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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

11073 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS 250, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

#10983 of 11073 looking for a new ride... by bfluegie Apr 19, 2008 (10:00 am)
I’m looking for a new (to me) ride. I don’t have to decide just now, but probably sometime in the next couple of months. I thought I’d post this here as well as on the “help me decide” forum because this seems to be a very active discussion. Some of the cars I am considering do fit this category, so it’s not too much of a stretch. What I am considering is a (probably) pre-owned BMW 325xi (maybe a 330xi if the deal is right, but I’m not too sure I want a turbo), G35x (I have VPP so I might go new for this), Audi A3 or A4 (I like the A3 better but they’re hard to find in the northern IN vicinity), Acura TSX or maybe TL, but it’s larger and I don’t like it as much. I might consider the Altima coupe as well, but not the sedan. While I like the sedan styling more than the Accord or Camry, I don’t like it as much as the Infinity, and the Altima sedans are everywhere. I don’t want to put my car away for the winter, so I prefer all wheel or front wheel drive. That leaves out the Infinity G-coupe (sigh) and the BMW 3 series coupe. I know several people who drive the G coupe and they either garage it for the winter or get adequate but not great driving with winter tires. I prefer the security of good winter handling. I haven’t completely ruled out a small SUV or crossover, but after 8 years of driving an Exploder I’m ready for a more responsive ride. I joke about the Explorer, but with the exception of an unfortunate “Bambi” incident I have never been left stranded. No significant repairs other than normal wear and tear either. It just has over 130K miles and it is time to move on to something else. As long as I’m moving on, I want to add some fun. I won’t be racing or pushing for maximum speed, but I do like the feel of a car that you don’t have to slow to a crawl when going around a curve. I suppose I want to feel like I am part of a driving system rather than the occupant of a vehicle.   I would consider a 2006-2007, maybe a 2005 as well. I know the Infinity was a new model in 2007 but I like the previous model as well. The BMW was a new model in 2006 and I don’t know anything about the 2005. I might be overlooking something else as well, so any suggestions for additional cars to consider (or avoid) are welcome. I’m considering a manual in the BMW or A4 but I didn’t like the manual in the ‘07 TL I drove (the clutch seemed to have a very tiny “sweet spot” and it didn’t help that the salesperson sneered a little when I lurched on a start). I don’t know if the TSX would be any better. The G35X is only available in an auto. Manual vs. auto isn’t a big factor for me so I probably wouldn’t rule out an auto BMW or Audi either. Since I’m going to continue getting older and creakier, the auto might be a smarter choice, just not as much fun in the pre-creaky years. Replies to this message: ivan_99 (Apr 19, 2008 11:24 am) alltorque (Apr 19, 2008 12:37 pm) bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:45 pm) bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:40 pm) bruceomega (Apr 24, 2008 7:05 am)
#10984 of 11073 Re: looking for a new ride... [bfluegie] by ivan_99 Apr 19, 2008 (11:24 am)
Replying to: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 10:00 am) You have a wide range of requirements...but you didn't clarify the price range you're looking for or any requirement for seating/space.   I'm also assuming you're looking at purchasing as opposed to leasing   For coupes...If you don't need back seat room very often a TT would be a nice "cool" coupe to have (2.0T FWD). A new Accord Coupe with the I4 5spd would be very economical but look a little different than everything else. I'm a big fan of the A5 (S-line)...especially the S5 (love the torque...gets pricey)...A5 with FWD and manual (s-line) starts in the low 40's. And of course the new BMW 1 series.   4-doors...If you can wait the new A4 looks very interesting...the base IS250 can be had with manual and it starts our at a reasonable price...though NOT FWD (have yet to drive). I recently drove a CTS (doesn't get much love) both high end and base (manual) and found them very compelling (but probably not for my $'s)   Manual...If you're weighing the pros and cos of a manual versus automatic you can check out VW's DSG. Last year I drove a VW Jetta fahrenheit and it was the most amazing FWD car I've driven (was 27k ish...)   Non-Domestic? Most of you choices seem to be "non-domestic" If you want FWD you can add Volvo (S30, S40). Saab 08, 9-3 Turbo X looks aggressive. Replies to this message: alltorque (Apr 19, 2008 12:37 pm) bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:45 pm) bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:40 pm)
