Your favorite currently produced car under 50 grand.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

What would you buy if told you had 50 grand to buy any NEW still produced car?

Rules:
Must be available as an '09-'10 model.
Going by new price.
No mods!!!

I'd nab either a Passat CC VR6 4motion or an A4 3.2L quattro!

[FordGT90Concept]

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD (MSRP: $31,395). 29/27 mpg and the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute lines have taken a lot of Motor Trend/Truck Trend awards. It's the best of all worlds (big enough for handicap people to get in and out, small enough to get good mileage, quality enough to be acclaimed). :D

[erocker]

2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 in black with white stripes.

[DaMulta]

http://img.techpowerup.org/090705/mkz.jpg

I wants!!!

103A covers everything showing 0

This is the total package price.....

[Wile E]

Man, tough call. Probably a Subaru STI Hatch, then I'd spend my leftover $14k on mods. lol.

Would've gone with the Shelby, but it's not a hatchback. If they brought back the Mustang hatch, it would be my choice

[DaMulta]

I seen Shelby was doing one last Mustage before he is leaving. One real one without the BS of hey you can't do that kind of thing LOL.

I wonder when that baby will be realest!

[T3hPwn3r3r]

http://img.techpowerup.org/090705/mkz.jpg

I wants!!!

103A covers everything showing 0

This is the total package price.....

Actually, this.

I didn't even LOOK at Lincoln!

[Wile E]

http://img.techpowerup.org/090705/mkz.jpg

I wants!!!

103A covers everything showing 0

This is the total package price.....

Actually, this.

I didn't even LOOK at Lincoln!

Just so you guys know, all it is, is a fully loaded Ford Fusion with a different front and rear fascia. The fully-loaded Fusion is $10k cheaper.

But hey, some people feel the looks are worth $10k, otherwise such things as Escalades (which is nothing but a Tahoe) wouldn't exist. To each their own when it comes to that.

[JC316]

Probably the Camaro SS.

[DaMulta]

Just so you guys know, all it is, is a fully loaded Ford Fusion with a different front and rear fascia. The fully-loaded Fusion is $10k cheaper.

But hey, some people feel the looks are worth $10k, otherwise such things as Escalades (which is nothing but a Tahoe) wouldn't exist. To each their own when it comes to that.

It's close, but they use higher quality on things inside that you just don't pay attention to. Seats, the air ducks on the ceiling are different(from the Escalade to the Tahoes)....little things that do add up to make a difference.

http://www.truedelta.com/comparisons101/MKZ-vs-Fusion-price-comparison.php?session_code=&aff=

Here you can take a look, the speakers have 300 more watts in the Lincoln. I'm wondering about the high end seats package you can get in the MKZ also.

[ManDown]

Black on Black Dodge Challenger SRT-8 or for 50k more a Viper!:D and about 150k more than that a twin-turbo 1000hp+ viper. A man can dream right?:rolleyes:

[Wile E]

It's close, but they use higher quality on things inside that you just don't pay attention to. Seats, the air ducks on the ceiling are different(from the Escalade to the Tahoes)....little things that do add up to make a difference.

http://www.truedelta.com/comparisons101/MKZ-vs-Fusion-price-comparison.php?session_code=&aff=

Here you can take a look, the speakers have 300 more watts in the Lincoln. I'm wondering about the high end seats package you can get in the MKZ also.

SO seats and a stereo are worth $10k to you?


And no, the build quality is no different, AT ALL. The Fusion and MKZ are both built on the same assembly line, same with Tahoes and Escalades. The only differences are some sheetmetal, and slightly different interrior options.

Build qualilty and materials remain unchanged.

[3991v]

I don't like newer cars but IF I had to choose, it would definitely be the new 2010 SS Camaro

[DaMulta]

SO seats and a stereo are worth $10k to you?


And no, the build quality is no different, AT ALL. The Fusion and MKZ are both built on the same assembly line, same with Tahoes and Escalades. The only differences are some sheetmetal, and slightly different interrior options.

