New or Used: Cheating the Gods Via Fuel Card

TTAC commentator Sinistermisterman writes:

Hi Sajeev and Steve,

I asked a question about my aging and ailing Ford Escort last year along the lines of “Do I bother to repair it or not…” and after reading all the advice everyone had to give, I didn’t bother to repair it. Now with close to 200k on the clock, a whole host of issues have now come to the surface including:

• Exhaust manifold gasket leaking (I’m guessing because I never bothered to fix the jelly like engine mounts)
• Front two shocks gone
• Both front wheel bearings worn
• A/C failed
• Car eats oil (valve stem oil seals?)
• Getting harder and harder to put into first gear (synchro going?)

Anyway, the car wasn’t in perfect condition when I bought it, but its gradually getting worse, it isn’t worth repairing and I want to replace it. Now my primary use for a car is a 30 mile per day round commute over stop/start roads, a bit of highway and the occasion run to the shops. Every now and then I will do a long distance drive, and I’ve got a couple of very long distance road trips coming up this year. I’m also at that time of my life (late 20’s) where I’m newly married, would love something RWD, silly and fast, but in my heart know that in the next few years certain mewling, puking, pooping creatures will dominate my life and wallet that just wouldn’t fit in the back of a 2+2.So I’ve got about $5k to spend, either as a deposit for something new or something used. Oh, and heres the kicker – I have a company fuel card and don’t have to worry about fuel costs (feel free to feel jealous). Any more suggestions?

• New – I’ve looked at and test driven various new 4 door commuter cars, Cruze, Elantra, Focus, Mazda3 – all of which failed to inspire – didn’t bother with the Sentra as I had one as a hire car and it was awful. I’ve even looked at a few of the 4 door sub compacts, Fit, Yaris & Mazda2 which are fine for around town, but really don’t hold their own on the freeway and I feel that in the future they will be too small. Out of all of these only the Mazda’s handled really well but both didn’t have enough poke. I would look at something new and bigger but I’m not sure my budget could stretch that far.
• Used – Not looked at much, but a certain model of Ford built, v8 powered, RWD saloon are actually quite affordable. I’ve seen good examples around with good history and low mileage which are well within my price range. Apart from that, being relatively new to North America, I’m not sure what other used vehicles are worth checking out…

Sajeev Answers:

Yes indeed, a certain Ford RWD V8 Saloon is right up your alley. And not because our affinity lends itself so well to the phrase “Panther Love” even if that’s a huge part of our problem. And five large of working capital ain’t a whole lot, baby. But it’ll make you the King of the Court in a Crown Vic, Grand Marquis or Lincoln Town Car. Hopefully you’ll have the extra cash and knowledge to remedy their (obvious) shortcomings with junkyard Police Interceptor parts and an performance tune for better throttle response, shifting and a nice kick from premium gas. Gas card in mind, ‘natch.

You say you don’t like the typical midsize, wrong-wheel drive sedans in your budget. Tragic. The really cheeky subcompacts don’t fit your long term family needs and highway cruising goals. And considering the family, I am very hesitant to recommend going into debt since you’ve done so well with that Escort. But if I was: the last generation Mazda 6 is fun for its powertrain layout and size, while the Chrysler LX cars (Charger, 300) are w0rth a look…even if my father’s ownership experience of the first 300C was less than inspiring when new. It was a terribly flawed, compromised car. The redesigned ones seem much better, for what its worth.

So if you are a new recruit to North America and you have a gas card, it’s time to buy a $5000 Panther with a performance re-flash. Quite frankly, it would be Un-American for me to recommend anything else.

Steve writes:

A lot of the cars I used to recommend for the married guy turned family guy are just about dead now. The Volvo 850 and Subaru Outback were my perennial favorites. So much so that I would buy either models on a weekly basis when I first started in this business. Just so my family would always have one handy. They were great values for their time. But finding a good inexpensive one with low miles these days would be a borderline Herculean task.Sajeev and I pretty much share the same playbook when it comes to Panther cars. You can make them into pretty much anything you want in a large car. A few well chosen mods and you’re pretty much cheating the Gods. Passing the buck as it relates to gas will also help you stay an ‘angel’ in the expense account. It’s a top notch choice.I am obligated to throw in one consideration into this discussion. Let your wife weigh into this decision. Why? Because I already know that you drive a 2010 Chevy Cobalt. You mentioned it in ‘The Best Time’ article about a month ago. I don’t know what she drives now. But if it’s something small or old then ‘your’ next car may eventually become ‘her’ car.I don’t like SUV’s at all. But if luxury, utility and road trips are a big part of your criteria then a 1999 – 2001 Ford Explorer would certainly deserve a look. They are wonderful to drive on long rides and with a 5.0L 302 V8, they are true kings of the road. The best of the midsized SUV market. They can be modified as well to fit your needs.By the way, not everyone appreciates the bench seats that are in most traditional Panther cars. If you must opt for the Panther, look for one with bucket seats up front. The benches are not always a good fit for those who need to sit for very long periods of time due to the lack of lower back support. Hope this helps!

Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder. In a rush? Don’t be shy about asking to cut in line.