Well.......(more options)

"Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness" (long-voyager-2nd-edition)
04/18/2019 at 12:26 • Filed to: necessary car shopping with Long-Voyager

The Lacrosse Super was a flop.......

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With the wife. She said if we’re buying something with the intent of not working on it, we need something less than 5 yrs old. :/

At least she finally agrees about getting one vehicle I don’t have to mess with.

So now the search is on for a 2014+ vehicle with low mileage for under $12k. This should be fun.

Found a few Chargers that fit the bill:

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This one has to be a scam right?

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Given I can find 300s/Chargers in our range, I’m leaning heavy on one of those.

DISCUSSION (64)

shop-teacher > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:18

Good luck!

boredalways > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:25

Soooo you're getting a Camry or Avalon then.

LongbowMkII > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:28

Lacrosse is still a good option for that if 2013/75k is ok enough

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:29

VW Golf, could even get a TDI if you’re lucky.

Fusion is comfy and mostly reliable. Same with the Impala.

Caddy DTS can be had for right around that amount, though older than 2014.

Some Hondas and Toyotas from 2014+ are starting to hit $10-12k auction value, so you may be able to pick one up from someone that wants more than what they’d get on a trade.

Good luck!

pip bip - choose Corrour > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:32

Camry!

sony1492 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:36

H yundai and kias are good cars that devalue nicely

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > sony1492
04/18/2019 at 07:41

Not against a Hyundai/Kia.

Options are pretty open right now.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > pip bip - choose Corrour
04/18/2019 at 07:41

NO!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > LongbowMkII
04/18/2019 at 07:42

I doubt it, she was pretty set on her 2014+.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > boredalways
04/18/2019 at 07:43

Maybe when I’m dead......

nerd_racing > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:45

Mazda 3 hatch? or a Mazda 6.

Arrivederci > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:48

Tons of Fusions available around that age/price, and are generally reliable. And if you can get her to slide a year, you can get one of those Impalas I mentioned.

boredalways > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:50

How about this Kia Cadenza?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=53201&showNegotiable=true&sourceContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&distance=100&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=c27380&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c23897#listing=237278386

And I’m guessing that since you rather die than Toyota, I’m guessing Honda is out of the question, too.

What about Subaru?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > nerd_racing
04/18/2019 at 07:51

Possibility.

fhrblig > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 07:52

I was happy with my '13 Optima. I was especially happy about how it kept me unscathed after a 45 MPH crash.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > boredalways
04/18/2019 at 07:53

That Kia looks pretty nice. I’ll add it to the list.

After my experience with Toyota and friends/family/neighbor’s experiences with Honda/Subaru, I’m staying as far away from any of them as possible. Their vehicles make my 20+ yo Mopars look like pillars of reliability.

WilliamsSW > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 08:04

The R/ T can’t be right. Too cheap.

A Charger seems like a great c hoice for you though - good luck!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > WilliamsSW
04/18/2019 at 08:08

That’s my thought. I’m definitely going to look into it though.

Wacko > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 08:22

2014 caravan!

nerd_racing > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 08:38

Go with the 2.5L over the 2.0L. The 2.0 will rev for days, but the extra grunt of the 2.5L is where it’s at.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 08:46

you’re no fun

i86hotdogs > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 08:58

I like that Redline Edition SXT you shared. A well equipped Charger SXT will be a great fit. I recommend the body style before the ‘15 face lift . My dad rolls in a fully loaded ‘13 SXT that has only seen the shop prematurely for a headlight adjustment. Somehow the driver side headlight was angled too low, and you could see it clearly at night. Otherwise, it’s been a flawless car with heated cooled seats AND cupholders (remember that?). The pentastar is more than enough for a daily, and the AWD doesn’t hurt in the winter. He bought his new for $34k, but there are several out there for $13 -17 k depending on mile s.

boredalways > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 09:01

I understand your concerns. Almost everyone has a bad experience with one brand bad enough that you swear them off for “ life” .