Build qualilty and materials remain unchanged.

Also resale value;)

Yes interior options can be better at times, and worth the extra. I mean just think about how much time you spend in a car.....

[1Kurgan1]

Corvette, $49,515, just under the line :eek: Base base model, comes standard with a 6 speed at that price, just perfect!

[Deusxmachina]

I'm usually not big on Caddies, but maybe a Caddilac CTS-V. Invoice puts it over the cap by 5k, but eh.

[Wile E]

Also resale value;)

Yes interior options can be better at times, and worth the extra. I mean just think about how much time you spend in a car.....

Just making sure you understand that the differences are minimal, and not actually worth the 10k mark-up in terms of actual value. So if you are willing to pay it, that's fine.

[FordGT90Concept]

I changed my mind to a Ford Fusion Hybrid. Definitely can't complain at 41/36 MPG at under $30,000, very well equipped:

http://img.techpowerup.org/090710/ffh.png


Edit: Heh, this realization happened before I read the rest of the thread. XD

[1Kurgan1]

I'm usually not big on Caddies, but maybe a Caddilac CTS-V. Invoice puts it over the cap by 5k, but eh.

Shows it as almost 7,500 over here, but holy crap I thought these were going to be in the 70k range as it's basically a ZR-1 family sedan, this really isn't much more than the 1st gen of the CTS-V's when they were new, I might have to look at these in a few years, hopefully when they are 20kish.

[FordGT90Concept]

That's a prime example why GM had to file for bankruptcy. There is no freakin' way that car is remotely worth $60,000. The only thing that makes it special is a supercharged V8.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

SO seats and a stereo are worth $10k to you?


And no, the build quality is no different, AT ALL. The Fusion and MKZ are both built on the same assembly line, same with Tahoes and Escalades. The only differences are some sheetmetal, and slightly different interrior options.

Build qualilty and materials remain unchanged.

I don't mind it at all, I quite like the Fusion, it's a great car to drive. It's spacious and functional - all while being easy on the wallet and a generally good winter weather sedan.


Also, for those who own a Zune - I can tell you - Microsoft Sync is AWESOME.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Also resale value;)

Yes interior options can be better at times, and worth the extra. I mean just think about how much time you spend in a car.....

This.

I spend a good 2-3 hours per day in my car minimum, yesterday, I spent 14.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

That's a prime example why GM had to file for bankruptcy. There is no freakin' way that car is remotely worth $60,000. The only thing that makes it special is a supercharged V8.

0-60 in under 4 for a boat like that? Pretty special.

However I'd much rather have the Passat VR6 4Motion for less and spend the difference in upgrades if I wanted a bigger car that performed.

[FordGT90Concept]

As far as I know, no one is lining up to buy it. Instead of blowing $60,000 on a Caddy with a bloated engine, they go to BMW and Jaguar to buy $60,000 cars that look pretty and get decent fuel economy. Demand for that car maybe existed in 2005, it doesn't today.

[1Kurgan1]

As far as I know, no one is lining up to buy it. Instead of blowing $60,000 on a Caddy with a bloated engine, they go to BMW and Jaguar to buy $60,000 cars that look pretty and get decent fuel economy. Demand for that car maybe existed in 2005, it doesn't today.

That car bests the BMW M5 and it's Mercedes Counterpart in just about anything for about 25,000 less. I think your mistaken by what I first said. That is the same motor that comes in the Corvette ZR-1 (except it has a smaller SC to drop 60hp) And the Corvette ZR-1 is around $110,000.

That Caddy is easily worth the money, thats only about 13k more than a Mustang Shelby GT500. That extra money for the Caddy over the Mustang get you a car (that in most magazines) traps about 5mph faster in the quarter, only weighs 300lbs more (how is that even possible for the Mustang to tank so hard), Has far better build materials, a far nicer interior, far more options, holds the Nuremberg record for fastest production family sedan. I'm putting my money on the caddy outhandling circles around the Mustang.

