My bad weather driver is my 1999.5 F250 Super Duty with the 7.3 liter engine. I bought it about 8 years ago. Oil changes are somewhat expensive since it holds 15 quarts. I think this truck will run for the next 20 years with minimal maintenance. The only things I have had to replace in the past 8 years were a bad clutch throw out bearing (I have the manual transmission) for $17 and a few hours of my time, and the AC compressor clutch for $70 and an hour of my time (the original clutch was worn and was slipping), that I replaced two weeks ago. Not sure if you can find a decent one for less than 10k though. I recommend a 1999.5 or 2000 with the forged connecting rods. The 2001 through early 2003 7.3 liter with the sintered connecting rods are also good trucks. The early 1999 F250 SD ECU was upgraded mid year so that's why I recommend the 1999.5. You can tell them apart because the early 1999 F250s had the Super Duty engine decal towards the front of the fender where the 1999.5 had the decal closer to the door.

Another option is an older, but well kept BMW X5. I stumbled across one locally that had higher miles, but was well maintained. I bought it for my youngest son, paid $3800 for it a year ago, and I have only had to replace the gas gap. It has the 3.0 liter straight six which is a great motor.

 

+ 996

 

I recently went through this exact same thought process.

I went and bought a 05 E Class 320 CDI. It was $5K and had 150k on her. Now has 166k and been flawless. But to be fair I have only owned the car since 12/16.

It is a car that does most things very well. 30 mpg city average and I got 37 on a trip from PA to FLA and back, 2600 miles.

The 05-06 CDI's have the straight 6 engine. It has 210 hp but 400 pd/ft of torque. It is like a freight train on the highway.

It will cost more when it does break, but hopefully this doesn't happen often.

 

You have the last of great Merc diesel. Aside from the black death leaky injector seal and another issue. The car is flawless.. throw a set of winter tires on it and go..

 

I've always flirted with the thought of owning a diesel. Maybe I'll add a few to my list...

 

Get a Vanagon Syncro, that way you have every need covered:

• Whatever your 911 can't do, the Syncro can
• Whatever the Syncro can't do, the 911 can

It is just a great pair of cars, every need is covered.

http://syncro.org/

 

I already have that base covered. I need something a little less expensive that fits in a parking space and covered airport parking.

 

Pro Tip: Before trying to park inside structures, break down tent for best results. Otherwise, the poles of the tent will likely have a party with the roof.


Sincerely,
Proud Owner of a Honda Element with a SIX INCH foam bed in the rear + roof & below bed storage.

p.s. I know talking to an Element owner can be intimidating, it's a common feeling. Don't fret

 

that's a well built tent, rated to 100mph open. It's not that I don't want to park it in the structure it's that I keep damaging the structure and they keep sending me repair bills.

 

Have you looked at the late 90's Lexus? They're reliable, in your price range, pleasant to drive, and many can be had with 4.0 V-8 RWD auto good for 300 horse/300 ft-lb (GS400/SC400/LS400). Not Viggen fast, but the GS400 is probably on par with the 996 in a straight line.

If you want something a bit different, you can go JDM - where the 2JZ-GTE is more readily available. With a bit of tuning, it will decimate all.

https://www.japaneseclassics.com/veh...toyota-aristo/

 

I bought an '06 Cayenne S back in August for my wife who is really hard on cars. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money because she just trashes whatever I get her - what she did to an E55 AMG that I got her to daily a few years ago was criminal. Paid $8,400 plus a $405 buyer's fee at the auction. It had high mileage and I had to fix a couple of minor issues (blower fan, rear hatch struts, cracked rear bumper cover), but otherwise has been very solid for the past 10 months. It cleaned up really well. I like it so much that I actually swapped dailies with her and she now drives my S430. It gets decent gas mileage, about like our various Explorers, etc. did. I was scared about maintenance issues from reading on the Cayenne forum, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

 

that,sir, is exactly what I want.

 

Thanks. I joke with friends that I have the dream garage in 2005.
05 E Class 320 CDI and a 99 996 Cab
I wamy to move up in the world, but Dammmmm.....

 

Double, triple check the water xover pipes have been upgraded. Or, knock down the price a LOT, and have it done. 100% failure rate. Roger at 928sRus.com sells the kit if you DIY.

I liked driving the Cayenne ok, it has a nice ride but I couldn't get over the cost of prem fuel on long trips. Yikes.

 

I searched on the 928sRus.com site and couldn't find the Cayenne parts. I am curious because I am considering one for my wife's next vehicle. I may end up commuting to Atlanta once a week so I may take her Mazda3.