Worst Week / What Car?

It never rains...except when it pours.

My girlfriend totalled her perfectly mint condition low mileage 99 Town Car the other day (wasn't 100% her fault...but it was at least 20%).

The insurance company finally paid out the 5800 dollars that they valued it at. We've been fine because she has been driving my Mazda 3, while I drive the 944 to work.

As of late last week, the 944 started running REALLY hot. I'm relatively certain that the thermostat is stuck shut.

The good thing is that she goes in to work about an hour later than I do, so she can drop me off in the morning until I get the opportunity to fix it.

I'm not looking forward to a thermostat job, but it could be worse, right?

So, what do we replace the Lincoln with for the insurance payout?

She only needs the car for a few mile commute back and forth to work. Anytime we go anywhere long distance, or together, we can take the Mazda.

She is, however, quite vain... (my suggestion...low mileage CRX from the south was...shot down)

Um...Miata?

Umm...Volvo wagon?

There's a pretty sweet honda scooter for sale in the classifieds section (not mine!!).

If she liked the Town Car, go find another one.

Caprice wagon. Were they the Buick Roadmaster? Roadmaster is one of the best car names ever. How could you not want a car named the Roadmaster?

+1 on looking for another Town Car... or similar: I bet there's a lot of Grand Marquises out there, one owner, cheap, that would give her a similar driving experience to what she's used to. Short learning curve = happy user.

Can you elaborate on the vain part, I'm stuck there. Based on the Town Car, does she like rollin' like a pimpette or she likes big high end name American, or ???

I was first going to say Mazda 6, since they depreciate like mad. E36?

In reply to glueguy:

Yeah, there is no way to make useful suggestions until we understand her tastes.

The problem is she traded up from a Saturn SL2 to the Town Car. I think she liked the comfort and hugeness of it.

Just to prove the absolute insanity of working on finding her a car, she just unequivocally shot down Roadmaster without a reason.

ShadowSix wrote: In reply to glueguy: Yeah, there is no way to make useful suggestions until we understand her tastes.

You and me both, brother.

Lincoln LS?

• Side note, went to TN and drove my father's '00 Town Car...mint with 178K. Even drag raced him and my mom in their Accord.He will give me that car...oh yes...he will.

Lincoln LS would be nice.. but for $5000 you should be able to find a really good towncar or Grand Marquis, or Crown Vic

How about a CTS? Still an american luxocruiser, but might actually be sort of fun to drive. The early ones are starting to get down into that 6k and below price range. Can be had with a stick if that's an option.

How about a Laforza? Ford power, luxury.

Maroon92 wrote:

ShadowSix wrote: In reply to glueguy: Yeah, there is no way to make useful suggestions until we understand her tastes.

You and me both, brother.

LOL

Anyway, all girls love Jettas, so just buy a $3k Jetta and set the other $2800 aside for maintenance/repairs.

Lincoln Mark VIII!!

Also, make sure you have some inside snap-ring pliers for that t-stat job

Maroon92 wrote:

ShadowSix wrote: In reply to glueguy: Yeah, there is no way to make useful suggestions until we understand her tastes.

You and me both, brother.

Then you're basically screwed. Let her buy what she likes. Then you smile, nod, and live with it... After awhile, a man just has to quote Tim Allen: "Yes dear. Anything you say is fine with me..."

Maroon92 wrote: The problem is she traded up from a Saturn SL2 to the Town Car. I think she liked the comfort and hugeness of it. Just to prove the absolute insanity of working on finding her a car, she just unequivocally shot down Roadmaster without a reason.

Might be easier to just buy a roadmaster and then go find a new girl that likes it. Just sayin.

Ford Aspires are reliable :)

Javelin wrote: Lincoln Mark VIII!! Also, make sure you have some inside snap-ring pliers for that t-stat job

I know a guy who has one lol

Ask her what she wants?

Porsche Boxster?

$5800... Jag?

Maroon92 wrote: Just to prove the absolute insanity of working on finding her a car, she just unequivocally shot down Roadmaster without a reason.

Because of the pure awesomeness of the name.

I could see how one would get used to driving a Lincoln TC around. I like the previous stated of replacing it with another fine example.