I need another car...

"ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper" (thedlo) 12/29/2016 at 11:33 • Filed to: None

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Guys, the wagon gave me a slight code brown Sunday..

The ball joint on the lower control arm popped out. It happened just as I pulled into a supermarket parking lot. (insert grocery getter joke). Soon has I heard the tire rub the fender I stopped. Came around to seeing the wheel looking off center in the wheel well. Soon as I turned the steering wheel it started to shift outward in the scariest way.

Called AAA, told them I needed a flat bed and one dolly so that bad wheel wont get dragged. 45min Later a skinny kit shows up with a flat bed but no dolly. I thought “great, now I have to be ready to change the fender and bumper..”

The kid tells me that any damage that results in getting it in the bed was not covered. I already know this, but when he said that I imagined the worsed. I nod, and he gets to work.

The kid is a wiz.... He puts a wheel chock in front of the front wheels, removed the E brake, and puts the car in neutral. AND THEN he proceeds to back the flat bed up under the car?!?! I really wished I had take a video of it! It was amazing! The car was dragged only for the last 2" with minimal fender damage! (as you can see from the first photo, most of the nose is over the edge of the bed)

When we got it home, he tells me to get a floor jack to lift it up from the subframe so there would be no more damage to the fender. Needless to say he got a fat tip. And I also got his story, he use to do Repo, and thats where he learned his flat bed Vudoo.

I should add that this happened a mile away from my house, and it happened just before we were going to head to Queens to visit friends. So this was the very best case scenario.

This brings me to main point of this post: I need another car. I has to be an SUV, and it has to be special.

So my Ideas are:

Trailblazer SS AWD

Jeep SRT-8 (first gen)

Lexus LX470 ‘05

Mercedes G Wagon

In general what I want out of this SUV purchase is that it must be unique, great resale value, generally reliable. So far Im leaning towards the SS hard. Its the cheapest of the bunch, huge cool factor, cant be that hard to sell something that came from the factory with a LS motor.

The SRT-8s I love, but they’re almost 15k more than the SS, and I dont think they can tow cause of the exhaust. (not a huge negative but its there)

The lexus is the smartest choice I feel, reliable, supple, refined, and down right boring/safe. If it were a girl, its the one you marry, but Im not about that yet, at least not in my automotive life. Air suspension can be a huge problem in the future, I hear easiest thing is just swap to standard suspension. Again its boring but about the same price as SSs.

The G wagon is a car that Ive always had a hard-on for. Its ugly, obnoxious, capable, obvious, it says “LOOK AT ME, BUT DONT!” Off road capable, (im not much of an Overlander, but nice to know you have options) Most expensive of the bunch, shitty Mercedes knobs & bottons, who knows what the maintenance costs are. I want to own one eventually for like a year, its a bucket list thing, in fact all of the cars on this list are bucket list cars for me...except the lexus (wifey material).

On I forgot one detail, a client of mine has a first gen X5 6 cylinder, with 3 PEDALS! for $3.5k. it could be a nice cheap option to hold me down, but Im afraid that its resale value, and BMW problems in general. Plus not sure I want to be rowing an SUV, thats what the wagon is for.

Anyways, convince me not to get the SS...cause Im going to go test drive it by the weekend.

TL;DR: I want An SUV, SS is what Im feeling, but open to options with cool factors.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:36

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More like “OW-dee”

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 12/29/2016 at 11:40

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Too easy.

Takuro Spirit > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:42

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The TBSS is great, has a great drivetrain. Just a shame its attached to standard faire GM junk all around. Same could be said for the GC SRT8.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:44

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Saab 9-7x Aero. A TBSS with a better interior, and IMO, better looks.

EL_ULY > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:45

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CRAAAP!

and yes, TBSSAWD

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 11:47

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I agree, but super hard to find!

Spaceball-Two > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:47

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Oh no! Audi down! Audi down! Any damage to the wheel?

I’m in the minority here but I really like the idea of a manual X5.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:49

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If you can deal with the MPG (terrible) the SS appears to be reliable from what I heard.

