Car Question
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Try a Dodge Neon if they have one. It's a 4 door semi-sports model and a friend of mine who has it says it's better than the average Amwrican make (which isn't much at all but better than nothing). Nish
Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]
-
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
Chris Maunder wrote: At the risk of hate mail 1-votes are much better than hate-mail :-) Nish
Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]
-
What a horrible situation (both in terms of cars and having to live in Baltimore.) The problem is that the choices you have all suck, but some less than others. Personally, I detest Pontiacs. They, and their GM/Chevrolet equivilents, are the most uncomfortable cars I've ever driven. The Dodges I've rented and test driven are nice, but their service record is spotty at best. That pretty much limits you to a Ford Taurus or a Ford Focus if you want to go a little smaller. The key to Fords is to ensure you get one with an engine made in Canada. Ford has had a near continual stream of recalls for cars with the Thailand engines and transmissions since the early 90s. Two of my brothers have owned Tauruses (Tauri?) for going on ten years and have had no problems with either one. (The younger--who happens to live near Baltimore--also bought a Ford Expedition and lets just say he's glad his stock options paid out.) Ford does own Mazda so you might be able to get a Mazda Protege. Right now, I'm partial to Hondas and would be willing to pay a little extra out-of-pocket to get one. (Incidentally, you really don't want to live IN Baltimore unless your company is IN Baltimore. Commutes in that area start at nightmare and get worse.)
Thanks for the Info. I'll keep the Taurus on the list. Joe Woodbury wrote: (Incidentally, you really don't want to live IN Baltimore unless your company is IN Baltimore. Commutes in that area start at nightmare and get worse.) The company where I will be working is based at BWI airport. Another engineer (we have three people over there already) is living at Canton and says that it takes him 20 - 25 minutes. I'm looking at some places near the harbour, and around the Federal Hill area. Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
-
Try a Dodge Neon if they have one. It's a 4 door semi-sports model and a friend of mine who has it says it's better than the average Amwrican make (which isn't much at all but better than nothing). Nish
Author of the romantic comedy Summer Love and Some more Cricket [New Win] Review by Shog9 Click here for review[NW]
-
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Ford (the Focus is very good, even by European standards. Mondeo is also very good) or a Chrysler. Still, when in Rome make like the Romans. So I would get a 12 foot wide Dodge truck with Michellin man tyres and use it to cart around one bag of groceries. ;)
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaMacbeth muttered: I am in blood / Stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er Shog9: Paul "The human happy pill" Watson
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Hi, I am not American myself but every now and again I go over the big pond and rent some wheels there. Having driven quite a few makes over there I think the Ford taurus is not bad at all. A fair amount of space and quite comfortable. Not to great on speed like most US cars but over there that is not an issue. If they were anything like our European cars and used that way you probably end up in jail. Filip
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Out of the list, I'd say a Ford Taurus is your best bet. If you want something a little sporty but not a gas guzzler, maybe a Ford Mustang with a 3.8L V6 or a Taurus SHO (Super High Output, these are sporty little sleepers) if you can find one.:) Brad Jennings "You're mom is nice. Mind if I go out with her?" - Jörgen Sigvardsson
-
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
Not all of them, you've just got to watch what you buy anymore. Brad Jennings "You're mom is nice. Mind if I go out with her?" - Jörgen Sigvardsson
-
Ford (the Focus is very good, even by European standards. Mondeo is also very good) or a Chrysler. Still, when in Rome make like the Romans. So I would get a 12 foot wide Dodge truck with Michellin man tyres and use it to cart around one bag of groceries. ;)
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaMacbeth muttered: I am in blood / Stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er Shog9: Paul "The human happy pill" Watson
:-D I'd put a lift kit and some super swamper tires on it and go muddin' Brad Jennings "You're mom is nice. Mind if I go out with her?" - Jörgen Sigvardsson
-
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
Chris Maunder wrote: At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. If you're reeeeaaaallly nice to me, I'll let you ride in the Corvette when you come visit Atlanta. But then, Vettes are fiberglass... :-D Chistopher Duncan Author - The Career Programmer: Guerilla Tactics for an Imperfect World (Apress)
-
Chris Maunder wrote: At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. If you're reeeeaaaallly nice to me, I'll let you ride in the Corvette when you come visit Atlanta. But then, Vettes are fiberglass... :-D Chistopher Duncan Author - The Career Programmer: Guerilla Tactics for an Imperfect World (Apress)
Sorry mate - but I find the 'vette's to be among the worst offenders :D cheers, Chris Maunder
-
Sorry mate - but I find the 'vette's to be among the worst offenders :D cheers, Chris Maunder
Chris Maunder wrote: Sorry mate - but I find the 'vette's to be among the worst offenders Well, in fairness, I did look at the Porsche Boxters, the little BMW Z cars, etc. The problem with those is that you have to buy two of them (one for each foot), and I could only afford one. ;P Chistopher Duncan Author - The Career Programmer: Guerilla Tactics for an Imperfect World (Apress)
-
Thanks Nish. I'll keep that in mind. Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
The other side of that coin: My friiend had a Neon and so did my Brother's wife. They both hated it. Nothing but trouble. In fairness though they were both early model Neons (1996/7-ish), so they may have improved. BW "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell
-
Ford (the Focus is very good, even by European standards. Mondeo is also very good) or a Chrysler. Still, when in Rome make like the Romans. So I would get a 12 foot wide Dodge truck with Michellin man tyres and use it to cart around one bag of groceries. ;)
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaMacbeth muttered: I am in blood / Stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er Shog9: Paul "The human happy pill" Watson
Paul Watson wrote: cart around one bag of groceries. :confused: Ummmm, why wouldn't you get that delivered? ;P BW "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Maybe check out the Saturn L-series too. BW "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell
-
My company is sending me to the US for a couple of years towards the end of this month. I'll be living in or around Baltimore. As part of the deal, the company is paying the lease on a car while I'm there. What I'd like to know is what you guys consider a good American mid-sized car. I'd normally pick Toyota or Mazda, but the leasing company we are using seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. I am looking for what is primarily a decent reliable car, perhaps a little sporty, but not a sports car. Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler, but also not one of those tiny compact cars. I certainly don't want something that is going to break down every month or two. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest.
Consumer Guide[^] is a great place to help you decide. Here's what I would consider: Ford Taurus[^] Dodge Intrepid[^] Pontiac Grand Prix[^] Pontiac Vibe[^] These days, it really doesn't matter whether the car is American or not. What's important is how well you maintain it. When I was 21 my dad gave me his old Chevrolet Citation. It had over 200,000 miles on it and still ran like a champ. :-) Regards, Alvaro
When birds fly in the right formation, they need only exert half the effort. Even in nature, teamwork results in collective laziness. -- despair.com
-
Mr Morden wrote: seems to be limited to Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge...Something mid-sized, but not a gas guzzler Gooood luck :D At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. cheers, Chris Maunder
Chris Maunder wrote: At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. But isn't that the general feeling all around the world... except in the US of course? Definitly is over here. Regards, Brian Dela :-)
-
Chris Maunder wrote: At the risk of hate mail I have to say that American cars are truly the most aweful pieces of metal I have ever seen. But isn't that the general feeling all around the world... except in the US of course? Definitly is over here. Regards, Brian Dela :-)
Brian Delahunty wrote: except in the US of course? No there are plenty of Americans who think American cars are crap, too. ;P Alot of people buy them simply because they are American cars though. BW "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell