Car Shopping...

[gm4life]

Hello everyone! I have been very busy with life lately so I haven't been posting as much as I would have liked to lately. Anyways I was talking to some people in my family and we got talking about what the next ride could would be.

Some backgroud information...

My brother and his wife will be in the market for a new car soon (before the end of this year) more than likely and have two very different options to select from. They recently became empty nesters and now have the freedom to really drive whatever they would like. My brother who is interested in cars, (not crazy like me) wants something with some serious "balls" as he would put it. That is his first thing on his list. After that the list moves onto style and function. His wife values style/luxury and is young for her age, she has exceptionally good and dare I say expensive taste. Currently in the stable they have a 2008 Chevrolet Impala LTZ in Precision Red with black leather and silver interior trim. The car has also has a sunroof and six disc CD changer. The car they handed down to there son, is currently getting long in tooth and high mileage. They will be needing it to replace it soon thus the need for a new car. They figure might as well get something new so he can take what they currently have and know it has been taken care of. The Impala currently has about 40,000 miles on her as she is driven 250-300 miles a week due to her daily drive to work. So her next car will see roughly 1,000-1,200 miles a month on average. It is a 50 mile round trip drive on four lane at 65 mph. They also have a fairly steep driveway and keep in mind they live in Iowa. In addition to the Impala my brother has a current generation Grand Caravan as his company vehicle (he travels alot and is in sales). His next company vehicle will prolly be a new Ford Tarurs SE or SEL (which I suggested to him).

Keep in mind this is Iowa and we do have snow and winter to contend with, and with that in mind here is what they have narrowed it down too... (Also the car must be GM they have had great luck with GM products and maxed out there GM card!)

2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.4L

2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.0L Turbo

2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT (automatic)

2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS (automatic)

So before I go out and push the Camaro which based on the looks alone and excellent fuel economy they are both pretty much sold on (for entirely different reasons) does a V6 Camaro RS stand a chance in the winter? Mind you if the weather is bad she doesn't go into work most times but still. Is a RWD car with summer tires and 20 inch rims a deal breaker? Anyone know how they get around in snow? Have any experince with the Zeta platform and comments on the durability and longevity of it or the 3.6L DI V6? Would they be okay on the summer tires year round, if they put some weight over the rear axle?

I would just like some comments and votes, I really would love to see them in the Camaro. But do they stand a chance especially with the RS package in the winter? (They both want the RS package and called the car bumble bee when they saw it in yellow...)

Edited April 21, 2010 by gm4life

[vonVeezelsnider]

Make the Regal as a wagon and there's no question- Regal 2.0T.

[A Horse With No Name]

With all due respect to my brother from the great white north...make it a Camaro 2lt rs!

Chris

[GMTruckGuy74]

Seek out caddycruiser for your answer... between his 2009 Pontiac G8 GT with the 19" summer tires and his mom's 2010 Camaro LT RS with the 20" summer tires, no one would know better than him. Don't think Delaware is exempt from snow, as they got pounded this past winter and he'd be more than happy to share his stories with you.

Edited April 21, 2010 by GMTruckGuy74

[RjION]

I don't want a single car in the GM line-up as of today.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I don't want a single car in the GM line-up as of today.

Funny, I didn't see that as a poll option when I voted... I'm sure your input helps gm4life out greatly.

[vonVeezelsnider]

With all due respect to my brother from the great white north...make it a Camaro 2lt rs!

Chris

It's all about practicality, my friend, practicality

[z28luvr01]

Go Camaro, unless she needs the practicality of the 4dr. Unless she's a total ditz of a driver, she shouldn't have a problem with the Camaro with a set of Blizzaks on it in the snowy weather. Oldsmoboi had a set on his CTS when he had it, and he's still here to tell us about it.

[Robert Hall]

If I were buying for myself w/ those as the choices I'd go for a Camaro, since I already have practicality covered.

[Lamar]

I'll be the lone dissenter and say go for the Regal 2.0T.

It seems that it would be more livable from day to day. Especially the interior.

EDIT: Wow, more people have voted Regal than it shows in the comments.

