Lamar

Which raises the question... why would I pay ~$8K more for different badges and scant little else different?

They share bones, so you're not far off in that respect.

Yeah, I drive throughout the region when I'm on my used-vehicle expeditions (no pun intended). I've seen several of the auction houses between here and Atlanta. The first link has a Yukon XL I would be all over if the auctions weren't held only on Tuesday night (probably the one night this week I'm not free). Maybe it will still be there later.

8K = total purchase price. I can probably go up a bit if I like it enough.

The 3rd-gen Durango is the current generation. I enjoy it, but it's currently wayyyyyyyyyy more than my $8K limit.

This is true. The funny thing is, I liked the design of the Navigator and Aviator in '05. When they went to the braceface with the current Navi and the previous MKX, now, that was horrible.

Here's one I have my eye on: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?ownerId=94580&searchRadius=0&listingId=360384347 It's an '03, though, and some sites have said that this year had a few expensive problems. I don't know how overblown that is, however.

Saw an Acura RLX today near downtown. Looks much better than the model it replaced.

Man, I'd consider a Tahoe if the wife were willing to drive it occasionally. Didn't Isuzu make a 7-passenger Ascender? I've seen a couple advertised. And yeah, I wish I had a higher budget too. But I'm in a tight spot right about now.

So the Bonneville is in need of repairs and has numerous annoyances at the moment... much more than I'm willing to pay for. Plus, with two kids, I'm out of space when it comes to traveling. Ergo, I'm seriously looking to let it go and move into something bigger. As the thread title suggests, my budget is really low, to the tune of no more than $8000. Now I realize that most of the vehicles I look for in this price range will be high in miles, but there are some reasonable examples out there on a miles-per-year basis. So, fellow C&Gers, here's my short list in order of preference: 1) GMT360s, preferably with 7 seats. Pros: Not a weak engine in the bunch, space, uplevel models aren't uncommon in my price range Cons: Appear to have had several different types of mechanical problems prior to 2005 (Chevy/GMC mostly) 2) Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer Pros: I like their style and how they ride Cons: Reliability prior to 2006 is a concern, esp. regarding the transmission 3) Lincoln Aviator Pros: Luxury, 302-hp V8 Cons: All within that scary Explorer year range 4) Dodge Durango Pros: Ubiquitous Cons: Most models are spartan Experiences? Advice? Other suggestions I may not have mentioned? Talk to me.

So I guess my question is this... if, say, GM were to built a 3.2L V6S with 350 or so HP, how much power would be lost in running a normal-sized (whatever "normal" may be) blower? And would it really be that consequential in an compact sport sedan? Also, how do Audi, Jaguar, and Porsche make the supercharged V6/V8 worth the effort? (and I know I'm forgetting a brand or two)

As far as the concerns with lag, I wonder why GM doesn't try supercharging.

To be fair, I would hope that the brand new engine would be more economical than the 3-year-old ones. And Toyota's engines... have they done anything with them since they debuted?

I'm seeing a Tesla Model S every other day out here. I keep confusing them with the Jaguar XF until I get closer and see the T logo.

MD is 2 plates. Don't know about DE.

Ford's performance arm is SVT; Shelby is still its own company. The Shelby badge is licensed for the Mustang because of the history behind the name, but the GT500 is more SVT than Shelby at this point. I think the only manufacturer that bought its performance arm was Mercedes.

FTFY. :smilewide:

Yeah, I went to a dealer in VA on Friday looking for one. The salesman told me it was still too early. And C&D always wants a manual in everything, so no surprise there.

LOL, it's a typo courtesy of auto-correction. Magnetorheological is to correct word. This type of shocks have uses an oil which has ferrous particles in it. When current is applied to create a magnetic field through the fluid the viscousity changes creating greater or lesser resistance to the fluid passing through the offices in the shock piston. This in turns allow electronic and continuous adjustment of the firmness of the shock absorber. Active roll control uses G-meters and wheel deflection sensors to differentiate between bumps on the road and lean whilst a car corners. The outside shocks are firmed up momentarily for the cornering effort reducing body roll without relying on overly stiff anti-roll bars for that purpose. This permits the suspension to be more independent (by nature anti-roll bars reduces independence), and allows the car to have a high degree of cornering flatness without the vices of jitteriness, bump steer or wooden roller coaster ride associated with suspension tunings based on overly thick anti-roll bars, high damping forces and stiff springs. FTFY

Love the specs. But ZR1 should stay as the name.

I don't disagree with most of your points. I'll comment on these though: 1) Somehow I doubt they would make a "secretary" Corvette. You don't seem to be that convinced either. 2) Most Mustang fans will point to the old SVO as justification for an I4T today. 3) The 5 Series has offered a 4-cylinder for years. Just not here. :-P But like you and Dwight both said, there's pretty much no justification for the LF3 in the 'Vette. Performance, economy, and cost point to the LT1. Now, a smaller-displacement LT1 (LT3?), maybe.......

Some more: Lincoln Continental Bentley Continental Volkswagen Phaeton Chrysler Phaeton (concept) Dodge Raider Mitsubishi Raider (and I looked these up) Dodge Sierra and Suburban GMC Sierra Chevrolet/GMC Suburban

(and why fraternal? We never saw the Chrysler here.) (obviously I'm trying to salvage my misunderstanding)

How about triplets? Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon.

Honda EarthDreams Mazda Skyactiv