#10985 of 11073 Re: looking for a new ride... [ivan_99] by alltorque Apr 19, 2008 (12:37 pm)
Replying to: ivan_99 (Apr 19, 2008 11:24 am) Volvo C30 is cute but quite small and only 2 doors, (+hatch of course). S40 is nice and about 3-series size. S60 is a tad bigger than the 3-series, (but only a tad), and gets my vote - biased owner; albeit a diesel with Geartronic. S80 is well worth a look.   Saab's are rated a bit so-so here in U.K. but are premium priced. Audi good in whatever size. A6 is about S80 size.   Can't comment on the others, apart from VW, but the current ones are good. Replies to this message: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:45 pm)
#10986 of 11073 Re: looking for a new ride... [ivan_99] by bfluegie Apr 19, 2008 (12:40 pm)
Replying to: ivan_99 (Apr 19, 2008 11:24 am) Thanks for the input Ivan. While I have not ruled out domestic, I haven't found the blend of performance, features, and solid feel in many domestic cars. Pricewise, I'm trying to stay in the mid 30s or lower. While I could afford more, that's where the comfort zone starts to end and the panic zone begins. The A5 could get me to make an exception, though. Seeing that beauty in my garage every morning could calm a lot of panic.   I hadn't considered the Jetta Fahrenheit and I will have to check it out. I have driven the DSG, though in an A3 Quattro. I really liked that car. I forgot the A4 was heading for a redesign. I'll have to check that out as well. The current CTS looks sharp and I can get the supplier discount (below invoice) so I might look there as well. Thank you for some very good suggestions.
#10987 of 11073 Re: looking for a new ride... [alltorque] by bfluegie Apr 19, 2008 (12:45 pm)
Replying to: alltorque (Apr 19, 2008 12:37 pm) Thanks for the input. I forgot to add in my reply to ivan_99 that I might look at the Volvos as well. I get the supplier discount on them as well so I could get a little more car there as well. I have always liked the looks of the Saab 9-3 (especially the convertible) but the reliability issues I have read about have made me cautious. The Edmunds review posted earlier in this forum makes it seem worth a look as well. I'm not sure about the pricing, but looking is fun.   Thanks again.
#10989 of 11073 Saab 9-3 by r34 Apr 22, 2008 (12:52 pm)
Saab is not much worse than Audi and is probably better than Volvo and VW. As long as you take your car to a good dealer (usually a Saab or European cars only dealership) or a good indy, you should be fine. Saab is more generous on warranty work too (what is covered).    Saab is more a driver's car than Volvo, even a Volvo salesman admitted that (I went to a Saab/Volvo/Cad dealership to test drive a V6 9-3).   They have a lot of incentives. If you get it at the right time, you can save several thousands (usually $3000-$5000. With this economy, there may be more).   If you are buying a used European car, you may want to get a certified one. Parts and services could be expensive after the warranty expired. Replies to this message: plekto (Apr 22, 2008 1:39 pm)
#10990 of 11073 Re: Saab 9-3 [r34] by plekto Apr 22, 2008 (1:39 pm)
Replying to: r34 (Apr 22, 2008 12:52 pm) I don't know... The last time I was in a Toyota dealership, the prices for used parts were approaching Mercedes levels of insanity. And Volvo was just as bad.
#10991 of 11073 Re: looking for a new ride... [bfluegie] by bruceomega Apr 24, 2008 (7:05 am)
Replying to: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 10:00 am) bfluegie,   FYI, the BMW 3 series coupes are also available in AWD.   I don't know if you're open to a small, fun to drive SUV, but you might want to look at the BMW X3. We went to the dealer with the idea of trading in my wife's '01 330Xi for a new, at that time, '06 330Xi, but she ended up getting the X3 and loves it. We find it a lot of fun to drive for a vehicle with it's capabilities. I once had an Explorer as a loaner, and the X3 is a very different kind of vehicle. Also, the X3 can be had with a manual.   Bruce
#10992 of 11073 Placed my order and got my confirmation #. . . . by markcincinnati Apr 24, 2008 (7:45 am)
2009 A4 2.0 TFSI Sedan quattro tiptronic   Premium Plus   Phantom Black   Beige Leather   Wood Interior Trim   19" Sport Package   Navigation package with camera   Audi Drive select   Sun shades   Going from a 2005 A6 3.2 with all the options except sunshades and sport suspension. . .read the pre reports, checked out a 2008 A6 (seemed identical to mine save for back up camera and SLine trim bits) -- my first four cylinder in my own vehicle since my 1980 4000S.   Torque looks awesome, weight advantage of the 2.0 would seem a plus too. . .   Also a pearl black car is a new for me too.     Replies to this message: kyfdx (Apr 24, 2008 10:46 am) markcincinnati (Apr 26, 2008 8:31 am) bruceomega (Apr 28, 2008 12:47 pm) and 2 more... rayainsw (Apr 24, 2008 11:03 am)

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