Second car search takes a turn.

[Aren Jay]

They sold some of the cars I had been looking at and now there are new ones to consider.

I'm looking for a fun winter car with cargo capabilities exceeding that of my Marauder.

Something easier to load up, park in small spaces, works better in snow and ice but something i fit into.

I have a great car buy place, Ironically called The Car Store.

They have a great selection of cars, ones that I like, in good condition and at a fair price.

Currently they have these:

anyone have any experience with any of these?


1. http://www.thecarstore.net/cgi-bin/automall/autolot.cgi?overlord=Details&auto_id=1088

2. http://www.thecarstore.net/cgi-bin/automall/autolot.cgi?overlord=Details&auto_id=1252

3. http://www.thecarstore.net/cgi-bin/automall/autolot.cgi?overlord=Details&auto_id=1239

4. http://www.thecarstore.net/cgi-bin/automall/autolot.cgi?overlord=Details&auto_id=1244

I just noticed another:

5. http://www.thecarstore.net/cgi-bin/automall/autolot.cgi?overlord=Details&auto_id=1238

[TCBO1]

Brian had a 2002 Pontiac GTP before the Marauder. That car was sweet. He is a big guy. 6'2- 6'3 200+ lbs so he needed a car that would be comfortable for him.. Drive pretty good in the snow. There is nothing like doing donuts in the middle of a snow storm in a parking lot with a superchaged car! Pissed the traction cntrl and abs off something fierce. PM SilverSurfer03 and ask him about it... I'll try and steer him toward this post.

[Green96]

My wife had an 01 Grand Prix GT. It was OK in the snow, but otherwise was a total P.O.S. Owned it the shortest of any car ever, took a $350 hit to get it sold and out of my sight. My winter car is a 96 T-bird V8. Doen't sound like a good choice, but with a set of snow tires it is really good even with the loose torque converter tune and other assorted work. I know that doesn't meet your needs, just wanted to show that a RWD car with snow tires can be a good bet in the winter. How about an older CV/GM with snow tires?

[my_rodder]

I had a GTP and loved it. The only thing I didn't care for was deep unplowed snow. Drove it to 187,000 miles. they will go when you hit the gas. No problems, put a fuel pump in around 150,000.
I also like the Audi, a friend has one and I was looking at one(when I found the MM).
After driving the MM in the snow and ice today, I may be looking again:depress:

[ctrlraven]

Tough choice, the Talon is a Tsi model which I believe has a turbo so it would be pretty easy to mod the car down the road and has AWD. Audi looks hot, has a V8 and is AWD also. The GTP has the Eaton M90 blower, FWD which is ideal for driving in the snow as long as you have good snow tires. All are good choices.

[Raudermaster]

I guess if you can afford the Audi go for it. My friend had a 1st gen TSi and they were excellent in any weather condition. They move too where they have the turbo and are easy to acheive more power if need be.

[Breadfan]

The Audi's maintenance and repair costs could make it a bad choice as a second car. It's certainly "nicer" than the other choices, and a good car, but a GTP will be cheaper to repair if needed.

[cyclopsram]

A used 100K CVPI with 4 studded snows will fill the bill.. If you need more cargo room, put in a mini spare and take out the back seat.. I have been using CVPI as trucks for years without the commercial tag nonsense. Receiver hitch and electric brake controller will handle 5000 lb trailer with no trouble...panthers forever.

[Eric91Z]

In the mood ot give my opinion today:

- Talon: Always liked these, they go pretty good, and it AWD. Watch out if you start modding as you will start replacing parts, too, when they break. Not much for interior or "hauling stuff" room

- Audi: Decent cars, but repairs will cost you.

- Grand Prix: I think either one of those would be good cars for a DD. I have been thinking of getting rid of my CVPI for a GTP for my DD. Would have to have HUD, though. Only thing I have noticied with the Pontiac GTP is that it seems to have more smaller issues than the Chevy Impala and Buick Regal counter parts.


I think the Buick Regal GS would be another option to consider. Decent styling in the right color and right wheels, nice interiors, nice options, and same supercharged drivetrain of the GTP. Plus, most likely, the Buick will have less chance for abuse and better chance for good maintenance due to the "demographic" of most Buick buyers. I did test drive a Grand Prix GTP with all season tires once right after a snow storm. With the FWD and traction control it did quite well. I am definitely not one to believe that FWD is the better winter car, but standing on it's own the GTP did well in the snow.

Good luck on your search.

[Aren Jay]

Now if I was going to get a CVPI I would likely just get a second Marauder. I have been looking at a Second DTR, just like mine, little bit more miles. But I can't figureout why I would want two near identical DTR's. I suppose I could have one for summer one for winter, but hmmm....

I have been looking at a Phaeton again. I can't really afford a Phaeton but it is a great winter car, and even without a Super Charger it is very fast with the W12. Resale sucks but they won't be getting too much cheaper. They still cost double USA prices, used and new, up here.

I have a lead on a W12 for US$27K About twice what I wanted to pay for a second car though. But if I know longer need a Winter car or a Super Charger, unless I turn my Marauder into a race car.

hmm The Grand Prix GTP is starting to look like a good compromise.

