The General Car Thread.

[Petrolheadia]

Imagine it's 1983. You are a 34-year-old married French legal advisor with a 3-year-old daughter. You have a 1975 Citroen Dyane, but want to replace it with a bigger, yet still cheap, 4/5-door manual car. It has to have relatively good performance, be reliable and relatively well-equipped and spacious. The options in your budget are:
- Peugeot 205 1.0,
- Citroen Visa 1.0,
- Renault 5 1.0,
- Fiat Uno 1.0,
- Austin Metro 1.0,
- Skoda 105 1.0.

What would you buy? I'd get the Uno.

[Elwher]

Those who drive, how are you perceived in your vehicles?

I think more people are courteous to me in my Grand Marquis than my C-Class. So far, it seems like people will always yield to me and never get to close to me.

Many people tend to stop and stare at the old man in the MG Midget riding around, but it usually brings a smile to their faces. Often accompanied with a thumbs up.

[The Two Jerseys]

Remember that VehiCROSS I thought i saw the other weekend? Apparently it was just a post-facelift first-generation RAV4 with no spare tire.

I mean, how am I supposed to know it's a RAV4 when the only thing identifying the early RAV4 from the rear is the spare tire cover?

[Gim]

Those who drive, how are you perceived in your vehicles?

I think more people are courteous to me in my Grand Marquis than my C-Class. So far, it seems like people will always yield to me and never get to close to me.

Many people tend to stop and stare at the old man in the MG Midget riding around, but it usually brings a smile to their faces. Often accompanied with a thumbs up.

That's very courageous for an old man.

[Arkinesia]

Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind. I've found factory recommended oil changes the best prevention of sludge. Other than generic transportation appliance, I would not recommend the Corolla at any point. Even with a manual transmission, it was the dullest, limpest car I've ever driven. Zero personality, period. (Seriously, less fun to drive than a diesel Chevy LUV.)

I once missed a 5,000 mile interval in a 2001 Camry by about 800 miles. The car was at 196k. I checked the oil two nights before I expected to have the oil changed, it was low by about two quarts, which was worrying. So I dropped a quart in to keep it up until I was able to get the oil changed.

The next night, I'm driving home, and suddenly the car shuts off because the engine had seized. As I wait for the tow, I check the oil…bupkis. Every drop had been seared out, or sludged.

The same thing happened on the engine that went into that Camry, to the next owner.

[Gim]

Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind. I've found factory recommended oil changes the best prevention of sludge. Other than generic transportation appliance, I would not recommend the Corolla at any point. Even with a manual transmission, it was the dullest, limpest car I've ever driven. Zero personality, period. (Seriously, less fun to drive than a diesel Chevy LUV.)

I once missed a 5,000 mile interval in a 2001 Camry by about 800 miles. The car was at 196k. I checked the oil two nights before I expected to have the oil changed, it was low by about two quarts, which was worrying. So I dropped a quart in to keep it up until I was able to get the oil changed.

The next night, I'm driving home, and suddenly the car shuts off because the engine had seized. As I wait for the tow, I check the oil…bupkis. Every drop had been seared out, or sludged.

The same thing happened on the engine that went into that Camry, to the next owner.

Toyota sedan cars normally have those types of problems. Then, you buy a Toyota SUV and realize that brakes sometimes don't function properly.

[Petrolheadia]

Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind. I've found factory recommended oil changes the best prevention of sludge. Other than generic transportation appliance, I would not recommend the Corolla at any point. Even with a manual transmission, it was the dullest, limpest car I've ever driven. Zero personality, period. (Seriously, less fun to drive than a diesel Chevy LUV.)

I once missed a 5,000 mile interval in a 2001 Camry by about 800 miles. The car was at 196k. I checked the oil two nights before I expected to have the oil changed, it was low by about two quarts, which was worrying. So I dropped a quart in to keep it up until I was able to get the oil changed.

The next night, I'm driving home, and suddenly the car shuts off because the engine had seized. As I wait for the tow, I check the oil…bupkis. Every drop had been seared out, or sludged.

The same thing happened on the engine that went into that Camry, to the next owner.

Are they engineered to sludge up at 5,001 or something?

