# What kind of large, used sedan should I get?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [August 14, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822 "2016-08-14T20:50:37Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/21 "2016-08-15T18:19:18Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#):
>
> I’d also vote for the Crown Vic. They’re comfy and powerful, and even handle quite well. I’m sure you’ll only find high-mileage units, so it’s probably not in the running. But note that those things were built very well.
I owned Crown Vics for a decade. I always described it as a La-Z-Boy on wheels. I wouldn’t buy one now, as all the available ones are aging and heavily used, but at the time they were excellent cars.
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### Author:  [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/22 "2016-08-15T19:35:36Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#):
>
> Aside from the Avalon, what about the Toyota Camry?
Poster was looking for the largest, most comfortable, reliable auto. The Avalon is larger and more luxurious than the Camry. Also, it handles better though not in the poster’s wish list.
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### Author:  [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/23 "2016-08-15T19:42:15Z")
I’ve looked at Avalons in parking lots, and they seem only _very_ slightly larger than Camrys.
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### Author:  [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/24 "2016-08-15T20:07:47Z")
Camry and Accord are both midsize and it really sounds like the OP wants a full size sedan. That would include models like Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Kia Cadenza, Hyundai Genesis, Azera, or Equus, Dodge Charger, and more. The difference might only be half a foot in length and a couple inches in width, but a full size might be as much as a foot or more longer than a midsize. The Equus is 203 inches long and the Camry is something like 189 or 190.
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### Author:  [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/25 "2016-08-15T20:09:49Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#):
>
> I’ve looked at Avalons in parking lots, and they seem only _very_ slightly larger than Camrys.
The Avalon has a 2 inch longer wheelbase and a 4.4 inch longer body. That’s just enough to be a significant difference. I’d bet that a good portion of those 4.4 inches went into the back seat area.
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### Author:  [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/26 "2016-08-15T20:17:59Z")
> [@Whiskey\_Dickens](#):
>
> The Avalon has a 2 inch longer wheelbase and a 4.4 inch longer body. That’s just enough to be a significant difference. I’d bet that a good portion of those 4.4 inches went into the back seat area.
The Mazda6 has a longer wheelbase than the Avalon, but is in between the Avalon and the Camry for body length.
Long wheelbases are good for passenger volume.
The [Mazda6](http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/6/2015/features-specs/) has slightly more front passenger leg room, while the [Avalon](http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/avalon/2016/features-specs/) has slightly more rear passenger leg room. We’re talking a fraction of an inch in both cases.
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### Author:  [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/27 "2016-08-16T02:32:17Z")
So obviously I am a philistine with utterly unrealistic ideas, and I really appreciate you guys who seem to be serious car people offering opinions and things that are good to know, like wheelbase-tends-to-equal rear seat room. (I’m short, so front room is a non-issue.) I’ll definitely add the Impala, Avalon, Maxima, 300, Taurus, and Buick to my list to check out. Saw a new Genesis on a lot today – way more money than I can spend, but if a more affordable 3-year-old model is anything like what I saw, I’m deeply impressed. That thing is LARGE and luxurious.
**Astro** , you make an excellent point. The SUV is precisely why the non-high-luxury sedan has essentially fallen off the market; the need’s been replaced. And you make me realize I actually care a little more about image than I initially claimed. I want to like the way my car looks, and what I like is long and low, like any number of family sedans from the Before Time, but what is now mostly represented in the super-high-end luxury market like big Beemers, Benzes, and Jaguars.
If I had unlimited funds and time, and if I cared enough about cars to really want to take care of them on a constant basis, I’d love to drive one of [these](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jaguar_XJ6_--_09-07-2009.jpg), [these](http://e38.org/images/wheels/nug_hamann19-2.jpg), or [these](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W126#/media/File:1989_Mercedes-Benz_560_SEL_(V126)_sedan_(23188230022).jpg).\* What they all have in common is length, mass, and stateliness. So while acknowledging this completely unattainable preference, I’ve realized I’m seeking out something somewhat newer, somewhat cheaper to buy, and a whole lot easier and cheaper to maintain, which offers the mere slight reminiscence, a slim shadow or echo, of that kind of massive luxury ride. With low mileage, in the mid-$20K’s, to be driven daily by a guy who goes to the dealership for oil changes. 😃
Really enjoying this thread. Thanks everybody.
\*I was once riding in a Benz like this in a very serious windstorm, and you could see trees and houses and things pretty much flying around outside. Couldn’t hear or feel anything.
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/28 "2016-08-16T14:26:01Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#):
>
> BMW 7 series. 5 series if that is more budget-friendly.
Tho’ neither is sedate nor boring. But they are wonderful, wonderful cars.
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/29 "2016-08-16T14:28:38Z")
What about a Nissan Maxima? I owned one in 2005-08 and it was roomy, reliable, and even fun to drive. I don’t know if that still holds, but perhaps worth investigating.
