What would Oppo do?

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 08/02/2020 at 19:19 • Filed to: None

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Since I’m at 205k miles my G37 and it’s got some needed but moderately expensive maintenance coming up, I’ve been thinking about selling it. I’ve had a couple of offers of $4800 that I’ve been tempted to go for. With that being said what would be the best replacement for $7000 or less?

I have an 80 mile commute 6 days a week. Must be good on the highway.

Must be reliable.

Nothing older than 2003.

Fuel economy isn’t a huge deal, but nothing worse than 18 mpg highway on regular and 22 mpg on premium.

The 3 categories of cars I like are sporty (Miata, MR2, Pontiac Solstice, etc), highway cruiser (Infiniti M45, Lexus LS430/460, etc), and off-road (Lexus GX470, Isuzu Vehicross, etc).

Other cars that don’t fit into those categories that I like include the turbo Acura RDX and Lexus SC430, among many others.

Given those requirements, what car would Oppo pick?

bob and john > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:23

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can you find a lexus IS? in canada, a IS250 with 125k miles goes for about 7k CAD 

AestheticsInMotion > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:24

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$4000 Prius that will run forever, cost almost nothing to maintain and return 40+ mpg without issue. 

Sovande > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:26

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How much will the maintenance cost on the car you already have? If all you are going to do is pile on miles, I’d stick with the devil you know.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:28

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Finding a sub-$7k LS will be hard, but not impossible. They just feel...so old.

A BMW with the N52 or N54/5 engine is fairly reliable and can be found at that target. F10 5ers And F30 3ers are there private party, and E90 3s are plentiful.

The M45 is just super rare, and again feel old inside.

If you’re not against American cars, you could pick up a MKZ or Flex or XTS for that price.  I also strongly suggest you look at a Volvo S60/S80. 

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:30

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Like I always say, 1st gen Mini Cooper S...can be had for around $3k with around 150k miles and they run for pretty much forever...plus whiny sounds

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Sovande 08/02/2020 at 19:41

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Nothing huge, just pricey. Full exhaust, including cats, front pads and rotors, shocks/struts, all the fluids. Cosmetically I’d want to repaint the back bumper, but that’d only be about $400.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:43

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Lincoln LS is a low key sleeper and pretty fun, but very rare. Can be had with a manual.

I actually think you might be better off keeping your car unless you feel you are getting tired o f it. A 7k car is just about as likely to have problems as your 5k car, especially if you going for the sort of thing people would trash and thrash and crash. 

avalonian > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:47

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A full exhaust? That's pretty intense, I would just repair the car and enjoy it, plus thats not too bad with gas mileage. And the G37 is an awesome car. And finding something interesting for that price point will be tricky that won't also require the same maintenance you are deferring. But a 328i you could definitely find in the budget. 

avalonian > avalonian 08/02/2020 at 19:47

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Oh and you can find an IS350 Lexus at the price point most definitely. Might have to come south for a non rust one.

The Snowman > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:49

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Just give up and buy a Corvette

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 08/02/2020 at 19:51

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LS430's are super easy to find in that budget. Also, in no realm of this galaxy is the N54 cheap to keep on the road. I looked into them when replacing my GTI, way too many issues to deal with. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 08/02/2020 at 19:51

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The Lincoln LS is unreliable garbage, other than the manual one. Even then, they are electrical nightmares. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/02/2020 at 19:53

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Yes, but they would come in way under budget.

I honestly can't think of a better car than what he has now. Maybe a TSX? They are expensive though. TLs are all high mileage and worn out. 

Captain of the Enterprise > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 19:54

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I’d go for the best condition Camry you could find for the money. Good gas mileage, cheap to maintain and pretty reliable and long lasting. This is mine.

dogisbadob > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:00

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sporty:
03-06 Matrix XRS/Vibe GT; 05-06 Corolla XRS
07-11 Civic Si sedan (06 was only available as a 2-door)
the Saturn Astra might be sporty enough for you

Highway cruiser:
Lexus LS430
Fusion/MKZ hybrid (awesome MPG, no transverse V6)
Cadillac STS
Bonneville SSEi or GXP
Hyundai Genesis sedan
Prius V

off-road
2011+ Forester (2011 is when it got the FB)
I think they still made the Suzuki Vitara/Chevy Tracker in 03

other:
4-cylinder Camry or Accord (can’t go wrong with those) (they’d fit under highway cruiser, but if you don’t consider them luxurious/prestigious enough, that’s why I put them in other)
The 06-07 Accord V6 manual sedan is cool, but transverse V6 engines suck a lot
Buick Verano
Ford C-Max
manual transmission versions of the Spark and Sonic
manual versions of the Focus and Fiesta
03-04 Volvo V40
Suzuki Kizashi
Mitsubishi Mirage (you can get an alsmost new one in your price range)
Mazda 2
Scion XA, XB, XD

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 08/02/2020 at 20:01

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Sub $7k LS430 is easy, LS460 is tougher. I’ve driven a few LS430s. Super comfortable, it’s like driving a coffin.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 08/02/2020 at 20:03

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A manual TSX would be awesome. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:06

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Sell the Infiniti, pick up a Mk5 GTI. They’re cheap for what they are. 

