What's a good comfortable Daily Driver for $6000 or less?

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baller760

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Apr 9, 2005
I'm looking for a different car to replace my 1991 Honda Civic DX hatchback. The car runs great and all and in fact gets me 30 mpg with the A/C on in stop and go traffic and 40mpg on the highway. However, I'm really tired of everything squeaking and the ride being crap and the car only having 90 hp. It's slower than everyone taking off when I have the A/C on. I have to floor it in almost every gear until I'm above 55 mph. So, I'm looking for something new to replace it but I want it to get on average at least 25 mpg, and have that "caddy" ride, but also don't want it to be so freaken slow that you want to drive out to a field and light the car on fire. I was looking at the 98-2003 Buick Regal GS because they have a little more grunt and it would be cool to own a newer generation of my car but I really doubt with that supercharger that the car gets even 20 mpg on average. So, what else is there out there for $6000 (preferably $3000 but can stretch) that rides really nice and gets decent mileage?
 
While it might be at the top of your Budget ($6,000) I have this 98' Cadillac STS with 81,000 miles on it. The car was just traded in to our dealership and its pretty nice. With the 300HP Northstar engine its pretty quick too....for $6,000 I don't think you can go wrong!
 

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I'm kinda partial to Buicks, but, for $6k, you can't go wrong with a '97.5 - 2003 Buick Regal GS.

DSC00923.jpg


More pics here.

Patricks_cars/99 Regal GS Shelly - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

This is a quick search I just did for my zip code, but you'll see what's available.

Find Your Car: Buick Listings Near Crown Point, IN - AutoTrader.com

Pretty quick, 240hp, 280tq 3.8L Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged. Typically mid 15s to high 14s stock in the 1/4. Very comfortable leather interior, great gas mileage. Right now, I am averaging 26mpg in the city, and this past weekend I averaged 31mpg hwy. Easy to modify if your hot rodding disease kicks in. And these motors have been known to last upwards of 250k miles before any serious maintenance is needed.
Believe it or not, I picked her up for $3,750. Great car for the money. If mileage is the greatest concern, don't pass up on the LS version, as they still have 200 hp and move out good, as well as get slightly better mpg than the GS' do. If you drive one, you'll buy it. But as I said, I'm loyal to Buicks...
Just my O2s worth.

Patrick
 
Well, I really want the Regal GS, that's what I've been constantly looking at but my sister owns a 2000 Malibu with the 3.1 V6 and she gets around 17-18 mpg. I think that's the same v6 in the regal ls right? So idk how a 3.8 supercharged v6 could get any better.
 
+1 for the Regal GS.

Nice luxury and decent grunt when you need it. Although it is a big car, its MPG will surprise you. I get 22-24 tooling around locally and 32 on long trips. Only downside is it requires premium gas. Look for a '00 and up as some earlier models had different underhood arrangements and HVAC display quirks.

p.s. That's a pretty Caddy Herb!
 
I was never a Ford lover.. But I bought a 2000 Crown Vic. a couple of years ago and its been the best daily driver I have ever bought. Its a old cop car. Paid $2,500 for it. Roomy, comfortable, decent gas mileage (about 24 mpg) and looks from everybody on the road.:eek: A little underpowered though.

I have only done oil changes, and basic maintenence and it just keeps on going, going, going...:D

175,000 miles on the clock and doesn't use any oil.. Only problem though, it gets fairly decent mileage for a big car, you need to take out a loan to put gas in it at these prices today.:eek:
 
Wow that thing actually gets about 24mpg!? That's basically the same 2v 4.6 used in the 99-04 Mustang GT's with crappier intake and heads. I owned a 2000 GT 4.6 and man those things are thirsty! I would have to drive slower than a grandma to pull off a measly 18 mpg! That's mostly freeway too! The gearing must be way different or something in order to get 24mpg in that thirsty motor and that big of a car.
 
baller760 said:
Wow that thing actually gets about 24mpg!? That's basically the same 2v 4.6 used in the 99-04 Mustang GT's with crappier intake and heads. I owned a 2000 GT 4.6 and man those things are thirsty! I would have to drive slower than a grandma to pull off a measly 18 mpg! That's mostly freeway too! The gearing must be way different or something in order to get 24mpg in that thirsty motor and that big of a car.
Click to expand...

I think the gearing is like 3.27. Actually the best mileage ive got so far was on a 300 mile trip it averaged 25.6. Once you get into city driving then it gets about 14mpg. Driving it nicely. Actually the damn thing won't even spin the tires from a dead stop.:mad: Talk about a pooch.:biggrin:
 
Car

You may want to try 94-97 dodge intrepid or any of the cab forward cars from chrysler like eagle vision, intrepid, concorde, etc... I have a 97 with the 3.5 DOHC and gets low 30mpg on the Hwy and mid-high 20s in town. You can beat the car for the price. They go anywhere from $1500 - $5000. I love mine
 
Like the others have said...go Buick GS. If not go with something Japanese. An older SC300, relatively new Corolla w/ manual trans., something super economical, and spend the savings on parts for the GN!!!:D
Heck you don't even need a GS, you can get the Regal LS without the 'charger. Nice thing about the cab forward Interpids, they're spacious underhood and easy to work on. Hmmm, maybe a 2005 Hyundai, lol. Just throwing out hints out there. Don't mean any disrespect, just broaden your horizons. Good luck man.
 
baller760 said:
I'm looking for a different car to replace my 1991 Honda Civic DX hatchback. The car runs great and all and in fact gets me 30 mpg with the A/C on in stop and go traffic and 40mpg on the highway. However, I'm really tired of everything squeaking and the ride being crap and the car only having 90 hp. It's slower than everyone taking off when I have the A/C on. I have to floor it in almost every gear until I'm above 55 mph. So, I'm looking for something new to replace it but I want it to get on average at least 25 mpg, and have that "caddy" ride, but also don't want it to be so freaken slow that you want to drive out to a field and light the car on fire.
Click to expand...

I have an 89 Honda CRX for my DD, and with a little bit of work and not alot of money you can make it at least somewhat quick. these 4th generation civics are very common and parts are VERY accesible, plus there is countless modifications that can be done to improve the car, without having to buy aftermarket parts. For example: my turbo setup on the CRX utilizes 90% OEM parts off of many different cars, and cost me less than $500 and a weekend to put on. with an itty bitty turbo and low boost it made my 15second car a mid-13 second car. oh, and i still get 35+mpg, just smething to think about if you might consider keeping the civic.:biggrin:
 
I've got a 1991 Saturn SL.

Thing has easily over 200,000 miles on it and it still runs smooth.

I reccommend that if your looking for something that will be a good 'point a to point b' car.
 
My 99 Regal GS has been a great car, and having not reset the mpg gaue in the last 15k miles or so, I am averaging 25.1 MPG diving around Orlando, a mix of hwy and city miles. Smooth. Comfortable, Powerful. Reliable. Can't beat it with a stick.
 
I love my 97 escort-5 speed, it's fun and gets mpg in the low 30's no matter how you drive it. But I have to agree with budget crx, imagine what your civic could be if you spent 3k to 6k on it!
 
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