Even a "free" MRAP costs more than a run of the mill police cruiser. You think they are getting these with 0 miles on the clock?

I think a better answer would have been 135i with a manual. Those always seem to be modified. In fact, I bought a shift knob for my E30 off some teenager that drove a black 135i with what was probably only appearance modifications.

I notice you didnt write anything about insurance implications. Specifically, I think leasing would be a bad option for those with a knack for finding other objects with the bumper of their car. If you bought a car, and you happen to discover, say, a fire hydrant with your rear bumper, you don't necessarily have to…

There may not be any for sale, but do they even exist? This question is about cars that exist, and when you find one for sale, it has been modified to hell. Surely there are some unicorns out there probably still driven by folks who dont modify cars, but just wait until the second and third owners get ahold of any…

Volvo had 6 year 60,000 mile "free maintenance" for a while. My car came with it, used. Volvo transferred the plan to whoever bought the car in that 6 years. 5 owners later, they could still be doing maintenance. This car recently came out of said maintenance period. Oil changes were every 7,500 miles, and WIPER…

Those bullshit add ons are exactly why people want to hire guys like Tom to perform this service!

Thanks for the tips, it is refreshing when you do finally find someone who will actually be a person when dealing with you instead of a car selling robot, but that is too few and too far between.

This is exactly what I'm talking about. To fully compare two or three dealers, I have to go in and do the whole circus with all of them as far as having them "analyze" my trade in value. I'm not expecting them to be able to value my car without looking at it, but no salesman worth his salt is going to let me sit…

My biggest concern is that I will nail down the price on the car I want to buy, then the dealer is going to try to make up the $$ on the trade.

So was the internet price already a good deal? New or used? How did your out-the-door price compare to other dealers?

Everything but the window probably wouldn't be too hard. Parts will likely cost you more than you want to spend, though. And it all depends on how nestled-in to the bumper that radiator is.

I'll take the Rich Guy Jeff with the Go-Faster Package.

Good points, all. I guess I just don't think of new Tahoe owners of being that welathy because all the money is usually sacked away in jet skis, an above ground pool, a few ATVs, and those metal stars people put on their houses that rust after a year and leave big orange stains on their house.

We're only 14 on the inside.

Would you call a soccer mom with a new Tahoe and 3 kids in the back "very upper end of middle class"? Those easily push 40-50k. Minivans regularly wade into the 30k range. Middle class and the American Dream aren't just about one-upping your co-worker with a new 3 series.

Formula Lincoln: Our Turbo V6 can put you to sleep and go around a racetrack!

The American luxury machine needs to inject some excitement into the brands. Ford and Chevy already have a following for their RWD-fun-mobiles.

Good call, forgot to add that :)

And Cadillac could use some street cred that has so far been taken by Chevys. It's a win-win. I would love to see those silver arrows be embarassed by the ducky crest.

American Driver: Check.