I've decided the Audi has served me well for the past two years, but it's time for something different. I'm going to check out the Mazda 6 tomorrow... I'd like a Mazdaspeed 6 (AWD turbo 6 speed... :drool: ) but I think it's out of my price range... I might test drive one anyway, just to check it out.

Basically, I'm looking for something with decent power, a manual transmission, and that can have two kids in the backseat with the drivers seat all the way back. I'm 6'3", and the back seat in the Audi is getting too cramped for the kiddies. It also has to be good in the snow.

Any other ideas for a good mid-sized sedan that won't break the bank? I don't want an Acura, because they are extremely popular here, thus are seriously overpriced. A WRX seems like a good candidate, but it's just too small. I've considered another Audi, but I don't know if I really want another one. As much as I like my Audi, I really want something that has a decent aftermarket, so I can fuck around with it.

Taurus

Taurus
:roll:

I'd say go all out and get the Mazdaspeed 6.......Are Evos smaller, like the WRX?

Does it have to be "new"?

If it were my money, these would be my pics, in this order.

1. Nissan Maxima 3.5SE Manual
2. 06 Accord V6 Sedan Manual
3. Mazdaspeed 6

For a grocery gettin' ass hauler, you can't beat the Maxima for the money. Plenty of space, plenty of power on tap with that 3.5L VQ, and if you dont have to have it "NEW", they're on Carmax for damn good prices.

And on top of all that, it's practical and a really good daily driver.

you gonna sell me your audi for $4k?

buddy of mine just picked up an '02 Acura TL in great shape (30k miles) for $15k....not bad

but you're one of the most indecisive people alive, so this will be a long, rambling thread I'm sure :cool:

HOLY SHIT!!!! MARKY!!! Woot! No, I'm not indecisive, I have a woman's opinion to consider too.

you gonna sell me your audi for $4k?

No.

Does it have to be "new"?

If it were my money, these would be my pics, in this order.

1. Nissan Maxima 3.5SE Manual
2. 06 Accord V6 Sedan Manual
3. Mazdaspeed 6

For a grocery gettin' ass hauler, you can't beat the Maxima for the money. Plenty of space, plenty of power on tap with that 3.5L VQ, and if you dont have to have it "NEW", they're on Carmax for damn good prices.

And on top of all that, it's practical and a really good daily driver.

Is the Maxima FWD or RWD?

Maximas are FWD.

No.
damn.

$4,100?

damn.

$4,100?

I'll sell it to you for $6,500. You pick it up.

You pick it up.
hah!

like I would go clear across the nation to pick up a car I could buy less then 200 miles away.

$4,200?

I didn't like the 2nd Gen TL's that much, except for the TL-S. The base models are too vanilla for me.

Ah stop being a pussy, just get a Tahoe like me.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/amishboy/DSC00011.jpg


Or a Firebird like DAK.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/amishboy/dak_rider.jpg

Some people have better things to spend their money.

Chevy: Like a rock in every way.

If you want a suv that wont break the bank take a look at KIA. I bought my wife one 3 years ago havent had a problem yet. Im 6'2" and have 2 kiddos in car seats and I have plenty of room. Best of all you can get new for well under $20,000

http://www.allcarwallpapers.com/wallpapers/previews/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-101.jpg

just get one...you might as well...

If you want a suv that wont break the bank take a look at KIA.
the problem with KIA is you can pretty much only get parts from the dealer. Or that has been my experience with them anyway.

get the MS6...awesome ride...zOMG mazda orgasim....

What is your price range?

The Legacy 2.5GT isn't bad price wise, about $25-27k last time I looked. AWD turboey goodness. Plus, anything with a turbo can be made faster for cheap.... The MSRP on Subaru.com says $28,795, but if your Subie dealerships are anything like the ones down here, you can finagle them down a lot. Subaru dealers are begging for business down here. Not too mention the 2006s just came out; so, the 2005 should be even cheaper.

The 2.5GT puts about 196 of its 250 horses to the ground, but for $645 you can hit up COBB Tuning and raise that to 223 at the ground. Torque gets boosted from 219ish to ~248. That power to the wheels will get you about as fast as a stock STi, but instead of being in an STi, you are in a car with an actual full interior and you will have a decent stereo with well built doors!

http://www.allcarwallpapers.com/wallpapers/previews/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-101.jpg

just get one...you might as well...

Looked at it today, waaaaaaaaay too small.

