What Affordable GT Would You Own?

"for Michigan" (formichigan) 02/03/2017 at 11:18 • Filed to: question of the day, grand touring, grand tourer, gt, grand tour

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Grand Tour is defined as “a cultural tour of Europe formerly undertaken, especially in the 18th century, by a young man of the upper classes as a part of his education”. This concept spawned the Grand Tourer, an automobile built to cover great distances at speed in stylish comfort.

The Jaguar XK8 is one such Grand Tourer. A 4.0L (or later 4.2L) V8 up front provides plenty of smooth power to move you along at rapid pace while a luxuriously appointed interior ensures your journey is a comfortable as it is rapid. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

So there is your Question of the Day : For about $10,000, what used Grand Tourer would you own?

Sweet Trav > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:23

1

My car, but with a working HVAC and cruise control and a proper manual gearbox.

E90M3 > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:23

6

I’ve always kinda liked this generation of 6 series. This one can be had for under 10k.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:24

6

I consider this a Grand Tourer.

Opinions may vary.

facw > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:24

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The XK8 is definitely a tempting choice. Not much money (upfront) for a good looking, good performing car (that is basically a DB7). Have to be pretty careful with the upkeep though, seem like losts that can go wrong (expensively).

for Michigan > Sweet Trav 02/03/2017 at 11:25

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Excellent suggestion.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:26

4

The C140 Mercedes CL is IMO the perfect grand tourer.

duurtlang > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:26

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For $10k, my own plus about a decade of maintenance? Or doesn’t that count?

TheHondaBro > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 11:27

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So much bad decision, but so much gib as well.

for Michigan > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 02/03/2017 at 11:27

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It’s powerful, comfortable, and roomy. And you can even have your friends along on your Grand Tour. I’d say it’s a great GT.

EL_ULY > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:28

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That very Jaaaag exactly

E90M3 > TheHondaBro 02/03/2017 at 11:28

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They’re flawed, but I bet a working one would just eat up the miles in comfort.

for Michigan > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 11:28

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I think they’re a little homely, but I bet they’re a fantastic highway cruiser.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 11:28

0

Yeeees. I love the bangle-butts

E90M3 > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:29

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My 128i was a pretty good highway cruiser, I can only imagine how good one of these would be.

Milky > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:29

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Theres a BRG over tan XK in my parking garage at home, I should get a pic some day.

But to answer your question: manual SC400

for Michigan > facw 02/03/2017 at 11:29

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Absolutely. The question is “Which would you own?” because maintenance costs definitely factor in.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:29

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You already nailed it. Gib xk8 pls. Or a V12 1996 XJ-S.

E90M3 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 02/03/2017 at 11:30

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It’s not my favorite thing about the car, but I don’t hate it like I do on the pre-LCI 7.

for Michigan > duurtlang 02/03/2017 at 11:31

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I know that’s a Peugeot, but I have no clue what sort of Peugeot it is.

facw > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:37

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Yep, I’m just saying I could delude myself into ignoring them. In any event, I don’t think they are actually likely to be much different than other grand tourers. Unless you decide something like a Toyota Solara coupe could be considered a grand tourer, in which case I still wouldn’t want it, but it would at least be cheap to maintain.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 11:38

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My taste may be bad but Bangle era BMWs have held up rather well, the 6er above looks great in silver.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:39

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2-doors are overrated.

Steve in Manhattan > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:40

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Jag F-Type 6M

for Michigan > Steve in Manhattan 02/03/2017 at 11:41

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That’s a tad over-budget.

djmt1 > facw 02/03/2017 at 11:41

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Fun fact: The XK8 and DB7 do not share a platform but the DB7 does share a platform with a Jaguar. That Jaguar being the XJS. The same XJS from the 70s...

Jagvar > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:54

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Oh, that’s easy. C140 Mercedes-Benz CL500 for me.

diplodicus > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 11:54

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This ad gets me every time

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/5946962904.html

Jagvar > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem 02/03/2017 at 11:55

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Came here to say exactly this! Also, still my favorite gen of the CL.

for Michigan > Jagvar 02/03/2017 at 11:55

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Good suggestion. FSI beat you to it, though.

