Archive for the 'Kool Whip of the Week' Category
The 2004 Nissan Maxima SE earned this week’s Kool Whip of the Week honor. Very tight ride. High quality engineering. This is basically a four-door 350z. Bring along a couple of extra friends for the ride. Make them pay for gas.
Are you making a change from a larger vehicle, or SUV, to something more economical? I know my own used car search criteria has changed…last year I was considering a second SUV. Not a chance now.
This Maxima just shot to the top of my list. How has your used car search changed?
If you don’t already own a Porsche and you buy this, I’d call you adventurous. If you do own one already, and you purchase a Cayenne S, then you’re just “Porsche Greedy.” And that’s not necessarily bad wanting more of such a good thing.
Most Porsche drivers wish they had the ability to stash their family, or three of their friends, into their 911. The Cayenne S lets you do that and still have room to transport the dog, a week’s supply of groceries and a bunch of suitcases. Good luck doing that in your little mid-life crisis coupe.
The Cayenne S is the middle sibling of the German Super-SUV models; it comes with a 340hp naturally aspirated V-8, a sunroof and an in-dash CD player. No expense was spared in creating the luxurious stock leather seating arraignment. Passengers have a great wide open view of everything - back seat passengers also have a great view of where they’re about to quickly arrive.
The S version delivers all the power needed from the V8 engine. Upgrading to the Cayenne S Turbo may not be the best use for the Benjamins in your wallet. The 340hp S gets this portly Porsche moving and may even let you forget, for just a moment, that your kids are in the back seat.
You’ll feel completely in control as you cling to the leather steering wheel. Porsche was considerate enough to create quick access buttons that rest within a finger’s reach right on the edge of the wheel’s center cluster. You know good times are ahead before the throaty engine is fired up - you can’t miss the two oversize “Oh-Crap” handles on both sides of the center console. Your co-pilot will thank you.
Surprisingly enough, the reviews all rave about the Cayenne’s off-roading prowess being top-notch. Although, I don’t believe there is any documented consumer proof of a Cayenne owner going off-roading other than parking on the lawn at a house party or creeping into a Sunday afternoon tailgate party at the stadium.
MSRP is over well 55k; KBB price on this model is approximately 47k. The sharp used car buyer can easily locate a used 2005 Porsche Cayenne S for under 36k. If you’re intent on buying the Turbo S version, you could pick up two of these and still have plenty left over for your kid’s college fund.
Porsche Greedy can be a fun thing…
Had enough of the green-hybrid-smart car marketing juggernaut?
If so, laugh in the face of soaring gas prices and start enjoying some consumer grade military action. Lighter, sportier and a whole lot cheaper (read: less expensive)
If the H2 was just a big rugged box, then the H3 is a slightly smaller, cooler box with some really awesome touches. (It’s about the size of the Chevy Trailblazer) This box clearly acknowledges it’s rugged ancestry while showing off it’s well-honed driveability.
The 2006 Hummer H3 starts at a retail whacking of $29,995 and comes equipped with a 220hp Vortec engine, GM’s Stabilitrak control system. (This brakes individual wheels rather than all four) and a traction-control system with tire-pressure monitoring.
Ergonomics aren’t what draw people to the H3 - that’s the Nissan Murano’s job. The H3 is like putting on a new pair of expensive leather loafers; you love how they look & how they make you feel - but you wince when sliding into them. Be careful - people tend bump their head on the H3’s roof sill when overshooting the entry.
In side by side spec comparisons with other SUV’s, the H3 falls in the middle of the road. However, it does come up strong with the addition of torsion bars up front, stronger approach/departure angles and it has an improved flexible transfer case. It can also traverse a 16 inch vertical scale and hunker though water 24 inches deep. The H2 only handles 20 inches.
Thirsty for rugged times and taking a break from the biodesel, hydrogen fuel and electric movement? Snag one with low-miles and sip from the petrol pump in a 2006 Hummer H3. (You may have to take a few extra sips - but you’ll enjoy it.)
The Prowler is one of those concept cars you hoped would make it to production - and actually did - and still looked like the original spy photos.
Did you know the first year it was made, in 1998, all 3000 of them were plum purple?
The Prowler’s purpose: Bring back the excitement and intrigue of the classic hot rod. I’d say they succeeded - about 75% of the way. 218 horsepower doesn’t necessarily invoke hot rod images in my mind, however the outlandish styling, exposed front wheel housing and huge, gigantic 20-inch rear wheels do a fine job.
I’d call it hot rod-light; perfect for the guy in the office who has the extra time in his schedule for some top-down cruising, at least one friend and no little people under 11 years old to drive around on the weekend.
The comfortable cabin, high-tech panel cluster and extras like premium sound and adjustable shock absorbers improve the ride quality.
