Help me replace my boxy, sedate sedan.

May 19, 2006 6:23 AM

Suggestions to replace a 1995 Volvo 850?

My 1995 Volvo 850 has 160,000 miles on it and finally needs replacing. I'd like a comparably-priced sedan that's similarly sized, but maybe a little more fun and sexy than the Volvo has been. What cars should I be looking at? I'd also be willing to go up in price a bit, if it's warranted.

I have a preference for non-domestic cars but will consider just about anything.

posted by perissodactyl to travel & transportation (7 comments total)

Just so we're clear, what's your price range? I have no idea what an 850 cost in '95, or what inflation has done to that price, or how much "a bit" means when you'd say you'd be willing to go up in price, etc.
posted by saladin at 6:43 AM on May 19, 2006

Say $30-35k, for sake of argument.
posted by perissodactyl at 6:46 AM on May 19, 2006

Start here, narrow down your choices.
posted by kcm at 7:00 AM on May 19, 2006

Check out the Saab 92x

They are a bit under your price range nicely equipped I believe. The car is actually the bastard child of General Motors' partial interest in several car companies - The 92x is essentially a Subaru Impreza with a more refined interior. The car has an absolutely bulletproof drivetrain, great performance, and top ratings for crash safety.

A bunch of people bought these cars for about 20k when GM was offering their employee pricing. This might be reflected in the used market, then again it may not. the car was an absolute steal at the time.

You might also consider a new subaru Legacy GT, offered in both sedan and wagon versions. and take a look at some of the newer volvos.


(/ shameless subaru fan)
posted by freq at 7:04 AM on May 19, 2006

Freq's Subaru suggestion is spot on, but I would suggest the larger (but still fun and plenty sexy) Legacy GT. In black, of course.
posted by saladin at 9:28 AM on May 19, 2006

My roommate has that dodge stationwagon-on-steroids thing, the Magnum, and it's pretty peppy and has fun accessories. (sat radio, GPS navigation, etc). Not my bag, but then it was made in this century :)
posted by phearlez at 9:41 AM on May 19, 2006

Are you open to a used car, or only new?

If you are open to used, then look for an E39 BMW 540i, ideally in black with the six-speed manual and with around 40-50k miles.
posted by b1tr0t at 10:58 AM on May 19, 2006