"Future Heap Owner" (aperiodic)
02/28/2019 at 11:38 • Filed to: When is he going to realize his potential?, car shopping, Necessary car shopping without E90M3
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"Future Heap Owner" (aperiodic)
02/28/2019 at 11:38 • Filed to: When is he going to realize his potential?, car shopping, Necessary car shopping without E90M3 | 0
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I should be receiving the funds that’ll let me buy a car later this week (or early next), so the car search is back on in earnest. But now that I’ll have the means, there’s no promising candidates on the local Craigslist!
An apparently extremely rare non-silver/white/black specimen
At this point I’m mostly looking for early-aughts manual Volvo and MB wagons, because I want a vehicle that’s comfortable for very long driving days (8+ hours) on the long road trips I like to take a few times a year, and those are what everyone brings up when you start talking about comfort. Are there other contenders I should be considering? I’m willing to go up to $10k, though I’d prefer to stick closer to $6k.
Point of clarification: while I want something that’s comfortable for very long driving days (i.e. road trips), I don’t actually drive much. Maybe 2-3 times a week. So it won’t be getting many miles, and I don’t think I’ll regret my hard requirement of a manual transmission.
Secondly, where do y’all look for used cars? FB marketplace seems popular, but I deleted my FB account. Would it be worth it to create a fake one just to use marketplace? Should I resign myself to the hassle of buying a used car half a day’s drive away and start looking at Seattle CL?
Finally, another option I’m considering is buying a Fit and swapping out the seats for something more comfortable. However I know nothing about compatibility. Will pretty much any seat be able to fit in if I swap over some hardware, or are there size/other constraints I’d need to look out for? Is this even a good idea?
For Sweden
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 11:48 |
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How do you feel about a Subaru Outback for $4600 ?
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Future Heap Owner
> For Sweden
02/28/2019 at 11:51 |
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I’m not very interested, since I would like to have something with a little fun if possible, but an Outback is a decent fallback if this search goes on too long since they are a dime a dozen up here.
WilliamsSW
> For Sweden
02/28/2019 at 11:51 |
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Hmm, that’s not a Volvo.
Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 11:51 |
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I’m assuming you are okay with or want an automatic? BMW 528i opens up the option to a manual, RWD, but still comfortable.
Yes, FB marketplace has a good amount of used cars and there isn’t full overlap with Craigslist(some people just use one).
I don’t know where you are but When I lived in Eugene I usually kept an eye on Seattle; it’s just so much bigger there tend to be a better variety of cars than the surrounding areas.
Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 11:52 |
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If you can find one in decent shape, there is nothing more comfortable than a W-body Buick Regal. Nothing. 8 hours of sitting on an overstuffed, heated couch. And because it’s a 3800, nothing breaks. Do your maintenance and it will go to the moon and back before you need to tear it down.
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For Sweden
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 11:54 |
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Then you want this 2004 S60R for $7500
Shift24
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 11:54 |
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I check both FB and Craigslist. FB is starting to take over because it is way easier for people to post stuff, though quality of cars seem to be lower. Also IMO a tab bit safer as you can see who it is. (but again people do make fake accounts)
If you’ re looking for comfortable wagons thats about it. The only other one I can think that would be the TSX 2.4L Wagons are getting to the $10K price. M ore reliable if you have the Extended Warranty done that covers the Piston rings (no cost to you, source ).
Also not a bad looking car ether though there is some N ose beak
nermal
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:06 |
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That price range should get you a Ford Excursion of questionable reliability. Very comfy!
Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:06 |
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My go to is still Craigslist, but it does seem like the quantity of cars being posted has been going down. Facebook has cars, but searching for them tends to be difficult impossible. For example, looking for a Volvo:
No filter for manual, so lets try searching for “Volvo manual”
Oh dear. And for the record none of those are actually manual transmission vehicles. The first one is just dealer spam, the Subaru says manual but also says auto so... anyone’s guess. The Hyundai and 2nd Volvo are both auto and the boat is a boat. So... yeah. Exercise in frustration.
Autotrader and eBay, however, sometimes return a few good options.
EDIT: Sorry... for some reason I assumed you wanted a manual haha. Then FB might be an OK choice. I would suggest AutoTrader . Seems like there are some good options.
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Future Heap Owner
> Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
02/28/2019 at 12:10 |
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Nope, a manual transmission is a hard requirement. I got sooooo bored with driving the automatic I had.
I’m in Portland. Seattle does have a lot more cars, but I’m wary that if I look at one up there, I’ll end up buying it even if I shouldn’t just to avoid repeatedly going up to Seattle to look at cars.
