Good choices for daily driver...

[Mark B]

Hey everyone,
I will be looking into getting a new daily driver soon. My current beater probably wont make it through the winter. I would like to spend about 10k. I was thinking about getting a 00-02 Grand Prix becasue I have had one before and I loved it. But after sitting a couple recently, I dont think I am satisfied with the interior. Interior is very important to me. The leather is just too fake & the dash is dated. The newer ones have great interiors, but the exterior is butt-ugly. I have also had a 2002 Accord. I loved it, but it was a 2-Door. When you get 4-Doors, the exterior styling is very blah.

Here are my requirements:

-4 doors
-Good on gas (V6 mabey)
-Nice styling
-Smooth Ride
-Decent size (grand prix size)
-All the bells & whisles
-Leather
-Fairly low mileage
-I would like to stay with GM, but I havent seen too much that I like. Mabey the new G6, but I doubt it would be in my price range.

Anyone have any sugestions?

[Steel2686]

One car I can definitely recommend is a 2000-04 Buick Regal GS. My Wife had one until we traded it in for the Explorer earlier this year(Worst. Mistake. Ever.). Those cars flat-out fly. Awesome ride, great interior (one of my favorite things about the car), and the phenominal 3800 supercharged V6. Gas mileage was right where it should have been, and it was just an overall nice car. If I ever find one for a song again, I'm buying it.

We paid $9,900 two years ago, for a 2000 with 38K on it. Black w/ tan leather. You can probably find one for around that price range.

Here's a couple examples:

[TraceZ]

I'll second the vote for the Buick. Very nice interiors, stylish exterior and they have been ranking very high in overall quality.

You might not need the GS (supercharged) for a DD, the normal Regal might be just fine and get better fuel economy. Your call.

My in-laws drive a 2002 Regal they bought new. It's got a power moonroof and a few other goodies. It drives very nicely.

[Mark B]

That looks like what I am looking for... I would have to get used to that HUGE clock & speedo numbers. I would probably go for the non-supercharged model...But I would have to find one with all the options. Buick Regals & Pontiac Grand Prix are pretty much the same car... Just like Camaros & Birds.

[RyanB58]

I have a 2000 Cadillac Catera and it is a great DD. It has cadillac styling and comfort, nice leather, all the bells and whistles, and has respectable V6 power. I bought it with 40k miles last year for $8800.

[scotts94_z28]

My family has always been stricktly GM but after riding in a few audi's i think my next DD will be a used A4

[Steel2686]

You might not need the GS (supercharged) for a DD, the normal Regal might be just fine and get better fuel economy. Your call.

No, Tracy! You ALWAYS need the supercharged model!!!

Okay. He's right. The standard 3800 is extremely quick sans supercharger. I've owned both versions of the motor (1995 Bonneville was the other one). The supercharger only seemed to be noticeable at highway speeds. Still, the Regal GLE model (all the bells and whistles, minus the supercharger) is impressive.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I haven't driven one, but I've heard good things about V8 Aurora's.

My Father owned a Merc Mystique that was a 4 door. Not a lot of power, but very fun to drive.

[braindeadracefan]

I haven't driven one, but I've heard good things about V8 Aurora's.

They feel great and have nice interior, but I think they're kinda on the ugly side when it comes to the exterior.

[99v6cam]

v6 f-body, GO!

[Mark B]

V6 F-Body... Hahah


I wish, but with the winters we have been having here in NJ, I will have to pass. This year is susposed to be really bad.

[gimp19]

I would go for an aurora, intrigue or regal. I own an intrigue and the 3.5dohc is a great engine, earlier ones came with a n/a 3.8.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

Oh boy... I'll put my flamesuit on.

GM sedans are terribly behind their foreign competitors.

Camry, Accord, Altima... all WAY before I would go with any of the above suggestions.

Flame away.

[Mark B]

I might aggree with you on some levels. As I mentioned, I used to have a 02 Accord. I loved it. The quality & fit was amazing. However:

-Camrys look like poop unless I get one of the new ones, however I wouldnt be able to afford one with all of the options I would want

-Altimas too expensive

-4-Door Accord Look like poop in all years.

[Steel2686]

Oh boy... I'll put my flamesuit on.

GM sedans are terribly behind their foreign competitors.

Camry, Accord, Altima... all WAY before I would go with any of the above suggestions.

Flame away.

In most aspects, you are absolutely correct. GM is way behind on most sedans. There are even a few GM's I would flat-out recommend against purchasing. However, I was exremely impressed with the Regal.

First off, I love the 3800. One of my favorite sixes of all time. Second, the fit and finish of the interior was very un-GM like in the Regal. The materials were of nice quality. The road noise was all but non-exsistant. It was just a great car for the money when you consider the options it had.

Mark was talking a good daily sedan for under the $10,000 range. While the Accord, Camry, and Altima are all superior cars, you'd be hard pressed to find one with low to average miles, be fully or close to fully loaded, and still come in around 8 or 9 grand.