suggestions for a second vehicle?

[Tom Tom Turbo]

Driving the T as my only car is getting to me. I love this car to death, but I hate putting all the miles on it and it kills me to drive it in the rain/snow. I want a 2nd vehicle but I don't really know what to get. It must be under $10K and gas mileage isn't a huge issue, since I only drive 25 miles round trip to work. I was leaning toward a LS1/LT1 F-body, however then the modifying bug will most likely bite again. Maybe something like a GS or a GTP could fit the bill. Anyone have any other ideas or something for sale?

 

[denn454]

how abuot a police camaro or crown vic? i'm looking at a camaro now, 2001 with 103k miles buy it now price on ebay of 8,500, ex state patrol car. crown vics are going for 5,000

i have a gs, i'd definatly get one of them over a gtp. they cost less and are really a nicer car. i'm consistantly getting around 25mpg mostly high way but i drive it fairly hard in town so it evens out. its a good running car and reliable as can be. i do like the looks for the gtp more but in the money i saved, and the money i'm saving in insurance i'd take the gs any day. if you want to save a little money you can get an ls, its the same thing without the blower.

if i were to get another car i'd definatly get an ls1 f body. but they will be a handful in the snow, way worse than a t-type (i was very very happy with how well mine did in the snow)

have you looked at an older subaru impreza? i'd like to get my hands on a 98 2.5gt. i'm sure they are reasonably priced too

 

[mikebart101]

I would def get a Chevy Caprice 9C1. Fast as hell with that Lt1 and ive seen twin turbo kits for them

 

[turbobuickman]

If youre worried about driving in rain/snow why get another sporty rwd car? Everyone needs a truck. Have some fun off road too.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

I have a 91 TSI AWD Talon along with my girlfriend and my best friend. These cars come in either manual or auto, manual is faster unless you want to stick $2,500 in auto trans upgrades. You can get one in great shape with plenty of mods for around $4k-$5k and these cars will smoke all year around and take TONS of abuse.

I drive the GN on nice days and my talon gets the rest of the action. Its fun to spin all 4 in the snow and still go straight and blow by everyone.

 

[Tom Tom Turbo]

I guess I never considered a 9C1 Caprice or a PI Crown Vic. Those would be bad ass...I mean if the po po can use them, why can't I? My only fear is that these cars have been abused, not maintained etc. Any truth to that or do the fuzz take pretty good care of their rides?

 

[CTX-SLPR]

most 9C1 Caprices and P71 Crown Victorias have been beat hard but generally well maintained by the fleet maintance. Honestly I'd go for the 9C1, its got more punch than all but the newest P71's and there are lots more mods for it if you wish. I do think the P71's get slightly better gas mileage, handle a fuzz better, and stop slightly better in stock form. Its easy to fix that on a 9C1 though thanks to the Impy SS.

Just some info,

 

[Welby]

Don't buy anything that you'll be tempted to mod, it'll just take money away from your Buick. I bought a '99 Grand Cherokee in May, and it's great in every way except the gas mileage, but what did I expect

 

[Jerryl]

......... I love this car to death, but I hate putting all the miles on it and it kills me to drive it in the rain/snow ...........

Personally and FWIW, I would get nothing less than an AWD / 4WD vehicle for snow driving. After my experience in an AWD Explorer (back in my MN snow days), I was hooked! Made it to work and back home every time after big snow falls ...... while waving at people stranded in ditches. :tongue:

 

[BLACK6PACK]

Better look at the insurance on a camaro before you buy one. It can be extremely expensive.

I have a 95 Talon TSI as my daily and its a good car to beat around town in, and is good on the hwy. I don't have snow to worry about, but if I did I'd get AWD.

 

[mikebart101]

9C1 + PI Crown Vic

Cop cars are the most taken care of automobiles around. They are cared for regularly. These cars need to perfrom under some of the most extreme conditions without malfunctioning.

 

[darkred87T]

I picked up a totaled 2001 Gran Am from my uncle's salvage yard a few months back with only 40K miles on it. It was only in the shop for a week and I got it for a fair price. It's reliable, actually fun to drive, and should be decent in the snow because of the Front WD.

 

[BOOSTEDGNs]

jeep grand cherokee

it has the best 4wd going quadratrac full time

stick with the 8cyl

Alan

 

[pontiac69fb]

Why not just go with a civic or a camry or an economy car like those it seems the most practical for what you want to do with your 2nd vehicle. I know you said gas mileage isn't an issue but getting mid 20s in the city and 30s on the highway couldn't hurt could it? You might find gas more of an issue though if it gets around 4 dollars a gallon. Plus you can easily find decent 1's for under 10k. Last but not least I don't think driving lets say a civic would give you the mod bug, especially when you got your tr.

 

[denn454]

i worked for a county parks department, we used fleet trucks that went to the same place as the sheriff cars, and they were in every 2,000 miles for a full service. we abused those trucks beyone belief and anything we did to them was fixed when they had their service. nothing but mobil 1 synthetic oil was ever used, so thats a big plus. a new engine or tranny was not uncommon, simply because it was getting worn out and why not replace it. mechanically those trucks were perfect, as far as the interior and body goes, that was the exception.

so from my experience i wouldn't have any problem buying a fleet mantained vehicle. and for the money you'll save you can afford to replace a few interior pieces

 

[Tom Tom Turbo]

funny, I work at a dealership and we have a 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 V8 with 62K miles on it. I can get vehicles at cost as long as I don't sell them for 4 years. This thing is loaded to the top and I can own it for $7850.

sounds tempting.....are these Jeeps full time 4wd and what kind of gas mileage are we actually getting?

 

[mikebart101]

A jeep really likes to suck gas. My 4.0 I6 wrangler only got 11-12 mpg no matter where I was. I can't imagine what that 4.7 V8 sucks down.

 

[Welby]

The quadratrac ones are full time 4wd. Mine has selec-trac which isn't. I disagree with the V8 comment unless you really want a little extra power. The 4.0 6 cylinder is bombproof, and 250,000+ miles isn't uncommon.
I have the 4.0, and gas mileage averages about 16. If I stick to the more level highways and go easy on it, I've gotten 20 mpg. Not good, but OK for what it is, I suppose.
$7,850 for an '01 V8 with 62K is an insanely good price. So good that I want to vomit, actually.

 

[Pronto]

A friend of mine has a 2003 Grand Prix GT. It's pretty nice and he gets milage in the mid 20s for highway. I like the 2004s. I'ld love a GTP with the comp package.

 

[CTX-SLPR]

A friend of mine has a 2003 Grand Prix GT. It's pretty nice and he gets milage in the mid 20s for highway. I like the 2004s. I'ld love a GTP with the comp package.

Don't get the GTP if you want reliablity, I've munched one tranny in 85k miles on a bone stock Regal GS which has the same drivetrain and also they take pump premium, that hurts the wallet.