Edited April 21, 2010 by Lamar

[Camino LS6]

Go Camaro, unless she needs the practicality of the 4dr. Unless she's a total ditz of a driver, she shouldn't have a problem with the Camaro with a set of Blizzaks on it in the snowy weather. Oldsmoboi had a set on his CTS when he had it, and he's still here to tell us about it.

+1

[Justin Bimmer]

I believe my review on the Camaro SS sums up what I would suggest to a couple of empty nesters. The best part, when they have grandchildren they are good to go with child seats in the back.

[RjION]

Funny, I didn't see that as a poll option when I voted... I'm sure your input helps gm4life out greatly.

Should have been ......... and I'm happy my input helps.

[gm4life]

Go Camaro, unless she needs the practicality of the 4dr. Unless she's a total ditz of a driver, she shouldn't have a problem with the Camaro with a set of Blizzaks on it in the snowy weather. Oldsmoboi had a set on his CTS when he had it, and he's still here to tell us about it.

Well that is what I am thinking but that might mean investing in another set of rims. Blizzaks do not come in the size of the orginal wheel 20 inchers, so would a set of 18' off a 1LT or steelies off a LS fit? No she is not a total ditz, just a careful driver.

Funny, I didn't see that as a poll option when I voted... I'm sure your input helps gm4life out greatly.

Ahh Roger love having you around... Yes where is Caddy Cruiser when you need him?

With all due respect to my brother from the great white north...make it a Camaro 2lt rs!

Chris

That is what they seem to "want" and trust me folks like these most often don't "want" a car but "need" one.

I'll be the lone dissenter and say go for the Regal 2.0T.

It seems that it would be more livable from day to day. Especially the interior.

EDIT: Wow, more people have voted Regal than it shows in the comments.

They all must be hiding... Except for you and Von that is! Figuring what the price a 2.0T it puts it right in prime 2LT/RS price range, and that would push them closer to the V6 powered sports coupe.

Make the Regal as a wagon and there's no question- Regal 2.0T.

Thanks for the input and I respect your view, but the Camaro is just so much "more" than any front driver can be. (Even a great on like the Regal 2.0T.)

Edited April 21, 2010 by gm4life

[CanadianBacon94]

Regal GS

[CSpec]

Regal... far more practical and less brash and vulgar.

[gm4life]

Regal GS

I had mentioned that to them. Although I think the price will easily surpass 35K (in G8 GXP range) and far past the roughly 30K they want/can spend.

[fightingbee]

I think it would depend on where they drive everyday.

When I lived in eastern Iowa I had to drive up a rather steep hill to get home so RWD was a bit of a pain for me. If they only drive where its pretty flat it should be OK with mabye just some ballast in the trunk, and the snow tires if possible.

Edited April 22, 2010 by fightingbee

[smk4565]

For around $30k they could get an 05-06 S-class 4Matic, that is much better equipped than any new GM car and will probably last longer too. But I suppose if I had to chose a car from that group, I'd say the Regal. It seems like they are traditional sedan buyers, and the Camaro is pretty aggressive and a fairly big departure from full size family sedans.

[Lamar]

For around $30k they could get an 05-06 S-class 4Matic, that is much better equipped than any new GM car and will probably last longer too. But I suppose if I had to chose a car from that group, I'd say the Regal. It seems like they are traditional sedan buyers, and the Camaro is pretty aggressive and a fairly big departure from full size family sedans.

I'm guessing they don't want to find a car that is an absolute pain to repair.

[gm4life]

For around $30k they could get an 05-06 S-class 4Matic, that is much better equipped than any new GM car and will probably last longer too. But I suppose if I had to chose a car from that group, I'd say the Regal. It seems like they are traditional sedan buyers, and the Camaro is pretty aggressive and a fairly big departure from full size family sedans.

That will happen when pigs fly. I can't even begin to think of myself suggesting a used Benz! Also they don't want HUGE repair bills either. You are corrent they HAVE been traditional sedan buyers, but for the first time they have option to get something fun.

I think it would depend on where they drive everyday.

When I lived in eastern Iowa I had to drive up a rather steep hill to get home so RWD was a bit of a pain for me. If they only drive where its pretty flat it should be OK with mabye just some ballast in the trunk, and the snow tires if possible.

