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Help Me Choose!

3347 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 2:32 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 306 of 335

#3050 of 3347 Re: I Never Knew Car Buying Could Be So Stressful! [red0624] by plekto

Feb 03, 2013 (12:02 pm)

Replying to: red0624 (Jan 31, 2013 2:31 pm)
My mother is in the same boat as you are. She wants a nice car that does al of that and has a bit of bling as well.
 
There are four ways to obtain status with a car.
1 - Spend a ton of money of something that gives you status and beauty.
2 - Buy something that is bleeding-edge technology (hybrid/etc)
3 - Have it do something that other normal cars can't. 4WD, convertible, or similar.
4 - The car does an end-run around normal cars/is alternative fuel.
 
The first is obvious but painful on the pocketbook. A hybrid is actually not good for the environment (toxic batteries) and has less and less status gain, and most convertibles are sold at an outrageous premium. The frugal way to get status/bling currently is a Diesel fuel vehicle. A car with a CDI/TDI engine. Same MPG as a hybrid but no batteries.
 
In my mother's case, she liked the A3 TDI a lot. Much, much more than the 300H. Also, the 2012 Audi A4 wagon (CPO of course) is on the short list to buy. They aren't offering it as a 2013 model (it will return in 2014 though, refreshed and updated), unfortunately, but it's an even better choice. She liked the VW Passat TDI as well.

#3051 of 3347 b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random by bunit23

Feb 06, 2013 (2:40 pm)

I have this going one another forum and thought I would bring this to a more universal sight too.
  
I will be purchasing a car in the near future and I am going for CPO. I really want an AWD, so the S4 is my first choice. I heard the Quattro is sick. The car will mostly be used for Road trips and Weekend driving. I have a older Nissan Maxima that is my daily driver. My main issue with the Audi is that most people state that it will be costly and frequent, in the future, and I plan on keeping the car for a long time. My 96 Maxima currently has 171k on it.
  
I live in San Antonio Tx and it can get pretty hot. Are there any reasons I should avoid the Audi besides costly repairs??? I am not a wrencher, but I am not afraid to dig in.
  
I am open to other cars too
  
Please give me suggestions!!!
  
So far the cars that caught my eyes are:
  
Infiniti G37x (looks cheap in most areas, but still a great ride)
  
Lexus GS350 (Never owned a Toyota and this one seems pretty nice)
  
Audi B8 S4 (so far has all the specs I want and I like to have cars I don't see on the road all the time)
  
***BMW 335xi is not on my radar because I see way too many BMW's out here. I don't want to join the club.***
  
________________________________________________________
Subaru Impreza or Lancer Evo are interesting too, but I'm looking for a little more luxury

#3052 of 3347 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by sallier

Feb 06, 2013 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 2:40 pm)
This is to bunit23 & the preceding writer w/4 ways to status - I would like to add
a 5th way which bunit & I almost agree on - which are the actual dynamics of the
car - if the review says something like: agile, responsive wheel, grips corners, firm
suspension - just plain sporty to drive - that's my kind of "status-y car". And I'm the white-haired mom. The car I'm looking at is 2010, 2011 low mileage Infiniti
FX35 (not FX 37 - the 2013). It has the bling - especially w/Premium & Tech
packages but it certainly seems to have the "sport". If I could get a new Passat
wagon I'd probably go that route but not made for the States!! Car&Driver LOVE
Audi's - but for me, the repair issue keeps me away. - I'd also appreciate any other ideas

#3053 of 3347 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by boomchek

Feb 06, 2013 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 2:40 pm)
The Lexus will be the cheapest to maintain but also the blandest, but it will be well appointed and luxurious. I also think it might hold up in value the best over time.
 
The Audi will be fun to the drive, especially an S4 but yes, maintenance might be steep unless you have a decent mechanic that knows what they're doing once warranty runs out and you do not neglect it.
 
I personally am not a fan of The G37 sedans as I think they're a tad outdated and don't feel as good as German sports sedans (I've been in the car business almost a decade and drove almost everything).
 
I have a 3 series BMW (07 328i) and love it because handling wise it's very hard to beat. Personally that's what I would choose (your 335xi).

#3054 of 3347 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by qbrozen

Feb 06, 2013 (7:26 pm)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 2:40 pm)
Well, BMW would still be my choice. I see just as many Audis.
 
The other possibility is a low-mileage S60R. I'm not sure you can find one CPO anymore, though. Possibly an '07 that was previously CPO... which would make you the 3rd owner. Anyway, its not as fast in a straight line as the 335 or s4, but the adjustable suspension works great and the throne is superior.
 
What about something like an E550 4matic?

