Most exciting cars from around 2000

[CaminoRacer]

C5. Either buy one now or wait to get a Z06 like mentioned previously.

Everything else mentioned is a POS that isn't worth the effort, or has been available to import already. An Olds 442 is awesome and you should get one, but it doesn't necessarily make sense given the point of this thread.

[BimmerM3]

I guess it depends on what mzziaz is looking for.  I expect an E39 is not uncommon over where he lives.  He mentioned Panther bodies, so  big boulevard cruisers the likes of an Impala SS or a Marauder with a raucous V8 may appeal more to his style.  Tons of upgrades available for both of them.  However, I'd advise him to have a close look at the rear quarter panels of the SS before he decides. 

Personally, I'm not into those souped up cop cars, but at least they're something that's actually unique in Europe.

The LS is just a not-as-good version of a European sport-sedan. The only thing it has going for it is that he'll be the only person he knows with one.

[Soup DeVille]

Remember, he imported a fox-body Mustang. Per also tried to buy an Alfa in Michigan, but lost it because his local agent didn't act fast enough.

So we know he can tolerate '80s build quality and features, which the Panthers have mostly improved on. They'd also be unique enough to turn heads.

[FoMoJo]

Personally, I'm not into those souped up cop cars, but at least they're something that's actually unique in Europe.

The LS is just a not-as-good version of a European sport-sedan. The only thing it has going for it is that he'll be the only person he knows with one.

That may be the point. 

[BimmerM3]

That may be the point. 

Yup.

Unless you just want something different for the sake of being different,

Again, unless he's looking for something different just for the sake of being different,

But I can't imagine that C5s are terribly common either. I think that they would be different enough while also being something actually worth driving.

[GoCougs]

Once again: Impala SS.

Second best to the Z/28 or SS.

[GoCougs]

And you don't think a 4th generation F-body will rattle and squeak like nothing else?  T-top cars will be especially bad.

Then don't get t-tops . It will squeak and rattle, but not like a C5.

As has been the case since 1967, the Camaro is always the better (and IMO more desirable) used car vs. the Corvette - body integrity, build quality, modibility, utility, durability (esp. rear transaxle C5+).

[Soup DeVille]

Unfortunately non t-top F Bodies are also not exactly common.

[2o6]

Second best to the Z/28 or SS.

Who cares? He wants something distinctly American and something you can't get readily in NW Europe.


An Impala SS seems like the ticket. It's big, BOF, and V8.

[12,000 RPM]

He might as well get a regular..... Caprice?

The more I think about it the more Panthers make sense though. Cheap, abundant, American

[Payman]

The only thing from that era, '95-'00 that I would recommend without guilt is a Blazer or Bronco.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The only thing from that era, '95-'00 that I would recommend without guilt is a Blazer or Bronco.

wat

[Payman]

wat

Seriously. There's not a single domestic car from those years that I'd recommend him to buy. Maybe a C5, but it's not going to be a good one for $13,000.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Seriously. There's not a single domestic car from those years that I'd recommend him to buy. Maybe a C5, but it's not going to be a good one for $13,000.

I'd say a '98 Dodge Dakota is a good choice. Two of them, one for parts (cuz they break).

[Payman]

Maybe a black Formula Firehawk so he can pretend to be the Dark Knight or Knight Rider.

[shp4man]

What's more American than a Jeep? Beware, these vehicles hold their value really well. A nice 2000 Wrangler will set you back an incredible ten grand or so.

[mzziaz]

Remember, he imported a fox-body Mustang. Per also tried to buy an Alfa in Michigan, but lost it because his local agent didn't act fast enough.

So we know he can tolerate '80s build quality and features, which the Panthers have mostly improved on. They'd also be unique enough to turn heads.

Yeah, I like oddballs. Also, panthers is kind of familiar to a lot of yurps from movies and such. Combined with a pretty big amcar culture, there might actually be a market for shipping them over.

[mzziaz]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/761150256/overview/

I've always liked that gen Seville...and this one has 13k miles!!!

FWD is a deal breaker to me.

[Eye of the Tiger]

FWD is a deal breaker to me.

RWD? Then you need a Cadillac Catera.
Which was based on an Opel.
From Europe.

[Soup DeVille]

Yeah, I like oddballs. Also, panthers is kind of familiar to a lot of yurps from movies and such. Combined with a pretty big amcar culture, there might actually be a market for shipping them over.

If you can deal with them driving like big American cars, they might be the ticket.

[Submariner]

FWD is a deal breaker to me.

Maybe the RWD STS?  You can get decent examples for 15k or so.

[MX793]

Maybe the RWD STS?  You can get decent examples for 15k or so.

Too new.  Nothing built after 2000.

[Eye of the Tiger]

If you can deal with them driving like big American cars, they might be the ticket.

The Lincolns are best. Town Car .... or Mk.VIII

[Submariner]

Nah, while the Marauder was more buttoned down the Impala SS was quicker (and far more mod friendly), as the Marauder suffered greatly due to lackluster power band + 4,300 lb car + 4sp AT:

From C&D:

Impala SS:
0-60: 6.5 sec
1/4 mile:  15.0 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed:  142 mph

Mercury Marauder:
0-60: 7.5 sec
1/4 mile:  15.5 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed: 117 mph (governed, due to drive shaft)

EDIT: Note that the Marauder was a 10-year newer design (first year for Impala SS was 1994).

That's a pretty optimistic 0-60 time.  Motor Trend has it listed at 8 seconds, which seems much more reasonable given 250HP + 4300lbs + 4AT.

[FoMoJo]

1998-2000 are likely the best panthers to look for.  They had made improvements to handling in 1998 and, by that time, they were almost bullet-proof.  Ford Crown Vics, Mercury Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars are what you have to choose from.  Should still be lots of them around.  Get Shippy's opinion on the 4.6 modular engine, but they were/are very stout and reliable.

[Submariner]

Too new.  Nothing built after 2000.

Oh.

Panther-body cars are awful.  I mean, so are F-bodies but they definitely have a certain appeal, but the Panther cars are the real deal.  They're garbage.  Even the top shelf Town Car felt like a poorly screwed together turd the moment it left the factory.  Luxury cars for people with no taste and no soul.  That's why the mob loved them.

I think a well sorted C5 is your best bet.  The Lincoln LS is just a re-bodied Jag that isn't as good as a comparable 5er.  There is nothing remarkable about the Thunderbird, and it's inbred Mercury cousin is just an ugly Thunderbird, plus I'd never trust a 20+ year old air suspension which many of the top trim cars came with. 

The 996 Nick mentioned is nice (I'd go for a C4S coupe but w/e) but that isn't American exclusive.  The Chevelle and 442 are obviously "cool" but I'm not sure what kind of condition car you can get for your budget.

The C5 is going to be rare enough and has a huge aftermarket + fan base.  I think that's your best bet.

[FoMoJo]

That's a pretty optimistic 0-60 time.  Motor Trend has it listed at 8 seconds, which seems much more reasonable given 250HP + 4300lbs + 4AT.

Marauder first model year was 2003 so it doesn't fit.  Still it's a better choice than the SS boat.

[FoMoJo]

Oh.

Panther-body cars are awful.  I mean, so are F-bodies but they definitely have a certain appeal, but the Panther cars are the real deal.  They're garbage.  Even the top shelf Town Car felt like a poorly screwed together turd the moment it left the factory.  Luxury cars for people with no taste and no soul.  That's why the mob loved them.

I think a well sorted C5 is your best bet.  The Lincoln LS is just a re-bodied Jag that isn't as good as a comparable 5er.  There is nothing remarkable about the Thunderbird, and it's inbred Mercury cousin is just an ugly Thunderbird, plus I'd never trust a 20+ year old air suspension which many of the top trim cars came with. 

The 996 Nick mentioned is nice (I'd go for a C4S coupe but w/e) but that isn't American exclusive.  The Chevelle and 442 are obviously "cool" but I'm not sure what kind of condition car you can get for your budget.

The C5 is going to be rare enough and has a huge aftermarket + fan base.  I think that's your best bet.

Nonsense .  Thousands of town cars still serve as airport taxis all over North America.  They just keep running.

[BimmerM3]

Nonsense .  Thousands of town cars still serve as airport taxis all over North America.  They just keep running.

They still feel like poorly screwed together turds though. It's like Ford figured out how to make a screw that's always loose but never comes completely unscrewed.

[FoMoJo]

They still feel like poorly screwed together turds though. It's like Ford figured out how to make a screw that's always loose but never comes completely unscrewed.

Years of experimenting until they got it just right .