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My wife and I will retire soon and would like to purchase a good highway car. We love to take on the road and see the country so we are looking for a good, confortable and not a gas guzzler and would like to spend not more than $30,000. Any recommendations?
There are all sorts of cars that would do what you are asking so far. If you are willing to travel light, you can get a Miata for way less than 30K. How about a Toyota Corolla or Camry?
I'm thinking you are looking for more of an appliance car, utilitarian, not a performance car that's fun to drive. Since you mention comfort but don't talk about handling, power, etc.
I am looking for something bigger. I want plenty of space so that when we drive 600 miles in a day I do not feel tired. I thought of the Mercury Marqui but it is old technology and, I think, no longer made.
You could definitely find a Lincoln Town Car, used of course, for 30K or (mostly) much less. These are not as bad on gas as you might think, several guys on here have them or had them, it's not a very dynamic car but it is comfortable and more capable than many think.
Sounds like you need a couch with wheels, nothing beats a road trip in one of those. With a budget of 30,000, the Grand Marquis is a good bet, even though it's a bit dated. Discounts are reportedly great on them though. It's still around, they just don't offer the Crown Vic anymore. Perhaps an Avalon too. You could look into getting a used DTS, Town Car, Lexus LS, etc. All have straightforward reliability and can't be beat for highway cushiness. Back in college, my girlfriend drove a mid-90's DeVille, and the comfort level driving that the 500 miles down I-5 from home to school was nothing short of spectacular.
I second the Marquis. The car is still made and the technology is proven and reliable. If possible get the H&P package which provides more power from a true dual exhaust engine and a better handling suspension which also features rear end self leveling.
I had a 2003 Vic with the H&P package and I loved it; drove it on many vacations and road trips. That car was all day comfortable. And the trunk was huge but even when fully loaded the suspension handled the extra load with aplomb.
Location: Still in Portland, Oregon, for some reason
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Check out the Hyundai Sonata Limited with the V6. You can get them very well equipped for about $28,000; four to six thousand less than a similarly equipped Accord or Camry. I've driven them over 400 miles and they are very comfortable drive long-distance.
The new Ford Taurus will be out in a few months, if you can wait that long. It should be a stunner, but the current Taurus is also a great car as well, comfort certainly wouldn't be a problem. Other good options would be a Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera, both also very comfortable.
I'd get a slightly used Cadillac DTS. Nothing beats a big, comfortable Cadillac for long road trips. The gas mileage isn't terrible on that big or a car either and you'll easily find one with low miles for under $30K.
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