Ideas for a $10,000-12,000 big, reliable, and cool sedan for long distance travel?

[ZL9M2]

Not to change directions, but I'd trade the wife's 4Runner for a "first gen" LM2 baby diesel Suburban. Turbodiesel straight six, 35 mpg highway, excellent ride with the independant suspension and all the room you need.

[Phillies8008]

You're not going to drive this that often, you don't care about performance per se, and do care about comfort. Lexus/Toyota is the clear answer here, especially given the age and mileage $10-12k is going to get you.

You'll probably never need to do any major maintenance to it, and it'll serve the purpose with no problem. If I strictly needed reliable A to B transport, this'd be a no-brainer. Why bother with something like a Merc, BMW, etc. that's more likely to break and cost a (relative) fortune to fix?

[Alfisti]

I am going to piggy back off this thread as I am yet again considering replacing my near 20 year old Saab 9-3 wagon. It needs a little work (leaky cam cover) so there's $500 or so , but my aircon is on it's last legs and that would be a $1,400 job. It only has 160K KM (100K miles) but has lived outside all it's life and is both looking and sounding it's age, ride is rough and rattly etc. Is what it is but may be time for a change, possibly.

Related to this topic, I want a comfortable ride, roads near me are horrific but I also want utility so no sedan (wife's stelvio is not good for carrying shit). I also need more tech than I have in the saab (getting annoying not being about to see my phone nav) but as you all know I utterly despise intrusive tech and despise "touch screen only" controls.

Selfishly, my son now goes to a private school and I look like Eddie Murphy in Beverley Hills cop driving around Rodeo with a beat to shit Chevy Nova when I pick up or drop off.

Bit of poking around leads me to the Lincoln MKC. Ride seems comfy, it's the right size, parts are easy and cheap, Sync3 is probably the best of the modern interfaces in terms of lack of intrusiveness and the radio and HVAC are operated by physical knobs/buttons. Crucially very few seem to have any "driver aids" which are a hard line, absolute no-go for me. It also looks pretty good both pre and post facelift for an androgenous compact/mid SUV. I can pick one up for about $20K CDN with under 100K Km (60K miles), would look to own it 10 years or so at abut 3K miles (5K KM) per yr.

[R N M]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

A W212 E Class would be great and hit your price point. E350 for better mileage, E500 for V8 rumble rumble sound. Same motor plus/minus two cylinders!
The M273 is a workhorse of a motor that feels and sounds great.
Transmission conductor plate is the only real weak spot.
It will have significantly fewer oil leaks than BMW motors!
Our GL450 only had to have the expansion plugs replaced a couple times, and that is a super easy DIY. Avoid the air suspension, which may be standard on the E500???

While I don’t have any personal experience with W212, i still see so many around while the F10 5er is now pretty rare. I think the E350 with NA V6 can be pretty reliable and you can buy these around $10-15k easily. They still look great.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by R N M

While I don’t have any personal experience with W212, i still see so many around while the F10 5er is now pretty rare. I think the E350 with NA V6 can be pretty reliable and you can buy these around $10-15k easily. They still look great.

They are on the short list to replace our 2011 528i. Hope to keep that running for a few more years, but if it dies on us or we need to swap out fast, an E350 is the current go-to right now.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

If you just don't want a Caddy or 300C because you don't want to be associated with the takeover crowd or whatever, that's fair. But reliability is good on them, especially the later years of each generation. The 5.7 Hemi is a stout motor, and the NAG1 is just a 722.6 MB transmission so also bulletproof.

Marauders are sick, and basically bulletproof too. I see one at work from time to time. Sometimes he parks next to the guy with a 1st gen 300C SRT8. That's a pretty cool pair there lol.

I actually really like the 300C. I've rented many of them. Never rented a Hemi one though. The overall reliability outside the motor and trans is what concerns me.

Good to know about the Marauder. I know they aren't quick (upper 14s at best, lower 15s more common), but they are pretty cool. Black is a must. The LT1 Impala SS were kick ass too, but the asking prices for a well cared one is bonkers (and should be).

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

You're not going to drive this that often, you don't care about performance per se, and do care about comfort. Lexus/Toyota is the clear answer here, especially given the age and mileage $10-12k is going to get you.