I looked at the Mazdaspeed 6, it's nice, but couldn't find a salesperson to help me out, and Kyan needed a nap.

I'm debating another Audi... The A6 seems to be a bit bigger than my A4.

I'm debating another Audi... The A6 seems to be a bit bigger than my A4.

If you like pre-owned...

Passat W8 4Motion.

omg...overweight VW/Audi. go for the MS6

I'm debating another Audi... The A6 seems to be a bit bigger than my A4.
why not consider an S4 or S6?

why not consider an S4 or S6?

Problems, problems, problems.

Actually, I just found a pretty good deal on a Durango RT with the 5.9L V8. We saw it today, but it didn't have a price, so we're going to go back Monday night and drive it.

new durangos, IMO, are shit.

wrong section!!!

What do you all know about Dodge Magnums?

old guys think theyre cool and think they can smoke exotic cars...

What do you all know about Dodge Magnums?


what do you want to know. I drove a Magnum with a HEMI and all the options last fall. All I can say is awesome. Great for cruising and a ton of power. My friends wife''s family owns a dodge dealership along with a few other brands. I drove a base charger and compared to the magnum it was a pile of crap

what do you want to know. I drove a Magnum with a HEMI and all the options last fall. All I can say is awesome. Great for cruising and a ton of power. My friends wife''s family owns a dodge dealership along with a few other brands. I drove a base charger and compared to the magnum it was a pile of crap

^ditto

I've ridden in a Magnum 2.7L it was a real slug.

I don't think i'd buy one if I were just starting a family with just one kid, though. If you're not having anymore kids, or maybe one more, buy a car.

Mazda6 and Maxima are my suggestions.

The A4's right after ours got a little more leg room in the back.

The A6 is a nice sized car; get a late '90s early '00s with the 4.2 and the flared rear fenders.

What is your price range?

The Legacy 2.5GT isn't bad price wise, about $25-27k last time I looked. AWD turboey goodness. Plus, anything with a turbo can be made faster for cheap.... The MSRP on Subaru.com says $28,795, but if your Subie dealerships are anything like the ones down here, you can finagle them down a lot. Subaru dealers are begging for business down here. Not too mention the 2006s just came out; so, the 2005 should be even cheaper.

The 2.5GT puts about 196 of its 250 horses to the ground, but for $645 you can hit up COBB Tuning and raise that to 223 at the ground. Torque gets boosted from 219ish to ~248. That power to the wheels will get you about as fast as a stock STi, but instead of being in an STi, you are in a car with an actual full interior and you will have a decent stereo with well built doors!

thats also a very nice car....the 05's are nice, and they are pretty cheap at the dealer right now. my friend has one and even stock is pretty quick...(but the 7 cant lose)

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2050921.004/2050921.004.1M.jpg

I think I know what I'm getting. You all might hate it, but I don't give a fuck. :)

Chrysler 300M Special. Drove it today, nice, huge inside, plenty of room for the kids, heated seats, tiptronic auto tranny, 18" wheels, carbon fiber dash trim, giant trunk, good power. It's a Daddy car, plain and simple.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/images/autoreview/400x266/2004-Chrysler-300M-04101281990001.JPGhttp://auto.consumerguide.com/images/autoreview/lrg/02101281990001LRG.jpg

Do you get scented dice to hang from the mirror?

I think I know what I'm getting. You all might hate it, but I don't give a fuck. :)

Chrysler 300M Special. Drove it today, nice, huge inside, plenty of room for the kids, heated seats, tiptronic auto tranny, 18" wheels, carbon fiber dash trim, giant trunk, good power. It's a Daddy car, plain and simple.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/images/autoreview/400x266/2004-Chrysler-300M-04101281990001.JPGhttp://auto.consumerguide.com/images/autoreview/lrg/02101281990001LRG.jpg

Those are pretty nice cars. I'd buy one :)

If you like the 300M, you'd love the Lincoln LS. If you can find one in your area, i'd check it out also.

Drive a Volvo S40. You may think I'm insane, but you won't think so after you drive one. They haul. Don't underestimate 240lb.ft at 2300rpm. My mom has an FWD T5, and I was able to keep the traction control engaged through 2nd gear with half-throttle on damp pavement. You have to be very, very careful off stoplights with the TCS off. We paid $34k out the door for an optioned 2006; you can probably find a used T5 for about 25-27k. A basic T5 AWD with no options shouldn't set you back any more than about 30k.

Legacy wagon or you could spend the money on options.
Mazda 3 fully loaded?