Well her drive once out of town is VERY flat and great road. In town they have two hills one very slight (should be no problem) on there street and the other is on a main street so I am not worried.

Edited April 23, 2010 by gm4life

[smk4565]

S-classes last forever though. Most GM cars need a lot of repairs around the 100k-150k mile mark, and then are dead around 150,000 miles.

I saw a 2009 Town Car Signature Limited for just $23,900 the other day. I think those cost about $50,000 new, so that is fantastic depreciation.

[Lamar]

Any Benz, S-Class or not, will only last that long if you can afford to keep it up.

But more to the point, the Regal and the Camaro were gm4life's choices. The poll has no option for write-ins.

[trinacriabob]

The Camaro is an eye-catcher but the visibility isn't the greatest and their overall practicality is limited (but, then, that's not why people buy Camaros).

That leaves the Regal. Since I need to have things "proven," the 2.4 has turned out to be a good powerplant and NOT having a turbo makes this all that much easier.

That's my 2 cents.

[Blake Noble]

S-classes last forever though. Most GM cars need a lot of repairs around the 100k-150k mile mark, and then are dead around 150,000 miles.

My friend's '99 Silverado has 313,000 miles and is almost 2,000 miles overdue for an oil change. Runs fine with no issues other than a driver's side window that's fallen off track.

Hey, can you find me a '99 S-Class with 313,000 miles? Oh wait ...

I saw a 2009 Town Car Signature Limited for just $23,900 the other day. I think those cost about $50,000 new, so that is fantastic depreciation.

"Depreciation"? What? Are you trying to be British now?

[mustang84]

A vote for the Turbo Regal here. Practical, but stylish, luxurious, and has some "serious balls."

[Drew Dowdell]

S-classes last forever though. Most GM cars need a lot of repairs around the 100k-150k mile mark, and then are dead around 150,000 miles.

I saw a 2009 Town Car Signature Limited for just $23,900 the other day. I think those cost about $50,000 new, so that is fantastic depreciation.

The 05-06 S-classes, along with the M-Class of the same vintage, were some of the vehicles that majorly tarnished MB's reliability records. It took MB a few years to get that car sorted out.

[vonVeezelsnider]

The 05-06 S-classes, along with the M-Class of the same vintage, were some of the vehicles that majorly tarnished MB's reliability records. It took MB a few years to get that car sorted out.

In terms of durability weren't the 96+ E-Class and M-Class more of the issue?

[Drew Dowdell]

In terms of durability weren't the 96+ E-Class and M-Class more of the issue?

Well the M-class has always been an issue for MB.

I always understood the '96 E-class to be the last of the tanks for that class. The '05 S-class had electrical gremlins that it couldn't shake for a few model years.

[gm4life]

Anyways back to the two options...

Anyone have any comments on snow or all season tires for the Camaro? Or how they drive in winter?

[Drew Dowdell]

They are very well balanced. So if you have snow tires, you should be fine.

I had Dunlop Wintersports on the CTS and was very happy with them.... all the snow performance of Blizzaks at 2/3s the price.

[Z-06]

SMK complains about the depreciation STS goes through. The S500 4Matic was close to $90-95K brand new. Now in 4-5 years residual value is less than 40% of the MSRP. Talk about depreciation!

I personally think Regal GS if they can wait a little longer, if not go for the 2.0T.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'd definitely go Regal Turbo. Think gas prices 4 years out... not just today.

[Robert Hall]

Well the M-class has always been an issue for MB.

I always understood the '96 E-class to be the last of the tanks for that class. The '05 S-class had electrical gremlins that it couldn't shake for a few model years.

MY '96 is when the W210 generation E-Class began, the first w/ the 4 oval headlights. They are regarded as the point where MB started cheapening their cars, building to cost. The previous W124 (1984-1995) were still solid tanks. For the S-class, things started going downhill with the 1999 W220, it's predecessor (W140) was over 5000lbs w/ double glazing on the side windows..the last of the overengineered Panzer-class cruisers..

Edited April 23, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Robert Hall]

S-classes last forever though. Most GM cars need a lot of repairs around the 100k-150k mile mark, and then are dead around 150,000 miles.