Might also want to see if you can find a SAAB 9-7 Aero. Same engine, FULL TIME AWD and a Torsen center differential.

for Michigan > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:49

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Had this exact problem with my Civic. The driver who towed it home so I could fix it was great. The driver who came to take it to the shop once I gave up smelled of alcohol, gave no shits, and wrecked my fender. I told him to leave and called a different towing service to come get the car. That guy was great and in retrospect deserved a much larger tip than I gave him.

The SS has my vote on this list. My grandpa just got an Envoy XL with the Vortech I6 and he loves it. I would imagine the SS can only be better.

awmaster10 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:50

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I’d say tbss but use the saved money for some mods. The first gen srt does nothing for me and with the saved money you could do coilovers, bolt ons, tune and have a little left for maintenance. Disregarding all sensibilities, the g wagon is my favorite, but probably not worth it in this situation.

jimz > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:51

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I still refuse to believe the person in that gif is real.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > for Michigan 12/29/2016 at 11:51

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I hear the new I6 from Chevy is a heck of an engine.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:54

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Used to work at a Chevy dealer and there’s 4 guys in the local car scene with a Trailblazer SS. They are not reliable. At all. Sound amazing. Great when they work. But honestly not one of them can say that they were problem free.

If you want reliable the Lexus is your best bet. It will also hold its value a hell of a lot better than those American cars.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > awmaster10 12/29/2016 at 11:56

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Its the headlights. I loved how punchy the whole front end looks! But they hold their price, holy hell.

The SS is really checking a lot of boxes. But the interiors are shit lol. Some other reminded me of the Saab Aero, but those are far and few in between. I dont think I’ll mod this truck, doubt my wifey would let me, she’ll remind me that I have a turbo wagon for that. I would deff want bigger brakes, at the very least. But for the most part, it just has to turn on every day.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 11:56

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But worth it. Though, if I’m honest, I’d rather have the non-Aero one. I like the Atlas better, it has character that the LS just doesn’t have.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > for Michigan 12/29/2016 at 11:57

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Yea I was really worried at first, but when I say him work I knew I was lucky to have him. Slipped him a 10, it deff should have been a 20.

The SS is really calling my name..

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 11:59

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Also the Saab camands a higher price. I only see me owning this car choice for 2-3 years.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 12/29/2016 at 12:02

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Were they beating on it? This would be a basic turn key car, I wouldn’t be thrashing it, or doing any modding. The one Im looking at has only been dealer service as per the carfax.

Also my Mechanic has one, so at least he’s experienced? lol

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:02

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Why an SUV, out of curiosity?

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Spaceball-Two 12/29/2016 at 12:05

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No damage to the wheel, and the fender has a slight bend, but nothing a hammer cant fix LOL.

I like the X5 and all, but I think I would get tired of the 3 pedal. Going to drive it today maybe. The main advantage is that its cheap. Other than that its just an ok car for me. 

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > jimz 12/29/2016 at 12:05

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LOL its my fav gif.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > EL_ULY 12/29/2016 at 12:06

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That one is blown tho lol My wife would kill me if I modify another car.

EL_ULY > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:09

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tell her it’s OEM like that lol

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:10

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That’s a long time in a TB interior.

Bigjohn428 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:10

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https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/25285916

Typhoon is the answer

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > EL_ULY 12/29/2016 at 12:12

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HAHA, I thought you knew spanish women... They can smell your lies. She knows too much about cars now, I cant miss lead her. The second she hears the wine, she’ll know iven done stuff..

I did it to my self, should have kept her out of the car game LOL

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Bigjohn428 12/29/2016 at 12:14

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False.

Syclone is the answer.

EL_ULY > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:15

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LOL epic response is epic and 1,000,000,000% accurate

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 12:16

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but LS tho? And I’ll still have the wagon.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > EL_ULY 12/29/2016 at 12:19

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Now you see the tightrope I walk?

*Cries silently.

Shes open to the SS idea though. But no mods. Her exact words..

She knows me too well.

OPPOsaurus WRX > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:21

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EL_ULY > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:22

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Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:27

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As I’ve said, I’d rather have the I6, as it’s one of the most underrated engines there are. Top speed is within 3 mph of the SS, 0-60 is within a second. And it sounds great and takes boost quite well.