Khalbali > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:19

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I just  bought a really nice Mazda 2 for 6k and I kinda overpaid a bit, not the best highway cars but not terrible and lots of fun.

zipfuel > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:36

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Had a couple of colleagues with Turbo RDXs and they wouldn’t recommend. Apparently being Honda’s first try at a turbo motor they really suck on gas for the amount of power you get.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > The Snowman 08/02/2020 at 20:40

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I’ve actually got a couple C5s saved. Parts are cheap, fun, and reliable. Plus most any mechanic can fix them

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 08/02/2020 at 20:41

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Had a TSX, was super fun. Just probably won’t get one again because I want to try a variety of cars.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:44

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It is just so difficult to name anything at that price that is better than what you have right now for what you need it for. Keep the Infiniti. It's very you. Maybe get a beater Miata or early Cooper S for the summer or winter or whatever if the itch strikes you. 

cmill189 - sans Volvo > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 20:44

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That seems like pretty basic maintenance for an old car. I would just fix it unless you just want something different. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion 08/02/2020 at 20:47

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A cheap Prius and 2  grand for a motorcycle, the left over would go to gear and a safety corse. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > avalonian 08/02/2020 at 20:55

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Yeah, it’s got a bunch of exhaust leaks and stuff. 11 years old, over 200k miles, Illinois car, etc. The car itself is in pretty good shape, but stuff like that can go pretty quick.

SiennaMan > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 08/02/2020 at 21:01

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I think I agree with this take. Pri us for that long commute, 2 wheels for something far more fun than anything comfortable to commute in..

SiennaMan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:03

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 It's really not a bad choice, given the parameters..

onlytwowheels > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:04

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Massachusetts isn’t a place to driv e sports cars in the winter, so let’s skip right past those, including the SC .

Isuzu p arts are hard to get, so forget about it.

You think repairs are expensive for the G37, wait until you experience an M45. Next.

So now you have 3 choices: Lexus GX , Lexus LS and Acura RDX.

My money would probably go to the GX, or RDX.

sony1492 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:30

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Buy another with a manual and lower miles

NKato > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:31

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I would dare you to try to find a Crown Victoria detective’s or supervisor’s car. They are amazing highway cruisers, and easy to maintain.

But I’m a Panther enthusiast, so take my suggestion with a grain of advice. MPG is about 15-16 city, 22 Highway. With a few upgrades from ADTR, it’ll feel a lot better.

The Snowman > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:40

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I agree and there is a nice c4 grandsport near me in your price range. I like the c4 body more and the lt4 6spd is a good combo.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 08/02/2020 at 21:54

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A Cooper S would be a lot of fun, but so would a Miata. But I think you’re right, for my purposes, the G37 is the best jack of all trades of things I want.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > sony1492 08/02/2020 at 21:55

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Can’t do manual, I’ve got bad joints.

sony1492 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 21:57

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Understandable, then get the cleanest example you can find. Like others have said this is probably an Excellent value for what your doing

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > onlytwowheels 08/02/2020 at 21:57

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I’m in MO, so the winters aren’t too bad. I’ve done a RWD GS300 in a bad winter before, so I can handle myself. But your line of reasoning is really solid, especially about maintaince costs. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > sony1492 08/02/2020 at 21:58

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At this point, I’ve been convinced to hold on to it. 

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 22:05

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Genesis sedan 3.8?

Probably less than 100k miles and post 2010 if you shop around

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 22:07

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How’s your credit, as well as monthly income?

Something you can put only $1,000 or $2,000 on, then $300+ per month for a few years may be a good idea. It’s time to come to the boring but reliable side. 

(Nearly half of my monthly income will be going to car payment, insurance, and gas, please help me).

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 22:08

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Would you like a trouble free commuter than can eat the miles in comfort better than your Infiniti? Yes. Can you get one for 7k?

. . .

. . .

Stick with the fancy Nissan from before they lost their way and maybe get a fun seasonal toy. You already own the best compromise I can think of and you are familiar with it enough that you don't have to worry too much about unexpected catastrophic failure like you would with a new to you sub 10k car. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Under_Score 08/02/2020 at 22:39

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Not really in a position to finance, still a full time student with a wedding coming up

dogisbadob > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 22:48

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oops sorry

I didn’t know that until I read this. I had suggested a bunch of manual fun cars in my original reply, and now it’s too late to edit it and scratch the sticks out :(

dogisbadob > onlytwowheels 08/02/2020 at 22:48

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winter tires :o)

onlytwowheels > dogisbadob 08/02/2020 at 22:56

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When the snow accum ulation is greater than ground clearance, let me know how those snow tires are going to fair.

A Miata with a lift kit could be fun, but  that top is not insulated.

https://www.flyinmiata.com/lift-kit.html

Under_Score > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/02/2020 at 23:17

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Oh yeah, the wedding!

Seriously though, with those expenses, definitely go as new and relatively fresh as possible. Here’s something in the family (kind of near me, though) that, despite some physical roughness, still has a lot of creature comforts for the era. Don’t worry about mods; save that for other times.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/817891090/overview?aff=share_other

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 08/03/2020 at 00:57

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E60 530i with the N52. Super comfy, reasonably reliable, relatively easy to find. Try and get one with the comfort seats, they’re phenomenal and the butterfly headrests are a big party piece. Bonus points if it’s a wagon.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > dogisbadob 08/03/2020 at 09:48

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You’re good! I didn’t put that on my parameters. They’re not bad, but having the commute I do it’d be a workout on my knee and I already am on my feet for 8-12 hours/day, so they don’t need the extra use lol. I’ll probably get a car with a stick someday, just not my daily.