WiscoProud > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:56

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I’ll admit I’ve looked at Jaguar XKRs a number of times. I just wish they had a manual option. Even so, I’m sorely tempted.

duurtlang > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:56

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‘00 406 coupe.

for Michigan > djmt1 02/03/2017 at 11:56

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XK_(X100)

Go read.

diplodicus > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:58

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I’d go with an SL600

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=426425897&zip=48060&modelCode1=SL600&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D48060%26modelCode1%3DSL600%26showcaseOwnerId%3D0%26mmt%3D%255BMB%255BSL600%255B%255D%255D%255B%255D%255D%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3DdistanceASC%26makeCode1%3DMB%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D1999%26modelCodeList%3DSL600%26searchRadius%3D0%26makeCodeList%3DMB&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&makeCode1=MB&firstRecord=0&endYear=1999&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=MB&modelCode1=SL600

interstate366, now In The Industry > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:59

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This filled the GT slot in Honda’s lineup at the time. I also happen to already own one.

Jagvar > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 11:59

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Yeah, seeing that now. Alternatively, how about an 840Ci? You’d go bankrupt from maintenance, but still.

Also, how much does a DeTomaso Longchamp go for these days? Probably not $10K.

CaptDale - is secretly British > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:04

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Pontiac GTO (with SAP) $10,988 (so easily $10k)

Bytemite > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:05

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A CPO Mitsubishi Mirage GT. Basically any modern car is a GT car. They all hit 80 mph and don’t feel like it, and they’re all super plush and comfy. I feel like a Grand Tourer was something relevant in the 80s and maybe even 90s but nowadays every modern car is as comfortable and quick as an old GT.

E90M3 > diplodicus 02/03/2017 at 12:06

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That might need a little more than a new roof.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Jagvar 02/03/2017 at 12:08

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Bruno Sacco did a great job designing this car. The C140 is my favorite gen CL as well, post 2000 CLs look too cheap for my taste.

djmt1 > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:09

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Oh. Well that story is less amusing now. Man, Jaguar really got their money’s worth between the V12 and that platform.

gmctavish needs more space > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:12

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One of these. My E24 was a fantastic highway cruiser, and I would love to have one again. I’ve also always wanted a C126, but the maintenance would be worse for it.

for Michigan > duurtlang 02/03/2017 at 12:20

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That’ll do. Way to come in under budget.

for Michigan > Bytemite 02/03/2017 at 12:25

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I have to disagree. Small cars with jittery suspension that are geared to run at 3500 RPM at 80 MPH are awful on long-distance, high-speed trips.

for Michigan > CaptDale - is secretly British 02/03/2017 at 12:26

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This is a very good choice.

diplodicus > E90M3 02/03/2017 at 12:35

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Lol, he just seems so nonchalant about the fact his girl lit his car on fire.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:45

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Lexus SC300.

not for canada - australian in disguise > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:51

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I’d use my budget to buy two.

First, a Lincoln Mk VIII

And an Oldsmobile Aurora.

Might be stretching the definition of GT a little bit thin, but damnit, if BMW can call the 4-series GC a coupe, I can call the Aurora a GT.

CaptDale - is secretly British > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 12:52

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Right?! It is even reliable.

for Michigan > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/03/2017 at 13:03

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I’ve been waiting for someone to post a Mark VIII or a Thunderbird.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:08

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The original XK8 Coupe looks better than its successor. Solid pick.

bhtooefr > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:42

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If a four door can be a grand tourer... how about a Grand Sedan?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/687752869/overview/

Not necessarily that color combo, but it’s $1000 under budget.

0-60 in 5.2 seconds, 339 system horsepower, comfortable as fuck, the transmission will be buttery fucking smooth (except for the 1-2 shift for MG2 at around, oh, 75 MPH in a full throttle run), and by current standards, EPA mileage of 22 city, 25 highway... and the average on fueleconomy.gov beats that. Good for bombing down a freeway at high speed, and then, compared to most grand touring coupes, really good on mileage and smoothness driving around town.

If I had to select a coupe, I guess I’ll take a manual SC 300, or an SC 400 (the first-gen, thank you) - it’s about eating up a bunch of miles quickly and comfortably, after all. And, can’t eat up miles if the thing’s broken.

Neither of those cars is what I’d actually buy in the real world - I prefer to do mile eating more efficiently and more slowly - but hey.

Steve in Manhattan > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:46

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Missed the 10K part ... maybe a Volvo C70 - always liked those.

Die-Trying > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:47

0

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:50

1

I have a soft spot for the MB C126 SEC coupes. So early-1990s-Mafia-boss.

Die-Trying > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 13:57

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forgot to find one for sale on my last post..... $12000 for a pristine one like this,
 

  MODEL T TOURING - $12000 (Pasadena)

this not as pristine one for $2750. 1925 Model T Touring - $2750 (Kingwood)

so something middle of the road in condition.......