IF that isn't worth the money, I'm not sure what does, thats a great price for an amazing car. Now yes thats still an expensive price, but the rest of Caddys range is nice, they were the first to be running the 3.6L 300hp motor that now comes in the base Camaro's. You won't see them release a budget car as thats not what the brand does, but compared to any other time in it's life, Cadillac is at it's best IMO.

Oh and by the way, the BMW and Mercedes both get worse MPG (the BMW is about the same weight and missing 56hp and gets worse mpg?) than this car, and like I said the Caddy holds the Nuremberg record, not as bloated as you think it is, it's an amazing car.

here's a quote from a M5, CTS-V, C63 shoout out. Jaguar has nothing to compare against any of these cars, and BMW got beat in almost every catagory by the C63 and CTS-V and was by far the slowest of the group.

The C63 snatched four 2nd-place scores to the CTS-V's three 3rds. Because of the way we weight the final scores, the Cadillac ekes out a 1.6-point margin over the Mercedes-Benz. We've declared such close scores an effective tie in the past, but the Cadillac's dominance in measured performance tests plus its uncommon comfort, comprehensive list of features and even best observed fuel economy of this trio combine to earn it our fullest endorsement as the winner of this comparison.

[FordGT90Concept]

I can't say I've seen a new-ish Cadillac in these parts since, well, ever. They don't sell well. People with that kind of money spend it on other vehicles, not Cadillacs. The same can be said about most GM vehicles. We'll see if that changes coming out of bankruptcy (I would not be surprised at all if the CTS-V gets axed).

[1Kurgan1]

Most people will buy the BMW over this car, a dumb move as even the M3 which is far less of a car for the money is the exact same price as the CTS-V. But it all comes down to status, anyone with the money for these fast sedans is buying it for the name brand of the car, sad but true, it would be like me walking into abercrombie and buying some pre-ripped pants for $50 when I have a ton of ripped pants from working.

I'm not sure if the CTS-V will or will not get axed, but remember it's not the most expensive Caddy, so my bets are it won't be. Either way, for that price, it's really hard to beat, it's also at about the same price as a base Corvette with a few options, and is a bit faster than the Vette, I mean that really says a lot, this is a great car. Like I said 5 years, if these are 20k I'm going to be so tempted.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

For 60 grand I'll take a Cayman.

[Wile E]

Most people will buy the BMW over this car, a dumb move as even the M3 which is far less of a car for the money is the exact same price as the CTS-V. But it all comes down to status, anyone with the money for these fast sedans is buying it for the name brand of the car, sad but true, it would be like me walking into abercrombie and buying some pre-ripped pants for $50 when I have a ton of ripped pants from working.

I'm not sure if the CTS-V will or will not get axed, but remember it's not the most expensive Caddy, so my bets are it won't be. Either way, for that price, it's really hard to beat, it's also at about the same price as a base Corvette with a few options, and is a bit faster than the Vette, I mean that really says a lot, this is a great car. Like I said 5 years, if these are 20k I'm going to be so tempted.

I'd still rather have the BMW M3. Despite the recent increase in quality from GM, they still can't compare to the BMW or the MB in build quality.

And I choose the M3 over the AMG, due to the lack of a standard trans option in the MB's.

[1Kurgan1]

I'd still rather have the BMW M3. Despite the recent increase in quality from GM, they still can't compare to the BMW or the MB in build quality.

And I choose the M3 over the AMG, due to the lack of a standard trans option in the MB's.

The Caddy would most likely have build quality far beyond what I am use to, and is just a better car for the price. The M3 is great, but at that price range I just don't think I could spend my money on it, especially knowing that making 700hp on the Caddy and be pushing 10's in a family sedan wouldn't be very hard as pulley swap are cheap power.

Although buzzing to an 8400 rpm redline would be cool, I'd just have to get the Caddy, would have to be a M6 though, granted the one that holds the Nuremberg record was an auto, which weighs in 100lbs more, and they didn't use the quick shift mode.