Countless number of people still to this day point and ask, “What’s that thing called?” Plenty of people are bound to say the same because Chrysler didn’t even sell 15,000 of these pseudo-sexy attention-getters.
Looking for something that epitomizes a big-boy toy? A used Plymouth Prowler should fill that void.
If I had to imagine God parking his car in front of the Gates - this would be his choice.
MODEL: Mercedes-Benz SL600
ENGINE: 5.5-liter V12
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 493 hp @ 5.000 rpm/590 lb.-ft. @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 100.8 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 178.5 x 71.5 x 51.0 in.
TIRES: 255/40WR18 front, 285/35WR18 rear
CARGO: 10.2 cu.ft.
ECONOMY: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway/12.8 mpg test
PRICE: $137,640 {That’s for a NEW one}
Here’s one of the best example of our blog’s name-sake: Why Buy Used Cars?
This is why: Fork over 140 Large - OR - pay 50% of that amount on a two year old, like-new model with only 8k miles.
Tough call.
This has to be on of the most refined, and powerful, rear-wheel drive car paired up with an automatic transmission. If you didn’t already feel important, you will as soon as you slide into the soft leather seats and press the Keyless-Go ignition.
Initial engine grumble will startle you while getting the attention of anyone else who hasn’t already noticed this silver sculpture on wheels. If you have any initial nervousness of actually driving it - you’ll get over it in roughly 4 seconds because you’ll find yourself doing 60mph+.
Active Body Control keeps the car super-flat around sharp turns; the ride is just as smooth as the soft leather you’re sitting on. The steering isn’t as tight as other Italian exotics; the Germans left it loose enough for anyone to handle. (If you felt inclined to buy one for your wife.)
Just about anything you can image is outfitted in the SL600: navigation, dual-zone climate control, integrated cell phone, automatic roll-bar, windscreen, HID lights and stability control.
And just think, with the savings you could hook up four of your closest friends with an ‘05 Chevy Equinox.
Oh man do I love this ride.
You can call it a grown-up 350Z; a Z when it needs to get all dressed up and go out to dinner with the family. It’ll also get you to dinner faster than everyone else because of the 298-hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, six-speed manual transmission.
Infinity makes it really easy for the consumer. They all come with 17-inch wheels, HID headlights, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way passenger seat, seat heaters and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
You do get two simple choices: Premium or Sport. The Premium Package adds items like dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an upgraded 225-watt Bose sound system, a sunroof, automatic headlights and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires, a limited-slip rear differential and, on G35 coupes, special exterior aero pieces. G35s equipped with a manual transmission receive the Sport package as standard equipment. Stand-alone options include a navigation system, wood interior trim and an active rear-steer system (coupes only).
This car wears two hats - and switches between both of them so easily. Light up the tires and try to roll it around some tight corners. Or, enjoy a quiet, luxurious ride as you impress someone special.
Impressive additions for the ‘06 model: unique front fascia, side sills and an optional rear spoiler. Another very cool sporty feature: active rear-steer system. [this actually improves driving performance by changing the rear suspension geometry based on your steering style and the car’s speed] Bluetooth connectivity is also standard to help keep your hands on the wheel.
You’ll like how this car gets you around town, how it makes you feel as you’re on the way there and also appreciate the extra cash you’ll have once you get there - this Kool Whip of the Week is priced just over 29k. [Compare to a KBB Price of 35k+]
Enjoy.
Want to feel like a Million Bucks?
It’ll only cost about 37k. A small price to pay for one of the hottest gems on the road - a 2004 BMW M3.
This black on black, with smoked-gray custom rims, is a spectacular daily driver. Quick drives to the local grocery store can easily turn into day-long road trips. There is definitely a difference between the two though. It’s a stiff enough ride to push the limits on the track - and may even be too stiff for other drivers. (Those drivers may want to just settle for the snuggly ride of the BMW 5-Series.)
The 333-hp engine rips you to 60-mph faster than a Nicole Richie jail sentence. The M3 is propelled by a magnificent 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine rated to produce 333 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is the weapon of choice on this Corvette Fighter.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels with Z-rated rubber, automatic climate control, 10-way adjustable sport seats, leather and cloth upholstery, one-touch power windows, heated power mirrors, a CD player, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry.
Buying a new BMW M3 takes a bite out of just about anyone’s budget…buying this Kool Whip of the Week won’t.
Your only dilemma…choosing which public setting you wish to be seen driving in…
So stylish and so fun.