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### Author:  [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/30 "2016-08-16T14:49:02Z")
> [@Briny\_Deep](#):
>
> Saw a new Genesis on a lot today – way more money than I can spend, but if a more affordable 3-year-old model is anything like what I saw, I’m deeply impressed. That thing is LARGE and luxurious.
Here is a link to [3+ year old Genesis sedans](https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action?zc=22101&rd=99999&stkTypId=28881&yrId=47272&yrId=39723&yrId=34923&mdId=21221&bsId=20211&mkId=20064&sf1Nm=miles&sf1Dir=ASC&sf2Nm=price&sf2Dir=DESC&page=1&perPage=50&sortFeatures=buryUsedLowPrice&sortFeatures=buryNewLowPrice&sortFeatures=buryLowPriceOlderThanSix&sortFeatures=buryNoPrice&sortFeatures=buryUsedLowMileage&searchSource=SORT) in the US arranged in lowest -\> highest mileage. See if they fit your financial requirements.
I would not hesitate to [get this one](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/663108793/overview/) if I was in the market for a car like this.
I think they are a very under-rated car as far as ride, quality and warranty (10 year).
Good luck.
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### Author:  [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/31 "2016-08-16T14:52:58Z")
Lincoln MKZ AWD
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
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### Author:  [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/32 "2016-08-16T19:31:43Z")
[1974 Dodge Monaco Sedan](http://www.diecast.org/data/sac_cars/ert33855.jpg). It’s got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it’s got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.
I suspect a newer Chev Malibu would also work very well for your requirements.
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### Author:  [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/33 "2016-08-17T16:07:30Z")
NM
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### Author:  [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2016, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/34 "2016-08-17T16:10:20Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> [1969 Imperial sedan](http://www.generationhighoutput.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/1969-chrysler-imperial-sedan-profile.jpg). You want big? They’re over 19 feet long. 🆒
> [@kopek](#):
>
> A bit bigger than the 1958 Edsel Citation but you have to love the grill and paint.
>
> [https://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/01/1958Edselht\_02\_700.jpg](https://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/01/1958Edselht_02_700.jpg)
> [@Briny\_Deep](#):
>
> Oh man, that’s about perfect. I wish. Or [this](http://www.automobile-catalog.com/photo/1983/331250/74285.html) even. But they’re too old. Gotta have airbags.
> [@swampspruce](#):
>
> [1974 Dodge Monaco Sedan](http://www.diecast.org/data/sac_cars/ert33855.jpg). It’s got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it’s got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.
>
> I suspect a newer Chev Malibu would also work very well for your requirements.
Piffle!! You need to get yourself a [duece and a quarter](http://long70s.tumblr.com/post/128304646582/full-sized-cars-4-1976-buick-electra-225).
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### Author:  [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2016, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/35 "2016-08-17T19:24:57Z")
One of my carpool mates has a 2012 Hyundai Azera. It’s gorgeous, extremely comfortable, and has more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at.
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### Author:  [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2016, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/36 "2016-08-17T21:06:44Z")
The Buick LaCrosse was high up in a Top Ten Back Seats list a few years ago. It was mentioned it was a great favorite in Japan where most luxury car owners have drivers. My neighbor has one and they are pretty nice.
But I , like others, think you are not doing yourself any favors by eliminating SUVs, especially the more sleek styled crossovers.
Dennis
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### Author:  [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2016, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/37 "2016-08-17T22:16:48Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> Eh, who needs air bags when you’re surrounded by _19-plus feet of metal?_ :eek: And age shouldn’t matter, as you can restore it within your budget. And you’ll get a lot more admiring looks than you would with a new-ish car.
Airbags, crumple zones and modern construction matter a lot.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g)
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### Author:  [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/38 "2016-08-18T00:05:17Z")
BMW 750iL
L is for LOOOONG wheelbase. You can even get an Armored version.
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### Author:  [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2016, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/39 "2016-08-18T00:23:24Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#):
>
> The Chrysler 300 is pretty big and should be on the list.
I loved my 2006. If I was to buy used, I’d go for the 300C with the big V8.
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### Author:  [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-large-used-sedan-should-i-get/762822/40 "2016-08-18T00:26:48Z")
My Wife and I each drive large mid-sized SUV’s. Think Grand Jeep.
On vacation, we did often rent the Crown Vic, or the Mercury Grand Marquis. And once the Lincoln Town car (that was really kind of fun). It was only another $25 a day.
It’s fun. We often had to stuff lots of folks into them. And her Mom that could not get into a tall car.
Now, that option is gone.
To the OP - Perhaps a used Subaru Outback. Not a sedan, but fairly roomy. My Wife has a 2016 now (replacing her Grand Jeep), and it is comfortable for my 6’4" frame. The back seats are good too.
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