Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
It seems like nowadays many cars are designed with more "sport-tuned," stiff suspensions (for a number of good and not-so-good reasons). So, my overall goal is to buy a late model midsize/fullsize sedan that has good soundproofing/insulation, high quality interior, and rides like it’s floating on clouds.. preferably V6 and higher. As a huge car enthusiast, I know it’s surprising that I’d want such a boring ride, but the roads are complete crap where I live… I don’t swerve for potholes because if I swerve for 1 I end up hitting 7.
Unfortunately I am a really picky person, and I crave black leather interior, so keep that in mind.
So my list of options thus far can be found below (which is not all-inclusive)... and this is following years of research after hating my brand new 2012 Honda and eventually getting rid of it for a 2000 Audi A4 Quattro V6 5sp manual w/ 190k miles… at least it’ll help me take the time I need to save up for a car I’ll actually love… driving an Audi is a lot more fun anyway, even if it is 15 years old.
Cars that I’m considering include (but are definitely not limited to):
-late model Buick (not a fan of GM after ignition switch issue but would still consider...)
-Cadillac anything (reliability concerns/GM)
-Ford Taurus/Ford Fusion (Fusion ride quality… is it rough? Ford is pretty much the only American company I respect nowadays, made a comeback without bailout, even though they do have the tarnished reputation when it comes to the Pinto...)
-Lexus ES 350 (winning choice after years of car research, but too overpriced for a luxurious Camry?)
-Lincoln Towncar/Mercury Grand Marquis (I wish they still made midsize/fullsize body-on-frame cars with air suspension that aren’t $80k+ :P)
-Hyundai Genesis (possible newfound love?)
-Toyota Avalon
-2004-2006 Toyota Camry SE V6 (can’t find anywhere though!)
-2012-2014.5 Toyota Camry SE V6 (stiff suspension?)
-Volvo S60/S80 (repair cost concerns)
Before we start:
-Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge: NO
-Acura/Honda: HELL NO
-Mercedes: I would absolutely effing love one, but the E class isn’t happening any time soon (if ever :/ )
I know there’s probably quite a few I’m missing, but I just threw this list together real quick… Also, I want to stay under $20k and PREFERABLY under 80k miles.. but I want a nice soft, comfortable, hushed ride.
Good audio systems are always a plus… huge audiophile
Thanks in advance for input from helpful people, and everyone else... well.. haters gon' hate.
Going by your list I'm assuming you don't have a huge budget.
Ride quality for your dollar... you're not going to beat a Buick.
Others:
"Traditional" Cadillac (like a DTS).
Many Lincolns.
Full size SUV's... they're the true modern day land yacht. Ability to handle potholes a big plus.
Non-sport Lexus
Avalon
KIA K900 (if you got the $$)
And why not a Mercedes? My wife drives an '05 C320 4Matic.
We paid $12.5K for one w/57K miles on it. E-Class is not that much more.
The C320's ride is similar to a Buick Verano... plush and quiet but not squishy.
Check out a Buick Lucerne with the 3.8L. It's a Caddy DTS under the skin but doesn't have the Northstar and it's associated issues.
That car will probably be about as good as you can get for the money.
3800's are darn good motors too. A guy I work with a has a 3800 Grand Prix with over 400K miles on it.
We tell him he's not allowed to get rid of it.
It's like an Avalon with a better motor, better suspension, and an interior designed by 20-somethings with about as much clue about interior design as they have about how geriatrics feel about buttons. The actual materials are quite good, it just looks kind of like an '80s arcade but with more buttons and doohickey lights because more is always better. It's not much fun to drive, but it's very quiet. Rolls a bit more than I'd care for so if you get motion sickness that might be a downside. Otherwise the only thing I didn't like about it was the aesthetics of the interior design being way too busy.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