#3055 of 3347 Luxury Sedan help!!! by zeikman138

Feb 08, 2013 (2:00 pm)

I am a college student with a spending limit of $6,500 total. I am interested in a used luxury sedan that had three components. It needs to be reliable, durable, and fashionable. I have interest in the following vehicles listed in order of top interest.
 
1) jaguar x-type 2004
2)Lincoln LS 2004
3) Cadillac Deville 2002
 
My knowledge of vehicles is limited. I am looking for advice as to which car would best fit my 30 mile commute Monday-Friday weekly. I will be putting about 11k miles on this vehicle annually. Please list your thoughts on the top 3 vehicles or BETTER vehicles. I have the money to buy a vehicle and the interest. I simply need an expert opinions or facts to help me pull the trigger and finally commit to purchasing a vehicle.
 
P.S. I have considered craig's list but am very skeptical due to friends/family buying vehicles with an extensive amount of repair required.

#3056 of 3347 Re: Luxury Sedan help!!! [zeikman138] by boomchek

Feb 08, 2013 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: zeikman138 (Feb 08, 2013 2:00 pm)
First let's address your last concern: I have considered craig's list but am very skeptical due to friends/family buying vehicles with an extensive amount of repair required.
 
Whether you buy a used car from Craigslist, Auto Trader, or even a used car dealer, you're shopping for older cars. Even when meticulously maintained, older cars will require more maintenance than new cars.
 
A good way to know what you're getting yourself into is to have a pre purchase inspection once you look at the car and if it's in your price range. You can take it to a local mechanic you can trust or a dealership, pay for the inspection just to see if the car is somewhat mechanically sound. If it is then go for it. Keep in mind that at your price range no car will be perfect, especially an older luxury car. You should expect some imperfections or future work needing to be done. I can attest to this when I was selling my 10 year old BMW wagon and everybody expected a perfect BMW for under $6k.
 
Look for vehicles with maintenance records as that helps you see if they were at least well taken care of.
 
Now for your choices, from my experience all of these cars will be trouble and you should stay away from them. Any Jag repairs will be costly. The Lincoln LS I'd personally stay away from as all of the used ones I've seen (I worked in the car business for almost 10 years) had some sort of electrical issues. The Cadillac Deville, although a super nice and comfy car that I personally enjoyed can also have head gasket issues, tranny issues, and electrical issues. I've talked to a few people who knew friends who had them, plus my buddy who was a service manager at a GM dealership and he said just to stay away from them. If they develop an major engine issue, you'll easily pay in repairs what you paid for the car, or more.
 
If looking at older luxury cars I would only recommend looking at used Lexuses like the ES300, GS models, or even older LS400 models as they tend to have Toyota reliability and be comfortable luxury cruisers especially for longer drives. They use many Toyota components so parts might be easy to find. Plus when it's time to sell them it might be easier than getting rid of a Jag, Caddy, or a Lincoln.
 
Good luck!

#3057 of 3347 Re: Luxury Sedan help!!! [boomchek] by tifighter

Feb 08, 2013 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: boomchek (Feb 08, 2013 2:22 pm)
Listen to Boom; none of those cars have a good reputation for reliability. At all.

#3058 of 3347 Re: Luxury Sedan help!!! [tifighter] by boomchek

Feb 08, 2013 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: tifighter (Feb 08, 2013 3:44 pm)
That's like the worst 3 cars you can pick. Best 3 if you want to see your bank account drained fast.

#3059 of 3347 Re: Luxury Sedan help!!! [zeikman138] by sebring95

Feb 09, 2013 (7:01 am)

Replying to: zeikman138 (Feb 08, 2013 2:00 pm)
I wouldn't touch any of those cars you've listed...they're not reliable or durable....fashionable is subjective! I'm not sure what your goal is here....if you're trying to impress someone...a 12 year old luxury vehicle is not going to do it. If you just want something that has a lot of features and drives very good...along with your "reliable, durable, and fashionable" requirement there are a few others I would consider.
 
2002 Acura RL
2002 Toyota Avalon
Lexus GS300 (might have to go older than 2001 to make your budget)
2004 Nissan Maxima
2005 Buick LaCrosse (honestly don't know much about them but worth a look)
 
Is a Lincoln Towncar on the possible list? I ask because it doesn't seem less-fashionable than a Deville....and is far more reliable particularly if you find a basic model with less electronic gizmos.
 
Ok now...if none of that interests you here's a wild-card: 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora. Certainly different and seems no less fashionable than your previous selections. From what I can see they generally have good reliability reports and were considered one of the best sedans on the road (at the time). If nothing else even if the reliability was as bad as the three you originally listed....the cost to repair won't be as high.
 
Good luck!

Messages Page 306 of 335

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