Having driven a few LS things, I just don’t really like them. I understand why people do, but they are passionless and lack soul.

jkm7680 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:29

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You’re keeping it tho right?

Bigjohn428 > Bigjohn428 12/29/2016 at 12:32

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You were listing SUVs. I was following your lead.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:36

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I’ve always liked the second gen Montero. They’re fairly capable and look very nice with a brush guard and chunky tires. Very unique, too. There’s not a lot of them so you’ll probably have the only one around. It might be a bit slow for you though, and parts availability is likely an issue.

I’d suggest investing in a Grand Wagoneer. They’ve been appreciating heavily, when it comes time to sell you could easily match what you put into it if not make a profit. Your wife would probably love it to boot.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 12/29/2016 at 12:52

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My father used to have a Montero! Found the original brochure cleaning the house the other day. Yea, they are very capable, “7”seater too. Just a little lacking in the mill department.

I wish I was in the position to invest in a woody! One day.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:53

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If you can afford the SRT8, you can afford a nice Wagoneer.

Growing up my parents had a Montero exactly as pictured but the body cladding was gold, not gray. It had factory adjustable suspension too. It was a fantastic truck for a few years until the ECU fried itself.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > jkm7680 12/29/2016 at 12:53

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Oh of course. We just need to have a second option, that isnt the wifes commuter camry. Dont get me wrong the camry is fully loaded, but its a camry, so there’s that. LOL

fourvalleys > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:56

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Off road capable, (im not much of an Overlander, but nice to know you have options)

- every soccer mom

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 12:56

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I see what you mean, it’s a car you get for the v8, just cause you wanted the V8. (I think I want a V8)

The i6 doesnt have the same styling cues, bumpers etc. same shitty interior though lol. Oh and I wont be allowed to mod it, as per the wife. 

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 12:57

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I’d see if you could track down the Saab version of the SS

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 13:01

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The Saab 9-7x and 9-7x Aero look about the same. And the non-Aero is dirt cheap.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 12/29/2016 at 13:05

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But a wagoneer doesnt come with Srt-8 features. This is going to be an adventure. lol

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/29/2016 at 13:07

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9-7x Aero, Tried, only found 1 for almost 30k. I like v8s but not for that much lol.

Reason Im leaning so hard towards the SS is cause there’s a dealer serviced one for 13k, and 113k miles. Which is a stupid price I feel. Same price range as the LX but way more fun/cool?

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > fourvalleys 12/29/2016 at 13:08

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Das me.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 13:09

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Now we’re on the same page, I’ll read up on those. The interior is way nicer.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > OPPOsaurus WRX 12/29/2016 at 13:11

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Yea, it could have been so bad though. It happened at the best time in the best place. lol

Little things like this is why there has to be a god.

awmaster10 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 13:54

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If we were talking 2nd gen SRT, it would be no question. Ive driven one and prefer it to multiple actual sports cars...But yeah I actually had no clue the first gens held their value, I always just assumed they were about as expensive as a TBSS. To be fair, the SRT interior isnt great either, but probably a little better than TBSS.

Im not sure if you have any experience with the WK grand cherokees, but even in non SRT form, they are just awful reliability wise...like AWFUL. Maybe the SRT is different, but when I was purchasing my Pathfinder and the 4runner before it, every time I was tempted by a Hemi WK, i read some consumer reviews and ran far far away.

If youre not modifying at all, I would maybe stay away from the Lexus. They can be awesome with a few mods, but theyre so so boring stock, and everybody will mistake you for another random Lacrosse mom carting kids to practice.

I personally think its a no brainer. Take a look at this article: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8-vs-chevrolet-trailblazer-ss-comparison-tests

The TBSS is better (In some regards obviously) AND cheaper, win win situation.

The G wagen is just that odball choice though that youll always kinda wish you had if you get one of the others...

Funktheduck > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 12/29/2016 at 13:57

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There’s a kid with a GW just like that one pictured that see pretty often. It has a Regan/Bush sticker on the window. Drives me nuts. He’s not even old enough to remember the Clinton years and he sticks on that sticker. He also has a very punchable face. Looks like a southern politician in training.