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Future Heap Owner
> Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
02/28/2019 at 12:10 |
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How many of those with manual transmissions could I expect to find? Last time I searched I got zero hits.
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Future Heap Owner
> nermal
02/28/2019 at 12:11 |
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Too big for my tastes, but thanks for the suggestion.
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Future Heap Owner
> For Sweden
02/28/2019 at 12:12 |
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Well, one of my other preferences is no (real) leather, so unless that’s synthetic I’ll pass for now (until I get real desperate).
I know, I am the most annoying used car buyer.
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Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:16 |
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Zero. Period. If you want a manual, you need a 2015-2016 Buick Regal which isn’t anywhere near as comfortable as the W-body.
You do not want a manual for 8 hours of driving a day. Your left knee will thank you for it.
Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:17 |
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Might I ask why exactly you have to have a manual for 8+ hrs of daily driving?
Honestly an early 2000s Park Ave or Lesabre with the 3800 (or 3800SC) would suit your needs perfectly if you give up the manual requirement. It’ll also be more comfortable than the Volvo/Benz, cheaper to repair, and likely get better fuel economy.
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Future Heap Owner
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
02/28/2019 at 12:17 |
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I do want a manual, that’s why I put it in the description of what I’m currently looking for. Sucks that FB doesn’t let you filter for that. I’ll try Auto Trader.
Dogsatemypants
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:19 |
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It’s not manual, and will need some work but if you want it for way under budget I have an 05 xc70
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Dogsatemypants
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:22 |
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Then you can’t have a volvo. Look for early to late 90s Mercedes. Mbtex or whatever that indestructible leather replacement is
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Future Heap Owner
> Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
02/28/2019 at 12:23 |
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My daily driving is very light (honestly most days I don’t drive). In terms of frequency, I’ll mostly use this for shuttling my future dog to the local 1000-acre dog park / hike trailheads, plus the occasional grocery run, but I do take 2-3 long road trips a year and I got very very uncomfortable doing that in my last car (a 2006 Corolla).
I want a manual because it’s more engaging for me . I got soooo bored driving that Corolla around town. I have much more fun with my manual truck, but that is not a road-trippable vehicle (and I’d like to use it only for truck things).
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Future Heap Owner
> Dogsatemypants
02/28/2019 at 12:25 |
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Dang. Didn’t some V70s have cloth upholstery?
ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:28 |
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You seem pretty hell bent on a manual…so I do see quite a few V50 wagons on CL (I’m in Portland too). Some in surprisingly good condition. Audi A3s are out there as well. But for something that sounds like would be getting a lot of miles I’d be worried about maintenance costs on any of those, and MB included (not sure you’ll ever find a manual though).
I really would recommend Subarus. They’re everywhere out
here for a reason. And does open up manual options for you. The Legacy/Outback
wagons (I had an 05 GT with a stick) really are pretty nice inside and I wouldn’t
say are any less reliable than a Volvo, and probably cheaper to maintain
overall. The GT/XT adds more fun factor but also maintenance cost/risk.
If this truly is going to be a long distance commuter I’d pile on with the others saying open yourself up to auto options and domestics. And maybe consider something like an Avalon along with those options.
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Future Heap Owner
> Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
02/28/2019 at 12:28 |
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I don’t drive most days. I take 2-3 long road trips a year, and I want to be as comfortable as possible during those, since in my last car (an ‘06 Corolla) those days got very, very unpleasant. But most weeks I only drive a little bit on the weekend to take my dog to a park/hike or if I’m getting more groceries than will fit in my bike bags + backpack.
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Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:29 |
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In it’s defense, just about anything will be more fun to drive than an automatic Corolla. I had a 2012 Corolla S with a stick and I can tell you it was by far the most soul-sucking car I’ve ever owned.
Between the grunt from the 3800 and the soft suspension, those Buicks are kinda fun to screw around in. Enough to bring a smile when you lay on the go-pedal, but quiet/smooth/efficient when you just want to cruise.
Plus the huge trunk eliminates the need for a wagon.
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Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 12:55 |
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Then believe me, the ‘02-’04 Regal GSE is the ultimate road trip car. Yes, it’s an automatic. But it’s a supercharged 3800 with a ridiculously comfortable interior, and it eats up miles like nothing else. I crossed the US twice in one. Hold out for a GSE, not a GS. The GSE has further upgrades to the suspension and ticks every single option box. Must be fed 91 octane, but will comfortably cruise at up to 100 MPH. (If you plan to exceed 100 MPH, you have to bring the car to me. At 108 MPH, it WILL aero lift . Severely and abruptly . I still have some 138MPH parts left.)
The biggest problem is finding one in good shape. They tend to rot out in the front subframe areas, and if not maintained, the transmission will grenade. (Nothing will kill the engine. Nothing.) Plan on needing front wheel hubs, don’t use Moog or Centric , their parts are junk. Timken or AC Delco only.
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Shift24
> Shift24
02/28/2019 at 13:07 |
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Also dont listen to me... this was auto I-4 only.... Fuck.
Tristan
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 14:03 |
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Why not VW? A GTI sounds perfect, and the 2-door GTIs can be had easily for sub-$10k.
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/2012-volkswagen-gti-2-door-clean-title/6826284958.html
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Future Heap Owner
> Tristan
02/28/2019 at 14:22 |
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One of the main use cases is dog transport, so I don’t want a 2-door. I wish the 4-doors were cheaper :(
Decay buys too many beaters
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 14:36 |
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Keep your eye open for V8 E39s, doesn’t hit the wagon button, but I feel it fits the bill nicely.
Mine was the most comfortable long distance car I owned while still being fun in the twisties and reasonably powerful.
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Tristan
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 14:44 |
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But it’s a hatchback- doggo will have much room for activities! If the 4 door GTIs were cheaper I’d have gotten one instead of my GLI. Is a GLI an option? They’re cheap and nearly as good as a GTI, but no hatchback...
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Future Heap Owner
> Shift24
02/28/2019 at 14:45 |
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Aww, nuts.
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Future Heap Owner
> Tristan
02/28/2019 at 14:48 |
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I want to seatbelt them in to a crash harness because I’m cautious like that, so a 2-door is not good because it’ll be a lot more hassle to get them in and out of the back row.
I would like a wagon if possible. If enough time goes by without finding anything good, I might relax that requirement, but for now I’m not gonna be looking at sedans.
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Tristan
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 14:51 |
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That’s totally understandable. I couldn't do a 2 door because kiddos in car seats, and I couldn't do a Volvo because the reliability of a V70R scares me. My GLI was a compromise and I'm mostly satisfied.
Sovande
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 15:19 |
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P2 Volvo. They made the T5 with a manual. I can’t imagine there is a more comfortable car.
There was a guy selling a fully sorted, immaculate one on swedespeed.com. I think it was about $7k. The guy who built it knows what he’s doing.
dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 16:14 |
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Well my mom is selling her 2007 Honda Odyssey, it’s very comfortable on road trips. With $6k you can buy it and manual swap!
Gabe37
> Future Heap Owner
02/28/2019 at 16:51 |
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So, I’ve got five suggestions listed below. Three oddballs(keep an open mind!) and two of the same thing. They check the majority of your requirements listed above. All have manual transmissions.
2012 MINI CLUBMAN S ALL4-Little light on cargo space, but an extremely fun car to drive around the city and from first hand experience, fairly comfortable on the highway.
2011 NISSAN JUKE S-Looks like a cockroach, scoots like one too. Again, a little light on cargo space. I imagine with a nice set of Michelins or similar(grand touring/touring class tires, not performance tires) would be a comfortable highway car.
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER 4X4 CREW W/CAMPER SHELL-You mentioned having a truck above. Not sure if you still do, so I threw this in—everyone needs a truck. Frontiers are essentially bulletproof. Good torquey engine. Space for you, your friends/significant other, your stuff, and a safe secure spot for the the four-legged ones.
2012 VW JETTA SPORTWAGEN-Diesel Wagon. I haven’t driven this one, however, I have driven a diesel Jetta—I think it was an 08 or so and these are based upon the same platform. Good MPGs and a very comfortable ride. It is quiet, lots of cargo space, and has the “feeling” of refinement the Germans happen to be really good at—even if its a false promise sometimes.
ANOTHER 2012 VW JETTA SPORTWAGEN-Same as above.
Let me know what you think and happy hunting!
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Dogsatemypants
> Future Heap Owner
03/01/2019 at 00:06 |
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Yes, but as far as I know they were only sold in canada and europe. Sorta like the xc70 manual transmission for p2 chassis family
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Future Heap Owner
> Gabe37
03/01/2019 at 16:31 |
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Huh, I hadn’t considered a Mini Clubman, but that does look pretty nice. Thanks for the suggestions!
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NojustNo
> Future Heap Owner
03/06/2019 at 17:47 |
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you might also try mobile apps like offer up letg o or t he next door app. I bought a few cars and other things from those that weren’t listed on Facebook or Craigslist.
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Future Heap Owner
> NojustNo
03/06/2019 at 17:49 |
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Oh, good ideas. I’m actually on NextDoor but I forgot all about that.