Looking for a commuter/cruiser....
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From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
I imagine they'll have some problems and maintenance that'll end up costing more than most realize. My father-in-law had one, great car but it wasn't cheap to keep around.
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From: south central pa
They're not as bad as most think, unless you don't do the work for yourself. As long as you find one that has maintenance history and receipts, you'd be fine.
They're not cheap, but well worth the purchase imo.
They're not cheap, but well worth the purchase imo.
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From: The QC
Talked to her last night after her drive back with a colleague, here's where we stand right now:
Lexus IS
VW GTI
Nissan Maxima/Infiniti M35 (dad works P/T at Nissan, so can likely get a deal)
Cadillac CTS
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Genesis Sedan (we have a hookup at Hyundai, so this may be possible)
Pretty much the short list... and all would be pre-owned. She didn't balk at the Porsche initially, but we discussed and we do not want one that old, plus, it would likely be too small being a 2-seater. I know I said likely no Acura's... but we may also investigate a 3G TL or early 2G RL. Don't think it will happen, but may just look anyway. We're going to talk more this weekend and start doing some research to see which one works best...
Lexus IS
VW GTI
Nissan Maxima/Infiniti M35 (dad works P/T at Nissan, so can likely get a deal)
Cadillac CTS
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Genesis Sedan (we have a hookup at Hyundai, so this may be possible)
Pretty much the short list... and all would be pre-owned. She didn't balk at the Porsche initially, but we discussed and we do not want one that old, plus, it would likely be too small being a 2-seater. I know I said likely no Acura's... but we may also investigate a 3G TL or early 2G RL. Don't think it will happen, but may just look anyway. We're going to talk more this weekend and start doing some research to see which one works best...
Last edited by juniorbean; Feb 1, 2012 at 08:49 AM.
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From: Austin, TX
I was going to risk a thread jack and pick on this idea:
But, you said this:
So I won't go there. The first thing that came to my mind when you said cruiser was 2G RL. Then when you said you have an E, it was only reinforced b/c this is a completely lateral move in terms of what to expect from a luxury sedan. Not sure if you have driven one, but I have heard many accounts where the RL gets better reviews than an E. You can sit in the car for 8 hours straight and not feel any different than 1 hour. It feels like you are driving with your favorite sofa seat in the car.
The only restrictions you put on this idea are the mpgs and below $15k. I am not sure where you are driving or which way the wind normally blows, but on a flat highway and calm day, 27 -30 mpg is completely possible. Even with a heavy foot, 80-85 mph, or with a head wind, 25 mpgs is possible with 100% highway driving. Any city driving will be in the 18-20 range.
For under $15k, you will likely be looking at an '05-'06 with 80k+ miles. However, there are some minor quirks with the '05 and possibly '06. Nothing that won't let the car run forever, but minor annoyances. Still, with these miles they should have been caught if they were there. For an '07+ you will jump into the 100k+ range to stay below $15k. However, there is a member here with 315k+, and we all know about Tyson's Legend with 500k+. These cars run forever with the correct maintenance, and you are hard pressed to find a better cruiser for the money.
I don't know how you plan to pull a Genesis Sedan for less than $15k, or even $20k. I think by the time you find that age/mileage combination, the RL is possible.
Talk to Bob or Plastikman for honest feedback from people you know. I have no doubt they will reproduce everything I just said.
The only restrictions you put on this idea are the mpgs and below $15k. I am not sure where you are driving or which way the wind normally blows, but on a flat highway and calm day, 27 -30 mpg is completely possible. Even with a heavy foot, 80-85 mph, or with a head wind, 25 mpgs is possible with 100% highway driving. Any city driving will be in the 18-20 range.
For under $15k, you will likely be looking at an '05-'06 with 80k+ miles. However, there are some minor quirks with the '05 and possibly '06. Nothing that won't let the car run forever, but minor annoyances. Still, with these miles they should have been caught if they were there. For an '07+ you will jump into the 100k+ range to stay below $15k. However, there is a member here with 315k+, and we all know about Tyson's Legend with 500k+. These cars run forever with the correct maintenance, and you are hard pressed to find a better cruiser for the money.
I don't know how you plan to pull a Genesis Sedan for less than $15k, or even $20k. I think by the time you find that age/mileage combination, the RL is possible.
Talk to Bob or Plastikman for honest feedback from people you know. I have no doubt they will reproduce everything I just said.
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From: The QC
^ Thanks for the info. We're not necessarily looking for a lateral move as it is understood when she makes these trips, she won't be in the E. As it is now she's renting small Chevy's and other cheap cars... so most on the list would be an upgrade anyway 
. But we may check the RL. I noticed there were some in the $15k-$18k range with mileage between 65k and 80k+... and I know they'll go for a long time, so we'll see.
For the Genesis, we know the VP of Marketing for one of the largest Hyundai dealers in the area... so that is where the "this may be possible" comment comes from for the sedan.
. But we may check the RL. I noticed there were some in the $15k-$18k range with mileage between 65k and 80k+... and I know they'll go for a long time, so we'll see.For the Genesis, we know the VP of Marketing for one of the largest Hyundai dealers in the area... so that is where the "this may be possible" comment comes from for the sedan.
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From: The QC
^ We did talk about that as well. My only concern with Nissan/Infiniti products is the VQ engine is thirsty. But it does sound oh so glorious exiting the exhaust...