You'll probably never need to do any major maintenance to it, and it'll serve the purpose with no problem. If I strictly needed reliable A to B transport, this'd be a no-brainer. Why bother with something like a Merc, BMW, etc. that's more likely to break and cost a (relative) fortune to fix?

Buying any older (10 y/o+) car will likely require lots of catch-up maintenance and some repairs. An older V8 Lexus will likely require a timing belt which isn't an overly difficult job and I have a buddy that has a 2000 GS400 with the 4.3 V8 and he's done a timing belt himself. I can do suspension, brakes, most repairs outside of major engine work, restoration stuff including even non-major panel paint work. What is a no-go is any vehicle that requires any sort of coding on parts replacement.

I know things like Lexus ES300/350, Avalons, and the like are great options, but I want something that isn't extremely vanilla either and has some level of presence. I'll likely add wheels and some minor OEM+ styling enhancements. No engine or exhaust mods though.

[Phillies8008]

Yeah, I said Lexus because you mentioned them in your first post. But sure, if you want something non-vanilla with presence, a Lexus or Toyota isn't going to fit the bill for sure.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I actually really like the 300C. I've rented many of them. Never rented a Hemi one though. The overall reliability outside the motor and trans is what concerns me.

Good to know about the Marauder. I know they aren't quick (upper 14s at best, lower 15s more common), but they are pretty cool. Black is a must. The LT1 Impala SS were kick ass too, but the asking prices for a well cared one is bonkers (and should be).

The Impala SS was cheap at one point, but they're past the classic car inflection point now and big bucks.

I wouldn't be worried about reliability on the LX platform. They get a bad reputation from being owned by less than desirable owners who don't do any upkeep, take the worst care of them, and generally just beat the crap out of them. Keep in mind, they do pretty well as cop cars. The only caveat I would say is try to find one that didn't have cylinder deactivation. That's a big selling point on the 6.1L motors, as the later 392s had it and those lifters can fail.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I've put the 3rd gen Acura TL/TLS on the list. One of my favorites. Hard to find clean examples though, but they are out there.

Was gonna suggest a nice Acura. I owned a 2007 MDX for I think 7 and a half years and it was pretty dead nuts reliable.

A TL with AWD would be my choice.

Doing that many miles...do you really want a thirsty car?

Wildcard....I'm not sure how far your drive is or where you are going exactly but....Tesla. EV drivetrain and good autopilot makes for some pretty relaxed miles. Model 3 has sh!t ride but good coilovers can solve that. Or you can get a Model S with air...

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I am going to piggy back off this thread as I am yet again considering replacing my near 20 year old Saab 9-3 wagon. It needs a little work (leaky cam cover) so there's $500 or so , but my aircon is on it's last legs and that would be a $1,400 job. It only has 160K KM (100K miles) but has lived outside all it's life and is both looking and sounding it's age, ride is rough and rattly etc. Is what it is but may be time for a change, possibly.

Related to this topic, I want a comfortable ride, roads near me are horrific but I also want utility so no sedan (wife's stelvio is not good for carrying shit). I also need more tech than I have in the saab (getting annoying not being about to see my phone nav) but as you all know I utterly despise intrusive tech and despise "touch screen only" controls.

Selfishly, my son now goes to a private school and I look like Eddie Murphy in Beverley Hills cop driving around Rodeo with a beat to shit Chevy Nova when I pick up or drop off.

Bit of poking around leads me to the Lincoln MKC. Ride seems comfy, it's the right size, parts are easy and cheap, Sync3 is probably the best of the modern interfaces in terms of lack of intrusiveness and the radio and HVAC are operated by physical knobs/buttons. Crucially very few seem to have any "driver aids" which are a hard line, absolute no-go for me. It also looks pretty good both pre and post facelift for an androgenous compact/mid SUV. I can pick one up for about $20K CDN with under 100K Km (60K miles), would look to own it 10 years or so at abut 3K miles (5K KM) per yr.