A suspsension engineered a-la BMW, a 6-speed manual transmission and 168 hp & 162 lb-ft of torque sums up this go-kart on 16 inch wheels nicely. (The suspension borrows a lot from the 3-Series’ elements)
Sticking with British tradition, the Mini Cooper S was designed to be affordable, compact, stylish and fun to drive. And that was back in 1959. Today’s technology outfits this little road-rocket with run-flat tires, seat-height adjustments and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Everyone always comments about it’s size and how it would hold up in an accident. The standard side airbags, head curtains for the front and read passengers and the fixed roll bars were all put there for a reason: 4/5 stars for frontal impacts, 4/5 stars for side impacts and the “Best Pick” rating in IIHS frontal offset crash testing.
My favorite part of this 2005 Mini Cooper S is simply the interior styling - all glitzted up in silver…everywhere you look and yet it’s not gaudy or cheesy at all.
Still plenty of time to enjoy this (eventual) classic. Put the top down, grab some friends and enjoy the rest of the summer in one of the best used cars you can find.
Strong, powerful and American.
Between the beautiful new design, the head-rattling stereo and the 300 horses under the hood - you’ve got enough pulse-quickening distractions to make someone with ADD lose their mind.
The interior is big and purposeful. You can tell before the key turns something fun is about to happen. Once the engine rumbles up, you’ll need to turn up the Shaker stereo even louder - and it’ll go a lot louder too. (Two options available - 500 & 1000-watts)
The control cluster is friendly, seating is spacious and the overall quality of the interior is impressive. Very solid - with none of the creaks and rattles reminiscent of past Mustangs. Good size for the backseat and the trunk as well.
Gripping the short throw shifter and running it up to 6th gear is a blast - feeling your backside get sucked into the wide-flung leather seats is even better. You’ll look forward to getting stuck at the next red light just so you can hammer it again.
The only little gripe is the size and placement of the parking brake; I wonder if they just forgot about it and stuck it there as an afterthought.
Maybe that’s why you have the ability to adjust the dashboard background hues; choosing from 1000 shades of color definitely distracts you long enough to forget about the parking brake handle. (And keeps the ADD driver occupied long enough while parked)
An out of the wrapper Ford Mustang Premium GT, like our Kool Whip of the Week, starts at $26,875 (without add-ons)
Save some coin with our Buy It Now price of $22,148.
Enjoy!
Pure exhilaration.
Unless you’ve been stranded on a fishing boat for the past year or so, then you already know this American Revolution inside and out.
A 6.0 liter, 364 cubic-inch, 6-Speed manual transmission pumping out 400 horsepower is the prize under the hood. And, it delivers an impressive 18mph city & 28 highway. (Not bad for one of the fastest production vehicles on the road today.)
Once inside, you’ll suddenly realize you have nothing else to do other than -
- Drive it where a lot of people can see you
- Drive it fast
- Drive it for a long time (The seating is tops in comfort)
The competition may come close to the beauty, power and thrills - yet parking the 6th generation ‘Vette in your driveway won’t crush your wallet.
MSRP on this particular model is just shy of 49k; Auction Direct USA’s discounted Buy It Now auction price is only $45,700 (stk #MTP1337)
Check out this Kool Whip of the Week…it’s in Atlanta & won’t be around for long.
The Auction Direct USA Kool Whip of the Week is this fun little 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
The aggressive organic stance of the top lines and the front scoop grab your eyes right away…it looks ready to jump off the line. The extra 3.3 inches added to the width & the 360lbs. help beef up the stance.
You can tell right away this one has more power than previous models - 25% more power actually. (3.8-liter MIVEC 263-hp, w/a McPherson sport-tuned suspension, compared to older 210-hp models.) Someone at Mitsubishi fell asleep at the wheel when they designed the older models; unless you’re a tuner-geek, it was getting difficult to tell a ‘99 from an ‘04 model.
The model reviewed had the 5-speed Sportronic feature; anti-lock-brakes, 17-inch wheels, cruise control, power windows and split folding rear seats are all standard on the GT models. Other GT options include a 6-speed, aluminum pedals, heated leather seats & a sunroof.
The chunky steering wheel, snug supporting seats and easy to read dash controls make both short spins down the road and long hauls thrilling and comfortable. The clean, smooth lines of the instrument controls - especially the palm-fitting, short-throw shifter - add to the openness of the cabin. The GT’s available premium-sport package includes a powerful Rockford Fosgate audio system with a 6-CD/MP3 in-dash changer and nine speakers (including a 10-inch sub)
Kelley Blue Book on this model is priced at $25,490; Auction Direct USA has a Buy It Now price of $21,970. With only 8,115 miles, you’re almost getting a brand new whip. (An automatic 2006 model GT, without any extras, has a dealer invoice of approximately $23,262)
If you’re looking for something different, (this orange paint is wilder than a jail-free Paris Hilton) something fast and something hot for this summer - this is it. The other sporty/performance model class best buys includes the Ford Mustang, Mazda Miata, Scion TC, Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z and the Pontiac GTO & Solstice.
My nod goes to the newly designed Eclipse GT. Enjoy.