[WhiteLotus]

A car that does upwards of 40MPG. Enough power to get up a hill, and a hatchback.

No idea what car fulfills those criteria.

[1Kurgan1]

A car that does upwards of 40MPG. Enough power to get up a hill, and a hatchback.

No idea what car fulfills those criteria.

A hill? Do you mean you want something that can run 13 - 14 second 1/4's and get 40mpg? Or do you mean you want something where you can set the cruise and it will maintain speed up a hill? If so theres a ton of those cars, they won't be neck snappers, and they can be bank busters if your looking to go electric, but they can be had on a budget, a Yaris comes to mind. Also, you could look at 1999 - 2006 VW Golf TDI's, would be a great hatch that breaks 40mpg, and it's a turbo diesel so tons of torque. Or if you wanted to wait a year 2010 the Golf TDI will be back in production.

[WhiteLotus]

A golf would be fantastic. Now go forth and get me one.

[1Kurgan1]

lol, I wouldn't mind having one myself, I wonder what kind of power those little turbo diesels can make, if they can do 1/4 of what the truck motors do that could be a ton of fun.

[Wile E]

lol, I wouldn't mind having one myself, I wonder what kind of power those little turbo diesels can make, if they can do 1/4 of what the truck motors do that could be a ton of fun.

They're only 140HP, but they crank out 236lb/ft of torque. They move ok.

[1Kurgan1]

They're only 140HP, but they crank out 236lb/ft of torque. They move ok.

Oh I know what they make, diesel torque monsters, well these aren't monsters, but I'm wondering what some more air shoved down their throats would do.

[Steevo]

I laugh at spending $758 on a sport apperance, you can stare those other cars down.


$40,204 370Z with almost all the accessories. And 10K in upgrades puts me in with the big bois, and gets me wet panties in the pther seat.

[1Kurgan1]

I laugh at spending $758 on a sport apperance, you can stare those other cars down.


$40,204 370Z with almost all the accessories. And 10K in upgrades puts me in with the big bois, and gets me wet panties in the pther seat.

You can make anything fast with mods, a $1000 pos mustang and jam in a killer motor/tranny combo with the 49k you save. Extreme example, but usually if someone goes out and buys a 40k car, 30k car, or 50k car, it's because thats what the price of the car is and it's difficult to get financed for more, and you don't have 10k laying around to mod with.

But I would say a Camaro, BMW 135, or Mustang GT would be more bang for the buck.

[CanonGlass3]

I would ABSOLUTELY get the:
2010 Lincoln MKS
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/8374/imadeit.jpg

I even have some money left over XD

[Steevo]

You can make anything fast with mods, a $1000 pos mustang and jam in a killer motor/tranny combo with the 49k you save. Extreme example, but usually if someone goes out and buys a 40k car, 30k car, or 50k car, it's because thats what the price of the car is and it's difficult to get financed for more, and you don't have 10k laying around to mod with.

But I would say a Camaro, BMW 135, or Mustang GT would be more bang for the buck.

Trick was for a 09' car..........


So lets review, 10K buys a turbo, water/methenol, upgraded rims & tires, and some better springs, and some new 5 point with proper seats.


Unless you want to go with a big daddy upgrade on the engine and have a somewhat sleeper 370, 500WHP. Then you can dump 10K at once into one thing.

[FordGT90Concept]

Or just get this 530 HP beast for $12k:
http://www.fordcobraengines.com/shopDetails.asp?CatId=12&SubCatId=20&ProductId=13

[Steevo]

But less 10% drivetrain loss, amd the 370 would still get em wetta.

[1Kurgan1]

Trick was for a 09' car..........


So lets review, 10K buys a turbo, water/methenol, upgraded rims & tires, and some better springs, and some new 5 point with proper seats.


Unless you want to go with a big daddy upgrade on the engine and have a somewhat sleeper 370, 500WHP. Then you can dump 10K at once into one thing.