The MKC is a Ford Escape gussied up a little bit. I think some of them may be made in China (that might be the newer version or the Edge equivalent - can't remember). I don't think you'll end up happy in one to be honest. Lincolns are tuned VERY floaty, and frankly, it's small, likely not much bigger than Stelvio.

If I was going to look at something like that, I'd probably shoot for a V6 powered Acura RDX, or the insanely trustworthy Lexus RX350. That said, I think you're going to really want something a bit more sporty and fun, I'd look into an Edge ST, then downsize the wheels. Or go with something a little bit older still and just upgrade the radio to something with Bluetooth or android auto/car play.

That all said... Screw the school image, drive what you want, not what you think they do.

[StradaRedlands]

Unfortunately mentioning this a hair too late... auction just ended today!

The one that got away...

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Unfortunately mentioning this a hair too late... auction just ended today!

The one that got away...

Damn, I could have been Walter White!!!!

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Was gonna suggest a nice Acura. I owned a 2007 MDX for I think 7 and a half years and it was pretty dead nuts reliable.

A TL with AWD would be my choice.

Doing that many miles...do you really want a thirsty car?

Wildcard....I'm not sure how far your drive is or where you are going exactly but....Tesla. EV drivetrain and good autopilot makes for some pretty relaxed miles. Model 3 has sh!t ride but good coilovers can solve that. Or you can get a Model S with air...

I've also put the unicorn Acura TSX wagon on the list.

The cars I'm looking at, including the V8 Lexus cars, get 24+mpg which is much better than the 16-17mpg we see with the 4runner.

No EVs for me. Not our thing and since we'll be traveling all over the Midwest, charging stations aren't as common plus all the wind (steady 20mph winds and 30mph+ gusts are common around here) and cold temps will suck out battery life.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I've also put the unicorn Acura TSX wagon on the list.

The cars I'm looking at, including the V8 Lexus cars, get 24+mpg which is much better than the 16-17mpg we see with the 4runner.

No EVs for me. Not our thing and since we'll be traveling all over the Midwest, charging stations aren't as common plus all the wind (steady 20mph winds and 30mph+ gusts are common around here) and cold temps will suck out battery life.

I don't think you're gonna see 24 mpg out of a Marauder lol.

[Alfisti]

XutvJet I am struggling with your ask/venn diagram. YOu say you want comfortable but don't want vanilla, the two really do go hand in hand tbh, especially at the price point you are talking and the need for a sedan or wagon. The German barges will fit the bill perfectly as comfortable/non vanilla but yeah, they gonna break and be a general PITA. Is an Acura really that comfortable or does it still compromise with some sporty intent? YOu'd think an Impala would fit the bill no?

Originally Posted by BlkGS

The MKC is a Ford Escape gussied up a little bit. I think some of them may be made in China (that might be the newer version or the Edge equivalent - can't remember). I don't think you'll end up happy in one to be honest. Lincolns are tuned VERY floaty, and frankly, it's small, likely not much bigger than Stelvio.

If I was going to look at something like that, I'd probably shoot for a V6 powered Acura RDX, or the insanely trustworthy Lexus RX350. That said, I think you're going to really want something a bit more sporty and fun, I'd look into an Edge ST, then downsize the wheels. Or go with something a little bit older still and just upgrade the radio to something with Bluetooth or android auto/car play.

That all said... Screw the school image, drive what you want, not what you think they do.

Yep it's an Escape but that is fine, makes parts easier and cheaper to buy. Something more "fun" and sporty just means a harsh ride on the insanely bad roads here, I am tired of the crash/bang/wallop everywhere I go. If I want fun I have my sports car to fang about. In short, I am likely just getting old!

As for alternatives, I looked at the Edge but they're another $5K or so and I don't really need something that big tbh, though I hear you the Escape is a touch smaller in the trunk than I would like as the Saab can swallow some shit. I am reluctant to go too old, even low KM cars feel their age a bit here, my Saab only has 100K miles but the brutal weather has taken it's toll and it feels rattly and beat up so to speak.

The other option is a Mazda CX-5 but I don't think i can live day to day with a NA 4 banger that makes a shit ton of noise and cannot peel the top of a soup skin. There's the turbo model in latter years but nudging $30K rather than $20K. Lexus is way, way more expensive than I want to spend given the very limited miles I do.

