I am helping an older relative pick out a car and she has it down to a maddeningly diverse short list. Keep in mind that this an older driver who is somewhat distrustful of non-domestics, and I don't know if I can push the Toyota option, or even if it's the best option for her. (the Benz too) These are the actual cars. In order of preference, but that seems to change daily too.

http://www.josephb...eDetails/864168283

http://www.josephb...eDetails/762645613

http://www.josephb...eDetails/811414433

http://www.josepht...F28B63U304399.aspx

http://www.josepht...H82J91X054714.aspx

Prices are all much lower than listed for me, which is why they are all from the same Auto group.

I know for example the Benz and the Caddy will be more to maintain, so I'm leaning away from them, but what she is really looking for is a car tat can go the distance. Her current car car a Grand Marquis has around 290,000 on it, and her previous Crown Vic had 475,000 and still ran when she sold it.

Any input I would appreciate it.

She likes the large ford sedans so go with the Town Car.

Posted by TheVicariousVadder She likes the large ford sedans so go with the Town Car.

no.
the Cadillac is a very well done car that does go the distance.
i recommend the Caddy sedan.

Have there been problems with the GMC Envoy? I only ask because in her mind it is the current front runner

Posted by CaptOrbit Have there been problems with the GMC Envoy? I only ask because in her mind it is the current front runner

the Envoy and the Trailblazer do have some ongoing interior/wiring issues. Last I knew, the last couple years of both vehicles had been pretty trouble free. PM Bandi about them as he just left the employ of a GM shop.

The Avalon is a great car, my mom drives one... though there was a sludge recall and another recent recall (axel I think) its a great car and old people love them.

Totally reliable and deceptively huge - its the best Town Car toyota ever made... A Poor Mans Lexus. They were made specifically for the American market and were actually exported from American factories to the Japanese market!

2 cars on that list stand out. The Caddy and the Lincoln. I'm absolutely in love with big American boats. With the exception of the Northstar Caddies, they all seem to go forever as well.

I dont know about the Cadillac, but the Town Car/Crown Vic/Grand Marquis platform is extremely reliable.

Taxis Ive been in have 200-350k on the odometer, and obviously cabs are used in pretty extreme conditions

ANY modern car, when well maintained, can reach 500,000 miles. Transmissions can be rebuilt, motors rebuilt, rear ends, whatever. Cars don't rust apart like they used to, even in the great salty north.

Posted by CaptOrbit Have there been problems with the GMC Envoy? I only ask because in her mind it is the current front runner

Run away! Run!

Posted by bandi Run away! Run!

Ah, I see.

They suffer from crappy engines (the i-5), VERY expensive electrical issues (random dead batteries caused by random modules letting the smoke out), lots of 4x4 driveline issues (encoder motors, control modules), chronic rad fan clutch failure, generally putting the rad fan through the rad, and the front end components wear quickly.

Front axle seals like to leak too, and it's a VERY nasty job to do them.

Lincoln. All the way.

Posted by jeepdave Lincoln. All the way (to the junkyard).

What? No Mopar options here?

Posted by Agent Skelly What? No Mopar options here?

he said he wanted a car that didn't break down... that automatic precludes anything made by D-C.

Posted by Samurai he said he wanted a car that didn't break down... that automatic precludes anything made by D-C.

So only get anything made after 2007?

Posted by Agent Skelly So only get anything made after 2007?

so you not read so well?

Posted by Samurai so you not read so well?

Well, the germans no longer own Chrylser and you said DC

Push the old lady to try the avalon. I know a few die hard old U.S. army types that bought and love them. They say they got a lot of car for their money.

I've never ridden in one, but the look great, and aren't to large for a little old lady to handle.