[merc6]

black gtp that couldn't vote for up top. I bet evreyone swore up and down i was going to steer him twards the awd.

[Aren Jay]

I've driven every Subaru that I could get into, I do not fit in all of them, I love AWD in the snow and really miss it now that I do not have it. Subies fly in the snow, they move like the Marauder does on dry roads. Too bad they are so small inside. Bad dealership experiences locally have put me off Subies though.

Fwd was a real wake up when I drove my sister's Plymouth Horizon back in the early 80's. Made a huge difference, was not nearly as good as my SUbie in the white stuff but was a big improvement over trying to get the RWD going when slippery. AWD and FWD do not help for stopping in snow. FWD is worse and doesn't turn well at all. AWD can do power turns but that requires space and doesn't work well around parked cars.

Also almost all mid or small cars have no doors, just thin plastic tinny side panels disguised as door.

Yes I know all about the Subaru Audi envy and how VW's (Audi's are VW's now) have huge mechanical problems. Not sure when that was supposed to have started though and a 97 may be immune. Also Phaetons are never made in Mexico and thus are also immune, mostly. They have simple electircal problems.

[KillJoy]

DSM - Boost + AWD = FUUUUUN!

:up:

KillJoy

[dohc324ci]

I had a 99 Grand AM SE2 3.4L V6 and loved it; fast and sporty. Those GTP's are even better and great for DD; it does run on super however. The 3.8 liter V6 is stout (for a V6) even without the blower. I never had any problems with my Pontiac and even considered the newer body style before I picked up the Marauder. Good luck!

[magindat]

I had that exact same car. The Talon. Seats fold down. Great cargo space. I could load 8' 2x4's in it. Toted planty DJ stuff with it, too. Fun as hell to drive. I can't imagine the AWD would hurt in snow either. I don't know about height, but it did pretty good for a fat guy.

[Aren Jay]

I wondered about the cargo space. I do miss not having a Hatchback anymore.

Could you drive it (Eagle Talon) with the hatch open and a couch/sofa sticking out?

(doesn't work with a Marauder)

[Siege]

I wouldn't touch a 2G turbo DSM unless the engine had been replaced with one from a 1G.

Search for "4G63 Crankwalk" and you'll see why.

[Aren Jay]

I just realised how low the Talon is today. I had one behind me at the Dairy Queen, and I could see through the rear view mirror clear over the roof.

Tiny low cars.

The car in question has had it's turbo replaced. This gives pause for why?

Is it reason to walk away?

[Siege]

The car in question has had it's turbo replaced. This gives pause for why?

Is it reason to walk away?
Not by itself. Turbochargers like any other mechanical part will fail and be replaced. If they tossed the worthless stock T25 and replaced it with a 14 or 16G then you'd get much better performance and OEM reliability.

Of course the OEM reliability of the 2G cars were compromised by the tendency of the 7-Bolt 4G63 to eat its thrust bearing and trash the engine.

[Aren Jay]

It is an automatic, does this crank walk happen with auto's?

How can you tell with an auto, left turn then what?

[Mike Poore]

Just an opinion, but you might want to take a look at a much overlooked bargain. That's the 2004 -05 Lincoln Aviator. As a winter vehicle, it has few equals; in space, power, safety, and purchase price. The heated seats and mirrors, plus the stability control and suspension bits, make it a perfect winter vehicle, in my view.

Never mind, it's way cool. ;)

PS: I didn't include the '03 since it lacks stability control, and there was a transmission upgrade in the later models.

[Aren Jay]

Isn't that just an exploder?

I have been looking for something to take canoeing, maybe tow a trailer, Haul boxes, drive in winter, AWD would be great.

Even though it doesn't do any of these things I have still been considering a Smart car. I just like it.

[Siege]

It is an automatic, does this crank walk happen with auto's?

How can you tell with an auto, left turn then what?
Yup, it happens with automatic as well as manual transmissions. The definitive test is to check crank end play with a dial caliper.

The symptom of an extremely worn 2G engine is the crank sprocket will start hitting the crankshaft position sensor; eventually destroying it. You'll hear it as a clicking sound coming from the area of the crank pulley.

Without checking the end play with a dial caliper though you won't know for sure.

[Mike Poore]

Isn't that just an exploder?

I have been looking for something to take canoeing, maybe tow a trailer, Haul boxes, drive in winter, AWD would be great.

Even though it doesn't do any of these things I have still been considering a Smart car. I just like it.

Nope. For starters it has the Marauder Motor, and a super slick 6sp. The seats are heated and cooled plus it's loaded with every safety gimmick in Ford's parts bin. We had an '03, now an '05. The AWD system is as good as you can find, and the stability control saved our ass on a hair-raising incident on the interstate. I give the Aviator my highest recommendation .....I mean why else would they suspend production?

[Aren Jay]

Probably because everyone thought it was just an Exploder with a facelift.

Does it have more room than a Freestyle inside?

Something else to look at; thanks for the recommendation.

BTW what is the sport trac like?