Suggest a first car for my brother

Kinja'd!!! by "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
Published 03/22/2017 at 15:47

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My brother needs a first car. He wants something unique. Oppo knows unique cars.

Here’s what he wants:

-Something cool and slightly unusual. It can’t blend in parked in the high school parking lot. A Suzuki Equator may be rare, but it’s also anonymous. A Nissan Juke or Cube may look weird, but they’re everywhere. He wants a bit of style or quirkiness.(This may be the first thing that gets compromised on).

-Something with enough space for his guitar, amps, and other related band-type equipment, backpacks, duffle bags, etc. As long as it has back seats or a useable trunk, it should be big enough.

-Niceties such as power windows, A/C, cruise control, heated seats, and a moonroof.

Here’s what he needs:

-Something safe, reliable, and reasonably priced to run and insure for a high school male

-MPG of at least 16 city , the car is mostly going to be driven around town.

-Let me reiterate the “safe” part. ABS, traction control, and a driver’s airbag at least.

Here’s what it won’t be:

-Something fast or racy. It doesn’t have to be slow, but no V8 Mustangs.

-A fixer-upper or project.

-A beater. I know this is something many of you will fundamentally disagree with, and I understand why, but that’s the way it is.

-Virtually anything German or British.

The car should have an asking price of under $8000 and a realistic purchase price of under $7500. It can be any transmission, as he drives auto but wants to learn stick. It can also be any body style. Please note that I’m not actually using this post as a way to pick his car, but I figured it would make a fun challenge and I never know what you guys may come up with that we haven’t thought of.

Kinja'd!!!

EDIT: As requested by some of you, here are most of the top contenders, in no particular order:

-Saab 9-2x, 9-3, or 9-5

-Lexus LS400, GS, or SC. Maybe an IS300 wagon.

-Volvo C30, S60R, XC70 or V70, possibly 850R, V50, C70 coupe or S80.

-Honda Prelude, Element, or 7th gen Civic Si

-Acura TSX, RSX, TL

-VW Golf/GTI, Passat, or Corrado (the German exceptions)

-Oldsmobile Aurora

-Buick Riviera Supercharged

-Subaru Impreza wagon, SVX, or Legacy GT

-Toyota Land Cruiser or Supra (non-Turbo)

-Infiniti G35, M45 first-gen, or Q45

-Cadillac STS

-Lincoln Mk VIII


Replies (100)

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
03/22/2017 at 15:51, STARS: 2

Geo Metro softtop.

Kinja'd!!! "SpeedSix" (speedsix)
03/22/2017 at 15:51, STARS: 2

and insure for a high school male

Wait, there are cars that are reasonable to insure for a high school male? Consider me intrigued!

More seriously, I don’t know how common first-gen Scion xBs are in your area - they meet most requirements, except no heated seats.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 15:53, STARS: 0

I actually saw one of those a few days ago in pristine condition parked outside a restaurant. It was mind blowing.

Kinja'd!!! "Tripper" (tripe46)
03/22/2017 at 15:54, STARS: 0

Tiny Trucks!

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
03/22/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
03/22/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 0

I’d suggest a 5th gen Prelude, but they don’t have traction control and, assuming he doesn’t know how to drive stick, the autoboxes are made of glass and should be avoided at all costs. Maybe an Acura RSX or TSX.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 15:58, STARS: 0

2002- 2004 Cadillac Seville SLS. It literally checks all your boxes.

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
03/22/2017 at 15:59, STARS: 4

Element?

Kinja'd!!! "S65" (granthp)
03/22/2017 at 16:00, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "Nibbles" (nibbles)
03/22/2017 at 16:01, STARS: 1

Saab. C900, NG900 or 1G 9-3. Prefer the C or 1G

Kinja'd!!! "vicali" (vicali)
03/22/2017 at 16:02, STARS: 0

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/kamloops/1987-merkur-xr4ti/1248464991?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

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Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:02, STARS: 0

I’ll see what he thinks of them, but they are semi-common. Still, good suggestion!

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:02, STARS: 2

Altima SE-R or the mitsubishi galant Ralliart

You dodge the honda/toyota tax, still have some meaty V6 grunt, but it isn’t a high strung turbo that begs to be hooned. FWD mid-sized sedans are dirt to insure and their interiors, while somewhat cool, are still pretty generic so parts are easy to come by.

And with just a few hints of personal touches, they look cool, but not too wild. Just different enough. And they always look clean. They can be had with a manual or an automatic too. I like the galant more, myself, but that’s me. They’re about 10 years old and examples with ~100k on them are between 5k and 8k depending on the usual factors. The ralliart is RARE though, but cooler IMO.

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Kinja'd!!! "S65" (granthp)
03/22/2017 at 16:03, STARS: 0

Or a Geo with some funky graphics

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:03, STARS: 0

My only concern with those is you can either have cool and unique (by going old) or safe and well-equipped (by going newer), but not both.

Kinja'd!!! "bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/22/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 2

saabarus.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 1

He does want to learn stick, so transmission isn’t an issue. All good suggestions!

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:05, STARS: 0

my car

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 0

Until the northstar explodes and he has to sell it for scrap....

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 0

It does. Only thing that remains is the style/image thing, which is subjective & up to him. I’ll certainly run it by him.

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 1

Insurance for those will rake you over the coals in my area. Also good luck finding one that isn’t faling apart.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 0

not in a 2002 - 2004 it wont. you’ll get a good long life out of those. it’s pre-2001's you need to watch out for.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 0

I actually think a Sterling would be awesome, but probably too old.

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 1

What makes the 2002-2004 immune to the head gasket failures that every northstar from the 90s onward had?

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 2

Saabs now are cheap enough that if we could find one priced right and in good shape, it would be worth the risk of pricey parts and upkeep. Good suggestion!

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 1

they are bad ass and classy! at least in black. the white is a bit meh. the red and blue and green are also sweet!

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:09, STARS: 0

A Markur would be ideal, but I think it lacks ABS and airbags.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:10, STARS: 1

I do like those, especially the Altima. We’ll see if he finds them unique enough as-is though, as mods aren’t likely.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 0

This is precisely the sort of thing I was looking for.

Kinja'd!!! "Nibbles" (nibbles)
03/22/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 2

Not to mention they’re downright cavernous. They got quirky down to a T and all they require is faithful oil changes (with the correct oil) to be reliable as all get-out

As long as you don’t mind electrical goblins in the NG900

Seriously try to stay away from the NG900

Far far away

Away

A
W
A
Y

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 1

Maybe for an Aero, but not a normal one right?

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:12, STARS: 0

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Oooooooooh, the SC model would definitely hit the right boxes. Good call.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 16:12, STARS: 1

wrong 90's to 2001 suffered. they corrected their manufacturing techniques and up dated the head bolts which was the issue. all post 2001 North stars are super reliable if taken care of, like any other engine really. sure there’s still the pit falls of the 4t80/4t60 owner ship. Ie change that fluid and you wont have to rebuild it by 120k... or don;t and rebuild your tranny at about 120k.. but that’s like all Gm cars you know..

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 1

My dad used to have a GS300 that he loved, and one of my good friend loves his ‘01 GS430. We found an IS300, but my brother wanted something a bit more interesting in the looks department. Still, the right GS or other Lexus is an excellent choice and certainly not off the table.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 0

I agree, but it’s a matter of what he thinks.

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 1

Eh, well I live in Michigan and we have some of the highest in the nation. But I know saabarus get kicked hard because they are a more luxurious subaru WRX and those are pretty heavily hit due to the woodward crowd. Even some non-WRX imprezas. And if you’re a high school male, they’ll probably assume the worst.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:14, STARS: 0

Duly noted.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:15, STARS: 0

True enough. But I think the Aero is the WRX, the regular one is, well, the regular one.

Kinja'd!!! "Die-Trying" (die-trying)
03/22/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 2

lifted k5 blazer......

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Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:17, STARS: 0

Nope! They still had issues well into the 2000s. My uncle had a bonneville GXP that grenaded at less than 70k despite being serviced regularly. My dad worked at a buick/pontiac dealership and the used car lots saw lots of relatively “new” cadillacs have leaking head gaskets at under 100k. I wanted one as a first car but he said he wouldn’t help me because he didn’t want to replace a northstar for free. Head bolts weren’t the issue, it was the usual culprit of dex-cool and bad gaskets that did the N* in, like the otherwise indestructible 3800s. But apparently it hits the N* harder. I think it’s the tighter tolerances.

Kinja'd!!! "TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
03/22/2017 at 16:17, STARS: 0

I know right? I haven’t even had my car for a year and I have already paid more for insurance than I did for the car.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 16:17, STARS: 1

But I should note, only look at ones with a FE1 suspension. air in the back, struts in the front. any thing with CVRSS(continuously variable road sensing suspension) if it has that walk the fuck away and the STS is nice but the extra HP will kill the MPG and the Magneride, while nice is not cheap if it needs replacing. but it’s less of a risk than one with CVRSS and the gas cost is like 20mpg high way versus 27. so if he’s cool with that go STS!

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 3

Methinks something a bit safer. And if that gets 16mpg city I’m Jillian Michaels.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 0

Appreciate those tip!

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 1

except mine is cheaper so he can put that money into making it his own (read: fixing it). Air suspension and some wheels would be neat.

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:20, STARS: 1

Yeah, but then you’re hoping they care about what engine it has and they don’t lump all of them in together. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. Like my Fiesta ST is lumped in with all other fiesta trims for insurance. But the Focus ST and Golf GTI are their own categories (much more expensive categories) for insurance.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:22, STARS: 1

Yes it would.

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:23, STARS: 0

Acuras are very nice too but potentially too beige

maybe Infiniti? those are a bit harder to find, at least around here

Kinja'd!!! "interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
03/22/2017 at 16:23, STARS: 0

An 8th gen Civic Si can be found in his price range and would tick all the boxes, too. Not sure about insurance on those, though.

Kinja'd!!! "Die-Trying" (die-trying)
03/22/2017 at 16:23, STARS: 1

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i was managing 14, on a k5 blazer frame, with 26 inch tall tires, and 3:73 gears. has a 350 running on regular 87 octane gas..... so if you managed the taller tires, and some slightly steeper gears, like say 3:42, it wouldnt be too far off from getting 16...... and it would be hard to lose in a parking lot...... *whispers “who is jillian michaels?”

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:25, STARS: 1

That’s exactly the conversation I had with my dad a few days ago. “Acuras are nice but boring. If we can talk him into one great, if not find a G35 or J30.”

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:26, STARS: 0

A 7th gen Si might be even better, since the hatchback is both rarer and bigger.

Kinja'd!!! "vicali" (vicali)
03/22/2017 at 16:26, STARS: 0

Legacy outback;

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Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:27, STARS: 0

what’s a j30? Also you might be able to get a G37 with that budget, I’ve seen them as cheap as $3700 (for an actual good running one, not scam or wrecked).

Subaru Forester XT?

Kinja'd!!! "vicali" (vicali)
03/22/2017 at 16:27, STARS: 2

or Baja

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Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:28, STARS: 0

I think the non-Outback version of the Wagon might be even more likely than the Outback sedan, but definitely a solid choice.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:29, STARS: 1

My dad’s coworker has a G37, if he’s ready to sell within 6 months maybe we’ll buy that.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infiniti_J30

Forester XT is also a good choice.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 16:30, STARS: 0

You’re so wrong man. I’m sorry the head-gasket failure was a result of head bolts pulling out if their thread ever so slightly. this caused coolant leaks into the engine.

now regarding later models with issues. Eldorado’s continued to use 2000 blocks till end of life as they never received a refreshsince with the last model running from 98 to 02. the last few years being mostly left over production runs from the late 90's in the same way a 04 SLS is actually a 2003 model year production car. How ever the SLS unliek the eldo did recieve a refresh and continued upgrades to the engine and drive train.

as for a 2005 GXp blowing it’s head I’d chalk that up to abuse and mistreatment more than northstar reliability. I know lots post 01 northstars with over 200k with original gaskets.it’s plausible maybe the GXP had a pre 2000 cast block but i’d doubt that.

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:32, STARS: 1

that looks like a Buick Century/LeSabre and a mid 90's Maxima made sweet, sweet love. not a good mix, but unique for sure. Forester XT’s are way too fast for what they are, the 04's can do 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. Not sure about insurance though.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:34, STARS: 1

Yeah I certainly wouldn’t want to put him in anything quicker than that.

Kinja'd!!! "Viggen" (viggen37)
03/22/2017 at 16:35, STARS: 1

I’d also keep an eye out for second gen 9-3s, like mine. First gen 9-3s still carry some of the same electrical gremlins as a 900NG.

Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
03/22/2017 at 16:35, STARS: 1

This is a hard set of criteria to match up:

Impreza hatchback from mid 2000s, Saab 9-3 wagon if you can find one. Iis an Acura RSX or Scion TC big enough?

VW Rabbit with the 2.5 too plain?

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:36, STARS: 1

I want one bad, especially in silver/beige/black, for even more stealth. Then blast off at stoplights, destroying V-6 mustangs and Firebirds

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0

Yup, it’s hard, but I’m sure we’ll find something.

Everything on that list could be a contender, except I think we’d shoot for either a Golf/Rabbit diesel or GTI, and I’m guessing he won’t like the Scion.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 1

I enjoyed doing that in the former X3.

Kinja'd!!! "Viggen" (viggen37)
03/22/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0

Such a shame because the 900NGs look so good!

Kinja'd!!! "dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/22/2017 at 16:38, STARS: 1

the only difference visually is the hood scoop and XT badge. Pretty subtle. Obviously not a corner carver but some fun can be had in the twisties

Kinja'd!!! "Nibbles" (nibbles)
03/22/2017 at 16:42, STARS: 0

But the 1G 9-3s look nearly identical:

NG900 1998

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1G 9-3 1999

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They swear there’s hundreds of differences but fuck if I can find ‘em

Kinja'd!!! "Viggen" (viggen37)
03/22/2017 at 16:45, STARS: 1

And the 1G 9-3s aren’t much better electrically. Really I’ll stick to my 2G 9-3 that killed off the brand and sucked GM dry.

Kinja'd!!! "AfromanGTO" (afromangto)
03/22/2017 at 16:46, STARS: 3

Volvo S60

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Kinja'd!!! "Fistacufs" (Fistacufs)
03/22/2017 at 16:47, STARS: 0

Might I refer you to this post by a fellow oppo-naut

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/overlooked-2004-infiniti-m45-1717327237

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:47, STARS: 0

S60/V70 variants are a definite good choice.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:48, STARS: 0

I love the M45, and so does my dad. Not sure if my brother does, I’ll ask him. I’m a bit worried about a V8 RWD sports sedan, but we’ll see.

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
03/22/2017 at 16:48, STARS: 1

Honda Element. It has rooms for his sweet amps bro, it’s unique, it’s practical. The earlier ones with the exposed plastic everywhere are extra-“unique” while the later ones with more paint are a little more normal looking.

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Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
03/22/2017 at 16:49, STARS: 1

I think it’s mostly that it’s hard to find a unique, reliable, somewhat practical car. I’ve heard first gen later minis(2005ish off the top of my head) with a manual and no supercharger are pretty reliable.

Good luck, let us know what he finds. I think it’s worth finding a good first car for a teenager.

Kinja'd!!! "themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
03/22/2017 at 16:53, STARS: 0

And I still disagree with you. Even a cursory glance at the GXP boards shows that having to redo the head studs and replace the gaskets is a common procedure once you’re near 100k miles. Maybe not every motor, but still higher than other engines of similar age and use. I’d agree my uncle got a bum motor, but not that he abused or maintained it poorly unless the dealership techs did that.

I know they got “Better” but they still have a higher than average failure rate of gaskets and their electronics in the early 2000s weren’t the best either. The odds improved, but northstars are still a gamble when compared to the competition. In either case, even if you get a good northstar, I’d still wager money on the interior electronics going wonky.

Kinja'd!!! "interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
03/22/2017 at 16:54, STARS: 1

True. And cheaper, and slower, and therefore likely less to insure.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonee" (Jonee)
03/22/2017 at 16:54, STARS: 6

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Or

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Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:56, STARS: 0

Mini was a top choice for a while, but the reliability and cost of maintenance (even for non-S models) put it mostly out of the running.

Kinja'd!!! "Fistacufs" (Fistacufs)
03/22/2017 at 16:57, STARS: 0

Or do what I did and get a sensible wagon

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Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 16:58, STARS: 0

C30 is on the very tippets-top of the list right now. He loves the X-Type sedan, but I doubt my dad will green light a Jag.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 17:01, STARS: 0

I love the IS, but have a look at my last post. The wagon might be cooler, but it’s also more expensive.

Kinja'd!!! "itschrome" (itschrome)
03/22/2017 at 17:08, STARS: 0

Ok well I checked pontiacbonnevilleclub and found less than 20 returns for the issue. and most of them where cross linked to other threads.Any ways I accept you believe you’re right and that’s fine. But having owned far more of these cars and engines than I probably should have and having been through them all I know you’re wrong. there’s no beating anecdotal based beliefs.

Kinja'd!!! "d15b" (d15b7)
03/22/2017 at 17:11, STARS: 0

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$7900

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6050856854.html

Kinja'd!!! "d15b" (d15b7)
03/22/2017 at 17:12, STARS: 1

Nothing German or British, oops.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonee" (Jonee)
03/22/2017 at 17:12, STARS: 3

I absolutely love my C30 and they’re a really good deal now on the used market. The X-Type definitely isn’t a great car, but it isn’t a bad car, either. Just tell your dad it’s really a Ford since it’s just a Mondeo in a fancy suit.

Kinja'd!!! "Land_Yacht_225" (nadenator)
03/22/2017 at 17:22, STARS: 0

Can confirm. I had two friends in high school get Sevilles because they liked my Continental. One was a magneride Seville and I don’t know how many sensors I had to help him replace. That thing was a disaster. He drop kicked it for a Grand Prix GXP that promptly blew its transmission.

Kinja'd!!! "promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
03/22/2017 at 17:25, STARS: 1

A Honda Element checks a number of these boxes. Hell, it even looks like one.

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Kinja'd!!! "Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
03/22/2017 at 17:32, STARS: 1

Get one with the 6.2 diesel, it would get pretty close.

Kinja'd!!! "DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
03/22/2017 at 18:06, STARS: 1

Integra (2nd gen, third gen for non-first cars only.)

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/end thread.

Kinja'd!!! "jsemerica" (jsemerica)
03/22/2017 at 18:11, STARS: 1

16 mpg city is the tagline of the RX8

Kinja'd!!! "sony1492" (sony1492)
03/22/2017 at 18:20, STARS: 3

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Sc400

Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
03/22/2017 at 18:23, STARS: 0

C30 is a great suggestion!

Kinja'd!!! "Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
03/22/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 1

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!!

May I present the Cube

Kinja'd!!! "Svart Smart, traded in his Smart" (svartsmart)
03/22/2017 at 19:10, STARS: 1

Civic Si two-door hatch, circa 2005?

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 19:24, STARS: 0

Yeah, I love the Disco, but it’s beyond unreliable.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 19:25, STARS: 0

I’ve told him that until I’m blue in the face. He knows but he’s still worried about reliability/maintenance cost and the snob factor of a 16y/o driving a Jaguar.

Kinja'd!!! "SOCdriver" (socdriver)
03/22/2017 at 19:25, STARS: 1

C30 is the way to go, I think it nails exactly what he wants and the base model will serve him well.

Kinja'd!!! "SOCdriver" (socdriver)
03/22/2017 at 19:26, STARS: 1

How old is your brother, is he a teen? Because if so then I suggest https://putonthebrakes.org/ for some extra driver training. The instructors there are great and I volunteer with them ever time there are here in SoCal.

Kinja'd!!! "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
03/22/2017 at 19:29, STARS: 0

Another great pic. Even a 300 would be good.