The problem with Benzes w/ high miles miles is they often require frequent $1000-2500 or more repairs. Nothing is cheap to fix on them, speaking from experience...(My sister has an '84 500SEL w/ 180k and a '91 300CE w/ 115k in her driveway).

The only way I'd buy a used Benz would be a late model CPO w/ under 50k miles and an extended warranty.

Buying an older high mileage car, esp. a luxury car, is opening up a world of pain and misery for yourself...something I'd rather avoid.

Edited April 23, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[frogger]

I like the turbo regal and would probably pick a decently optioned 2011 v6 mustang for a relatively livable pony car.

[gm4life]

I'd definitely go Regal Turbo. Think gas prices 4 years out... not just today.

Oh trust me they really don't care about the price of gas. Nor have have they once complained about the 3.9's fuel economy. They say if its empty we fill it.

[gm4life]

They are very well balanced. So if you have snow tires, you should be fine.

I had Dunlop Wintersports on the CTS and was very happy with them.... all the snow performance of Blizzaks at 2/3s the price.

What about all season tires? Continental has a set that of all seasons that just came out that fit the RS front and rear. I think they would pop for those. I have yet to see a set of snow tires that match and fit the Camaros 20's is the main problem. Although I think a set of 18's off of a LS or 1LT would fit right? Then you could put snow tires on those.

[gm4life]

SMK complains about the depreciation STS goes through. The S500 4Matic was close to $90-95K brand new. Now in 4-5 years residual value is less than 40% of the MSRP. Talk about depreciation!

I personally think Regal GS if they can wait a little longer, if not go for the 2.0T.

The only problem with the GS is it will priced more aboue 35K I am told and they don't want to spend more thank 30Kish.

[caddycruiser]

I'm going to respond, I swear, I'm going to respond...been busy...but I voted a couple of days ago.

Malibu, G8, Camaro, we've had & have a collection I've become familiar with on a year round basis. Stay tuned.

[Z-06]

The only problem with the GS is it will priced more aboue 35K I am told and they don't want to spend more thank 30Kish.

I see that. But performance wise it will be closer to the Camaro and will have more utility. Plus its torque vectoring will help in snowy conditions and ability to put transfer 100% power at the rear will give Camaro like excitement. My guess is that will start at $32-33k.

[gm4life]

I'm going to respond, I swear, I'm going to respond...been busy...but I voted a couple of days ago.

Malibu, G8, Camaro, we've had & have a collection I've become familiar with on a year round basis. Stay tuned.

Just the man I was hoping to hear from! I can't wait for your unique and informed perspective.

[caddycruiser]

Okay. We've had a current Malibu, 2 in fact, I've had a G8, and we currently have a Camaro 2LT RS.

I voted Regal 2.0T, 2nd place going to the Regal DI 2.4L...

The Camaro is a stunner. It's built like a tank--amazes me how solid the thing is inside & out, that you feel when even washing. Plus the lines are just too cool and over a year since intro, continue to get gas station comments I've been told. Mom traded her '08 Malibu 2LT 4-cyl for the Camaro, the 'Bu being mostly comparable to a Regal now, just not as up to date. Kids have their own cars, mom has always had the family mobile and the newest car. She went from a Suburban to the Malibu, and the Malibu while not huge, was comfortable for 4 tall adults, efficient and peppy enough in daily use, and really comfortable. Around town, to work, trips, errands, shopping, etc. there was never a doubt. Long holiday trips, 3 people, 3 dogs, and all their stuff would get piled in and away it went. Again, no question, and all were comfortable without having an SUV, van, etc.

The Camaro is a different story. Mom wanted "her car" period, coupe and all. She got it. The front seats are very roomy, there's a lot of leg space, etc. You can get in the back seat, but there's very little leg space and at 6'-0" or taller, you hit the ceiling in a non sunroof car. Visibility wise, it's a big adjustment, but you get used to it and after a few minutes, you're fine. Just different than a "typical" car. Backup sensors on 2LT, 2SS, etc. models that were a late intro were a very good idea.

