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Help Me Choose!

3348 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 3:22 PM

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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 312 of 335

#3111 of 3348 Re: Trying to decide between various Lexus CPO to buy in a few hours [libbrichus] by boomchek

Feb 27, 2013 (12:26 pm)

Replying to: libbrichus (Feb 27, 2013 9:55 am)
I'd go with the newer lower priced, lower mileage model unless, like others said, you love some or most of the features of the ultra luxury package.
 
Also if I read correctly the newer one has a dark interior vs the older one has a light interior. Depending on the region you live in, light interiors can get dirty quite fast if you live in a region with lots of rain, slush, mud, and will age your vehicle quite fast.
 

#3112 of 3348 Re: Help me get a short list together! [plekto] by sallier

Feb 27, 2013 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Feb 26, 2013 12:13 pm)
Plekto - thanks for your detailed message. Helpful dialogue going w/Dash 5's
"problem" - especially since I have some of the same issues as his & your parents
(of which, at 70, I'm either same generation or older).
 
 I'd really like a wagon - as a widow I need some hauling capability, but few out there. Want lux & "badge" on inside more than outside. Looked at CTS wagon - but the lux, gets expensive very fast (as a 70 year-old, still too much image of "senior" wealthy man.)
 
My car history: VW bug, Karman Ghia, '70's Audi Fox, 76 BMW 530i, '88 Acura Legend, '97 Infiniti I30 t (only car didn't like - felt too much like going to weekly
ladies' club meetings) , 2003 Murano SE. Suggestions for next GREATLY needed. Hot/cool 'bout CPO 2010/11 Infiniti FX 35 - it's the outside that bothers me, not the inside. ANY help much appreciated.

#3113 of 3348 Re: Help me get a short list together! [sallier] by plekto

Feb 27, 2013 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: sallier (Feb 27, 2013 12:35 pm)
Funny that you should mention that. My mom is looking for a new car as well. It turns out while she likes the CTS, she also wants a smaller wagon or SUV for hauling stuff. My dad I think has also been secretly coveting the CTS as his LeSabre is approaching 15 years old now. (grin)
 
It is unfortunate that the best larger wagon out there is the CTS. Which GM has decided to do the typical markup on that you'd typically see with a convertible. That is, just because they can and not because the car is really any different other than one part of the car being different/changed.
 
Cadillacs drop value like a stone, though, so a CPO wagon can be had a couple of years old for $30K or less. But that's true for most luxury cars. You are best to buy them CPO and keep them until the wheels start to rust off. That said, the CTS wagon does drive well and not like a SUV.
 
Yes, the Inifniti simply looks like a boot on wheels. It's oddly squashed and curved and looks just a bit off to my eyes as well. Nice car inside, though. Drives great. Just that Japanese styling as of late is looking more and more like a cartoon. They even try to make the cars have "faces" on them.
 
The only other luxury wagons out there that are any good, are the Audi A3 and A4 allroad since 2012, the Volvo C30, and the E class wagon (pricey).
 
My vote based upon your previous cars is the A3 since it's like a luxury version of a Fit or Mini but it actually is a proper car instead of a fashion statement for young people. It can also be had with a TDI engine which gets it hybrid mpg and a bit of bling not because of the price but because it does something other cars don't. The price, new, is also quite reasonable. The A4/Allroad is the same thing but bigger. It also has the excellent (real) AWD system as well.
 
The only down-side is that Audi is stopping importing all wagons for next year according to my local dealer. So supplies are getting tight unless you want to pay to have one made and wait 2 months.
 
As for SUVs and Crossovers, the best is still the original, the Lexus RH. The Cadillac SRX is basically a CTS on steriods. Id's rate this as 2nd choice if it weren't the fact that the CTS wagon is a better vehicle in almost every way, especially gas mileage and handling. A CPO RH is about the only crossover that I'd recommend. Not because it is better than the others so much as it doesn't fail in critical areas or drive like a truck like most of the others.

#3114 of 3348 Re: Help me get a short list together! [plekto] by dash5

Feb 28, 2013 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Feb 26, 2013 12:13 pm)
Thanks very much for this plekto. That white C brought back the memories of my parents old Benz in a much sleeker and more modern package. That car is beautiful in white. I have a guy who knows a guy... kinda thing with a Mercedes dealership. Supposedly he always buys his cars there, nice guy etc. Will have to check that out.
 
That said, I got my car back from the shop yesterday and I did miss it. It's got two strikes, next problem I'm getting rid of it and look at the C300 and CTS.
 
