QOTD: best first car for less than $10K?

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 02/04/2017 at 23:09 • Filed to: None

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Background: You’re 16 or 17. You’ve been a good driver in the past year, so your parents decide to get buy you your first car. You get to pick it out, but there are a few requirements:

four or more doors (for insurance reasons)

must be reliable enough to last through college

no more than 350 HP (again, for insurance reasons)

must be 2005 or newer

have less than 175k miles.

Being the teen you are, you love tech. So more tech, the better. Also, it must have a bangin’ stereo, so set aside $500 if not equipped with one suitable enough (all luxury brands would be suitable). You also want to impress your friends. Remember, this is the car you would want as a teen, not the car you would give a teen. And with that, find a car!

Semi-related: One of my friends is making payments on a loaded 2011 Nissan Rogue with 96k miles for $12k, so I’m trying to find better cars for less. Another friend got a loaded 2014 Hyundai Elantra as a gift for his 17th birthday, after dealing with the worst base model 1998 Chevy Malibu in existance. Again, trying to find a nicer, cooler car for less.

DipodomysDeserti > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:12

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If you can’t find any number of awesome cars as a teen for $10k, you deserve to ride the bus.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > DipodomysDeserti 02/04/2017 at 23:13

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My thoughts exactly. I’m curious to see what people come up with.

Racin'Jason001 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:13

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http://racinjason001.kinja.com/why-the-honda-cr-z-is-a-good-car-for-first-time-drivers-1761170044

My first post ever! ... oh wait 2dr. DANG IT!

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:15

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Remember, this is the car you would want as a teen, not the car you would give a teen. And with that, find a car!

This is the car I wanted for my first car and would still would take one. Obviously something with a manual would be better, but V8 massive back seats and trunk for HS shenanigans. I know for a fact you can, relatively, “seat” two people comfortably in the trunk. And there’s a glow in the dark latch to open it from the inside.

TheHondaBro > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:15

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C A M R Y
A
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Y

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:16

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If you’re interested in learning stick, an 8th gen Civic Si sedan.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:16

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A first car should be worth no more than $2,000.

404 - User No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:16

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four or more doors (for insurance reasons)

I don’t think this is true, my friend told me when he got his CR-Z, it was much cheaper than his older Accord, because it was two seater and two doors.

But then don’t quote me for it, I guess it’s different company to company.

promoted by the color red > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:17

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1st-gen Acura TSX: 201 HP & 6MT all for under 10k. Sporty and practical yet comfortable. It’s like my Integra except your friends won’t be embarrassed to be seen in it. You can beat the shit out of it and street-park it knowing it won’t be stolen.

not for canada - australian in disguise > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:17

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One could probably find a pretty good second gen Matrix for that price.

Like this one! Yeah, it’s an automatic. But for basic transportation who really cares. It’s reliable, relatively comfortable (Toyota seats aren’t the best, speaking from personal experience), will carry alot of stuff, and in my opinion looks pretty good. What more would you want?

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Matrix/Edmonton/Alberta/5_28612989_CT20031031142617706/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=4_15_11

ToyotaFamily > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:18

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G35 with the 6 speed manual

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 02/04/2017 at 23:19

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Not that you know from experience or anything.

For $10k, you could get a really mint Panther with really low miles.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TheHondaBro 02/04/2017 at 23:19

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no

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 02/04/2017 at 23:19

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Maybe even a 9th, I don’t know.

TheHondaBro > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:20

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Counterpoint: yes.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/04/2017 at 23:21

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I assume you don’t value your child’s health or well being?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > 404 - User No Longer Available 02/04/2017 at 23:22

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In general, coupes are more expensive than sedans. Or at least that’s what the people on the interwebs have told me.

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:22

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Not sure if 9ths are under $10k yet.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > promoted by the color red 02/04/2017 at 23:23

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I’m looking at getting one of those as my next car, you can get a decent one for less than $5k. You could get a really good 2nd gen in budget or a super low mileage 1st gen.

interstate366, now In The Industry > promoted by the color red 02/04/2017 at 23:24

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I was debating whether to submit this or the 8th gen.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/04/2017 at 23:24

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I was wondering how long it would take you to say Matrix.

For Sweden > TheHondaBro 02/04/2017 at 23:24

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CAMRY
AMRYC
MRYCA
RYCAM
YCAMR
CAMRY

Thisnewformatisrubbish > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:25

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This says you are somebody

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/122306998085

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Thisnewformatisrubbish 02/04/2017 at 23:26

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That’s what I had in mind when writing this.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 02/04/2017 at 23:26

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I don’t know, I don’t really follow Civic prices.