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 14:30

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I own it.

kanadanmajava1 > Jagvar 02/03/2017 at 16:31

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I like W126 models more. These things look nice and they are well made cars. They are still fairly cheap and common.

Chariotoflove > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:04

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Easy.

Master Cylinder > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/03/2017 at 17:05

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Came here to post a Mark VIII or MN-12 T-bird. I’ve owned both over the years and they’re great cars for putting down miles, and not too disappointing in the curves, especially considering their size and heft.

Master Cylinder > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:07

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For Canada beat me to it, but I’d spend $6-8K on a nice cherry ‘97-’98 Mark VIII LSC, spend a few bucks on the suspension, and call it a day.

CobraJoe > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/03/2017 at 17:10

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You beat me to it. I owned a beat up ‘93 Mark VIII on thunderbird springs, and it was amazing as a long distance car, even when purchased a $700.

Chariotoflove > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:13

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Right. I mean, you can road trip in them, and many do. But, you sure don’t look forward to it, and isn’t that the point of the GT car?

for Michigan > Chariotoflove 02/03/2017 at 17:14

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There are only two of those on Autotrader.

CobraJoe > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:15

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I’d go old school.

$10k can get you a pretty nice Mark IV.

All our roads are quite straight and sometimes bumpy around here, and I’d love to go on a camping road trip again, and the Lincoln would have the suspension and trunk space to accommodate both.  

Chariotoflove > facw 02/03/2017 at 17:15

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Owned a Solara coupe for years. Definitely does not qualify. I say this as a person who road tripped in one many times.

for Michigan > Chariotoflove 02/03/2017 at 17:17

1

Exactly. I enjoy my 06 Mazda3, but both my mom’s MKZ and my brother-in-law’s Park Avenue are significantly better long-distance.

Chariotoflove > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:18

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Should have bought one when I could. But nooo, I had to get a new Rivera instead.

Chariotoflove > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 02/03/2017 at 17:20

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Thank you!

for Michigan > Chariotoflove 02/03/2017 at 17:25

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Cars.com has a few, too. This Trofeo looks pretty sweet: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/686844185/overview/

CaptDale - is secretly British > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/03/2017 at 17:33

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Lol I basically posted my car too. I bet that Vette would be amazing to take a trip in.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:43

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Shocked no one said this:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=445817729&zip=62704&modelCode1=LS_MODELS&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D62704%26showcaseOwnerId%3D0%26startYear%3D2000%26seriesCodeList%3DLS_MODELS%26endYear%3D2018%26makeCodeList%3DLEXUS%26modelCode1%3DLS_MODELS%26mmt%3D%255BLEXUS%255B%255D%255BLS_MODELS%255B%255D%255D%255D%26sortBy%3DyearDESC%26makeCode1%3DLEXUS%26maxPrice%3D10000%26firstRecord%3D0%26searchRadius%3D0&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=2000&numRecords=25&makeCode1=LEXUS&maxPrice=10000&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=LEXUS&modelCode1=LS430

Pickup_man > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 17:59

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My 924 is actually a surprisingly good touring car. Even though it’s not very powerful it cruises at 80 really comfortably. With some new weather seals this car would be downright pleasant.

misfitmascots > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 18:04

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Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CaptDale - is secretly British 02/03/2017 at 18:26

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That body kit makes it look even more like a Grand Prix.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/03/2017 at 18:44

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No.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CaptDale - is secretly British 02/03/2017 at 19:14

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Yes. I don’t think a stock one does, but that bumper deal disguises it as a Grand Prix.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/03/2017 at 19:18

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no

bhtooefr > bhtooefr 02/03/2017 at 19:35

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Oh, and here’s an example of the buttery smooth acceleration:

The shift that you see is due to MG2's reduction gear shifting.

During this acceleration run, MG1 is absorbing 28% of the engine’s torque (which provides the counter-torque necessary for the rest of the torque to make it to the wheels), and sending the power generated by that to MG2.

However, during the shift, MG2 can’t take full power (note that during the shift, the battery is shown to stop supplying energy to the wheels), and the battery can’t take full MG1 power either, so the engine must reduce power output during the shift.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CaptDale - is secretly British 02/03/2017 at 19:46

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Yes.

Saracen > for Michigan 02/03/2017 at 19:47

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http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5980983383.html

CaptDale - is secretly British > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/03/2017 at 19:48

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Eww, no! The SAP bumper without the set in grills is amazing. I have only seen one GTO do that, but can’t find the pic. That is how I’ll do mine when I replace my bumper