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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1108 of 1610

#11063 of 16087 Need advice. by dash5

Jul 06, 2009 (9:34 am)

Was hoping to get some advice on my search. Looking to spend no more than 22k on a used entry level luxury sedan. No more than say 40-50k miles. This would be my commute to work car, other car is a Honda CRV for family duty but this needs to be able to handle a car seat as a "plan b". My personal priority list would look something like:
 
1. Quiet smooth ride. Dampen road noise.
 
2. Luxury cabin and modern amenities. i.e. soft leather, no cheap materials and someplace to plug my ipod in.
 
3. Power and performance. Doesnt have to smoke everyone on the road or corner on rails but when I need to pass it should respond impressively.
 
4. Back seat capable of fitting a car seat and an adult if needed.
 
5. Drivable in bad weather. I wont say absolutely no rear wheel drive but I have previously owned an Infiniti G-35 coupe and it was nearly useless in even a light snowfall and not good in the rain.
 
6. Sporty style. This is subjective obviously
 
So. I am thinking:
 
2006 BMW 325xi or a 2006 Acura TL
 
Other candidates are the Audi A4/A6, Volvo S60 or Mercedes C class.
 
Any input would be welcome including options like leasing or any tips on how to get the most for my money.

#11064 of 16087 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by alltorque

Jul 06, 2009 (10:52 am)

Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 9:34 am)
The BMW would certainly do your jobs but the 3-series is hardly "Luxury". A4 is cramped in the back and the C Class can be very variable on built quality/reliability. No idea about the Acura, we simply don't see them in Europe.
 
A6 or S60 would be my choice..............but I have to declare a bias as an S60 owner, (and a diesel at that). Best seats in the business, nice lines, very well built and typically excellent Swedish safety, (incl child seats). Between the S60 and an A6 would be a hard choice for me but the slightly more distinctive lines of the Volvo would probably win me over - again - after 2 years of enjoyable, comfortable, utterly reliable driving.
 
$22k would buy you an '07 or possibly '08 S60 SE Lux here in U.K. and enough change for a good weekend away...........ditto for an S80 which is even nicer.
 
Ah, but the iPod plug-in would be an after-market fit; but hardly a deal breaker.

#11065 of 16087 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by pv2

Jul 06, 2009 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 9:34 am)
Someone I know told me last week she picked up a 2006 Acura TL with only 12k miles on it for $22k. Nice deal and nice car. I had a 2003 CLS and now have a 2007 TLS. My TL has an iPod input jack in the center console, not sure if an older model would. Both my TL and CL were fine in light to moderate snow as opposed to the 2 BMW 328Ci's I had. They needed separate winter tires to get through northeast winters. Good luck!

#11066 of 16087 Thanks by dash5

Jul 06, 2009 (4:49 pm)

Thanks for the tips. I think my short list will be the BMW, TL and Volvo. I suppose I could always get snow tires like you mentioned for a RWD car. Hmm.
 
The BMW seems to fit the bill in terms of fun to drive and status. Light on luxury and amenities, heavy on price tag and a lot of people have one.
 
The TL sounds like it has a lot of features and luxury, but I'm not sold on the style. Although I have to see one in person to say for sure. Red with Tan interior sounds nice. We will see.
 
The Volvo is the dark horse. Good value, safe, distinctive, reliable and more affordable. Again though I'm not sold on the look or performance reviews I read. Perhaps again if I see one in person in a color and trim I like and test drive it, that will come out ahead.
 
And now I'm seeing the TSX is considered luxury as well. Another for my short list?

#11067 of 16087 Re: Thanks [dash5] by carnaught

Jul 06, 2009 (5:24 pm)

Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 4:49 pm)
The BMW seems to fit the bill in terms of fun to drive and status. Light on luxury and amenities, heavy on price tag and a lot of people have one.
 
Pretty much, called right on.
 
The TL sounds like it has a lot of features and luxury, but I'm not sold on the style. Although I have to see one in person to say for sure. Red with Tan interior sounds nice. We will see.
 
Nice car, but weird looking, kind of a knight in armor without the knight.
 
The Volvo is the dark horse. Good value, safe, distinctive, reliable and more affordable. Again though I'm not sold on the look or performance reviews I read. Perhaps again if I see one in person in a color and trim I like and test drive it, that will come out ahead.
 
A nice looking and safe car but somewhat underpowered with fair interiors and gas mileage.
 
IMHO

#11068 of 16087 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by bobhoops

Jul 06, 2009 (9:26 pm)

Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 9:34 am)
I bought a '06 TL in late October for $21K with 23k miles. It is everything you want except having an IPOD jack. I would recommend it as your commuter car as it will be very reliable, it has very good power, and I think it looks great and a great back seat.

#11069 of 16087 TL by dash5

Jul 07, 2009 (5:18 am)

Thanks Bobhoops that's a good endorsement, appreciated. Can you tell me if it's a quiet smooth ride on the highway? Really sounds like a contender for me.
 
Well I saw a white, late model TL in the parking lot today. I am guessing it was at least an 06 but possibly as new as a 09. Sharp car, not what I would call distinctive or a head turner, but very nice. Really though none of the cars I am looking at are "head turners".
 
TL makes my short list. BMW does as well. Volvo I will be checking the S60's and S80's.
 
Audi I am eliminating because of reliability concerns, which may or may not be justified but I've just heard it too much and I need to eliminate something. Too bad too because the A6 is a sharp car. Benz I am eliminating for now, that will be my gift to myself as a next car perhaps in 5-7 years when I can go beyond the C class. Lexus doesnt seem to have anything I like within my price range. Cadillac... not feeling it. Only other car I'll likely check out is the TSX, not sure what the distinction is between that and the TL but it seems to get very good reviews.

#11070 of 16087 Re: TL [dash5] by darrinzramz

Jul 07, 2009 (7:44 am)

Replying to: dash5 (Jul 07, 2009 5:18 am)
WOW!!!,did you drive the Infiniti G35 sedan!!???,I have one and it drives like a dream on the hwy!!!(I think it does)I believe it's better than the Acura's,plus you get more power!!,just thought I add my opinion,they are alot cheaper than the BMW's w/more power seating in the back is good for adults & kids

#11072 of 16087 Best made BMW 325i? by fobulous

Jul 16, 2009 (12:54 pm)

I checked on CR and noticed that 2005 is the year that 325i has the highest rating.. why is that? I'm looking to get a 2005 or 2006 325i.. what are your experiences in these vehicles? My wife is currently driving the 2005 BMW X5 3.0 and we love it!
 
It is also true that the best way to buy the used 325i is through a dealer that offers these as CPO?
 
Thanks all!!

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