For me it’s Ford and GM from 80's to early 90's. I’ve had no bad luck with VW, Jeep, Acura , or Mercedes (even with my POS C240 — I just flat out hate it!).

And the reason I said "life" is due to car rentals -- I've been lucky enough to never had a bad one from any brand. Boring? Yes, 2019 Passat. Godawful? Yes, 2015 Dodge Avenger.

412GTI > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 09:36

Good luck, good to hear she’s coming around to a newer vehicle!

I’d still recommend trying to get a small loan and keeping that 10k in a higher yielding account. Completely understand if she’s against it though. A Sonata/Optima, Fusion, Impala might be a little boring, but they’re great cars you can find in that range.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 412GTI
04/18/2019 at 10:02

We would put around $3-5k down depending on price, then take a loan on the rest so we can keep most of our money where it is. That’ll keep our payments around the $200/month range on a 4 yr loan.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > i86hotdogs
04/18/2019 at 10:04

I like it too, but it’s listed as a rebuilt title, so getting a loan on it may be hard.

I’m leaning towards finding a decent Charger SXT, but I’m keeping options open.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Wacko
04/18/2019 at 10:05

If I wanted to remove one of the vans I would think about it. But it’s the car being replaced, so another sedan is the correct answer here, or possibly a wagon of some sort.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > pip bip - choose Corrour
04/18/2019 at 10:05

A Camry is no fun.

412GTI > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 10:08

Nice! I think that’s the smartest way to do it! Keep on searching!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 10:33

Less than 5 years old is not the best line to draw. Newer cars are going to have a fuck ton of miles if less than 5 years old and less than $ 12k. There are many great cars out there from say 2010 and newer that could do you well.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 10:39

Magnum!? Swap in a Pentastar and you’re gold

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 10:39

The Dodge darts and impalas wouldn’t be my first choice for cars under 12 grand and less than 5 tests old to be fair. Nieth er would the 300s or chargers but I have heard they're ok I guess, maybe Buick regal T? Ford Taurus?

Your boy, BJR > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 10:58

300 Limited with pentastar and 8 speed is a great commuter. Super comfy, many great features, dead reliable, gets good gas mileage. I’ve had a great ownership experience with mine so far and reccomend it to anyone looking for a mid to full size sedan.

Kinja'd!!!

Thar she blows.

Wacko > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 11:16

then you need a dodge magnum

Kinja'd!!!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
04/18/2019 at 12:05

Found quite a few already around the 60-100k mile mark......

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Wacko
04/18/2019 at 12:05

When did they quit making the magnum?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:09

https://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/d/missoula-2007-ss-chevy-impala/6869270373.html

Kinja'd!!!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Your boy, BJR
04/18/2019 at 12:10

I’m actually finding quite a few of these in the $ 8-12k range with under 100k miles, they are definitely on my radar!

WilliamsSW > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:11

If it was closer I could try to look at it but it’s just outside of downtown Chicago according to the map.

If it is real it will go quick.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
04/18/2019 at 12:12

Taurus is too small inside. I’d assume the Regal suffers the same problem.

What’s wrong with the Impala/Charger/300? I’ve heard bad and good about the Dart, but the other 3 seem pretty bulletproof from what I’ ve found.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/18/2019 at 12:12

Kinda defeats the purpose of getting something I don’t have to wrench on.......

Khalbali > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:14

Mazda 6 would be a nice choice, I had a Mazda 3 and loved it and am currently looking for another for my wife, but it seems like you’re looking for bigger so a 6 would be good. I was a Mazda tech for a couple years though and they’re really super reliable cars, can’t really say anything bad about them. Some stupid minor recalls but mainly on cars built in Mexico, which last I checked the 6 hasn't been.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:16

lol. Oh yeah. But you’re so good at it!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > WilliamsSW
04/18/2019 at 12:23

It’s not far for me to go check out if it’s legit.

