Buying a Highway Bomber Part II - I'm too tall

"Moves-Like-Senna" (moves-like-senna)
12/05/2016 at 19:41 • Filed to: None

So for those of you who don’t know about my hunt, I’m searching for a highway bomber to throw 30k+ miles on until April or a year form now and then sell for a minimal loss.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I went out to an autopark today as well as drove some in the past couple days! My top pick was the 2006-2012 Lexus IS250/350... however...

It turns out 6ft 3 + hair/shoes = 6ft5-6 which even at 6ft3 alone I’m too big to be comfortable. Sitting in a mint 2012 IS250 AWD and driving it. I put the chair all the way down, all the way back and reclined it until it wouldn’t recline further and... my head still hit the roof.. my knees still hit the dash and I had to drive with my index finger and thumb at the bottom left... which wasn’t comfortable. I now understand why my father who’s 6ft6 has only ever bought us trucks.

There’s a major difference between fitting and fitting comfortably.

Some basic requests again:

1) Highway speed and comfort - I know where every speed trap is on this drive and allegedly cruise at 92.5mph. That means I need stealth and yes, a blackout button is on the list.

2) I’m 6ft 3 (6ft 5-6 with hair + shoes) and an athletic 225 - No I do not fit in a Miata. If only.

3) Return on investment - This will be my DD through this winter, however I plan to trade it in come spring or summer for a 2017 Camero SS or ZL1.

4) Gas milage - I’m not going to buy something that gets a good 21MPG. I’m looking closer to 30MPG.

5) Tops $14K Canadian but less is better - It must be reliable. I am not going to sit out on my cold ass in mid January in -60F.

Thanks guys

DISCUSSION (40)

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 19:48

The problem is most cars you want at $14k, have already depreciated greatly they will continue to go down. The only ones I could think of that will see no/minimal loss would be a 4 runner or Wrangler for $14k.

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/05/2016 at 19:53

True, wranglers shouldn’t lose much. I’m definitely looking for cars that have gone through most of their depreciation.

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:02

move a size up to a GS or *shudders* an ES.

or a yota avalon?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:03

There’s also an used Lexus GX470. It has a V8 for bombing the highway, very reliable, comfortable air suspension, & they for sure hold their value very well.

CB > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:05

There was a 2.0T XWD Saab 9-3 on Autotrader a few days ago for under $10k. Somewhere around 150k kilometres on it, I think?

Moves-Like-Senna > CB
12/05/2016 at 20:07

The brown one for 8900$? it looks good but I think adding any more km would kill the value :/

This caught my eye..

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/belleville/2014-kia-cadenza-premiuim-heated-leather-park-aid-nav/1193984173?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/05/2016 at 20:10

I love those so much <3 I have a friend in one... oddly enough it’s tight. I fit snuggly with head grazing the roof. Don’t they start at 40k used? I was looking at these too http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/belleville/2014-kia-cadenza-premiuim-heated-leather-park-aid-nav/1193984173?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

CB > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:11

Think it was black? Can’t remember.

That looks pretty sweet. Could be a solid contender.

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john
12/05/2016 at 20:11

GS has tranny issues across the board :( ES is affordable but it does look like a camry with a different badge hahaha

Avalons are expensive! Take a look haha, they’ve retained value even with 200k km... kias on the other hand http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/belleville/2014-kia-cadenza-premiuim-heated-leather-park-aid-nav/1193984173?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:13

Here’s an 2005, it’s a tick over 200,000kms but that should not be an issue.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/GX/Toronto/Ontario/5_29350393_20101004072021494/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=3_25_4

Moves-Like-Senna > CB
12/05/2016 at 20:13

100k km is high and value shot but it would be a keeper if I bought it I guess?

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:16

yike.

why not a hyundai genisis sedan if thats the worry?

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/05/2016 at 20:24

OH MY GOD! I’m considering it .... :O but 14MPG ... that’s worse than a pick up.. does that mean pick up is the right answer?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:26

But at just under $12k you $2k under budget and that more money for fuel.

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john
12/05/2016 at 20:27

High reports of major engine issues that all seem to stem from oil consumption. The IS had issues for example but nothing was ‘cripling’

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 20:28

the just get a accord and call it a day.

everything is going to have issues. if its not a pile, then its issues at this price point. if you are dumping it in a year, who cares then? run it and dump it.

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john
12/05/2016 at 20:34

Good point, run and dump might be the best and focus on MPG/running costs instead of depreciation. E.g.. GX470 = 400$ to drive to montreal and back.... in gas alone... think of the tire costs wearing them down twice a year XD

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/05/2016 at 21:11

hahaha I wish it were that easy but calculated out that’s 400$ for a round weekend trip between here and Montreal :O

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 21:18

I TRY TO BE SMART, GEZZZZZ.