No issues. The DI 3.6L is a grunty, growly, grrr OHC V6 that works very well in such a RWD platform. So far, in 3k miles, mom hasn't been winning any fuel mileage records, driving 3 miles each way to work and back with lights, saying she averages around 17. But it never warms up and is stop-go-stop-go, park. She's actually only had it on the highway twice, once when we bought it and once a few weeks back going to Baltimore, where she said she was doing 92 without realizing it at one point...NEVER said that in the vroom but go nowhere non-DI 2.4L Malibu...and then said she averaged 24mpg because of the traffic and, well, driving so fast. People with these cars realistically get 30'ish on the highway, as rated, and with the 6-spd & tuning it's not hard--just depends on conditions.

So why would I recommend a Regal over a Camaro? Practicality. Coming from a Suburban, then a Malibu, then into a Camaro, I've seen some big changes for sure. The Camaro has been a terrific daily driver for mom and she loves it. Loves showing it off, loves romping on it, and can still go mega grocery shopping with dad and what is a pretty big trunk in all honesty. Yet, it's still a task to get in & out of, the back seat can be used if you're under 6ft and slide the front seats forward, and so on. As a 2 person ONLY car, it's workable. Very workable. The issue comes in if you do anymore than that, like a roadtrip with more than yourself, have a dog or two, grandkids, etc. You can't really take them with you easily. It's a blast to drive, gets good mileage with strong power, is RWD, looks cool and DOES have nice trunk space, etc. But it also makes you go "umm...I don't think..." if you do anymore than that. Mom wanted & bought quick, then after only to realize & say "well...I really don't want to visit PA or family anymore..."...seriously...when I brought up the issue of 3 dogs, luggage, and so on that she's been used to tossing in the car and road tripping for years. Still haven't figured out how she's going to handle this.

As for snow, as I learned with my G8 GT, RWD works well with Stabilitrak & otherwise, but a sports sedan/coupe is still a sports sedan/coupe. A Camaro with the 18/19" all season tires is better, but I wouldn't recommend testing skills out in winter in a Camaro with the 20" summer Pirelli's. When it snowed several times in the past months, the Camaro was parked, period. I had driven my G8 GT with summer Bridgestone tires the year before once or twice without much issue, but I knew from reading that the Camaro Pirelli's with even a shorter sidewall weren't to be messed with in such conditions. They're really not suited for it. It took my mother a while to still understand what "summer tires" actually meant, but she learned quickly once the car was stuck even in its driveway parking space after shoveling. The automatic V6 also does not have a limited slip, only manuals and V8 cars do, something else that helped my G8. Dad also commented a few times when it was in the 40/50's out and rainy "it feels weird sometimes...like it's letting go from the road..." I said it was, basically, because cold+wet=summers Pirelli's no like.

It can handle winter and plenty of Camaro drivers do so with dedicated winter setups, but ours was parked in a Delaware beachy winter and that should say something. Even a non-RS with the A/S Pirelli's isn't the best, it'll go fine but is an adjustment for anyone used to a FWD sedan or otherwise. All relative.

Terrific car. I love it. I know people of all ages with them, including retired couples that it's now just the 2 of them, and single girls & guys. But these people all have "another" car/truck/SUV to also use, and that's pretty much a must unless the lack of space and needing a winter setup--if you experience anymore than a freak snow flurry and live down south. It's just pushing it as a DD if you do or need anything more than that. It would work great for me, for instance, as a single guy with just his own stuff...but...

So I recommend the Regal. Preferably a Turbo model once they're out to give it some kick. Looks to be another great car, looks terrific, and yes it's a Buick sedan, but that's a cool thing anymore. Better yet, it's all season capable right off the lot, it's not a trapeze act to get in & out, visibility is normal, there's a back seat and doors for visitors, family, dogs, stuff, etc. and so on. Plus the 4-cyl's should be peppy and really efficient, easily matching or comparing to a recent OHV V6 from GM in a lot of ways. It's just a more functional car without being boring, and in the first year, very cool being German--in a way--and the first return of the Regal. Functional. Cool. "Special" without being a chore to worry about daily tasks, visitors, winter, or otherwise. Heck, right now I'd even try a Lacrosse CXL 3.0L if the size isn't too much--maybe it's a good thing. The Regal is a sportier, trimmer package, but both are worthwhile looking at for the heck of it.

