Topic: Opinions please. New used car time. Mid size RWD under $8k

[ktm525]

I have had an itch for something RWD and not too expensive. Must be 4 door and I am wagoned out. Something a little oddball and quirky OK. Did I mention that I would add a hitch and pull dirtbikes on gravel?


Jaguar XJR: Late 90's V8 or even the eaton supercgarged 6 from 97 would be interesting. Reliability could be nasty. $8-$10k

Lexus GS300/400  These seem to have low prices too. I guess even Lexus GS RWD sedans are out of favour. Seem to be $8k range in Calgary

Volvo S90 Inline 6 RWD stodge mobile. Right in my wheelhouse for some winter hooning. Nice one in Victoria for $6.5k

Missing anything?

[HeliDriver]

Lincoln LS, maybe?

I thought these looked pretty sharp when they first came out. It was also cool that Lincoln offered them with a manual transmission.

[rrocket]

I LOOOVED my 1998 GS400.  Plenty of power (great, great V8), great ride and handling balance, fantastic brakes and uber reliable.  For awhile , this was the fastest sedan in the world (until the XJR came out).  Also Import Car of The Year.  One of my favorite cars I've owned.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiP_2qyknaE

[The Mighty Duck]

Lexus. My parents had a '96 LS400 when I was young, fantastic machine. I imagine the GS is a little more sporting, so more power to you.

[Mike]

If you can find one in your price range in decent shape, I would think the Lexus is your best bet

[ktm525]

I am leaning towards the Lexus. We will see.

[SJP]

   If you go with the GS, you will not be disappointed. As mentioned, it was Motor Trend car of the year when it was introduced, and the V8 version was as quick through the slalom as a Corvette that year, and had the second shortest stopping distance of any car they tested that year, after the 911 turbo. I have had the 6, and have the 8 ,and would recommend either. The 300 is not super quick, but certainly satisfying for many people. Of course step up to the 400/430, and you may be quite surprised at how fast this sedan is. I always wished a manual transmission was available, but otherwise a fantastic car, and as mentioned, insanely reliable, like not a single issue with either one.

[Thinking Out Loud]

Crown Victoria? 

[HeliDriver]

Chevy Impala SS? (The mid-90s one with the Corvette V8)

[ktm525]

I am all over the map. Criteria is mid-sized RWD sedan.

Lexus GS400 is in the lead with perhaps a 300 next. I really have trouble going with the smaller displacement.

Next price level down ($5k range) I am also considering a early nineties MB 400e

[mrthompson]

2005 Hemi Chrysler 300C

[ktm525]

2005 Hemi Chrysler 300C

Good one...

[CanuckG35]

1st gen G35?

[dash]

G35 I think is only FWD, 2nd gen added all -wheel drive option

What about Mecury Marauder? 

[CanuckG35]

G35 I think is only FWD, 2nd gen added all -wheel drive option

What about Mecury Marauder? 

The G has never been a FWD vehicle.  The X adds all wheel drive. 

[SJP]

kym525

I really have trouble going with the smaller displacement.

I am not sure what you are hoping for, but although it cannot keep up with it's V8 brother, the 300 is still a pretty fun car to drive, and once rolling pulls pretty well. very good at cruising speed.
 In the U.S. you could get a base model with cloth seats, no sunroof or leather, but all the Canadian ones came loaded. Also, don't over look the IS300, also an awesome car, a friend had one and loved it, but noticeably less roomy than the GS of course.

[Careener]

Get a Jeep ;-)

[Julie]

I LOOOVED my 1998 GS400.  Plenty of power (great, great V8), great ride and handling balance, fantastic brakes and uber reliable.  For awhile , this was the fastest sedan in the world (until the XJR came out).  Also Import Car of The Year.  One of my favorite cars I've owned.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiP_2qyknaE

Wow (just watched the video).  Didn't know the GS was that kind of car!  What happened?  Why don't I hear it mentioned along with the usual suspects when talking about best luxury-sporty cars (in that price/size category) these days 

[gotak]

I LOOOVED my 1998 GS400.  Plenty of power (great, great V8), great ride and handling balance, fantastic brakes and uber reliable.  For awhile , this was the fastest sedan in the world (until the XJR came out).  Also Import Car of The Year.  One of my favorite cars I've owned.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiP_2qyknaE

I would guess cause most of the time no one thinks sport associated with lexus.

Wow (just watched the video).  Didn't know the GS was that kind of car!  What happened?  Why don't I hear it mentioned along with the usual suspects when talking about best luxury-sporty cars (in that price/size category) these days 

[Julie]

I just saw a couple of reviews of the current GS.  Looks like they lost that sportiness...