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Luxury sedan rec's for less than 65k?
limester816
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hey all, my Dad's car was totaled, so he's getting a new car.
He previously had a Lexus GS400 from 1999, and loved it. It had the right amount of power and space, but I think he also wanted it to be a bit more fun of a car. I think maybe something with a manumatic transmission would be good. Sticks aren't out of the picture, either.
He wants to buy new, and I think the budget is good for that. He's looked at Audi A4's and A5's, and that didn't do too much for him. Also checked out the Acura TSX, same thing. The new Lexuses aren't really doing it for him either. He's really liking the new BMW's... the 335i, M3, M5, and 535i in particular. He also wasn't adverse to the X3.
Anyways, 4 door is ideal, but larger 2 doors are okay. The 335i is nice because the rear seats come down, and sometimes he has to put an upright bass in the back.
I also just read about the BMW 335is, which should be an intermediary between the 335i and M3, also looks promising.
Any and all recs are welcome.
He previously had a Lexus GS400 from 1999, and loved it. It had the right amount of power and space, but I think he also wanted it to be a bit more fun of a car. I think maybe something with a manumatic transmission would be good. Sticks aren't out of the picture, either.
He wants to buy new, and I think the budget is good for that. He's looked at Audi A4's and A5's, and that didn't do too much for him. Also checked out the Acura TSX, same thing. The new Lexuses aren't really doing it for him either. He's really liking the new BMW's... the 335i, M3, M5, and 535i in particular. He also wasn't adverse to the X3.
Anyways, 4 door is ideal, but larger 2 doors are okay. The 335i is nice because the rear seats come down, and sometimes he has to put an upright bass in the back.
I also just read about the BMW 335is, which should be an intermediary between the 335i and M3, also looks promising.
Any and all recs are welcome.
limester816 on
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I looked at the Audi 4-doors for a while there but despite the awesome style, and good performance. The fun factor just wasn't there for me. The steering, suspension, and overall feel of the car is too... bland. Not the driver involvement you get from the M series or other sports cars.
What's a legitimate budget, so we can throw out recommendations that are reasonable for you?
EDIT: I'll admit it doesn't have a "manumatic" transmission, but the transmission spinny knob is rad.
I've driven a few M3's, but not the newest E90's. I've driven the E36 (1995-1999) and E46 (2000-2006 I think) and both are fantastic.
Check out bimmerforums.com for a TON of great info.
If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe Car & Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/08q2/2009_cadillac_cts-v_outruns_the_bmw_m3_and_m5_at_the_ring-car_news
http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/cadillac/cts/2010/cadillac-cts-v
Still, at that price point it's hard to go wrong. 335i or M3 would be my next choice, followed by a g37s. If he's in full on mid-life-crisis mode and is willing to stretch the budget just a bit, he might also consider a Nissan GT-R.
I'm a huge Audi fan, so I must recommend a second look. Also, all of my instincts suggest getting a gently used '09 with under 6k miles, the difference in price is just so tremendous; but, if you must, I can understand the desire to be the only owner. Have you driven any Mercedes yet? We just got a used C230 coupe with about 50k miles on it to be my wife's commuter, but it really a pleasant ride and fun to drive.
From what I have read, this car is a product of dark magic. I mean, the seats are air conditioned and have built-in massage. Like, what?!? Is there a way I can just buy the driver seat and put it in my living room?
I've never understood the appeal of Audi's. BMWs are usually more fun to drive, Mercedes are usually nicer inside, and the Audi never seems to be cheaper than either. I test drove an A4 and TT a few years back and was unimpressed.
I will say this: I drive an STi, and there's not much that I can't at least keep close to in time around a cone-crusher course. I've run with M3s, 911s (non turbo), Supra Mk IVs, E55 AMGs, Corvettes (not Z06), Evolution MRs, and either beat or hung close with all of them. The only car that ever absolutly destroyed me on a track day was an Audi RS4. Yeah, yeah driver skill and all that, but I've been able to hang in there with plenty of good drivers in good cars, but not that thing. It was unreal around a track. It should have been running with the 911 turbos and the other exotics. Nothing in our class could get near it.
I *heart* VW also.
I like the new Taurus SHO too, a lot of tech and features for the money. Doesn't carry the status that a German make does, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You'd have enough left over to buy a Miata to toss around.
I always liked the Infiniti M series more than the G's; I'd get the one with the power reclining/heated rear seats.
You just made me choke on my coffee with appall. :P
Have you ever driven an Audi?
Agreed, and I have driven one (an 08 S4), not bad at all. I just made the mistake of driving an 09 335i immediately afterward.
Of course now I'm rocking the Legacy GT since I decided both the Germans were too expensive and I wanted AWD. Yeah, the S4 was nicer inside, but I get a warm fuzzy every time I service my Sube knowing it's likely 50% what I'd be paying for the Audi.
This is neither here nor there. In regards to the original post I'm gonna agree with whoever said the CTS-V. Haven't driven one, but everyone I know who has said they were pure sex (including a guy who rolls into work every day in a Mercedes SL65 AMG)
Though I am sorry about the chocking on Paul. :P
Although, if you're looking to stay under 65k why didn't your dad look at the a6?
Since it's basically a heavier 3-series with raised suspension the performance characteristics are expected. It's a wagon/suv, not a sports sedan. Power delivery is there and very smooth (as expected in a BMW), and it's easy to get in and out. One upshot is when calling around independent service shops to service my 3.0 liter X3 they noted that they don't get many in and they supposed that it was a bit more reliable then the 3/5 series and X5's, of which they see a lot more.
Edit: I wouldn't say it handled poorly. It handles like a 3-series with a 4 inch lift, which is to say a lot better then most SUVs in its class.
And is pretty useless off-road. The 3-series wagon is the better car.
How much space does your dad need? Lots of people are recommending A4s and 3-series (which are great cars), but they're not huge, especially if you're going to regularly have people in the back seat. The 5-series/A6/E-Class is the more appropriate car.
I have a 330 myself and love it, but if I had kids I'm not sure it would be a great daily driver. At 65k you can get into an M3 but you're pretty far from M5 land. That said, you've got plenty of money for a 535, or even a 550.
You can also consider taking a look at the 550i GT, the 5-series crossover. Pretty slick car, that.
..yes, I have an affinity for bimmers, but all of the luxury brands are going to have comparable models.
About par with most euro cars, a simple oil change can end up costing you $arm, plugs and wires $leg, and god forbid you have to go any further than that or you're looking at $rape. But a properly maintained car, especially if you can do your own work, they'll last you many, MANY, classy, fun, high performance miles.
EDIT: Sorry, couldn't get XFR, but could get XF Supercharged, which is the same 510HP engine.
Has he looked at the CTS-V?
They are great cars though. Not as much driving excitement as the BMWs but more refined. The GS is nice but I find the cabin a little claustrophobic. The LS is a dream as far a as big luxury sedans go. Everything is right with that car. It's like driving on a cloud. The only thing you might find wrong with it is that it's too good at being a big, smooth luxury sedan and doesn't have any of the handling excitement of the BMW 7 series or the grunt of the Mercedes S-class. If your dad wants a nice comfortable car though, the LS is where it's at and according to the Lexus website it starts at just about 65k.
edit: I work as a valet at an upscale restaurant btw so I have experience with just about all cars but only for about 5 minutes at a time so I can't really say anything about reliability, only drive-ability.
The 5 series tips that scale a little bit, but it's still mostly true.
If your father is looking for a truly engaging ride, I'd have to suggest BMW - and I'm a STAUNCH Audi fan. I've had 4 since I was 18 (my first car, and I'm currently on an S4 V8 6MT Stasis Car after having 2 A4's and an A3) but the BMW can't be beat for engagement. Tell him to get a 535i fully loaded. Beautiful car.
If not, take a second look at the S4 or the A6 with the 3.0T. Also, the CTS-V is a fucking fantastic car but no offense, if he's coming from a Lexus that engine is going to be wasted on him.
Audi has the world's best interiors. Those that disagree don't understand industrial and materiel design. If your father values the cabin, take another look at Audi past the superficial.
If you absolutely have to have a spark ignition engine, you cna;t go wrong with the 530 touring. If it's available in the U.S.A., a 535 Touring.
Also, get rid of the run-flats and fit some tyres that aren't made of rocks.