TBH other than the trunk being 15% smaller than I'd like, the MKC ticks a shit ton of boxes for me, especially the Sync 3 interface which for a modern and functional digital system is MERCIFULLY old school and mechanical to use vs the vast majority of shite that is out there.

[LH44]

W140.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...s500-sedan-11/

/thread

Many consider 90's Mercedes to be the best cars ever made. Of those people, many of them believe the W140 was the best Mercedes ever made. Therefore, it's one of the best cars ever made.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by LH44

W140.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...s500-sedan-11/

/thread

Many consider 90's Mercedes to be the best cars ever made. Of those people, many of them believe the W140 was the best Mercedes ever made. Therefore, it's one of the best cars ever made.

If I knew more about Benz and I had a lift vs just a Quick Jack, I would absolutely get a 1990s Benz. I know they are tanks and reliable. But now they're 30+ y/o and all sorts of expensive stuff will be degrading simply because of age. I love the styling of 1990s Benz cars and my wife does too. I would totally rock an W124 E500 if I had the funds and experience with Benz products.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

XutvJet I am struggling with your ask/venn diagram. YOu say you want comfortable but don't want vanilla, the two really do go hand in hand tbh, especially at the price point you are talking and the need for a sedan or wagon. The German barges will fit the bill perfectly as comfortable/non vanilla but yeah, they gonna break and be a general PITA. Is an Acura really that comfortable or does it still compromise with some sporty intent? YOu'd think an Impala would fit the bill no?


Yep it's an Escape but that is fine, makes parts easier and cheaper to buy. Something more "fun" and sporty just means a harsh ride on the insanely bad roads here, I am tired of the crash/bang/wallop everywhere I go. If I want fun I have my sports car to fang about. In short, I am likely just getting old!

As for alternatives, I looked at the Edge but they're another $5K or so and I don't really need something that big tbh, though I hear you the Escape is a touch smaller in the trunk than I would like as the Saab can swallow some shit. I am reluctant to go too old, even low KM cars feel their age a bit here, my Saab only has 100K miles but the brutal weather has taken it's toll and it feels rattly and beat up so to speak.

The other option is a Mazda CX-5 but I don't think i can live day to day with a NA 4 banger that makes a shit ton of noise and cannot peel the top of a soup skin. There's the turbo model in latter years but nudging $30K rather than $20K. Lexus is way, way more expensive than I want to spend given the very limited miles I do.

TBH other than the trunk being 15% smaller than I'd like, the MKC ticks a shit ton of boxes for me, especially the Sync 3 interface which for a modern and functional digital system is MERCIFULLY old school and mechanical to use vs the vast majority of shite that is out there.

I expect some level of vanilla, but doesn't mean I have to settle for silver Avalon. You can make a lot of cars such as the LS400, LS430, GS400/430, TSX wagon, etc. look a bit better and your own with some wheels or wheel spacers, maybe a lip spoiler, a very mild 1" or less drop, and other minor styling tweaks. If I got a Marauder, I'd put widened Cop black steel wheels and baby moon hub caps on it, tint the windows, and add two 2' tall aero antennas on either side trunk Might as well have fun with it.

I'm not interested in SUVs. We already have one. Plus, I like being lower to the ground, better handling, more ride control.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I don't think you're gonna see 24 mpg out of a Marauder lol.

It should turn low 20s in pure highway driving. It's rated at 21 and I tend to slightly exceed the factory HWY rating by 1-2 mpgs in my cars.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by ZL9M2

Not to change directions, but I'd trade the wife's 4Runner for a "first gen" LM2 baby diesel Suburban. Turbodiesel straight six, 35 mpg highway, excellent ride with the independant suspension and all the room you need.

My wife loves her 4runner. She paddleboards all the time at a nearby lake. The main reason we got the 4runner is the roll down rear window. She simply throws the board in the back with 4' of it hanging out the back.

And while diesels are badass, no way I'd ever own one. Stupid maintenance and repair costs.

[Alfisti]

See I had the LS cars down as Vanilla but if you're seeing them as having a cool factor (which i can understand) then it's a no brainer.