That Honda V6 others mentioned is great on paper, and I dont care too much about badge (again I'm driving a Kia Optima SX atm) but it just looks like a boring car. I would end up checking it out though in person to see if my opinion changes.

#3115 of 3348 Re: Help me get a short list together! [plekto] by sallier

Feb 28, 2013 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Feb 27, 2013 1:56 pm)
Plekto & Dash5 - With your MB memories it brings to mind my father's 1954 (last year made?) I think 220 convertible (not gull wing but handles at other end of door
to open into space rather than door panel); very small back seat & trunk but has
luggage fit to it. I & brothers still have, paying thru nose for repair to sell! Would
LOVE to buy brothers out but can't afford!! (And, of course has NO hauling!!)
 
Pletko - do you have my number!! 'Tho I haven't ridden in/driven it, I think (except for $) my ideal car would be an Audi Avant 6 (no longer sold here). Daughter thinks an A4 would be great for me, I think it's too small - plus not sure I'm up for repair costs. Car & Driver are Audi maniacs;however, the Allroad hasn't received their supreme approval. Lexus has always been "squishy" driving to me-comfort over tight suspension. Car I almost bought ('cause of no real wagon alternative) 'till I discovered last year was it's last was the Mazda CX-7
because of it's more "sporty" handling.
 
Soooo many thanks for your help - both of my daughters are ready to disown me due to my lack of decision-making on this problem!!

#3116 of 3348 Re: Help me get a short list together! [sallier] by plekto

Mar 01, 2013 (12:08 am)

Replying to: sallier (Feb 28, 2013 1:11 pm)
The A6 Avant was replaced essentially by the Allroad. It;s kind of in-between the A4 and A6, and is lifted an inch or so due to the Quattro system.
 
It's a great car. And a shame that it looks like 2013 is the last year it will be imported.

#3117 of 3348 new owner? by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Mar 05, 2013 (5:26 pm)

A reporter would like to speak to a recent car buyer who purchased an American brand car, like Ford or GM, after owning a Japanese brand car. If you would like to share your story, please send your daytime contact info to predmunds.com no later than Tuesday, 3/5/13 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

#3118 of 3348 Need Help Choosing My Next Car! by nicolaip

Mar 06, 2013 (2:08 pm)

Hello Motor Enthusiasts! I have a dilemma and I need your help!
 
So I'm selling my 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder because I've come to realize it is not a very practical car for a 21 yr old Law Student. I need help deciding what kind of car to get. I've been researching and researching (more than I have been for school) but I cant seem to narrow down my choice, so I must turn to your wise hands for help!
 
What I'm Looking For:
-Reliability
-Speed
- Uniqueness
- Gas Efficiency
- A Sedan
- Below 90k miles
- 03 at the oldest
 
I know realistically that all of these qualities can't be found in a single car, but I want the most that I can, with Reliability being the most important!
 
What I've looked at:
-Audi A4
- VW GLI
- Acura TL
- Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
- Saab 9-3
 
Any information on what is better (or even a new car I haven't mentioned) would be incredibly helpful. I'm going insane trying to pick the right car!
 
I should also mention that my price limit is 10k, but below that is fine too!
 
Also I live in Chicago, so snow is a factor.
 
Nick

#3119 of 3348 Re: Need Help Choosing My Next Car! [nicolaip] by boomchek

Mar 06, 2013 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: nicolaip (Mar 06, 2013 2:08 pm)
Hi Nicolai,
 
If reliability is your number one priority, then you might as well remove the Audi A4, the VW, and the Saab 9-3 off your list.
 
The Audi and VW will have frequent issues and cost more than average to repair and the Saab 9-3 will be expensive, as Saab has been discontinued, parts are scarce and expensive, and it might be harder selling it later on.
 
Teh Acura TL is a very good choice and the Nissan Snetra SER too. Personally I'd go for an Acura TL and would also suggest a Subaru Legacy sedan GT. They redesigned them in 2004 so 2004 and up you can find for under $10k.
 
In my opinion they are nice cars, reliable, somewhat sporty, look good, and have AWD, and are within your price range.
 

#3120 of 3348 Re: Need Help Choosing My Next Car! [boomchek] by nicolaip

Mar 06, 2013 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: boomchek (Mar 06, 2013 2:31 pm)
Thank you for your input! Are Saabs really that expensive to repair, I really love the look and feel of the 05 or 06 models. Also, would any Volvo models be a good idea in your opinion?
 
Thanks again!
 
Nick

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