that 300c looks nice and it is that nice PXR black

 

The Lexes has probably been beat and it will be expensive to maintain. I had a 3.5 in a 96 dodge Intrepid that went like a scalded cat. I'd try another 300C with a 3.5 or a Dodge Charger. They are both the same car and the Charger Daytona with the Hemi is really a cool looking car. Last thought, you already know that you like your Monte Carlo. Shop for another Monte with low miles. You could probably find that for under your target price.