Those are pretty nice cars. I'd buy one :)

If you like the 300M, you'd love the Lincoln LS. If you can find one in your area, i'd check it out also.


Isn't the LS a little more mushy?

I seem to recall riding in one and getting seasick. And I don't get seasick.

Isn't the LS a little more mushy?

I seem to recall riding in one and getting seasick. And I don't get seasick.

Some models come with sport tuned suspension and a couple of other 'sporty' features. It was in the same class as the 5-Series, E-Class, etc.

A friend of mine just bought a 2002 LS V8 with the sport package and it felt like anything but a boat. They LS can also be had in a manual (V6 only), but it's acceleration is = to the V8. Too bad they're extremely rare.

IMHO all lincolns are "mushy"...it just floats around when it goes over bumps. especially the town car.

Those are pretty nice cars. I'd buy one :)

If you like the 300M, you'd love the Lincoln LS. If you can find one in your area, i'd check it out also.

I would, but they are RWD... No good in the snow. We just got about 18" of snow today.

Drive a Volvo S40. You may think I'm insane, but you won't think so after you drive one. They haul. Don't underestimate 240lb.ft at 2300rpm. My mom has an FWD T5, and I was able to keep the traction control engaged through 2nd gear with half-throttle on damp pavement. You have to be very, very careful off stoplights with the TCS off. We paid $34k out the door for an optioned 2006; you can probably find a used T5 for about 25-27k. A basic T5 AWD with no options shouldn't set you back any more than about 30k.

Too small. I couldn't fit the kids in the back seat. I think I could actually lose a kid in the backseat of the 300.

I would, but they are RWD... No good in the snow. We just got about 18" of snow today.
heh. I can't believe people are bitching about 18" of snow.

learn how to drive on ice, and it wouldn't be a problem with RWD :swords:

heh. I can't believe people are bitching about 18" of snow.

learn how to drive on ice, and it wouldn't be a problem with RWD :swords:

I used to drive my T2 in it. It's not a chance I'm willing to take with the kids in the car. I watch these fuckin' assholes barrel down the highway in their 4 x 4s, thinking they are invincible because of it, and sure enough, I always pass at least one AWD vehicle that has spun out or crashed into the center divider.

BTW, here's some pics of the one I drove yesterday. I found one with even less miles closer to my house today, so we're gonna check it out Friday.

If your are going to get something that big get a Navigator or an Escalade.

If your are going to get something that big get a Navigator or an Escalade.

I drive about 750 miles a week, and we already own an SUV. I don't need another gas whore.

This thing has 250 h.p., 255 lb-ft of torque, and gets about 30 mpg. Can't argue with it.

I drive about 750 miles a week, and we already own an SUV. I don't need another gas whore.

This thing has 250 h.p., 255 lb-ft of torque, and gets about 30 mpg. Can't argue with it.


Until you drop 3k in a new tranny from Chrysler Corp.


http://www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com/

Am I the only one who hates driving FWD cars in the snow?

Fuckers WILL NOT turn in the snow. Especially if you're going down hill.

"Doing fine... doing fine... nice and easy... oh look a corner... turning the wheel...turning the wheel... TURNING THE WHEE*WHUD*... stuck in a snow bank AGAIN."

^or one of those G6's...

Until you drop 3k in a new tranny from Chrysler Corp.




If it needs a tranny, oh well... Warranty.

BTW, here's some pics of the one I drove yesterday. I found one with even less miles closer to my house today, so we're gonna check it out Friday.
ohh god...not black. its a PITA to keep clean. the swirls are terrible. i would like to be outside every month polishing it to keep the swirls away. but it does look AWESOME if there no defects on the paint...MmMm depth. awesome choice though, big daddy's pimpin now.

Everyone I know still has that "thinking" that all RWD cars suck in the snow. That once was the case, but not anymore. I've been in quite a few RWD cars in snow and some have handled themselves better than some FWD cars i've been in. Traction Control/Stability Control has been a key factor.

Done with the rant, I'm liking the 300M though. Looks good.

ohh god...not black. its a PITA to keep clean. the swirls are terrible. i would like to be outside every month polishing it to keep the swirls away. but it does look AWESOME if there no defects on the paint...MmMm depth. awesome choice though, big daddy's pimpin now.

