Off Topic question

Comfortable, decent handling, pretty damn good gas consumption and dead solid reliable = Lincoln Towncar, believe it or not....

Trick question. Clearly the answer is "Whatever is the most expensive car they will go along with". Then quit and sell it. ;)

Freeway or backroads? Mountain or plain?

miker

If I had such an opportunity I certainly wouldn't worry about theft. I'd just make sure I had enough insurance!

Actually my first thought was an old Lincoln LS. Glad to know I'm not that far off. Right now Mark thinks it's too big.

I am pretty sure there are contingency clauses that prohibit these games. Anyway, even if you could get away with it, unless you are immune to the current economy you'll realize that for most of us a long term job is worth more than a few grand from a shady deal. So a serious answer to your tongue in cheek...

Good question. I believe almost all paved, ice and snow more often than gravel and dirt. No mountains, just the odd hill.

he might have been thinking something like a $500k maybec that could potentially yield you a nice chunk of change. but i can't help but wonder about the tax consequences of this proposition. if the employer is reimbursing you for any or all of the car that would probably be taxable income, and that means it would cost you at least

Well Don, it is an interesting question but I think that to be of much assistance you'd have to give us a ballpark value. What's your buddy want to spend? Also, what kind of driver is he? Is he an enthusiast or a get me from point A to point B, kind of guy?

A couple clues on this and I think you might get even better (more focused) responses.

Also, I agree that it sounds like a funky situation but like you said, having a decent paying job is worth wadding thru some muck I guess.

Chris

Thank you. Excellent point.

I was brought into this strictly because of my interest in cars, so we did not spend much time talking about the financial side. I am not sure if Mark has thought about the tax situation. Also it may be a shared ownership kind of deal. In any case I will certainly e-mail your comment to him.

Umm, spoken like someone who has never had a car walk away. :-)

• Stranded in a strange town.
• Need to arrange a rental which usually has to be returned to the same city or incur high transport fees.
• Waste time filling out police reports.
• Wait weeks for the insrance to finally send a check for a lot less than the real replacement cost.
• Waste time shopping for another car.
• See your insurance double the following year...

Well, it's not a giant multinational. As I understand it, they like my bud so instead of putting him in a typical fleet purchase, they tried to make an offer to sweeten the deal. I am not privy to all the details.

What he would like (e.g. Miata) is not necessarily the ideal vehicle for the job. I would say in this instance comfort, economy, and anonimity (in that order) far outweigh any enthusiast considerations.

I don't know how high the company will go. This is a low end managerial position so my guess is below $30K, possibly a lot less.

Honda is advertising new Accords with 34 mpg highway.

The LS gives up the almost unbeatable reliability of the Towncar. As for too big, it does take getting used to but other than the futile stomping the floorboard in a failed attempt to find the clutch pedal I don't notice any change moving from Miata to TC, really, but of course I'm used to it.

------ So, he'd like an enthusiast vehicle! Well you previously said he doesn't need 4 seats or huge storage space so, I think he should buy a used PRHT Miata. I don't think Miatas are on any list of most often stolen vehicles, the hard top makes it as secure as a coupe. He can carry a reasonable amount of 'stuff' in reasonably good comfort and he can have a freaking blast going from one place to another every day! I think you can get a good low mileage PRHT for what, $25k. Even if he needs an automatic so he can juggle maps and paperwork, the NC Miata has a great (paddle shifting when you want it) automatic and I've even heard that it's a taller cruising gear in the auto for gas mileage which should make it a better freeway cruiser for when it has to serve that purpose. If driving is a big part of your job the driving should be fun if possible!

Chris

Your friend needs a car that is quiet and comfortable on the many road trips. I don't care how much of an enthusiast you are, noise and small cabins are tiring. I have a Miata that I drive for fun but for my 70+ miles round trip commute it's strictly LS400.

I think he should get the newest (used) Lexus LS model that the budget will allow. Or if he's concerned about spending his employer's money on something too flashy (even though he may be looking at a 5 year old one), the 2007 Ford Five Hundred is a good choice as well. The Lincon Town Car others have mentioned is also a good choice and since they depreciate like crazy he should be able to get a reasonable lightly used one for not too much money.

I don't care how much of an enthusiast one is or isn't, but on the daily work grind room, comfort, and quiet will be valued.

Quiet and comfortable. I agree completely. If this had been my job, my decision, I would have gone for a 10-year old Lincoln LS.

Though someone (sorry, I forgot whose message that was) indicated that their reliability may be an issue.

I have not heard any news. I'll keep the group up to date just in case anyone is curious.

Of course we are! It's an interesting situation.

Chris

Me. Compare reliability ratings with the Towncar.

Saturday with a bunch of guys the subject of distance commuting came up... someone mentioned being happy with his Ford Taurus, which he got on recc from a friend who has had something like 5-6 of them... said he would put

miker

Sorry for the dumb question, what is a good source for this kind of info? The typical car magazines never met a car they didn't like...