QuestionI am just getting my license and am in love with old buicks, olds, and pontiacs. Given the situation with gas and the fact that i need to impress people with my car, what type of car would you recomend?
AnswerDaniel ,
The only problem that I can forsee is that you want a car that impresses people but does well when it comes to fuel economy . It really depends on personal preference .
Your going to see much more fuel efficency with the 6 cylinder G-bodies as opposed to the 8 cylinder models .
I imagine your talking about GM's G-Body platform when you say you lokve old Buicks, Olds' and Pontiacs .
In one way shape or form I've owned a slew of G-bodies and will give you a breakdown on my own personal opinion when picking a G-Body.
Pontiac - Used to own a 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix V8 305. To me it has one of the most agressive looking rear ends in this platform . I put new valve seats in and she lasted me up until 300,000 + miles . The Grand Prix is the most popular two but you rarely see them . Even more rare is the 86' Grand Prix 2+2
Oldsmobile - Owned a 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2DR.V6 231 . This car was extremely efficent on gas because of the V6 but V8's are more common and gives you the noteriety you want . The Cutlass' came with 1/3 Vinyl Tops / Hard top / T-Tops .
Buick - There are Turbo Buicks/Regals and then theres the Grand National / The "big daddy" of all G-Bodies . With an intercooled/Turbo Charged V6 platform not only does the car look agressive but its easily one of the quickest. Options include T-Tops (which usually leak) , bucket seats as opposed to 60/40 split benches . Only hang up is color , they primarily came in black although people have them shot different colors . These cars are pricey $11K + and always have problems , even if the car wasn't raced . If you want to go all out then this would be the car for saving gas / drawing attention .
Chevrolet - Monte Carlo - Came with a V8 350 - loads of low end torque and raw power . Comes in T-tops or the aerocoupe which basically means the rear winshield is extended out like a firebird . The price for Monte Carlos now and days is moderate compared to the boom a few years back after Dale Earnhart died. Monte Carlos come with tons of power stock but aren't fuel efficent.
Daniel , go to cardomain.com and browse around at some of the cars I've mentioned for you . I would start out by setting a realistic price and finding the model you want . If your just getting your license then scoping out V6 models might not be a bad idea (thats what I did) , it'll save your parents a good bit of insurance money.
Hope this helps , if you have any more questions please feel free to ask . Don't forget to rate my response to you .
Cheers,
Ed McKenna