Just buy a Cobra and swap the pulleys. Or buy a Stang GT and SC it. Or a Camaro 1SS package, that package has 426hp for 31k, that 19k could net your untold amounts of power, I would say easily 600 whp. I like the 370's, but I always felt they were a bit expensive granted they are meant a bit more for handling.

Also another choice as of the end of this year would be the 2010 Taurus SHO, 365hp TT AWD, once the aftermarket starts popping up 500hp shouldn't be too hard for a bit over 40k in a 4 door :eek:

[Steevo]

Most pully swaps are a joke, and if you cruise around then your AC doesn't work as well, and your alternator doesn't either.........


Everyone has a Stang, and we have twisties in the mountins where it would get eaten alive by cars with half the power.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

I changed my mind.

I'd just buy a Police Interceptor with a mount for my netbook and all kinds of cool tech stuff :P

[1Kurgan1]

Most pully swaps are a joke, and if you cruise around then your AC doesn't work as well, and your alternator doesn't either.........


Everyone has a Stang, and we have twisties in the mountins where it would get eaten alive by cars with half the power.

Pulley swaps to increase the amount of boost a supercharger puts out is a joke? Increasing the amount of pressure a blower puts out in massive as 15 PSI should pretty much double the amount of power any motor puts out over being NA. I think you are confusing Underdrive pulleys for your accessories, which is a far different thing and those gains are minimal.

As far as twistys, yep the 370 will handle better, but the 9k price difference if your looking to mod a factory brand new car and make it under 50k, Mustangs have a MASSIVE aftermarket. Granted I would still go with the Camaro as it's a better platform for the money. A base GT I believe is like 28k where as the base LS3 Camaro is 31k, so 3k more for 126hp more, no brainer IMO :p

But still the original thought seemed to be flat out hp, and if your going for that, either of those choices are going to make that crazy power and for quiet a bit less.

I changed my mind.

I'd just buy a Police Interceptor with a mount for my netbook and all kinds of cool tech stuff :P

Thats another option too, wouldn't be brand new, but since they made Chargers into new squad cards I been watching the used market as used PI's go for dirt cheap, will be interesting to see their prices.

[Wile E]

Trick was for a 09' car..........


So lets review, 10K buys a turbo, water/methenol, upgraded rims & tires, and some better springs, and some new 5 point with proper seats.


Unless you want to go with a big daddy upgrade on the engine and have a somewhat sleeper 370, 500WHP. Then you can dump 10K at once into one thing.

Buy that logic, I can buy a Mustang GT, spend the extra on mods, and spank your 370z.

Hell, I could even do it with a Genesis Coupe. V6 or Turbo4, take your pick.

Once you bring mods into these discussions, all comparisons pretty much fly out the window. I would just buy the cheapest thing I could find, and dump the rest of the 50k into it and smoke anything you could buy off the showroom floor for the same 50k.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Wile E.

What do you think about used CVPIs?

How is the fuel economy?

Reliability?

I'm thinking of trading the Cav in for something bigger still... There are a lot for cheap!

[1Kurgan1]

I wouldn't look at Crown Vic's unless you can find a good price, too much car, too little motor. Aftermarket support for the 4.6L is good, but still, I would look elsewhere unless you can get a good deal on a low mileage one. I worked at a Sheriffs garage, those guys work their cars, the term drive it like you stole it is exactly what they do. Except they don't have anyone looking to arrest them, so it's most likely even worse.

[Wile E]

Wile E.

What do you think about used CVPIs?

How is the fuel economy?

Reliability?

I'm thinking of trading the Cav in for something bigger still... There are a lot for cheap!

Well, considering the shear amount of mileage put on PI cars in short periods of time, they must be somewhat reliable. I still see many earlier ones in service, whereas the front-drive GM cars are all almost out of service around here, despite being newer.

As far as mileage, they are a v8. Your mileage will suffer.

But then again, talk about a sleeper. lol.

But you also have to realize that any of the used PI's you would be looking at, are likely beat, like Kurgan said. It would likely need a good bit of service to be tip-top again.