[Petrolheadia]

Imagine it's late 1995. You are a married 46-year-old French legal advisor, and the father of a 15-year-old daughter. You are somewhat tired of driving small, cheap subcompacts, like your 1989 Fiat Uno 1.0, and want to upgrade to a nicer manual petrol 5-door hatchback. It has to be well-equipped, reliable, spacious and have decent performance. The options are:
- Fiat Brava 1.4,
- Peugeot 306 1.4,
- Citroen ZX 1.4,
- Renault Megane 1.4 8v,
- Rover 400 1.4 8v,
- VW Golf 1.4,
- Ford Escort 1.4,
- Opel Astra 1.4 SPI.

Which one would you buy? I'd get the Citroen.

[Arkinesia]

I once missed a 5,000 mile interval in a 2001 Camry by about 800 miles. The car was at 196k. I checked the oil two nights before I expected to have the oil changed, it was low by about two quarts, which was worrying. So I dropped a quart in to keep it up until I was able to get the oil changed.

The next night, I'm driving home, and suddenly the car shuts off because the engine had seized. As I wait for the tow, I check the oil…bupkis. Every drop had been seared out, or sludged.

The same thing happened on the engine that went into that Camry, to the next owner.

Are they engineered to sludge up at 5,001 or something?

No idea. It was really strange. But I went online, and sure enough, it's a common problem. It can be avoided by using fully synthetic oil (similar to how you'd avoid this kind of problem in a turbocharged motor), otherwise it's pretty much an eventuality, even if you maintain an appropriate interval.

[Elwher]

Many people tend to stop and stare at the old man in the MG Midget riding around, but it usually brings a smile to their faces. Often accompanied with a thumbs up.

That's very courageous for an old man.

Courage is easier for the old; we have less life to lose.

[Petrolheadia]

Are they engineered to sludge up at 5,001 or something?

No idea. It was really strange. But I went online, and sure enough, it's a common problem. It can be avoided by using fully synthetic oil (similar to how you'd avoid this kind of problem in a turbocharged motor), otherwise it's pretty much an eventuality, even if you maintain an appropriate interval.

Couldn't Toyota just put using synthetic oil in maintenance requirements?

Although we're talking about the company that didn't screw the head gasket hard enough in the Mk3 Supra Turbo.

[East Fredonia]

Would You Rather: Car Thread Edition
A: Get a free Mercedes-AMG GT S but the exhaust note is the Super Star music from Super Mario Bros. and it gets sped up & bass boosted as engine RPM increases?
OR
B: Be forced to drive an otherwise stock Prius, but it has a 6-speed manual and magically sounds like a Corvette?

[Petrolheadia]

Would You Rather: Car Thread Edition
A: Get a free Mercedes-AMG GT S but the exhaust note is the Super Star music from Super Mario Bros. and it gets sped up & bass boosted as engine RPM increases?
OR
B: Be forced to drive an otherwise stock Prius, but it has a 6-speed manual and magically sounds like a Corvette?

Get the Prius, but at that point, I'd be highly considering taking a bus.

I don't like manuals as daily driver stuff, unless the automatic version is nonexistant/hard to find/unreliable.

[Petrolheadia]

Imagine it's 2000. You are a 51-year-old married French legal advisor, and you're searching for a replacement for your 1994 Citroen ZX 1.4 hatchback. The new car would be a manual midsize liftback/sedan, but without a large engine or price tag. It should have good resale value, be well-equipped, reliable and spacious. The options in your budget are:
- Citroen Xantia 1.8i 8v,
- Opel Vectra 1.6 16v,
- Ford Mondeo 1.6,
- Kia Clarus 1.8.

Which one would you buy? I think I'd get the Kia. It might not have good resale value, but it's the best in the other three.

[Duestchstien]

Imagine it's 2000. You are a 51-year-old married French legal advisor, and you're searching for a replacement for your 1994 Citroen ZX 1.4 hatchback. The new car would be a manual midsize liftback/sedan, but without a large engine or price tag. It should have good resale value, be well-equipped, reliable and spacious. The options in your budget are:
- Citroen Xantia 1.8i 8v,
- Opel Vectra 1.6 16v,
- Ford Mondeo 1.6,
- Kia Clarus 1.8.

Which one would you buy? I think I'd get the Kia. It might not have good resale value, but it's the best in the other three.

I've always had a soft spot for Citroens, but the Ford also looks good. I'd go with the Citroen.

