[hoppysport]

Super Jim, I too rented a few DTS's. The first thing that really impressed me what what a mountain goat the DTS is in the snow. That's very important in the Northeast.

I have never owned a FWD car before, and was a RWD snob. Yes, I believe that I prefer RWD in a perfect world, but FWD is definitely great in questionable weather.

I put a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on the DTS, and I can get through almost anything...plus the stopping power on ice is something that cannot be adequately described.

My main car for many years was a 1991 Toyota Cressida...a real cult car. People just love it! What a comfortable, well-handling RWD car. But I have to say that the DTS just wowed me.

I am a big Lexus LS and GS fan. Don't car for the rest of their line...just a bunch of FWD and AWD cars built on Camry frames. But the LS is very special. But not for that kind of money.

I tend to keep cars a long time, and really maintain them. I just hope that the DTS will be reasonably inexpensive to maintain and fix. That's why I had questions about the Northstar problems and the transmission.

When I had to rebuild the Cressida transmission after 110,000 miles, it cost $2,000. I just hope that if that day ever comes with the DTS, that it won't be $5,000.

My friend has been a longtime Monte Carlo buyer, with his current one being a 2006. It's a very nice car, and reliable.

I love everything about the DTS...and especially its looks and stance. Plus, ergonomically it's just about perfect. And the seats are as comfortable as any automobile seat that I've ever sat in. The Nav seems fine to me...and better than the units in the Lexus, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. However, I think that Ford makes the best OEM Nav units.

Sounds like you got a great deal on your DTS Performance. Nice that somebody else took that hit. Mine has many more miles (36,000), but these days, that's not so bad. And it was a one-owner car. I look at what's out there for the $18,400 that I paid, and there really isn't much.

I could have bought an 04 Lexus LS430, but that's an older bodystyle...and at that price, would have had to get one out of warranty. I never would have touched a European car. I might be dumb, but I'm not stupid.

Going back to FWD, I always worry about hitting potholes, because my drive wheels are also my steering wheels. That was my main concern about FWD, especially here in NYC, where they abound.