If you like Crown Vics, you should see if you can find a Mercury Marauder. :D

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Yeah, but the best part about a CVPI is just the sheer intimidation factor. :P

[Wile E]

I've actually debated (and am actually still debating) building one as a family car. A low 12 to mid-11sec Crown Vic would be totally badass, and still cheap and totally reliable if the proper parts are chosen. I'd probably try to convert it to a 6 speed manual tho. lol.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

In a CVPI, you are not only immune to road rage, but you can do PIT maneuvers on people who cut you off with minimal damage to the car.

I want one bad. :P

[Wile E]

I like the looks of the all black undercover models the most, personally. Even all the chrome is blacked out. It's like Darth Vader on wheels. lol.

[1Kurgan1]

Second the Marauder, those are sweet, but I have a feeling he's looking for a cheaper car.

But made me think of a good story about one of the Sherriffs cars we had to take all the crap out of to get ready for auction. When I opened the door to the car, I'm not kidding you, the entire floor was coated at least 2 inches high with sunflower seed shells, was disgusting. They just don't care at all about those cars, granted I probably wouldn't either if I got paid to drive a car, that wasn't mine, that I didn't have to maintain, and I didn't have to worry about being pulled over in.

I like the looks of the all black undercover models the most, personally. Even all the chrome is blacked out. It's like Darth Vader on wheels. lol.

Problem with that being, if you hd a 11 - 12 sec one, you would never get any action in that except on the strip, and I mean ever. I pick out those damn headlights a long ways back, then wait for them to pass me and check the plates, for a spotlight, and a Interceptor badge, then I pass judgement. I only once made the mistake of catching up to a cop though :p Something was hauling ass up ahead on the freeway and I was doing 85 to barely catch him and when I did it was a silver Charger Sherriff, I about pooped my pants.

[Wile E]

Second the Marauder, those are sweet, but I have a feeling he's looking for a cheaper car.

But made me think of a good story about one of the Sherriffs cars we had to take all the crap out of to get ready for auction. When I opened the door to the car, I'm not kidding you, the entire floor was coated at least 2 inches high with sunflower seed shells, was disgusting. They just don't care at all about those cars, granted I probably wouldn't either if I got paid to drive a car, that wasn't mine, that I didn't have to maintain, and I didn't have to worry about being pulled over in.



Problem with that being, if you hd a 11 - 12 sec one, you would never get any action in that except on the strip, and I mean ever. I pick out those damn headlights a long ways back, then wait for them to pass me and check the plates, for a spotlight, and a Interceptor badge, then I pass judgement. I only once made the mistake of catching up to a cop though :p Something was hauling ass up ahead on the freeway and I was doing 85 to barely catch him and when I did it was a silver Charger Sherriff, I about pooped my pants.
I'm sure I could manage to get a few takers. I'd probably go for one without the spotlights tho.

[1Kurgan1]

Yeah, can't go without the spotlight, could have a damn good time with that thing. You could get some to race, but you would have to really egg them on, and pull out in front and try and make them believe your still not undercover.

[Wile E]

Yeah, can't go without the spotlight, could have a damn good time with that thing. You could get some to race, but you would have to really egg them on, and pull out in front and try and make them believe your still not undercover.

I think the exhaust and wheels would probably give it away. lol.

[1Kurgan1]

Yeah, can't say I've ever seen an UC with wheels. The UC the Sherriffs garage had where I worked was a 95 Caprice With a LT1 bored/stroked to a 383 and worked heads, but beyond that it looked like grandma's grocery getter, sounded mean though, I wish I wasn't in highschool and poor at the time I think it only went for like 2500 at auction :(

[pepsi71ocean]

while i wouldn'ty do it, i would take the new 2009 dodge ram 3500, Laramie with the 4x4 option, DRW,'s,. comes in at $47,750

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Dodge-Ram+3500-2009-Laramie__4x4_Quad_Cab_140.5_in._WB_SRW/pricing