I like those even more than a Series III LR.

[Lord Blackadder]

The purchasing budget for my car has nothing to do with the repair budget.

Considering the amount of money you have available for repairs, I wouldn't wring my hands over any particular purchase. Land Rovers are both expensive and unreliable - and used ones even more so, so you might as well pick up whichever one strikes your fancy and deal with the maintenance issues as they come up.

[pseudobrit]

The US seriously needs to allow more diesel cars.

It's more of a problem that car manufacturers aren't interested. Which is because market research tells them Americans aren't interested.

[iCube]

Other cars I am interested in
- Toyota 4Runner
- Nissan Pathfinder/Infinti QX4
- BMW 3-series
- Audi A4
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Maxima
- Old Land Cruiser (not really worth it though cause a 1995 costs like $10k with 200,000 miles)

Any Advice? Recommendations? Reviews?
Go for the Toyota!

[Lord Blackadder]

It's more of a problem that car manufacturers aren't interested. Which is because market research tells them Americans aren't interested.

Which is BS IMHO. I think that if manufacturers offered more vehicles with a diesel (especially since the US has FINALLY switched to an ultra low sulphur diesel), Americans would buy them. This is especially true for light trucks/SUVs and economy cars, where the diesel's combination of good torque for a given displacement and good fuel economy is an advantage.

If I was shopping for a light truck I'd be interested in a Tacoma diesel, which appears to be sold in every corner of the world except the US for some ridiculous reason.

Hopefully the next few years will see manufacturers other than Mercedes and Volkswagen offering diesel vehicles in the USA.

[iGav]

It's more of a problem that car manufacturers aren't interested.

Do you really believe that?

I'd suggest that previous U.S. legislation was more of a problem.

Then U.S. public perception.

If the market's there, and it's viable... you can be assured that a manufacturer will try and take advantage of it. Though admittedly there are exceptions... Honda for example, but that was more to do with some misplaced sense of engineering pride than anything else. :p

[pseudobrit]

Do you really believe that?

Yes. It's too much hassle and risk for manufacturers to go through to introduce compliant dervs which may be rejected by the market.

As much as I hear people say they desire the option to buy diesel, apparently market research is telling the automakers that such an option wouldn't be exercised nearly enough to justify the expense.

I'm as sick about it as anyone, as my TDI isn't getting any younger. Sure I could pick up a 30 or 38mpg Civic, smart, Fit or Yaris, but I'll tell you two things you cannot go back to: 1) dialup; 2) getting less than 50mpg highway.

[Sun Baked]

As much as I hear people say they desire the option to buy diesel, apparently market research is telling the automakers that such an option wouldn't be exercised nearly enough to justify the expense.

Everybody is awaiting VW to release the next TDI Jetta.

The Jetta should make 50 state certification without urea injection using the newer common rail TDI motor, while the larger v-6 tdi vehicles will be injecting it like the adblue MB bluetec does.

With this 50 state certification, they were supposed to lift all limitations on TDI sales.

So VW is looking to be the marketing test donkey. And they have been having trouble getting the California certificate (or was it durability on the exhaust) -- now pushed back to summer 08.

If it fails, I wonder if they default back to the limited numbers like they had before.

[pseudobrit]

So VW is looking to be the marketing test donkey.

This is why Ford as we know them will be gone in five years and GM will be lucky to survive a decade intact. Their development strategies are rooted in fear and their sales are based on intertia.

Fortune favors the bold, not the crossover SUV.

[iGav]

Yes. It's too much hassle and risk for manufacturers to go through to introduce compliant dervs which may be rejected by the market.

Wouldn't you agree that is more a legislation issue than a manufacturer one though?

It's completely unrealistic to expect manufacturers to re-engineer there cars to meet the then archaic U.S. standards (poor quality diesel but stringent emissions standards), when a simple legislation change (as is now occurring in the U.S.) would've achieved the double benefit of not only allowing less polluting vehicles but also allowing a much more diverse range of diesel cars on sale than the previous U.S. legislation allowed.

But that doesn't even begin to address the generally negative U.S. public perception of diesel powered cars. Nor (as far as I understand) the lack of a widespread availability of low sulphur diesel at the present and certainly the imminent future.

[pseudobrit]

Wouldn't you agree that is more a legislation issue than a manufacturer one though?

It's completely unrealistic to expect manufacturers to re-engineer there cars to meet the then archaic U.S. standards (poor quality diesel but stringent emissions standards), when a simple legislation change (as is now occurring in the U.S.) would've achieved the double benefit of not only allowing less polluting vehicles but also allowing a much more diverse range of diesel cars on sale than the previous U.S. legislation allowed.

Automakers have very effective lobbyists but they tend to choose the path of least resistance.

But that doesn't even begin to address the generally negative U.S. public perception of diesel powered cars. Nor (as far as I understand) the lack of a widespread availability of low sulphur diesel at the present and certainly the imminent future.

ULSD (15ppm) rolled out nationwide last year. Yet other than Volkswagen Group, we have only Nissan, Saturn and Cadillac each planning a single model with diesel option, with Mercedes continuing to offer only its diesel E class (I'm not counting SUVs here). The rest talk a lot.

I was of the opinion that Audi should have offered the R8 exclusively with their 4.2 TDI if they seriously wanted the US market to rethink diesel.

[Lord Blackadder]

I was of the opinion that Audi should have offered the R8 exclusively with their 4.2 TDI if they seriously wanted the US market to rethink diesel.

Of all automakers, Audi should be selling a diesel in the US - they already have some brand recognition from their ALMS diesel race cars for starters.

[Counterfit]

I want to swap Subaru's EJ Diesel into my Impreza :D