OKcarburetor > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 14:36

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Ball joint popped out or jesus bolt/nut came apart?

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 14:38

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So impossible to find. I feared that.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > OKcarburetor 12/29/2016 at 15:04

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the ball joint popped out.

awmaster10 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 15:12

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The LS having no character thing comes from it being so ubiquitous, not from it lacking character in the way it performs (IMO). Have you driven a TBSS? Have you driven a regular Trailblazer? I have, and the SS feels extremely special, while the normal one feels...like a $5k used SUV. Id take an Atlas swapped mk3 supra though

awmaster10 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 12/29/2016 at 15:16

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2nd gen monteros are amazing. I love them but could never find one when I was looking for a new truck. If I had found a clean 2nd or 2.5 gen while looking for my 3rd gen 4runner or my pathfinder I would have snatched it up immediately. BUT its a total pig, and I think hes looking for something fast.

awmaster10 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 15:21

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https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5926051051.html

No clue where youre located but a quick search yielded this clean tbss with 62k miles. Not bad at all.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > awmaster10 12/29/2016 at 15:41

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Theres one local to me, asking $13k and 113k miles . Black on black with a full infotainment system. And the carfax looks clean, and mostly dealer serviced. Bet I can get it for 10k.

I think I might go test drive it over the weekend.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 16:01

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Saab 9-x aero, same drivetrain better interior.

for Michigan > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 16:05

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I also tipped mine $10 and think it should’ve been $20. lol

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/29/2016 at 16:08

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The LS engine is the Camry of performance

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 16:16

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What if there were something that was somewhere between the TBSS and G?

.

.

.

ML63! M156 engine laughs at your cute little LS! Muahahaha!

awmaster10 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 16:17

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Looks pretty clean, but half the miles for an extra $3k aint bad. And looks like youre in Jersey so its still local. Keep us posted!

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/29/2016 at 16:23

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Lol, my dad has an ML, they’re alright. too pretty though.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 16:29

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Which one? Standard V6? There are three generations. The AMG ones are a far cry from the standard stuff. They’re pretty badass.

OKcarburetor > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 17:07

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Oh damn! That’s a bit scary.

LongbowMkII > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 18:44

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Srt swapped wagoneer.

You’re welcome.

LongbowMkII > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 18:45

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“That’s the power steering pump.”

dogisbadob > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 18:51

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Nothing wrong with a Trailblazer SS or 9-7x Aero. If resale value is so important, get a Civic or Fit. (almost any Honda will hold its value, but the Civic and Fit especially stave off depreciation) What is your budget? How much can you spend?

Also consider the QX56. And if you’re looking at Mercedes, there’s also the ML63 and R63.

I notice your car has the Pirelli Sottozero snow tires. How are they? 

Thumper1203 > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 19:19

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How long was that clunking?

pip bip - choose Corrour > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 12/29/2016 at 21:17

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that don’t look right!

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > dogisbadob 12/30/2016 at 10:01

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Cause im in the process of buying my first home, I’m really looking to have as much fun as cheap as possible LOL.

I looked for 9-7xs but they’re not that common, and they demand higher price for the same miles. I also like the look of the TBSS more, squarish arches and all.

The Sotto Zeros are awesome, great dry weather handling, works in the snow, they are 225/35 IIRC. I attribute most of my cars handling in snow to the quattro though, no traction control and a lock the dif goes a long way.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 12/30/2016 at 10:04

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I want to ride up top, lol. And I want the space for the dogs.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 12/30/2016 at 10:05

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Yea, but they cost more, and Im not really crazy about the looks. Deff a better interior though.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > dogisbadob 12/30/2016 at 11:34

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The R63 is insanely rare, with <100 imported in the only year of production. And they usually go for $30k or more.

pjhusa > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 02/13/2017 at 20:30

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STANS NAYSHUN

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > pjhusa 02/14/2017 at 08:49

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#excessivecambergang

pjhusa > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 02/14/2017 at 12:48

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100%Auto Couture

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 02/14/2017 at 19:09

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Boring. More exciting if you’re on the freeway doing 80. (Glad you weren’t.)