Hope that helps. Long, but still

Edited April 25, 2010 by caddycruiser

[gm4life]

Okay. We've had a current Malibu, 2 in fact, I've had a G8, and we currently have a Camaro 2LT RS.

I voted Regal 2.0T, 2nd place going to the Regal DI 2.4L...

The Camaro is a stunner. It's built like a tank--amazes me how solid the thing is inside & out, that you feel when even washing. Plus the lines are just too cool and over a year since intro, continue to get gas station comments I've been told. Mom traded her '08 Malibu 2LT 4-cyl for the Camaro, the 'Bu being mostly comparable to a Regal now, just not as up to date. Kids have their own cars, mom has always had the family mobile and the newest car. She went from a Suburban to the Malibu, and the Malibu while not huge, was comfortable for 4 tall adults, efficient and peppy enough in daily use, and really comfortable. Around town, to work, trips, errands, shopping, etc. there was never a doubt. Long holiday trips, 3 people, 3 dogs, and all their stuff would get piled in and away it went. Again, no question, and all were comfortable without having an SUV, van, etc.

The Camaro is a different story. Mom wanted "her car" period, coupe and all. She got it. The front seats are very roomy, there's a lot of leg space, etc. You can get in the back seat, but there's very little leg space and at 6'-0" or taller, you hit the ceiling in a non sunroof car. Visibility wise, it's a big adjustment, but you get used to it and after a few minutes, you're fine. Just different than a "typical" car. Backup sensors on 2LT, 2SS, etc. models that were a late intro were a very good idea.

No issues. The DI 3.6L is a grunty, growly, grrr OHC V6 that works very well in such a RWD platform. So far, in 3k miles, mom hasn't been winning any fuel mileage records, driving 3 miles each way to work and back with lights, saying she averages around 17. But it never warms up and is stop-go-stop-go, park. She's actually only had it on the highway twice, once when we bought it and once a few weeks back going to Baltimore, where she said she was doing 92 without realizing it at one point...NEVER said that in the vroom but go nowhere non-DI 2.4L Malibu...and then said she averaged 24mpg because of the traffic and, well, driving so fast. People with these cars realistically get 30'ish on the highway, as rated, and with the 6-spd & tuning it's not hard--just depends on conditions.

So why would I recommend a Regal over a Camaro? Practicality. Coming from a Suburban, then a Malibu, then into a Camaro, I've seen some big changes for sure. The Camaro has been a terrific daily driver for mom and she loves it. Loves showing it off, loves romping on it, and can still go mega grocery shopping with dad and what is a pretty big trunk in all honesty. Yet, it's still a task to get in & out of, the back seat can be used if you're under 6ft and slide the front seats forward, and so on. As a 2 person ONLY car, it's workable. Very workable. The issue comes in if you do anymore than that, like a roadtrip with more than yourself, have a dog or two, grandkids, etc. You can't really take them with you easily. It's a blast to drive, gets good mileage with strong power, is RWD, looks cool and DOES have nice trunk space, etc. But it also makes you go "umm...I don't think..." if you do anymore than that. Mom wanted & bought quick, then after only to realize & say "well...I really don't want to visit PA or family anymore..."...seriously...when I brought up the issue of 3 dogs, luggage, and so on that she's been used to tossing in the car and road tripping for years. Still haven't figured out how she's going to handle this.

As for snow, as I learned with my G8 GT, RWD works well with Stabilitrak & otherwise, but a sports sedan/coupe is still a sports sedan/coupe. A Camaro with the 18/19" all season tires is better, but I wouldn't recommend testing skills out in winter in a Camaro with the 20" summer Pirelli's. When it snowed several times in the past months, the Camaro was parked, period. I had driven my G8 GT with summer Bridgestone tires the year before once or twice without much issue, but I knew from reading that the Camaro Pirelli's with even a shorter sidewall weren't to be messed with in such conditions. They're really not suited for it. It took my mother a while to still understand what "summer tires" actually meant, but she learned quickly once the car was stuck even in its driveway parking space after shoveling. The automatic V6 also does not have a limited slip, only manuals and V8 cars do, something else that helped my G8. Dad also commented a few times when it was in the 40/50's out and rainy "it feels weird sometimes...like it's letting go from the road..." I said it was, basically, because cold+wet=summers Pirelli's no like.

