Cascade Crew

91RSVert

So my GTP is needing alot of work. Ive had it 8 years(total of 12-13yo), its got 105k on it. Its been very reliable and never left me stranded. I hate to let it go because of that, but sometimes you just have to cut your losses early.

So Im needing ideas. I'm looking for a USED sedan that has about 260-300hp, gets about 17-20 in town, 27+ highway mpg. Need trunk space.

Here are a few cars Ive looked at that I known I dont want.
dodge charger 3.5 is weak, v8 doesnt fit mpg
avalon, dont like the looks of, motor mpg/hp fits
kia optima turbo 4. Its brand new, dash is fugly, its still a kia. But I do like the motor.
Caddi CTS, doesnt come close to mpg even in the 3.6. Will require 3.0, then it doesnt fit hp range.

contenders..
Have put hands on an 07 infinity g35(made in japan?). Base model, VERY low miles.
2010 maxima(made in tennesse). The one I drove I wont get, but I like ride, style, mpg and hp fits.
2010 Altima w/3.5(made in tennesse). Havent laid hands on. Outside looks good. Power is on low side, but its the smallest of all cars I'm looking at. It may work?
09-10 Acura TL AWD?? Only way I would get this car is in AWD. It doesnt fully fit my mpg range. But I think with the rain, once a year snow, and all the curvy roads the AWD would be very nice? 07-08's have electrical problems.

Other suggestions?

Dewey316 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:17 am Post subject:

One thing of note about Acura TL's, they are HARD to see out of. I can not stand driving my Mom's TL, while it is a comfortable car, I wouldn't want to live with the massive blind spots, and bad turning radius everyday.

Have you considered a Mazda 6?

Not sure your price range...you might be able to slip a used euro-sled in the mix, since they take pretty steep losses used. As a drivers car, a 5-series bimmer won't disappoint. And, you can get into the Audi A6 range, with the 4.2L, that motor is a masterpiece.

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:27 am Post subject:

I wasnt sure what mazda would be in this "class". Partly why I posted.
Good info on the TL, I havent sat in one. I know the Kia had a good blind spot as well. The charger I drove had a bookshelf spoiler that was very annoying.

I'm not a fan of BMW's

Audi... hum..... Will go look. But I honestly dont see alot of them around here.

:edit: The A6 in the 4.2 does not fit my mpg, but it is AWD. Even the 3.0 is on the edge, but then its not AWD

Mazda6 with 3.7 MZI is 272hp, 17/25mpg.

aaron_sK · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:38 am Post subject:

If you don't mind my asking, what's so wrong with the Pontiac? My Mom's Buick is up over 150K now and still going strong. Aside from some transaxle issues those are very good cars.

You'll be having issues seeing out of many newer cars. This new trend of large slanted a-pillars and high trunk lids is mind boggling to me.

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:38 am Post subject:

So not clear, is AWD a requirement or not?

-Schultzy

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:43 am Post subject:

AWD is not required. I'm willing to give up some mpg if it has it.

The GTP
has AC issues that can not be found in a shop
Motor mounts bad
sc needs rebuilt
door lock acting up
paint flaking
dash seperating
coolant leak
oil leak
coolant sensor
tail light broken
rear view mirror has been replaced with incorrect
static in radio when rolling up pass window??
upper cig lighter broken
rattles starting to form in interior panels

this fall it will need full brakes and trans fluid change. Will need struts again likely in a year??

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

The Acuras according to car and driver have been proven to be extremly reliable in all aspects, while your Euro cars, though nice, not so much.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:35 am Post subject:

Volvo S-60 R

MPG low 20s city, high 20s highway. (Straight from someone who has a 2004 and 2006.)

2.5L 300HP Turbo I5 AWD

And you can find them all day cheaper than the AWD TL, Especially the Type S.

Much more reliable than the VW, AUDI clan.

BluFbdy · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:20 am Post subject:

subarus are a good choice IMO, ive also become a fan of the GLI jettas, however jettas have the CCM that likes to fry and leave you with no power locks, windows, trunk, fuel door lol ive had a few in my shop that blame me for things not working but they just fry themselves ive spent plenty of time down at VW with customers cars talking to the service manager and having him explain it to them

Alphius · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:35 am Post subject:

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT sedan 2006-2009 might be something to look at. Don't get a 2005 unless you're sure it's been fixed right. They have a (repairable) oiling defect that causes the turbo to lose it's guts into the oil and kill the bearings in the engine.

It's a comfortable sedan with a big trunk. Not quite up to your power requirements (250/250) or mileage (17/24) though.

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:07 pm Post subject:

What the last year for s60?

:edit: looks like its 2009 for last year. Ive seen some of them, thought they were accords before Laughing

:edit2: subaru, looks like I would have to go to GT limited.

RSFreak · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:35 pm Post subject:

My buddy had a TL. Very comfortable car and fun to drive, plus it looks nice! Cool

My GF's S40 is nice with leather and a little 4 banger that is fun when the turbo spools up (small turbo so it spools fast)! On the down side, I seem to be fixing something on it constantly. Sad

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:35 pm Post subject:

Didn't know they stopped making them. The body style before the newest -06 era- I like the best. Been looking at getting one to join to the family.

iansane · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:16 pm Post subject:

Volvos are fun. There is a crazy subculture with them. Everything from crazy neon wheeled kiddy cars to blacked out g rides to simple power hungry beasts. I went to a dyno day with Steve and his v70r wagon and it was interesting. Finding a stick car can be difficult as well.

IROCDave · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:06 pm Post subject:

If I understand your needs, 4 doors, good fuel ecenomy, fun to drive and some what fast and reliable. Sabaru is your car.

iansane · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:18 pm Post subject:

Oh, the Saabarus are kind of cool too! You get a WRX with leather and HIDs without the boy racer stigma.

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:20 pm Post subject:

Just installed stock stereo back. Add blown speaker to the list. But holy crap, I pulled stock stereo so fast, I never realized how nice it sounds Shocked

Alphius · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:59 pm Post subject:

Dewey316 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:03 pm Post subject:

saabaru also gets the 6-speed shared with the STi instead of the WRX 5-speed. But it was only made in the wagon, and I don't think they have made them in a few years.

Alphius · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:03 pm Post subject: