The list of possibilities

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
07/12/2014 at 00:50 • Filed to: None

With my (currently imaginary) budget of $6k, these are the vehicles I'm think of considering when the time comes.

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra: 1999-2007, extended cab

Chevy Tahoe/ GMC Yukon: 2001-2007

Chevy Avalanche: First generation, without body cladding

GMC Envoy/Chevy Trailblazer: 2002-2009, standard length

Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon: Any year, I6 or V8

Pontiac G6 GTP: Any Year, Coupe or Sedan

Saturn Astra: Any year, 3-door, manual

Saturn Aura: Any year, V6

Saturn Vue: Later first generation, V6

Cadillac CTS: First gen, 3.6 preferred (I've found them around $6k somehow)

Pontiac Grand Prix GXP: FWD V8

If you can't tell, I'm all over the place right now. I think I'm leaning more towards an SUV or truck because that's what I'm used to driving. I'm trying to stick to GM, for obvious reasons.

Mind you, these are all around $6k right now, there could be other ones around the same price in two years.

Some opinions on the ones above and other recommendations would be awesome.

CTS-V for your time.

DISCUSSION (53)

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 00:55

The Grand Prix GXP (and the Impala SS of similar years) will EAT transmissions. That 4t65 isn't up to the task of handling that V8. It's well known that any and all of them will need a transmission (or two) before 100,000 miles.

I wish I could find a Silverado or Sierra for under $6,000. Around here, even the crappiest ones with high mileage and no options are still ten grand or more.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
07/12/2014 at 00:57

Welp, goodbye GXP.

The GMT800s are getting cheap around here. They're taken care of, they just have somewhat high miles. That really doesn't put me off though, they're dead reliable.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:00

The GXP is nifty in its own regard, but I wanted to warn you about that. Even the die hard W-Body guys will advise most to stay away from GXPs. I used to be on a W-Body forum. The site administrator bought a Grand Prix GXP with like 45,000 miles and almost immediately added two auxiliary transmission coolers. He was getting transmission temperatures of over 250 degrees in regular driving before adding the coolers. Even that won't make the transmission not fail. It will just prolong the death. Just a bad design overall, unfortunately.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
07/12/2014 at 01:03

I'm trying to stay away from anything unreliable in that sort, especially because I'll be getting this right as I'm graduating and going off on my own to college.

JGrabowMSt > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:11

Dodge Charger PI

Just think, modular center console, HEMI, column shift. It'll be good to go at least double the mileage it has when you get it. MDS means 20 or so MPG combined as well.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:29

I can't help but think that you are a GM man? 90% of the post you ever make is in a way or another GM vehicle related.

Thats brave of you, I admire your dedication to GM even after all these recalls happening.

Your a better man than me. I was never really a GM fan to begin with (I'm more of a Mopar guy) but now I would not even think of getting one.

The only advice I can give you is get something halfway decent on gas you will thank yourself later. ~$100.00 a week in gas is a lot to handle on a college budget. so I would definitely stay away from the trucks you listed. I've always sort of like the G6 GTP in a 2 door manual(non convertible) and I'm sure that would probably be within budget, so that would be my pick

PS9 > mazda616
07/12/2014 at 01:30

There was a guy on the LS1Tech forums having to get trans replacements every 30k miles or so. When the warranty ended, he NOPED the fuck outta that car.

PS9 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:32

FWD V8 is dumb. Replace it with a G8 GT, which should be easily had for $6k in a half decade or so, right after used SSs start eating into the market for those.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
07/12/2014 at 01:39

Grown up around nothing but GM vehicles. Saying I'm a GM man might be an understatement.

Those recalls honestly don't mean shit to me. Half of them I'd consider personal responsibility, the other half are on cars that I could have sworn had all been crushed.

Yeah, the truck's MPGs are a bit of a concern, but really, they get the same, if not better MPGs than my van does right now.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PS9
07/12/2014 at 01:40

See the only problem with that is that i need it in 2 years, not 5.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:42

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra: 1999-2007, extended cab
Where can you find these for $<6000? If it's 4x4, and in something passable as 'decent, not too much rust' where I live, it will be at least $8k.

Chevy Tahoe/ GMC Yukon: 2001-2007
Same as the truck above.

Chevy Avalanche: First generation, without body cladding
Same as the truck above the truck above. But I want one, too.

GMC Envoy/Chevy Trailblazer: 2002-2009, standard length
Haven't checked up on these in a while, I wouldn't mind one as I got really comfortable with them when I worked at a dealership.

Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon: Any year, I6 or V8
You know that they never had the I6. And the V8 is incredibly beyond $6k. Find one with the I5/5speed, and I still wouldn't be able to live with that interior. Believe me when I say I wish I could, but those seats feel like they're trying to kick you out.

Pontiac G6 GTP: Any Year, Coupe or Sedan
They made these with 6 speed manuals! They're hard to find, but I would make the effort to acquire one.

Saturn Astra: Any year, 3-door, manual
You want the XR. Still abysmally slow, but at least they're uncommon, can be pushed to their limits around corners somewhat legally.

Saturn Aura: Any year, V6
I know you like these later Saturns, but... the Malibu is a heck of a lot better inside. And underneath they're the same.

Saturn Vue: Later first generation, V6
Stick to only having one in the family, unless you really like it that much.

Cadillac CTS: First gen, 3.6 preferred (I've found them around $6k somehow)
This is probably my pick. But only if it's a stick. And you don't make a fake V out of it. The interior does show its age now, but at least it's all functional. And being rwd and manual, you can have a decent amount of fun.

Pontiac Grand Prix GXP: FWD V8

I like these, too. But as others said they eat trannies.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:45

Better mpg's than your van is nothing to brag about. Those vans were horrible on gas.

also remember that everything cost more on a truck. brakes, tires, ect.

just something to think about. I had a truck and I'm glad I got rid of it. my money can be better used else where.

but it's your choice. sometimes it's best to learn that on your own, if not you might always be wondering "what if"

PS9 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:47

You can save $6k in two years, right? So buy something for 1-2k on year two, then save up again and get the G8.

Then 4 years after that, trade the G8 and get a C6!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/12/2014 at 01:51

I can find Silverados and Tahoes and Avalanches all day around here for $6k. The mileage is a little high, but that really doesn't put me off.

Envoys are getting to $6k for a good one.

DOH! I meant I5, was thinking about the TB/Envoy still. That's probably be what I'd get, I didn't realize V8s were still so expensive.

Yep, Manual V6 is always great

3-doors were only sold in XR trim. And it is still faster than my van.

The Malibu is holding it's value better. You get the early 2000s generation for the same price as an Aura.

This one's iffy. I like the styling and it has the Honda V6, but I dunno if it'll be as good to drive as the second generation.

This one is probably my top pick so far. I'd probably get an auto though. No fake V from me, except maybe a mesh grille.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
07/12/2014 at 01:53

I fully understand all of that. I live with one of these trucks everyday as well, my dad owning one and all. I have a good idea about what it costs to keep in good shape.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 01:54

You know which one I'm gonna tell you to get. Other than the G6, I wanted a G6. :(

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/12/2014 at 01:57

The G6 is probably second pick to the CTS right now. So long as it drives as good as it looks. The Astra is third ATM, but it could drive great and be the one I choose.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:03

if you can find an Astra with the sport tuned suspension. Mine had it and it was fun for what it was. Handled exceptionally well.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/12/2014 at 02:06

I want to think the 3-doors came standard with sport suspension. Don't quote me on that, but I think they did.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:15

They did. And some 5-doors like mine had it as an option. The only difference is that the 3-door will most likely be riding on 18" and the 5-door on 17"

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:21

Before I got my 4Runner, I drove my Dad's 2002 Trailblazer for a while. Build quality is laughable compared to my 1995 Toyota, but if your used to GM it is no worse than any of their other products I've been in. The trans was a joke, but once again if your used to GM... We got it rebuilt for $450, and still shifting 5 years later, so it's a pretty cheap fix. Other than that I miss it. It would fly, and even with me flooring it several times a tank it would average 17. My Dad consistantly got 24 in it, though he drove it slightly faster than an old woman in a Buick. That Atlas 4.2 is amazing. It has more than enough power and I think it sounds pretty good. Also, the 4WD works pretty damn well. I scared many a friend drifting on gravel roads, taking advantage of the AWD setting. They are also very comfortable, buy not too rolly like my Dad's Ram 1500. I would buy one again for the right price as a daily in a heartbeat.

DanZman > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:21

Saturn vue redline is an amazingly underrated car

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/12/2014 at 02:26

Is it weird that both the 130k+ GM 4-speeds at my house have never been repaired? Like is it really that common?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > DanZman
07/12/2014 at 02:27

OH MY GOD SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS.

Are we talking first generation or second?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:31

I don't know, but every one we have owned (other than our '05 Impala bought new), which is 4, have went bad in the first 5k miles of ownership, bought used with under 100k miles. I guess it's the luck of the draw. We've had much better luck with Chrysler products. Also, Toyota products(sans my fucking engine).

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:38

The issue with the trucks at that price, imo, isn't the mileage. I know that they can do the miles just fine and then ask for more. The worry is rust and making sure that enough preventative maintenance has been done. And finding a good one that meets that criteria and is also priced realistically is hard, and they sell really fast.

I didn't realize that Aura had become such an intriguing price proposition. Or that the first generation Vue only had a Saturn V6 for one year before switching to Honda. They are more interesting now.

If it were me, I'd still go with the manual V6 CTS. And if you're in college, people won't ask you to help you move stuff because you have a truck. I'm also curious now what part of the country you're from, if the trucks sound so reasonably priced.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/12/2014 at 02:47

Most look well taken care of.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4517540509…

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ctd/4543661998…

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4526540054…

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4563966770…

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4553250463…

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4549447644…

St. Louis man, if it's good for nothing else, cheap trucks and SUVs

And yep, Auras are plummeting in value because of Saturn being closed and people thinking you can't get them serviced.

Yup Honda V6. Even the second generation used the 3.5L on base model AWD models.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 02:58

Buy all the trucks, and resell them in Montana. I could have done that when my brother was out there, as there was a markup even from MN. That said, I wouldn't trust any single one of those before test driving them. But my money is on the white Tahoe.

I was expecting mid-150k mile trucks... not 260k for $6k. In college, especially the first years when you're likely going to be in a dorm, there really isn't any time or place budgeted for maintenance on a truck unless you have a friend or other hook-up. Those miles make me weary regardless of seeing good experiences with those trucks.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/12/2014 at 03:02

I just must be very trusting of GM vehicles, because if those all drove well, I'd drive any of them with those miles.

I'm going to college local, so I'd probably be living at home.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 03:27

We've got a GMT-800 at home with over 250k, which in itself is something I never thought I'd see (the miles, a Chevy truck heck yeah I knew I'd see). The previous two owners didn't slack on maintenance, and it is far nicer than any of the other trucks that were looked at before buying this one. And that includes trucks that had upwards of 50k less miles (it had almost 180k before we bought it).

All I'm saying is, any one of those you listed could be rock solid, but at the same time they all could be ticking time bombs, too.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/12/2014 at 03:31

Well yeah, anything I am serious about is getting a good look-over by a mechanic. I'll probably have whatever I buy around for a while, so I want something reliable.

DirtyBird > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 06:58

have you looked at 98-02 camaro or firebird/ trans ams? Ls1 + 6 spd is decent on gas if you keep your foot out of it (which would be rarely)

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 07:24

I say Astra. as someone whose family in Europe currently owns 3 Astras, has driven them, and has a soft spot for them. They're great cars. It's probably the most fun of cars on the list, cornering wise. If you were to go to an autocross, you'd have the most fun in it. also hatch so easy to park and practical for shopping. It's also comfy, and has a good sound system. I would even venture to say that it's the best sub-30K new car you could get from GM between '06 and '10

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 10:17

Are you even considering any non-GM cars?

DanZman > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 13:41

First gen with the Honda VTEC V6! I'd really like to get one as my daily.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 15:25

Besides the first generation Mazda3 hatch, not really.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 15:43

Your choice, I guess. But you're eliminating hundreds of good choices, including some better ones, because they don't have the right badge. I would suggest you look at a lot of stuff. You might end up liking an non-GM car, you might not. But if you never drive anything but GM, you'll never know if you like anything else.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 15:58

I want to stick to American cars, but nothing Ford or Dodge made in this period attracts me. The Mustang, maybe, but I could never part one of those in front of my house. The only other companies I'm really considering are BMW and Audi, but I need something reliable.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:19

Lincoln Mk VIII?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 16:22

Grandpa had one of those. Unreliable piece of shit, it was.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:24

Yay, first-gen Mazda3! I absolutely adore mine. I've had it for five years and 50,000 miles. It has been rock solid. 24-25 MPG city and 34 highway. Well above what it is rated at. Mine is an auto. Sticks get even better mileage.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:26

Have you considered any of the Japanese SUVs? Pathfinder, Trooper, Montero, 4Runner, etc? They are supposed to be the last word in reliability.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
07/12/2014 at 16:28

How's the autobox? That's probably what I would get.

No rust issues? I'm not really concerned about it because I've never seen a 3 with rust on it around here.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 16:31

Those earlier Pathfinders have always been something I like. The ones right before they got all big and bloaty. 4-Runners to a little lesser extent.

Kinja'd!!!

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:35

Nope. Mine has trudged through four winters now and although Kentucky is south-ish, the pretreat the roads with tons of salt. No rust issues. I just wash it as soon as I can after the snow/slush clears up.

The auto is great. Having five speeds instead of four helps to keep the RPMs down on the highway. Although my cruising RPM at 75 is like 2,900. Still pulls over 30 MPG highway, though. And you wouldn't believe how much crap this car can hold. I've moved three times with this car, and each time I fit everything I owned into it except for my bed. I also hauled a recliner and a coffee table off for donation the other day, at the same time.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:36

I know this isn't your thing, but they made an Infiniti version called the QX4 (which I'm sure you already knew, I don't know why I'm saying this like it's new to you) which is literraly just the Pathfinder with some nicer seats, HID lights, and a stupid clock. They are plenty cheap, but offer a few more comforts like power heated seats and a sunroof.

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
07/12/2014 at 16:38

So, roomy, fuel efficient, fun to drive, and I'm assuming reliable? Sounds like a great all rounder.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 16:39

I always forget about the Infiniti one. That'd probably be the one I'd want.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:45

Take a look at one. Like I said, you may hate it, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to look at a wide variety of stuff. Trust me, I looked at everything under the sun (I drove an S-10 pickup and a Mini for Christ sake), and I'm glad I did.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/12/2014 at 16:47

Hey! What's wrong with the S-10? It's an honest little truck.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 16:55

Nothing wrong with it. But compare it to what I got. When was the last time someone cross shopped an S-10 and an A8?

Never. My point is to be open-minded. You can do whatever you want, but I could never see myself setting limitations for myself based on something like brand or origin. Partly that's because I'm not a diehard fan of any one brand, but mostly because I prefer to explore and research all my options before I spend what a lot of money on a purchase of an item I feel strongly about and have to live with for a long time.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/12/2014 at 20:33

Yep. All of the above! The only problem I've ever had was the upper passenger motor mount, which took me fifteen minutes to change.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/18/2014 at 01:36

You know you really want something like this...
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/454742…