I actually want a silver one rather than the black... We found one much closer to the house, same model and options, but silver like the pics I put up earlier.

my cousin has the silver one. awesome ride. id go for the silver if youre annoyed by swirls. well it wouldnt look nice with swirls... silver hides the swirls really wells and that kind of silver had TONs of depth. somewhat like the Diamond Graphite from infiniti.

get a Subaru SVX

The SVX is smaller than an STi, why the fuck would he want that?

STi is 175.8in
SVX is 182.1 inches

The SVX has an interior volume of 84.9 cubic feet plus it has two doors so you have even more trouble trying to get a baby seat into the back. This is the site from which I got my info: http://www.subarusvx.com/specs.html

The STi has 87.6 cubic feet of interior space as per: http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/wrxsti2006.html#interior Plus, it sits higher and has four doors, making baby seats much, much easier.

Now, kindly shut the fuck up.

my friend has a towncar and it feels smooth, even over potholes. probly because he has air ride suspension

Too small. I couldn't fit the kids in the back seat. I think I could actually lose a kid in the backseat of the 300.

To each his own. My 10-year old sister doesn't seem to mind the backseat of my mom's S40 at all. Hell, even I think it's tolerable as long as I'm not in the driver's seat. (I drive with my arms and legs almost completely extended; even my dad, who is an inch taller than I am, likes the seat almost two inches further up.) If you need more room, there's always the V50, which is the same car with a hatch on the back.

The Lincoln Towncar is HUGE. I drove a Suburban for 6 weeks, and I would be far more confident parking that as opposed to a Town Car.

To each his own. My 10-year old sister doesn't seem to mind the backseat of my mom's S40 at all. Hell, even I think it's tolerable as long as I'm not in the driver's seat. (I drive with my arms and legs almost completely extended; even my dad, who is an inch taller than I am, likes the seat almost two inches further up.) If you need more room, there's always the V50, which is the same car with a hatch on the back.

The Lincoln Towncar is HUGE. I drove a Suburban for 6 weeks, and I would be far more confident parking that as opposed to a Town Car.

Which is why I'm not buying a Town Car.

I'm buying a Chrysler 300m. We're actually leaving in about 10 minutes to resume car shopping.

well just make sure you get the special edition 300m :evillaugh


http://www.aspecmotorsports.com/Website_Images/vdi_images_large/chrysler_99-04_300m-1.jpg

Car dealers are so fucking aggravating.

did you take a test drive?

We started negotiations, and they lowballed my Audi (they said it was worth $1200, which is fucking insulting), and wanted me to pay $489 a month for 60 months (that's $29,340) for a $16000 car. I walked out in disgust.

btw, what kind of gas milage have you been getting in your A4?

I just ran some calcs on my ford, been averaging 10mpg...

time to go buy a car thats getting 20+ so it will justify the car payments.

We started negotiations, and they lowballed my Audi (they said it was worth $1200, which is fucking insulting), and wanted me to pay $489 a month for 60 months (that's $29,340) for a $16000 car. I walked out in disgust.


I had that happen when I was buying a car several years ago. I started screaming at the sales manager in the showroom. The offer went up real fast as the other customers started watching me throw a fit. Never under estimate the power of profanity in a crowded room.

Never under estimate the power of profanity in a crowded room.:werd:

btw, what kind of gas milage have you been getting in your A4?

I just ran some calcs on my ford, been averaging 10mpg...

time to go buy a car thats getting 20+ so it will justify the car payments.

I get about 23 mpg highway... I'm willing to bet the non-Quattro A4s get better than 25.

I had that happen when I was buying a car several years ago. I started screaming at the sales manager in the showroom. The offer went up real fast as the other customers started watching me throw a fit. Never under estimate the power of profanity in a crowded room.

I went off on them. I told them that what they offered for my Audi was "a fucking insult", and that "I'm not a fucking idiot, I can multiply $489 x 60 faster in my head than you can do on a calculator, and I'm not going to do business with a bunch of lying assholes."

The manager ran over and said, "Hey, hey, let's just calm down a bit, let's talk about it", and I said, "Dude, get out of here with that. I come down here serious about buying your car, and this is the shit you guys try to pull?"

He said, with his hand out, "I'm Tom, not 'Dude', Kevin, let's sit down and talk." I said, "Dude, whatever. I'm taking my business somewhere else."

Assholes.

my friend has a towncar and it feels smooth, even over potholes. probly because he has air ride suspensionYep. :)

I would be pissed too. You're making a pretty big investment and they try to jerk you around.

I would have done the same thing, and told everyone I know to stay away from that stealership.

dude you totally pwned the manager!