I've got to buy a different car...

[themadness]

maybe......

impala
saw an infinit g35 on CL that looked good...auto trans though
grand prix
altima
accord
monte carlo
malibu is a good call too

[3X00-Modified]

Don't buy anything turbo with an aftermarket, you'll be stuck buying 93 octane and getting 20mpg... LOL

If my red car hadn't been rotting I would be getting better mileage with the 3400 4t60e combo than I currently am with my snailed 2.5L... but I just can't give up the AWD...

[berettaboi]

the mazda 3's are really reliable, and quick. they are in the compact category i think, but there's a lot of room and options in the things.

[spacecadetz26]

I miss my 3400 impala for the mileage. How about a CTS? I also like the newer malibu.

[KFLO 93 GT]

My current thoughts have been pretty stagnant. More so thinking of what I don't want rather than what I do want.

The price point is going to be an issue, which is why I asked for opinions - everybody likes and looks at different stuff. My main requirements are bno more than $8k, and that I don't buy something which will steal funds from the Black GT.

My future thoughts are about getting the Black GT where I want it, and about continuing on modding this mud truck project. Throw in buying a fixer upper house, and you can see why I'm firm on what I can spend. I'm looking up some of the ideas that hadn't thought of. Saab 9-2x is looking way win right now, but possibly over 8. This is all 4-6 months away though.

In the meantime I'm going to fix the exhaust once I get a welder and hope it improves mileage more than I'm thinking.

[wicked-irocz]

You won't find much honestly Kurt. Just had to get a new DD and let me tell ya, I bought my GPGT in late 06, its a 2002, and had 53000 miles for $4500 invested (repairable). The same car, now, was for sale for about the same price repaired with 10,000 more miles. Used car prices are through the roof, repairable prices are pretty high, repairable auction prices are pretty high.

In the past year:
-We bought a 2005 Lesabre limited, loaded, with 82000 miles for my grandma, $8500. By the way, thats for sale.
-Dad bought 2010 malibu 4 cyl repairable 40000 miles, total invested price should be around $8500-$9000.
-Kass and I just bought a 2007 Aura XR 63000 miles, loaded, for $10,900 after her 01 malibu was totalled by some lady not paying attention.

You won't get better mileage in town unless you go prius or similar. In town driving is in town driving no matter what.

Too all the people saying 3800 or 3400 cars, they are going to get the same mileage...Audi, same mileage if its a V6.

[Kyle Anderson]

Saab 9-2x is looking way win right now, but possibly over 8. This is all 4-6 months away though.

If I had to sell my Z3 for something practical, it would be for a 9-2x. Deals are out there. This local one has been well maintained and is listed at $5500 obo:

http://www.xceedspeed.com/forums/showth ... p?t=207880

[KFLO 93 GT]

You're a good voice of reason as always Dusty. You definitely just echoed a lot of my thoughts. As nice as it would be to get something newer, for the time being the LTZ is the way to go.

Doesn't mean I'm not going to be window shopping my ass off however.

On the Saab, Aero all the way. Though a Linear absolutely accomplishes all of the listed goals, will be cheaper to buy and get better mileage than an Aero... I just can't own a WRX unless it's breathing pressurized atmosphere.

[ErichZ26]

If its a 5spd 9-2x...stay away. I have a Subaru 5spd trans on my floor right now of my shop with a cracked differential housing. 6spd is the way to go!


How about a newer Malibu or G6.

[fatherof2]

You can do what my mom did and trade your car in for an 08 Prius. The plus side is she lives near Orlando, Florida and averages 55+ MPG.

[Carson21R]

90-93 Honda accord. Hands down the best DD. I have beat the gently caress out of mine. Gets an easy 30+ MPG with a 5 speed. Plus parts are so cheap.

[KFLO 93 GT]

Yeah, but then I'm trying to convince rich people that I too am successful and adept at my job whilst driving a crap box.

I'll likely pass, thanks though.


The thing that really throws me, is that in nicer weather I've driven the black GT for work - and even beating it around town - it gets better mileage than the Lumina.

I mean, I've always known that 90* boat anchor < 60*v6 - I just figured driving the boat anchor like grandpa would at least net mileage that is half worth a crap.

[DTMAce]

Getting a vehicle that does really good city MPG is not going to equate into what you are wanting. Its like you are wanting the space, size and room of a car with a V6 or V8 and the MPG of a small hybrid.

Not going to happen. Your best bet will be with something newer, that has eco abilities, yet be roomy with a V6 or whatever. Impala's were mentioned, those would work fine as an example. Personally I never saw a Lumina anything that was overly attractive to me. Even the pre Monte Carlo versions or Z34 versions, etc. They looked like bigger beretta want-to-be's. lol

Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry etc, those are also in the larger class of car, and more stylish with your goals, yet decent on the mileage.

[KFLO 93 GT]

Well, I never said I needed to have the room of the Lumina or bigger, just that I'm not going to econobox it around.

A decent 4 cylinder with a manual will get the job done, I've just got to find the platform and find one priced right. I think I'm on the right track with Saabs, and Subarus.

Lumina car in question:


Bright red isn't my favorite color either, doesn't help its case.

[Carson21R]

Telling you man Honda is the way to go for a daily beater.