It can handle winter and plenty of Camaro drivers do so with dedicated winter setups, but ours was parked in a Delaware beachy winter and that should say something. Even a non-RS with the A/S Pirelli's isn't the best, it'll go fine but is an adjustment for anyone used to a FWD sedan or otherwise. All relative.

Terrific car. I love it. I know people of all ages with them, including retired couples that it's now just the 2 of them, and single girls & guys. But these people all have "another" car/truck/SUV to also use, and that's pretty much a must unless the lack of space and needing a winter setup--if you experience anymore than a freak snow flurry and live down south. It's just pushing it as a DD if you do or need anything more than that. It would work great for me, for instance, as a single guy with just his own stuff...but...

So I recommend the Regal. Preferably a Turbo model once they're out to give it some kick. Looks to be another great car, looks terrific, and yes it's a Buick sedan, but that's a cool thing anymore. Better yet, it's all season capable right off the lot, it's not a trapeze act to get in & out, visibility is normal, there's a back seat and doors for visitors, family, dogs, stuff, etc. and so on. Plus the 4-cyl's should be peppy and really efficient, easily matching or comparing to a recent OHV V6 from GM in a lot of ways. It's just a more functional car without being boring, and in the first year, very cool being German--in a way--and the first return of the Regal. Functional. Cool. "Special" without being a chore to worry about daily tasks, visitors, winter, or otherwise. Heck, right now I'd even try a Lacrosse CXL 3.0L if the size isn't too much--maybe it's a good thing. The Regal is a sportier, trimmer package, but both are worthwhile looking at for the heck of it.

Hope that helps. Long, but still

Thanks Caddy for all the info. You said with a set of smaller wheels and all season tires the Camaro is much better, so will a set 18's or 19's off an LT fit on an RS? That way they could have summer/winter set-up. She is still sold on the Camaro though, and if a winter set (wheels and all season tires from a 1LT or 2LT) would work then I think they would be fine. Also keep in mind her husband will have a new 2011 Ford Taurus SEL so they will have one "practical" car. They have looked at the LaX but they weren't sold on it, he likes the look of the Regal better. If they did not live in the midwest there next car would be a Camaro no question. Honestly they don't need something super practical like they used too. I think the back seat in the current Impala has been used about a dozen times. That really isn't the issue, being able to use it year round, and with a winter tire/wheel combo it doesn't sound like a problem.

Edited April 25, 2010 by gm4life

[caddycruiser]

I hope I didn't poo poo on the Camaro idea too much...I love it and would buy one...it just takes a special person, and non-typical uses, to work out well.

Smaller 19" wheels will fit on a V6 RS, yes, but at that point why bother with the RS? The main reason for the RS package are the killer 20" wheels and halo HID headlamps, otherwise, skip it, save the $$ and get the polished 19's. With this setup, it's NOT dramatically better in snow, at most, just enough to keep you going a little easier. It's a RWD car without a limited slip (V6 automatic form), and a lot of power, after all. You just have to learn it and realize the limitations. If you live in upstate New York, PA, etc. and have nothing else to drive when it gets bad, a dedicated winter setup should be accepted as a must.

Great road trip car for 2 and no more, providing you've gotten used to the ingress/egress, sitting low, and not seeing much out. Rides and handles very well, but is a sports coupe. Not as refined on the road as, say, a G8 is, but that's a moot point now that the Camaro is the only Zeta we're left with. I was always jealous of the look and stance vs. my G8, but liked my G8 better in every other way, especially as far as day to day usability. Getting in and out being the biggy, but mom and her fused spine have gotten used to it and I've not heard a complaint yet.

[ocnblu]

I thought the RS V6 could be optioned with A/S tires.

[A Horse With No Name]

I thought the RS V6 could be optioned with A/S tires.

Or get blizzacks