[The Two Jerseys]

Would You Rather: Car Thread Edition
A: Get a free Mercedes-AMG GT S but the exhaust note is the Super Star music from Super Mario Bros. and it gets sped up & bass boosted as engine RPM increases?
OR
B: Be forced to drive an otherwise stock Prius, but it has a 6-speed manual and magically sounds like a Corvette?

The Mercedes, because that's so utterly tacky that I absolutely love it.

[Petrolheadia]

I'm in Warsaw now, and I had a few US car sightings: a Lincoln Town Car Mk3 limo, a late 90s/early 2000s Cadillac Seville and a late 80s Oldsmobile 88 coupe (the latter two on the same lot).

I also saw a Honda Accord Crosstour, and I realized it's huge,,compared to what I imagined - it makes a Mercedes ML look like a compact.

Plus, I just heard the SVR V8, Top Gear's 2015 "sound of the year", fitted to an F-Type, and it's actually mediocre in normal traffic - without the bypass active, it sounds too muffled, and the exhaust backfire sounds very forced and engineered.

[Auzkhia]

What's a cheap car that looks expensive and/or makes you look rich?

I'd say any used Porsche Boxster, because many are under $10k, and people will think you are rich because you have a "Porsh".

[Petrolheadia]

What's a cheap car that looks expensive and/or makes you look rich?

I'd say any used Porsche Boxster, because many are under $10k, and people will think you are rich because you have a "Porsh".

Old American luxury cars. For $4k, you can buy a decent 60s Imperial, Cadillac or Lincoln Continental/Mark Series, which will make a larger impact on the bystanders than a 60s Euro luxury car, for a half or a third of the price.
I've once seen a decently maintained 1978 Cadillac Eldorado here in Poland for 11k PLZ, which is less than what you'll pay for a good 2003 Accord, yet the car looks like a proper US luxobarge, at least for Polish standards. Although the low price was motivated by the car being a diesel version.

A good Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or Bentley Eight costs $10k/€10k, but still gives the ultra-luxury vibe.

The Lincoln Town Car Mk3 deserves a mention. For $1500, you can get one that looks like a five-figure car.

$2000 RVs can impress some people far beyond their price.

Also, the Porsche 924/944, Jaguar XJ/XJS and Mazda RX-7/RX-8 are good. They are all below $4k/€3k, yet look like more expensive sports/luxury cars. Also, in America, a $5k Corvette C4, or a $10k Stingray will look much more exotic than the price suggests.

[Patridam]

What's a cheap car that looks expensive and/or makes you look rich?

I'd say any used Porsche Boxster, because many are under $10k, and people will think you are rich because you have a "Porsh".

Old American luxury cars. For $4k, you can buy a decent 60s Imperial, Cadillac or Lincoln Continental/Mark Series, which will make a larger impact on the bystanders than a 60s Euro luxury car, for a half or a third of the price.
I've once seen a decently maintained 1978 Cadillac Eldorado here in Poland for 11k PLZ, which is less than what you'll pay for a good 2003 Accord, yet the car looks like a proper US luxobarge, at least for Polish standards. Although the low price was motivated by the car being a diesel version.

A good Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or Bentley Eight costs $10k/€10k, but still gives the ultra-luxury vibe.

The Lincoln Town Car Mk3 deserves a mention. For $1500, you can get one that looks like a five-figure car.

$2000 RVs can impress some people far beyond their price.

Also, the Porsche 924/944, Jaguar XJ/XJS and Mazda RX-7/RX-8 are good. They are all below $4k/€3k, yet look like more expensive sports/luxury cars. Also, in America, a $5k Corvette C4, or a $10k Stingray will look much more exotic than the price suggests.

Only In Europe do older US luxury cars work. Everyone is pretty much aware they don't cost very much, and has inevitably seen one beat up in the ghetto, so for the idea to work you have to go back the mid-early 70s at least, and then people notice it as a classic car instead of an expensive car (and they aren't nearly as cheap).

[Petrolheadia]

Old American luxury cars. For $4k, you can buy a decent 60s Imperial, Cadillac or Lincoln Continental/Mark Series, which will make a larger impact on the bystanders than a 60s Euro luxury car, for a half or a third of the price.
I've once seen a decently maintained 1978 Cadillac Eldorado here in Poland for 11k PLZ, which is less than what you'll pay for a good 2003 Accord, yet the car looks like a proper US luxobarge, at least for Polish standards. Although the low price was motivated by the car being a diesel version.

A good Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or Bentley Eight costs $10k/€10k, but still gives the ultra-luxury vibe.

The Lincoln Town Car Mk3 deserves a mention. For $1500, you can get one that looks like a five-figure car.

$2000 RVs can impress some people far beyond their price.

Also, the Porsche 924/944, Jaguar XJ/XJS and Mazda RX-7/RX-8 are good. They are all below $4k/€3k, yet look like more expensive sports/luxury cars. Also, in America, a $5k Corvette C4, or a $10k Stingray will look much more exotic than the price suggests.

Only In Europe do older US luxury cars work. Everyone is pretty much aware they don't cost very much, and has inevitably seen one beat up in the ghetto, so for the idea to work you have to go back the mid-early 70s at least, and then people notice it as a classic car instead of an expensive car (and they aren't nearly as cheap).

I'm talking about 60s and early 70s cars, which, in decent enough condition, can be had below $4-5k. At least the ones I've seen can.

[Patridam]

Only In Europe do older US luxury cars work. Everyone is pretty much aware they don't cost very much, and has inevitably seen one beat up in the ghetto, so for the idea to work you have to go back the mid-early 70s at least, and then people notice it as a classic car instead of an expensive car (and they aren't nearly as cheap).

I'm talking about 60s and early 70s cars, which, in decent enough condition, can be had below $4-5k. At least the ones I've seen can.

...Where? Good condition 60s and 70s cars - not muscle cars mind you, which are 20k up to hundreds of grand - good condition 60s and 70s luxury cars are usually 10k or more.

And the Mk3 Town Car was made from 1998 to 2011, not the 60s or 70s.

[Petrolheadia]

I'm talking about 60s and early 70s cars, which, in decent enough condition, can be had below $4-5k. At least the ones I've seen can.

...Where? Good condition 60s and 70s cars - not muscle cars mind you, which are 20k up to hundreds of grand - good condition 60s and 70s luxury cars are usually 10k or more.

And the Mk3 Town Car was made from 1998 to 2011, not the 60s or 70s.

OK. Them bump up the budget to $10k, and you'll get something that will turn more heads than an import car of the same price range,

[Petrolheadia]

If we're talking expensive-looking cars, what about cars that look cheaper than they actually are?

My submissions to the list are:
- Toyota Supra Mk4 Twin Turbo - It may look like a $5-10k car, but will run you at least $30-35k. The Mazda RX-7 FD and Nissan Skyline GTR (the latter only in LHD countries - in Asia, Oceania and the British Isles they are quite reasonably-priced) also deal with it, but to a lesser extent.
- Any car above $500-600k, except racecars and specialist vehicles - I think this is the barrier of how expensive a car can look.
- Brand-new RVs - When I heard they can easily surpass $300k, it was hard to believe.
- 80s Benzes and BMWs (when new) - For example, in the mid-80s, a base model Mercedes 190, a quite spartan car, would run you as much as a decently equipped premium midsize Toyota Cressida wagon, or a somewhat optioned-up "super-fullsize" Olds 98 Regency coupe.
- Late Land Rover Defenders - 2/3s of the Japanese pickups' visible value, 150% of the price.
- Cult classics - For example, the Citroen 2CV, a basic-looking Cold War-era subcompact, will now run you as much as a decent new car.
- High-trim-level cars - Except for the alloys, you are not going to see the money spent on them, unless you get inside and see the equipment. Especially present in classics, where certain equipment can shoot the value up.
- Late examples of a certain generation - Most people will think they are from an earlier, cheaper, model year.

[Elwher]

Variation on a theme:

You have a budget of $5000 to buy a vehicle. That is your total budget, so if the vehicle is not local you must cover either shipping or your going to get it under that amount. Check ads and find the specific vehicle you would purchase (presuming the ad is honest) and, if the ad is on-line, link to it here along with a brief description of why you choose this one. I'll start:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/triumph/spitfire/1932864.html

Shipping would be 1300, bringing the total cost to 4800. It's a California car, so it is probably not too rusty and I have had good experiences with the Triumph 1500 CC engine, reliable and easy to fix.