So… I don’t think my Malibu is going to last me a whole lot longer. Of course it has to happen after I FINALLY have it tuned and sounding amazing. There’s a few spots of rust that are popping up, the power steering pump is making noise, it’s going to need a new exhaust including cats soon among other things, not to mention it’s getting up there in mileage.
So my question is if you had to get a new (used) car and wanted the best platform for an SQ system what would you buy and why?
Personally, I’m looking for a used car <$18,000, preferably about 25mpg+ as it’ll be my daily commuter, and be able to use my 3-way components up front and my 15” sub in a trunk baffle IB. The ability to replace the radio is a MUST… I love my new Excelon 10.5” too much to not use it.
So far my front runners are a Lexus ES350, Acura TSX or the Camry & Accord. The other possibility is my mom’s 12 VW Passat which would be free as she said she’s willing to give it to me. The ONLY problem I have with that is I LOATHE VWs. It’s a good car and relatively low mileage (typical old lady driven car) but it’s a VW. If I get it, though, I’m not against buying new gear to fit the install easier. I’m looking to drop about $5-6k on a down payment for a car so I wouldn’t mind dropping that on new gear and/or install for the Passat. I’m getting up there in mileage too so I’m not sure if I want to do this all myself this time around.
Any recommendations? I figure a luxury brand would be a decent base as far as deadening goes (I’ll obviously add more) so I’ve been looking at the aforementioned Lexus, Acura as well as Infinity. European brands like BMW, Benz or Audi are out as I don’t like the cost of maintenance/repair on those even with my discount for working at a BMW, Benz, Audi dealer.