Best used option for $12,000

[DriveOne.]

Will be replacing the Mustang this year with a used, sporty but comofrtable sedan arouns the $12,000 mark
Any suggestions? Heres what ive been looking at:
2006*07 Cadillac CTS
2006*07 Lincoln LS
2006 Zephyr/2007 MKZ
Ford fusion v6 awd

Nisssn Maxima
Pontiac G8 v6

I would like a reliable, American-branded car if possible

[MyImpalaSS]

Will be replacing the Mustang this year with a used, sporty but comofrtable sedan arouns the $12,000 mark
Any suggestions? Heres what ive been looking at:
2006*07 Cadillac CTS
2006*07 Lincoln LS
2006 Zephyr/2007 MKZ
Ford fusion v6 awd

Nisssn Maxima
Pontiac G8 v6

I would like a reliable, American-branded car if possible

CTS or G8. Either one would be a winner.

[Ed753]

If you went with a Fusion, does it have to be AWD? You should be able to find a 2 - 3 year old FWD Fusion Sport, with low miles for about that price.

[Al63240]

Will be replacing the Mustang this year with a used, sporty but comofrtable sedan arouns the $12,000 mark
Any suggestions? Heres what ive been looking at:
2006*07 Cadillac CTS
2006*07 Lincoln LS
2006 Zephyr/2007 MKZ
Ford fusion v6 awd

Nisssn Maxima
Pontiac G8 v6

I would like a reliable, American-branded car if possible

You are finding used G8's that cheap? Good Lord, I don't think I've seen one yet that is below about $16K (at lease within 100 miles or so of me) and those are like the bare bones, no options models with over 100K miles.

From your list, I would say the CTS, but each to his own.

[DriveOne.]

If you went with a Fusion, does it have to be AWD? You should be able to find a 2 - 3 year old FWD Fusion Sport, with low miles for about that price.

I like the sound of that idea

[DriveOne.]

You are finding used G8's that cheap? Good Lord, I don't think I've seen one yet that is below about $16K (at lease within 100 miles or so of me) and those are like the bare bones, no options models with over 100K miles.

From your list, I would say the CTS, but each to his own.

My realistic price range is probably 12,000-15,000 and I've spotted a few G8 V6s on the high end of that range.. but you are correct about them having less features / more miles.

How is the CTS for long-term reliability? I would for sure try to find a 3.6L

[Neanderthal]

I'll sell you my <3K Soul for $15,500 firm. Hardwired V1 negotiable separately.
The Valentine One should help with the Amurrican branding issue.
New TomTom Via 1605TM 6" GPS included for GMI members.

Equal or greater interior space, equal comfort, far zippier 160" OAL car for squirting about the confines of busy Portland on your brand new Michelin Defenders in 215.60.15.

And you'll be getting almost all the 5/60 B-B warranty, plus the inimitable panache that those other high-mass sleds simply can not conjure.

For a slight additional shipping and handling charge, I will apply Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Plymouth, DeSoto (just kidding), or Mercury tags.

I just sold my Spectra to an Oregonian. The precedent has been established. Get em while they're HOT!

[cdp326]

You gotta put Mercury on your list. No but really, with Mercury discontinued Milans should be in that price range and should run better-equipped for the same/cost less than a Fusion. That and Saturn Aura, XR V6. With both you'll have some warranty left too (powertrain at least for '08/09 Auras).

Not sure how reliability is on a CTS that vintage; G8 would be a great pick but I think as said above it's going to be tough to find one for that price, unless it's really beat or high mileage or both.

Or take this guy's Malibu lease Lease for Sale: 2011 Chevy Malibu LTZ V6

[Neanderthal]

^^We're all trying to help out Envoy4Life here!

[GM Customer Service]

DriveOne, I'm excited you're considering a CTS! Please don't hesitate to send me a private message if you have any vehicle questions while you vehicle shop. If you haven't done so already, I recommend checking out http://archives.media.gm.com/us/gm/e...pig_index.html for specifications, press releases, and more for the 2006-2007 models.

Best,

Katie
GM Customer Service

[ryannel2003]

You are really doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least go drive an E46 BMW 3 Series (1999-2005). They can be had below $10k and the maintenance would be on par with the CTS.

[F14CRAZY]

Legacy GT

[cwilson]

Grand Prix/LaCrosse.

[brian5o]

I have been very happy with my Fusion. It has been very reliable and has been a very inexpensive car to own.

The CTS is really nice however I have a feeling that a CTS within your price range will be a little on the higher-mileage side which might mean maintenance issues will be a little closer than for other cars.

Another car I'd recommend you checking out is the last gen Malibu. I had one as a rental a month or so ago and I loved how it drove. It was MUCH sportier than I would have ever imagined. I have seen very low mileage 2012s (less than 15k) priced at around $13k.

I would recommend trying to buy the newest, lowest mileage car that you can for the money that you are looking to spend. This will allow for the greatest amount of remaining warranty with the least amount of problems or headaches.

If you might be able to go a little smaller in size, I'd recommend checking out a new Skyactiv Mazda 3. The sedan is priced around what you are looking to spend and they get excellent fuel economy and are quite nice and great driving cars. I believe that the FE rating is 29 city/40 hwy.

Good luck!

[cwilson]

It has been very reliable and has been a very inexpensive car to own.

^You mean other than the $1200 A/C repair, brakes, noise on start up, and weatherstripping issues? With 54000 miles?