Trading wheels

[Lynn Kirkpatrick]

So my wife and I are thinking of ditching the '97 Explorer for something spiffier, like maybe the BMW Z3, Audi TT, Boxster, Chrysler Crossfire, Thunderbird, MB SLK230, or maybe the Jag S-type or XK8. We would use it for around town and maybe travel in a few years.

We're looking for something used, to beat the depreciation, but we obviously want something dependable, no gremlins, etc. Aside from the usual things to check, do any of you have warnings or suggestions on the list above?
Thanks

 

[Steve_S]

Warning: You will have far more fun in any of those cars than an Explorer. My wife has owned two Explorers and I finally got her back in a sedan (BMW 528 with sport package). She can't believe she went so long driving those "tanks" she had before. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[R6MGS]

I was in the exact same situation as you a few months ago....Narrowed it down to a Vette, Boxster or XK8. The Vette and Boxster just seamed to common so I went with the XK8 and am very pleased with it. Despite alot of mixed reviews for the Jag on the net I've not a had single problem since I got it in April...Your smart to buy used to avoid depeciation but you may also want to consider depecation after you've owned it and are ready to sell...Thats where you can narrow down the feild abit; the Audi, Crossfire, TBird, and S-type will be worth alot less than the others in the future.

Zack

 

[Guest]

Depends on whether you value image or performance more, and what you want the car to be able to do as compared to how you intend to drive it. The Crossfire and T-bird are purely image cars IMO. Sure they're moderately quick, but not nearly so or as good handling as a Boxster, Vette, or the Jag. Pushed hard those cars might disappoint when compared to the others, they are just not set up for that kind of driving. Real deals can be had on the T-bird though, stealerships can't seem to give those cars away. Back last spring when I was looking at the new Stangs they were practically begging me to take a T-bird off their hands. I would have had my pick of about 8 or 10 at one dealership, and probably could have named my price. I don't know if this would translate over to the used car market though. However, if you're just looking for a stylish cruiser and have no intentions of doing an imitation of Sterling Moss then those cars that are more geared toward being purely GT's might fit the bill. Personally, as much as I like the Jag and the Boxster, I'd probably go for a Vette. Used C5's are some of the best bang for your buck deals out there, and although they are not quite as refined as some of their European brethren they are still pretty nice cars, and that big V8's torque can't be beat.

 

[SteveL]

I'll give you the same exact advice I gave one of my
wifes coworkers, Buy something that is going to appreciate.
New and slightly used cars *don't*, you could spend 1/4
the money on a classic, do a mechanical restoration, drive
it for a couple years, then do a cosmetic restoration,
drive it for a couple more years, and sell it for what you
put into it. heck, I bought a Datsun 1600 roadster for
US$300, drove it for 6 years, worked on it every weekend,
and got talked into selling it for US$7000. It didn't take
much talking for me to sell it for that amount...

 

[jayhawk]

I've seen some darned nice TT's from 2001 and 2002 with very low miles for a very reasonable price-- Would seem like those would not depreciate much more, and especially if your miles don't accumulate much, you could sell it later when you're ready for the next toy!