High Speed Durability

[Cauhauna]

Hey guys,

I am soon to be in the market for a new/used car around the $30,000 - $35,000 range.

I am looking for something that can travel @ 90-100 for extended periods of time, feel "safe" and controlled doing it, without tearing up constantly. That's asking a lot, i know.

I am considering a used C6 Corvette, or 04 cobra, but I figured the corvette might tear up and the cobra wouldn't be smooth at higher speed.

Another inclination was that german cars might be good candidates.

I couldn't find any test data on the web about the subject.

Can anyone shed some light?

[ivirovets]

90-100 Isn't much. My Accord does it for 4 hours a day all week and feels planted, manages mid 20 mpg. Perhaps something like an Infiniti G sedan/coupe or BMW 335? The 335 is prone to turbo/high pressure fuel pump failures. A corvette seems overkill and overly uneconomical for that relatively low speed.

edit: The Infiniti M might be more suited to your tastes. Fast, stable, and comfortable at high speeds.

[DUI Elite]

you can get a lot of cars that can comfortably do 90 to 100. BMW or Audi will do it as if you're going 65 though. (just my .02)

[languy99]

look at anything with a diesel. Why a diesel becasue it has enough torque to keep you at that speed but will still give you great gas mileage becasue of a better gearing.

[ivirovets]

One of the naturally aspirated BMW's will probably be best. 540i maybe?

[NormSky]

Smaller the displacement the more efficient. I used to get 36 mpg in my C5 Corvette, have a 2.4 4-cylinder turbo that can see over 40 and a 2-cylinder sport bike that sees 70 mpg.

[category4]

A C6 Vette has no problems doing this kind of driving, gets great gas mileage and right now you can find them at that price with really low mileage and still under warranty. You can get a fully loaded 08 for that price or even a new 10 model with less options for 35K.

The Vette also won't kill you on maintenance as the only required maintenance for the first 100K is oil changes!!!

[David Ford]

You might look into one of these bad boys.

[Solidjake]

BMW my 330 loves to cruise at high speeds just make sure the wheels are balanced, good tire pressures and you should be set.

[KOMO]

I really don't think many cars will struggle with what you're trying to accomplish so it may be valuable to establish a few more criteria for yourself.

I know personally that I prefer a slightly larger car because it tends to feel more stable at higher speeds, though it is also more difficult to reach those speeds. Regardless, you could never go wrong with a BMW - though maintenance fees are high - or a Corvette. Another car that may be in your range and can be an absolute beast is a Mercedes E55, those things are monsters.