Nothing > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:27

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I’m a teen, so I think everything is reliable. I’ll get a GTI. (Teen me had an 85 CRX Si, so i’ll get another hatchback. Bought it in ‘90.)

Trunk Impaired 318 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:27

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I would say less than 250 or even 200 horsepower for a first car. I still can get myself into trouble with my Mini and that’s only making in the neighborhood of 180 horsepower at the wheels.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TheHondaBro 02/04/2017 at 23:27

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Countercounterpoint: still no

dogisbadob > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:28

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$10k is a lot! And 350 hp is a high limit!

Remember that any car is a good first car because you’re just happy to have a car!

Toyota makes awesome cars, so any Toyota would be a great choice. The Matrix/Vibe, Scion xA and xB, and even the cute lil Yaris hatchback (available with 4 doors from 2009-on). And there’s always the legendary Camry. For more luxury and prestige to impress your friends, well that’s why Toyota created Lexus.

If you can find one, a Volvo V50 wagon with a manual transmission might work. Famous Volvo safety, the luxury and prestige, and people swear they’re reliable.

The Mazda5 is fun and cool, too. Probably one of the best college cars ever.

Suzuki’s SX4 is versatile, reliable, and inexpensive. The AWD is cool too.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Trunk Impaired 318 02/04/2017 at 23:28

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Usually higher power means higher weight, at least at this price and age.

404 - User No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:28

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My theory would be because is the CR-Z is 2-seater, so less possible passengers, thus reduced bodily injury premiums.

Therefore, Miata is the answer.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > 404 - User No Longer Available 02/04/2017 at 23:28

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true

Trunk Impaired 318 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:31

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True but a 350hp SUV still hauls ass, my mother has an X5 4.6is and that thing is stupidly quick given its almost 5000lbs and 10 years old.

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:31

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Just checked local Craigslist. 8ths run $7-10k, 9ths $12-20.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/5939450147.html

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:33

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I don’t have a child who’s health or well being to value. 10k will buy something that was top-of-the-line a decade ago and it would be spoiling your child to buy that for them. Your first car should be crummy and basic so that when you do finally upgrade to something nice (by the your own hard work and saving, of course) it’ll be appreciated more as you’ll know that it was something earned.

for Michigan > 404 - User No Longer Available 02/04/2017 at 23:37

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The Civic coupe I sold to my brother-in-law was cheaper to insure than his Suzuki Verona. Pretty sure the Civic was even worth more than the Suzuki, too.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:39

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2nd generation Infiniti G35 sedan.

Banging stereo, plenty of toys, good aftermarket, and has a gem of a V6 up front. What’s not to like?

Spridget > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:39

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As a teen shooping for a first car, I’m only looking at ones from 1990 and earlier, because form > function.

shop-teacher > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/04/2017 at 23:47

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W-body Impala, and you’re paying for half of it.

Chuckles > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/04/2017 at 23:59

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This is the right answer. I’ve been driving for the last 15 years, and the most expensive car I’ve bought was still only $6,000. No teenager needs a 10k car.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 02/05/2017 at 01:09

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The backseat on a Panther is hilarious. It’s about the width of a double mattress, as I had to transport my rolled up one home from the post office the other day (it’s still expanding as I type this). I haven’t tested trunk comfort, but three people, a first aid kit, and a spare tire fit slightly uncomfortably, as we found out during car limbo. We also found out that you can fit around 12 people on or inside a 240Z during car limbo.

wafflesnfalafel > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 01:15

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Used Mazda 3, manual, 2.5 if you can find it

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 01:32

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Wow you beat me and my friends in car limbo. Our best was 12 people into a nissan sentra.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > 404 - User No Longer Available 02/05/2017 at 01:58

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I would think it’s more that the CR-Z would have a Far less chance of being stolen as well.

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 08:03

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THIRD GEN RAV4.

I have a 2012 Limited that’s probably worth $17,000 or so, but a 2006 or 2007 would definitely be under 10 grand. A lot of people have them, and for good reason.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Under_Score 02/05/2017 at 09:34

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And the V-6 is, dare I say, fast.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > shop-teacher 02/05/2017 at 09:36

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You get a really nice one for that price.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Spridget 02/05/2017 at 09:37

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Buy something from Japan

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 09:37

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yeee, and it looks fantastic

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/05/2017 at 09:38

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That’s a fair point. That’s what my friend with the Elantra did. Had a crummy Malibu for almost 2 years now has a nice car. But any $2000 car will not be safe when a crash happens.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Trunk Impaired 318 02/05/2017 at 09:40

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Fair enough. It’s more so people don’t suggest some crazy old high mileage AMG that’ll kill you and bankrupt you at the same time.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 10:30

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My car is worth no more than $2,500 and was one of the safest cars of its time so that’s a bogus statement.

shop-teacher > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 10:55

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Might be able to get two nice ones.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 02/05/2017 at 11:02

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Some dude fit five people in an MGB. My buddy fit 18 in his 2WD extended cab Hilux between the bed, the cab, and on top of the hood.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 11:03

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Also, do you know how cheap it actually is to manual swap a second gen GS300?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 15:08

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probably not very, although it is relatively common.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/05/2017 at 15:10

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Safest car of the 90's or early 2000's is not going to be nearly as safe as a much newer car.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 15:20

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The easiest way is to pick up a 5 speed from a junked Colorado, as it’s in the same family as the Toyota R154, and thus a Toyota R154 to JZ bellhousing just bolts right up (figure $300 for a used trans and another $329 for the bellhousing from Driftmotion). Then, you’ll need a clutch plate from a 96-01 Blazer, a pressure plate from a Mark 3 Supra Turbo with the 7M-GTE, whatever shifter setup you prefer, a flywheel that can work with a 2jz starter, a modified driveshaft, and then a tune to make the ECU happy. Figure around $2500 for the swap if you do most of the work yourself.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 15:39

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I bought my car for $2500

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 15:55

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I bought my car for $550 and have spent noticeably more than that on suspension and tires (mostly tires). I totally get what you’re saying, though.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 17:32

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Yeah but yours was an absolute steal, and you don’t plan on selling it in 2-3 months.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 17:36

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What are you thinking of next?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 17:38

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Prolly an Avalon. Like my Lexus, but newer, a bit quicker, nicer interior, more luxury, a few less miles. Or at least that’s the idea.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 17:43

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What budget are you thinking of?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 17:44

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$5k Murican

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 17:47

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What about an Infiniti FX35?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/05/2017 at 17:48

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Next to impossible to find in budget nearby, otherwise I’d love one. Or just give it to my mom, she’d love it too. Or we’ll both get one...

Edit: just checked, there’s one in a 300 mile radius from where I live.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=444553010&zip=62704&modelCode1=FX35&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D62704%26modelCode1%3DFX35%26showcaseOwnerId%3D0%26mmt%3D%255BINFIN%255BFX35%255B%255D%255D%255B%255D%255D%26startYear%3D1981%26makeCode1%3DINFIN%26maxPrice%3D5000%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2018%26modelCodeList%3DFX35%26searchRadius%3D300%26makeCodeList%3DINFIN&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&makeCode1=INFIN&maxPrice=5000&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&searchRadius=300&makeCode1=INFIN&modelCode1=FX35

looks great though

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 18:01

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What about a pre-facelift 6th gen Maxima?

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/05/2017 at 18:09

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Look at the front end. No V6 badge; mine’s a four-cylinder. Considering how quickly I accelerate (traction light flashes I take off so abrupt sometimes), a V6 would be good, but the four cylinder is pretty good still.

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/06/2017 at 01:40

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That is wrong wheel drive, try a GS400 or GS430?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's 02/06/2017 at 10:22

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RWD is fun but honestly I could care less how I shift my gears and which wheels are being propelled. Also GS400 are almost always trashed or ultra high mileage for $5k or less.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/06/2017 at 10:26

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If I find a good deal on one, yes. But too many of them are too expensive or beat. Also I have heard of tranny problems from more than one oppo

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/20/2017 at 11:11

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2005 Lexus LS430 with only 119,000 miles. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=&formSourceTag=117&newSearchFromOverviewPage=true&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c5655&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=&zip=55331&distance=50000&searchChanged=true&showNegotiable=true&modelChanged=undefined&filtersModified=true#listing=159570059

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/20/2017 at 11:13

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LS400 ?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/20/2017 at 11:20

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My first car was 1800 buck. It was a 1992 Camry. 4 banger auto, sedan. Doesn’t get much safer than that. (I mean it does, but still a very safe car. Especially compared to my thrid car my 1991 Civic hatchback.