Okay guys, that's more than enough. Back to the Fleetwood or Deville, and those cars only--no Anna Nicole Smith or other trash.
I guess I come of a different mentality when it comes to the Fleetwood. Of all the cars I've driven, I first had a stronger appeal to the sportier, faster variety. But then I drove my father's Roadmaster. I was impressed, but in a very different way. And even after that, I drove the Fleetwood, all stock I remind you, and have absolutely fallen in love with the car. It is without a doubt, my favorite vehicle we have ever owned and I would love to buy more for a collection!
Once again, I also remind you that I'm about 17 and a half. Kids my age will usually have nothing else but an awful sounding, raspy Honda Civic that rides so stiffly, it looks like one would be in severe pain after only a mile or two. Or, they're obsessed with Mustangs. Okay, sporty and somewhat cool (but not much), but they're almost as bland and common as a beige Camry, and about as exciting. I stray from the norm, obviously.
Our '93 Brougham has never once scared me, and I drive about 20 miles one way to school everyday, mostly at high speeds on the highway. Typically averaging about 70mph, the ride is like silk, the "old" 350 silent and very powerful, the interior very quiet, and the brakes extremely well-controlled and powerful. I love every last detail about how it drives, and I drive FAST everywhere. On the highway, on back roads, in hilly places, and yes, around tons of sharp curves. Is the Fleetwood an M5? Hell no! Is it frightening? Absolutely not. It's very heavy, and one feels that all the time. I personally love that feeling--it's like rolling down the road in a bomb-proof tank. But to that point, you feel the weight in the handling and it does lean a little, but not excessively. The awesome ride more than makes up for that.
About the only thing I would like to change is the steering feel on the highway. Just cruising straight for miles and miles, it often gets a little hard to keep the car pointed straight, especially if it's at all windy. Not that it's like our Avalance, that has firm steering that floats all over at the same time, just that the Caddy's steering effort feels light enough for parking lot speeds even when going 70+mph. But, yet again, it's not usually a problem.
Would I change anything? Maybe a few details, but not anything major. Maybe some chrome Brougham wheels or a sunroof if it had been there in the first place. But, no suspension tweaks. From the reviews I've read different times on here, some make it sound like the car is extremely floaty, loose, and uncontrollable. Maybe ours is just weird in that it's not like that, or it could just be my perception. I love pretty much everything as is though.
Would I drive a new BMW, Acura, etc.? Of course, but only if the Fleetwood was also there to serve as the occasional ultimate luxury vehicle. It is amazing soothing to drive easily after a long day, and something I always look forward to. I still do wonder what a LT1 Fleetwood is like though
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Either way, I hope you do find the "right" car some day, Elvis--and I hope it's a Caddy! A Deville sounds very much like something you're looking for, particularly a DTS. I wish I could afford to buy another Fleetwood....I think I'd be on a little trip to Memphis this weekend if I could!