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/05/2016 at 21:27

I know! Appreciate so much! Car buying is a PITA

I’m thinking buy something and just drive it... maybe accord coupe maybe 3.8 Genesis coupe.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 21:30

In in big SUV your hight won’t be an issue.

I own dead car brands only > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 22:18

Buick LaCrosse, the newer ones. I have a car based on that platform and I’m 6'5" without shoes. I actually had to move the seat up a bit

deekster_caddy > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 22:30

30 mpg at 90? That’s pushing it for any car, but our Passat comes close. We have an ‘08 Passat Wagon, 2.0 turbo 6 speed manual. It’s a wonderful car to drive and to drive fast, and the front seats are very comfortable. I’m 6'4 and don’t have the seat all the way back. Check out the previous gen Passat with the 2.0 T motor for a nice highway drive.

CB > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 22:36

I suppose? There are worse cars to have to live with.

shop-teacher > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 23:21

Son, you need yourself a Buick. They eat highway miles for breakfast, they’re comfortable, and they’re virtually invisible to cops.

Moves-Like-Senna > shop-teacher
12/05/2016 at 23:30

True that... my record for w/passengers 600km haul was 5.5 hours with an hour mcdonalds break lol (in a buick)

Moves-Like-Senna > deekster_caddy
12/05/2016 at 23:31

Oh wow that’s awesome! I’m actually looking at this. I cant drive stick but thinking of buying it anyways and figuring it out?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-toronto/2011-volkswagen-golf-tdi-highline:-leather-sunroof-nav-bluetooth/1218998880?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Moves-Like-Senna > I own dead car brands only
12/05/2016 at 23:32

damn, why no shoes?

shop-teacher > Moves-Like-Senna
12/05/2016 at 23:37

Nice! You know what I’m talking about then.

For $2000 (US), I’ll sell you my Roadmaster ;)

Kinja'd!!!

DrScientist > Moves-Like-Senna
12/06/2016 at 01:20

i’m going to try the jedi mind trick... don’t laugh...

YOU DON’T NEED 30mpgs...

YOU NEED THIS e31 840i with a swapped 6-speed!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-BMW-8-Series-Coupe-/252668349323?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3ad4350b8b:g:hHkAAOSwzaJX~rIz&item=252668349323

the timeless lines of the e31, reliability of the v8 (over the v12), legendary autobahn stormer, built for someone of your stature, and did i mention... a SIX SPEED!!!!! there are probably <10 v8s with the 6 speed in north america. not difficult swaps (probably came from an e39 540) just RARE.

my guess is, if it flies under the radar, high bid will be 14-15k.

you can probably even sell it for a profit if the auction goes well for you, and you sell it in the summer time.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > shop-teacher
12/06/2016 at 01:32

Unfortunately we all know how it was driven.

deekster_caddy > Moves-Like-Senna
12/06/2016 at 06:10

I don’t think you will like the fit inside the golf as much as the Passat, the Golf is a smaller car, but at least take one for a test drive - ze germans tend to make their seats for tall people.

THShorn92 - Left his car in America > deekster_caddy
12/06/2016 at 06:35

I’ll second the Passat Wagon. I’m 6'5" and I had to move the seat up in mine. I miss it dearly. Find one with the V6 and it will move, the 2.0T is no slouch either. Mine was an auto

Moves-Like-Senna > deekster_caddy
12/06/2016 at 09:03

Thanks! Yea, reading online, the GTI is driven by taller guys so I’m hoping but I find it ridiculous I can’t fit into cars. It’s not like I’m a giant.

Moves-Like-Senna > shop-teacher
12/06/2016 at 09:12

Tempting but nice setup hahahaha Ido love me a wagon

Moves-Like-Senna > DrScientist
12/06/2016 at 09:15

Honestly, this would be the dream. I’ve lusted for one since I was a kid but that’s USD pushing a bit outside my budget :/ and the winter salt here... I’d feel too guilty.

CB > Moves-Like-Senna
12/06/2016 at 17:35

A little on the high side, but what about an SHO or an MKS ?

Moves-Like-Senna > CB
12/07/2016 at 08:45

Definitely love those! Thanks, the Lincoln is super understated. I’ll check in about them.

I own dead car brands only > Moves-Like-Senna
12/07/2016 at 10:28

I actually wear shoes when I drive, I was just stating that I’m 6'5" without the shoes..

Moves-Like-Senna > I own dead car brands only
12/07/2016 at 13:26

Ah okay haha, I have driven many cars without shoes so my feet fit and that I fit better in the car haha.