In Buffalo - What should Carl's Mother-in-law drop $1500 on?

"Carl (@stuffcarlsays)" (carllevine)
01/23/2015 at 20:20 • Filed to: None

So a few weeks back, my mother-in-law totaled her beloved and trusty 2002 Saturn SL2. She walked away with a generous $1,500 check from her insurance company, with which she intends to purchase a car. So I drove out here today to help her make an informed choice. I ask of you, fellow Opponauts, which of these sub $2000 cars with automatic gearboxes (sadly.) would be the best bet?

2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue - I'm intrigued by the Shortstar V6.

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1995 Toyota 4Runner

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2003 Ford Taurus - I think it's a loaded one.

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2003 Saturn L200 - it's the 2.2L model, not the funky 54° V6 borrowed from Saab/Cadillac. I've heard these are remarkably reliable.

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DISCUSSION (12)

fishtankwog > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 20:41

Da Saturn L200 is a stone reliable overbuilt unit - and invisible to thieves.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > fishtankwog
01/23/2015 at 20:45

Very true - it's a GM2900 (Opel Vectra/Saab 9-5) underneath, with the trusty 2.2L motor. A face only a mother could love, indeed.

bob and john > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 20:50

id do the taurus frankly.

yamahog > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 21:08

2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue taupe color great Christmas gift

well if she gets the Olds, you know what you'll be getting next Christmas.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > yamahog
01/23/2015 at 21:10

She's already hinted at wanting my $700 Volvo V70 XC. No trades. :)

mazda616 > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 21:15

Saturn. The Taurus is a Taurus, and the Intrigue's Shortstar V6 can be difficult to repair and find parts for.

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 21:50

Taurus is not "loaded" its missing an option. Electronic climate control. Other wise its really nice and its an SES Deluxe.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
01/23/2015 at 22:00

I totally forgot there was an electronic climate control option on these.

The Compromiser > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 22:32

$1500? Hookers n blow.

shop-teacher > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/23/2015 at 23:27

Between those, I'd go with the Saturn.

boxrocket > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/24/2015 at 14:35

Taurus for safety and roominess, 4Runner because Buffalo's winters suck (if she needs to drive in the snow). Intrigues tend to have transmission and electrical issues IMHO, and are usually abused, and best avoided. The Saturn, well, your mom deserves an upgrade, right?

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
01/25/2015 at 00:57

Yea.... I have it