Looking for a new/new to me car

[Scott P]

My 98 Grand Prix GT is hitting 98,000 miles and I think it’s time to move on. I bought it used in October 2000 and am frankly kinda tired of it. It runs well, is fair on fuel (20 mpg), but it’s a bit slow turning only 15.25 in the quarter-mile.

Here’s the problem. I really don’t know what vehicle I want. I’m looking to spend about $20,000 or so. Personally, I would really like a Dodge Magnum RT. However, it is a good $10,000+ out of my price range. I am looking for a four door vehicle that will sit four adults in comfort. Performance is important too. I would like a car that’s on par or better than my GP. Extra benefits such as trunk room, folding seats, etc would all be things I need too. I service my own cars, but will take it to a dealer for mechanical work.

I don’t have any particular bias against any car companies, except maybe Ford. I just can’t picture myself with one. The wife has an Envoy, so I would prefer not to have another SUV.

Basic requirements:

Price -$20,000 range
New/Used
Four doors
Adult sized
Above average performance
Good trunk/storage space

Anyone have any ideas? Do I need more specifics?

[Ed Hartman]

Honda Accord V6 would be my pick. New around 24,000, can pick up a nice used one for 20,000

[O4cobra]

Lexus GS 400--Nice and big, V8, great styling.
Lexus IS 300--Little small, but 4 adults no prob.
Cadillac CTS--Good performance, great styling.
Honda Accord V6--Reliability, 260HP, manual or auto.
Nissan Maxima--Great power, good styling, ton of room.

I'll try and add to this list later!

[REX-RACER]

For that money you can reasonably get into a Subaru WRX and if you search around and get a good deal and reasonabley maintained pre-owned you may have some money left over for mods! Perhaps a bit small for the four adult thing but a lot would depend upon your definition of "reasonably seating" four adults? I mean how big are these adults you're talkin' about? I've seen five college "kids" get into one of these cars. They are super high on the thril-o-meter and pretty good on gas. You can't beat awd for all weather stability and handling, and you do heave all weather in that part of the world! Plus they have the legendary Subaru build and safety quality!

If you're looking for a tad bit more luxury you sould possibly look into a late '90' Acura TL. Perhaps even a Type S if you're willing to move a little on the price.

Good luck!

[Scott P]

It's good to see two Ford guys respond even when I said I wouldn't want to drive one.

[ben54]

How about the Nissan Altima or Maxima. They should both be in your price range if used, and both are pretty quick with the VQ engine.

[White95Max]

Originally posted by O4cobra
Nissan Maxima--Great power, good styling, ton of room.

Originally posted by ben54
How about the Nissan Altima or Maxima. They should both be in your price range if used, and both are pretty quick with the VQ engine.

I may be a bit biased
You could get a 2K2 or 2K3 for $20,000 (2K2+ has the 3.5L V6 - 255HP)

[SpoiledMan]

Originally posted by O4cobra
Lexus GS 400--Nice and big, V8, great styling.
Lexus IS 300--Little small, but 4 adults no prob.

You would have to get a REALLY old and high mileage GS 400 to get to that price.

My sister has an IS and 4 adults is a S T R E T C H ! Two adults and 2 kids and the adults had better not be tall. This car IS a compact in every way. Nice car though and very fun to drive but is going to be slower than your GP.

[TW85 HHI]

What year was the Maxima redesigned, 2004? If so, then look for a 2002 or 2003 Maxima or I35. Both are nice cars and with 255 HP, your foot will have a hard time staying off the gas pedal.

[JohnnyDaJackal]

My vote also goes to a 5th generation (2000-2003) Nissan Maxima. Seems to meet all of your requirements.

[scottabir]

I LOVE my Mazda 6s. Sporty but lots of room for the family.

*Edit* just saw you dont like Fords...my bad

[Scott P]

Mazda isn't Ford. No blue oval. Plus, I never see a decal of Calvin peeing on a Mazda sysmbol.

It's not that I'm big anti-Ford. I've just driven GM my whole life and there are sertain lines that can't be crossed easily.

The Maxima did cross my mind. I may stop at the Mazda joint on my way home and take a look. However, the Cadillac CTS is pretty nice too now that I see it.

One other useless bit of info. Wife gets supplier discount for both Ford and GM. It isn't anything better than you should be able to get on your own, but it could be an influential component.