Car shopping - geezer glide time

I think I'm going to need to be car shopping soon, to replace the old Miata. The brain is not liking bouncing around on that car at all. I'm hoping to get the truck to roll nice and softly, but if I can't, I'm going to need a different car.

So, I find I need something soft riding, so it won't scramble my brain. But I want something that won't bore me to tears.

I also find myself wondering if instead of buying cheap old heaps like I've done all my life, if I should actually go ahead and buy something either much newer, or maybe even downright new. Something that will cost me so much I'll actually have to take out a car loan for.

Ug, might I finally end up with a Buick of all things? I'd really rather have something sexy and interesting like a 600 series BMW, though I do question the fiscal brilliance of that thinking.

GTO?

Look up that Roadmaster I posted in the Open Classifieds a few weeks ago. AFAIK it's still available.

Most of the big sedans are pretty soft and pliant

Mazda 6 - maybe even the 2014 Mazda 3

Hyundai Elantra

Cadillac CTS

Some sort of Lexus sedan

The new Buick with the turbo 4 and 6 speed manual may be a good option too.

I read somewhere that Chevy may get a RWD sedan equivalent to the Holden in the near future.

I don't trust anything German for those getting on in years. The surprise repairs on German engineering is not pleasant.

cough http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/project-cars/1984-Mercedes-300sd/ cough

I was in the same position, so I bought the biggest barge I could find.

LS400.

I get the brain rattling. I really want to fly to LA, buy the best lowrider I can afford, then drive it back to the 'Burgh. You just don't see them here, and taking the family out for a cruise and some ice cream is more my speed these days.

Yes Please!

My Rolls Royce silver shadow has by far the finest ride quality of any car I have experienced. An example in good condition can be had for $15k, and the later Silver Spur/Spirit can be had in good shape for $20k. They are nothing if not interesting, in every good and bad way

I'd drive a new SHO and see what I thought of it. On paper I really like them.

In reply to mazdeuce:

They ride ok.....pretty quick to boot. That is if new was what he's after.

IS-F

Not the smoothest ride but FUN!

GTO or 1st Gen CTS-V.

Who'd have thunk we'd be recommending Buicks...with a straight face. But the new offerings seem pretty damn nice. What about the new Avalon if you really want a cruiser? Acura has some nice cushy-but-not-bored-to-tears sedans.

In reply to foxtrapper:

your miata plus cash = my 2003 mazda 6

Lincoln mark VIII or mark VII. Don't know how comfy but I hear the VII only turn 1500rpm at 70mph so it is probably a sedate comfy car.

Go new. Brand new. Of course doing that there are many options and choices capped only by your budget. There are so many good cars now it will be difficult to make a decision.

Jaguar!

Mazda 6 ain't a bad choice.

I can tell you, a BMW 3 series won't cut it. My mother-in-law ditched hers for a Ford Edge, even though she liked the car. Just wasn't comfortable.

Hyundais, all day long.

I'm partial to Fords, so I'd recommend the Aston Martin...err...Fusion.

My folks' Accord rode smooth, but it would put you to sleep. Ditto most anything from Nissan and Toyota.

foxtrapper wrote: I'd really rather have something sexy and interesting like a 600 series BMW, though I do question the fiscal brilliance of that thinking.

I just got a 1985 635 CSi for pretty reasonable. Prices range from dirt cheap projects to $15k beauties, so you can pick your poison. So far I love it. Great ride quality, good handling, can be had with a manual, though the auto in mine is outstanding, comfortable, it even gets pretty reasonable gas mileage. It's not a soul sucking experience like a lot of cars are.

Mine was closer to the project end of things. It's been pretty easy to work one and parts prices aren't out of this world.

Crappy cell phone picture from this weekends 80 mile cruise through the national forest.

Wow, you guys have given me a lot to think about. I'm more alert now. Got home and the wife made me take a nap.

Wife has agreed, I'll take her Volvo wagon next week, and she'll drive the truck or Miata. Ordered shocks and such for the truck (amazing how bouncy it is with 3 blown and 1 broken shock).

Love the 300SD story Tom. That first paragraph is me to a T. Had a girlfriend many years ago who's dad had one, and I honestly liked it.

So a 300 series BMW probably won't work eh? As in not squishy soft enough. OK. Though I think I should try to get some seat time in one. Ian, I'm still game on the trade and play you mentioned somewhere else.

If the truck is working well and reasonably squared away, ignoring the ~300k miles it has on it, I could rationalize something like an old Jag XJ, or 600 series BMW (got to try driving one though).

Though really, something like a Lexus LS400 or Mazda MX6 probably makes a lot more sense. If nothing else, it'll burn a lot less gas.

Though diesel...

Well, you guys have given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate it. Fairly certain my Miata is going to have to be up for sale before too long (sigh). Might even end up selling the old Spitfire. Hardly drive it anyhow.

Drive a 99 LS400. Put your foot down. Hang on. Throw it into a corner. Go on the highway and set the cruise control at 70 and watch the 26+ MPG.

Driving it is like sitting in my living room, only the seat is more comfortable, the stereo is better and it's quieter. Dr.L was casually driving her mother around in it on the highway. She looked down and noticed she was doing 100. OOOPS. Couldn't tell by the ride/noise, nothing. Oh, and buy a Valentine One.

In reply to Dr. Hess:

The 90s LS400 really is the logical evolution of the W126 benz, its a car built by engineers to go forever and has all sorts of excellent little anti bean counter features. For example, then gen 2 LS400 has swaybars inside the seats, so the seat is soft but you dont roll round on it in corners.

90's plus Mercury, Made 4 trips to Florida from Wi. with the car. Like riding in your easy chair. 20 plus with the 302. Great for sleeping-----still have it ----

A Lexus had never even occurred to me. So I went researching, and it seems like a heck of a car, at a really depreciated price these days. I found many in the 2-6 k range. Thanks Dr Hess!

David's, any comments on a Lexus ls400?

Thanks for the many other suggestions and offers as well. By no means have I decided or committed. Just very seriously thinking.

Fixing up the truck should help, but between the brain being jiggled, a bit of my age (dang but joints get stiff and sore), and just being tired of the same fantastic car for several years now, maybe a big comfy "old man" car should finally be in my fleet.

Ya know, a million years ago family members had big 1960-70 Oldsmobiles. Comfortable, powerful, and handled darn well for the boats they were. I'm kinda understanding them more these days. Not that I ever want to feed a carbureted 455 Rocket as a daily driver!

Dad has a Buick and I actually like it.

Oh wait... this belongs in the Minor Confession thread.