Coolest, bestest sub 15k grand touring car

I second AWD Ecoboost Lincoln MKS. If I was looking for something to comfortably put a lot of miles on, often in lousy weather, that's what I'd be getting.

Fly And Drive time?

LS/SC 430. Optioned right (Nav+ML soung) there is not a finer car for the money, not to mention the reliability that comes with it. I didn't think I would like our LS as much as I do, but it really is a great car. I'm seriously considering an SC430 for my next DD.

If maintaining it properly weren't such an issue I would also suggest a 928 S4.

The only real issue on the Mercedes models is the ABC suspension. If you avoid it, you'll be fine.

We also looked at the 2004+ Jag XJ with the alloy body. The issue on those cars seems to be the air ride pump, but its no big deal other than inconvenience. I would be looking at XKs for my next DD if I didn't like the SC430's folding top so much. Since I already have other go fast cars, I'm not particularly interested in the supercharged models.

I just realized that the sum total of all the cars I my driveway is less than 15k.

E55 AMG /thread

In reply to dean1484:

Let's see. The van is right about scrap value, the Sonata is $8500 at best (body damage, Ontario import), the Matrix is right around $5k, and let's say the Slamther is about $1k. That's four cars worth less than $15k total, and only one of them is older than a decade. .

G_Body_Man wrote: Fly And Drive time?

I don't trust these kind of places anymore..

Saab Turbo X or aero xwd.

15k could build ya a 600whp is300 with all the fixins. If wagons are your thing you could even get a sportcross for that dough.

lnlds wrote: Saab Turbo X or aero xwd.

Good God no! Saab is OK but the XWD is too be avoided.

I thought XWD was when you're drivetrain failed. I stand corrected.

I second the E38 740i Sport suggestion, since I've been looking at them. I have no need for another car, but the want is strong.

chandlerGTi wrote: Don't forget you can get a Charger/300C SRT/8 in the end of that price range.

This might well be my vote.

asoduk wrote: LS/SC 430. Optioned right (Nav+ML soung) there is not a finer car for the money, not to mention the reliability that comes with it. I didn't think I would like our LS as much as I do, but it really is a great car. I'm seriously considering an SC430 for my next DD. If maintaining it properly weren't such an issue I would also suggest a 928 S4. The only real issue on the Mercedes models is the ABC suspension. If you avoid it, you'll be fine. We also looked at the 2004+ Jag XJ with the alloy body. The issue on those cars seems to be the air ride pump, but its no big deal other than inconvenience. I would be looking at XKs for my next DD if I didn't like the SC430's folding top so much. Since I already have other go fast cars, I'm not particularly interested in the supercharged models.

430 would be an excellent choice, it has being not that common as an added plus.

I can no longer in good conscience recommend any VAG product. But were I shopping for a fast luxury GT cruiser with a 15K budget. I'd spend 10K on the car, 2.5K on bringing the maintenance up to speed, and 2.5K on a GOOD aftermarket warrantee.

KyAllroad wrote: I can no longer in good conscience recommend any VAG product. But were I shopping for a fast luxury GT cruiser with a 15K budget. I'd spend 10K on the car, 2.5K on bringing the maintenance up to speed, and 2.5K on a GOOD aftermarket warrantee.

I would avoid European products entirely and buy a Lexus. I am past the point of worrying about expensive repairs for street cars. Competition cars and vintage sports/muscle cars are another matter entirely.....but street cars...nahh....

I know it's not a "grand touring" car but for some reason this is where my mind went when I read the original post.

A different suggestion:

"Prestige" brand (kind of), theoretically cool, has a backseat, there is a convertible version, the $15k budget is enough to get a relatively recent/low mileage car, would probably do well in snow with the right tires, but it wouldn't be as much fun with an auto trans.

Don't forget the unloved Infiniti: M45/M56.

Back when it came out (2005/2006) it dominated almost every comparo. Can speak only to the M45 but the V8 is more traditional JDM; makes it's power higher up top and revs out. Doesn't have the oil burning issues of the V6s and I have seen more than a couple over 200K with basic maintenance. Look for a fully optioned one with Tech/Sport package. When I was looking I was checking out the Lexus LS460, some AMGs, 535i and the M45. The M45 was closest to sport car roots and I wanted something that can hustle through the corners occasionally (as well as a 4100# land yacht can).

Sport package is often easy to spot by the 19s that come with it. Won't have the raw power of the AMGs but its quite a bit more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

"Lexus reliability with BMW driving fun..."

Easy answer here.. 14+ Mazda 6. Example:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2017&zip=19446&transmissionCode=MAN&maxPrice=15000&transmissionCodes=MAN&showcaseListingId=436319209&mmt=%5BMAZDA%5BMAZDA6%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=MAZDA6&startYear=2014&makeCode1=MAZDA&showcaseOwnerId=75280&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=200&listingId=435452396&Log=0

Roomy back seat? check. Fun to drive/decent handling? check. 6 speed manual available? check. 35 mpg on the highway? check. Non-German? check.

93gsxturbo wrote: E55 AMG /thread

x2. Pulley and a tune away from fast cheap fun.

Lexus LS4xx.

gearheadE30 wrote: I second the E38 740i Sport suggestion, since I've been looking at them. I have no need for another car, but the want is strong.

Yup. Yeah, it's a tad older, but it's got style, speed and twisty road ability as well as long distance cruising comfort. And the prices are right for good '01 Sports (the last year for them).

This one has been my daily driver for the last year and a half, as well as long distance cruiser. I paid $7500 for it and have spent a grand total of $100 in repairs on it in the year and a half and 13k miles I've owned it.

Easy and cheap to DIY it, if needed, too.

I really like my 03 S600. v12 with a couple of turbos, 493hp and 590 ft lbs of torque stock, then the tune I'm looking that ups it to 625/700. Loaded up with luxury and options including leather and wood everywhere. I paid under 6k with 132k miles. I expect expensive repairs, but if the experience is worth it I'm fine with that, plus I do all my own work. A Lexus has never done it for me (have not driven any F series) and a co-worker has a newer Genesis, that isn't remotely in the same category.

pinchvalve wrote: You can get a 2010 Genesis with about 75,000 miles on the clock for $15K. That's with the V8 and all the goodies. And before you say "It's just a Hyundai"...test drive one.

This. So much this. You want a true grand touring car that isn't stressed at any speed, this is it. Room, comfort, ammenities, newer than anything else and V8 noises. So. Much. Win.

BlueInGreen44 wrote: I know it's not a "grand touring" car but for some reason this is where my mind went when I read the original post. A different suggestion: "Prestige" brand (kind of), theoretically cool, has a backseat, there is a convertible version, the $15k budget is enough to get a relatively recent/low mileage car, would probably do well in snow with the right tires, but it wouldn't be as much fun with an auto trans.

After driving the long wheel base version of this at One Lap last year there is nothing grand touring about these. Even on stock suspension they don't really let you relax and chill on long highway drives. They're great, but not for this particular task.