Wacko > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:24

2008, but that’s a small detail

Important part here is RWD wagon, with a hemi

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/18/2019 at 12:24

That’s why my van stays....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Wacko
04/18/2019 at 12:25

Not a small detail to her. I’m just happy she finally agreed on getting something else.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:32

The Impala is just dated and kinda garbage on the inside, the dart is very hot and miss reliability wise, and so is the 300/charger, beyond me just being biased against them if I’m honest. I don’t see how a Ford focus or dart is ok but a Taurus or regal are too small on the inside if I'm honest.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
04/18/2019 at 12:39

She wants 2014 or newer. I can pick up decent Chargers/300s in our price range with under 100k miles.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
04/18/2019 at 12:42

The Taurus is tiny inside for it’s size, we’ve driven a couple, it’s kinda appalling how small they are inside for a full-size car.

The Charger/300 are very nice inside and the newer ones seem to be very reliable. The Impala honestly doesn’t feel any worse inside than most modern vehicles IMO.

The Focus/Dart are ok, they are small cars, so I expect them to be smaller inside, but I know nothing of their reliability. I would be open to checking out a Regal T though..

shop-teacher > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:43

That one that must be a scam, is definitely a scam. The location on the map looks nothing like where those pictures are taken.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > shop-teacher
04/18/2019 at 12:45

Definitely worth looking into if it’s not a scam.

I know sometimes private party can get you great deals as a private party seller has a hard time selling due to financing.

i86hotdogs > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 12:50

Unless the Dart had the stick and 1.4 turbo, I’d stay away from them. They’ re cramped on the inside, and produce underwhelming fuel economy. I’d go for the ‘15+ 200 if you’re looking at something midsized like the Dart. Bonus points if you find one with the pe ntastar.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 13:00

I would stay away from anything that was in police service . Despite theoretically having been maintained reasonably well and removed from service at a reasonable mileage , they’ll have lived a hard life that belies the mileage on the dash. I worked in that field for a time, and I know how those cars are treated. If they’re from an agency that does take home cars, they’ll have been treated better than a hot- seated pool car, but they’re still a tool for a job. The best bet is something that was a commander’ s or supervisor’ s car, but even then they’ll have spent so many hours idling...

Chariotoflove > shop-teacher
04/18/2019 at 13:07

Call him and offer him help selling it.

Chariotoflove > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 13:11

I’m going to second looking at the Cadenza and also the Azera. Good cars cheap and relatively new, but also not really on anyone’s radar. It’s going to be like a Korean Buick.

The Impala Limiteds are good, reliable rentals. They are also the most boring cars on the planet. When I rent and want a spacious, comfy car for highway driving with the family, I am relieved to see they assigned me an Impala. I would not buy one with my own money.

shop-teacher > Chariotoflove
04/18/2019 at 13:14

Ehhhhhh .... no

fhrblig > Your boy, BJR
04/18/2019 at 13:15

I think the P entastar V6 is underrated. I think it could even make the Dodge Journey palatable.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 16:41

2013 Genesis sedan with 3.8 and 75,000 miles for $12,900. I don’t even know if that’s a good deal but they look nice and modern Hyundai’s seem well bolted together

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ctd/d/addison-2013-hyundai-genesis-38l/6863984382.html

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
04/18/2019 at 16:42

Oppo approves

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/2013-hyundai-genesis-3-8-sedan-review-1695005162

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
04/18/2019 at 16:49

Added to the list, looks like it’d be a great cruiser!

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
04/18/2019 at 16:57

I think the Genesis is probably not all too different from a 300/charger(which I also think is a good bet); just less well known so perhaps a chance for a little better deal.

Either way, Good Luck! Car shopping when you’re looking at craigslist and daydreaming is very fun. Car shopping when you’re on the verge of signing a 4-5 year loan and handing over a few thousand as a down payment gets stressful. I’m glad you and your wife are finding a good compromise zone.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > fhrblig
04/18/2019 at 18:09

We have it in a Ram, and combined with the 8-speed, it’s my favorite non-diesel in our fleet.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
04/19/2019 at 07:16

I’m glad she finally agreed to getting one vehicle I don’t have to work on.