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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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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 1169 of 1609

#11677 of 16087 Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? by dap2006

Oct 29, 2010 (5:10 am)

OK, my 2008 Acura TL-S lease is ending March 2011 and I'm trying to decide on my next car. There are many things I like about the 2011 TL but the new beak and added size are really negatives I don't think I can get past. I just drove a 2011 G37S (auto - wife ruled out the manual.... ) but it seems a bit small - I'll have to drive it again. I enjoyed the power and handling. Any thoughts out there? Any other cars to consider? I'm not a fan of the American offerings and while I love the drive of the 335i I don't like the price tag with all the options I'd want... I've been on this board for several years now so I know someone might offer some thought I hadn't considered...

#11678 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by plekto

Oct 29, 2010 (9:01 am)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 5:10 am)
Does it have to be new? I have several that I'd recommend if you are willing to consider something a couple of years old, like a 2008 CTS. 20K, give or take, and just about perfect for your needs.
 
I guarantee that it's not "American" in how it's designed or drives. Probably the only thing that GM has for sale now, in fact, that is like that.
 
My second recommendation is actually also from GM, but you'd have to get a 2009 model, because GM stopped importing it to the U.S. then. Go test drive a Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore. It's a fantastic vehicle and is no problem to find one for less than 20K, certified. If you want something that handles well, is RWD, has a nice interior, and is a total sleeper/under everyone's radar, while being one size larger than a G37 - without the silly price tag, look no further.
 
I personally like it more than the current CTS. I'm still incredibly shocked that GM took it's #1 selling passenger car in Australia(and best IMO, that they currently make worldwide) and stopped importing it to the U.S. Such an incredibly idiotic move. But you can get one used. Change the badges if you wish. Note - it's also sold outside the U.S. as the new Chevy Lumina. So at least there's some hope of it returning next year or so.
 
These two are the only options from GM that will satisfy you if you like how the TL and Infiniti and so on drive. Everything else, yes, it's a toad and should be avoided. But do check these out - you might be able to get a used/certified car and own it for only a little more than the payments on a lease of something like a 3 series.

#11679 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by tlong

Oct 29, 2010 (9:40 am)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 5:10 am)
TSX?
A4? (new or slightly used)
BMW (slightly used)?

#11680 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by nyccarguy

Oct 29, 2010 (10:57 am)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 5:10 am)
If you like your '08 TL-S & think the new TL is too big (and beaky), try and get your hands on a TSX V6. They don't sell well and can be had for a boatload off sticker with incentives. Keep us informed of what you go with.

#11681 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [tlong] by dap2006

Oct 29, 2010 (11:40 am)

Replying to: tlong (Oct 29, 2010 9:40 am)
I really haven't considered the TSX because it seems like a step in the wrong direction - I'd like a car with more, not less than I have now.
 
I've considered the A4 or S4 but I've read a lot of bad things about Audi reliability.
 
As for BMW, I think I'd have to move up the 535i to get the size and features I want, but I don't like the idea of making the payment each month
 
The IS350 was a thought but it has no back seat to speak of, among other faults...
 
And on top of all that, I don't want to buy a used car - I'm looking at a lease because I want to swap this car out every 3 years and not mess with sales....
 
Hmmmmm...............

#11682 of 16087 TAke a look at a loaded Maxima ... by kfdmed

Oct 29, 2010 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 11:40 am)
Yes I know ... not the luxury nameplate ... CVT ... but all the luxury amenities ... and killer lease deals.

#11683 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by jtla

Oct 29, 2010 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 11:40 am)
Based on your two posts, it pretty much leaves you with G37S

#11684 of 16087 Re: TAke a look at a loaded Maxima ... [kfdmed] by jtla

Oct 29, 2010 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: kfdmed (Oct 29, 2010 12:33 pm)
I was gonna to suggest the same, but the price of a loaded Maxima is approaching that of G37, not to mention its FWD set up and CVT.

#11685 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by ivan_99

Oct 29, 2010 (1:20 pm)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 11:40 am)
I'm assuming your requirements are similar to your 08 TL i.e. you're ok with FWD...don't need super sport suspension tunning.
 
You want space...more than an IS...something around a 5 series (if the price was right).
 
You could almost list all manufacturers and they'd each have an offering in this segment.
 
You mentioned that you're apprehensive about Audi reliability. Since you lease are you concerned about being stranded and/or inconvenienced with repairs?
 
I'd take a look at the domestics as well (I actually liked the CTS...coupe looks very nice too)...go drive a CTS, LaCrosse, SHO...even go drive an MKS and see...of course if you 'know' you're not going to buy one then I suppose you're just waisting your time (I was surprised).
 
If you're not keen on domestics how about the European? C350 is very nice, S60 looks nice (never drove)...might be small if a 5 series is your size requirement.
 
At this point, for me, I'd lean more towards a new A4 2.0T...does everything well, looks real elegant and has good mileage.
 
I liked the new TL as well (I also like the looks ) ...it wasn't too large and the SH-AWD let me over-steer the back end out a bit...so that was pleasant. Plus you'd get your space requirements (guess Maxima has similar specs too).
 
New Infiniti M37?
 
You may also lean towards the vehicles with the 'included maintenance' as well...

#11686 of 16087 Re: Trying to decide.... TL? G37? other? [dap2006] by igozoomzoom

Oct 29, 2010 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: dap2006 (Oct 29, 2010 5:10 am)
It's painful for me to admit, but the beak on the current TL is the most hideous thing I've ever seen! This is coming from someone who still can remember my first time driving my cousin's brand new 1986 Acura Legend (dark blue with gray lower accent) and realizing that it was the most special car I'd ever driven. I later owned a 1994 Acura Legend GS that was the love of my life until it was demolished by a drunk jerk driving a huge 4x4- but it saved my life. I also owned a 2002 TL Type-S that was a spectacular car in every way...until the transmission went out at 32k miles and then again after another 20k miles...I didn't want to own it if/when the third transmission failed if it was out of warranty, so I had to get rid of it. Suffice it to say, I've been an Acura-phile from the very beginning in late 1985...but the newest designs range from bland to downright vulgar (TL)....the TSX seems to suffer the least from this design 'theme'?
 
Have you considered the TSX V6 as a possible replacement for your '08 TL-S? It is less than an one-inch +/- in front and rear head, leg and hip room compared to your TL. Overall passenger volume is 94 cu ft vs. 98 cu ft for your TL, so it's only very slightly smaller. Interior cargo (luggage) volume is virtually identical at 12.6 vs. 12.5 cu ft.
 
The Infiniti G37S is almost identical in every interior measurement (head/leg/hip room) to your TL, with 99 cu ft of passenger volume and 13.5 cu ft cargo volume. So it's not smaller in any way than the TL, but the interior design or other design aspects may may it 'seem' to be...I'd give it another look before ruling it out!
 
If you are leasing, would the larger Infiniti M37 also be within the realm of possibilities? It has a boost in headroom and legroom in front and rear compared to the TL. Total passener volume is 104 cubic feet and cargo volume is 14.9 cu ft. Not sure if I like it any better than the G37S, but it might be something to consider....
 
And one other wild card that I will recommend, if a luxury 'brand' isn't esssential and you're just wanting a car that looks and performs in the same realm with most entry-level performance/luxury models- the 2011 Mazda6 s Grand Touring 4-door. The current 2010 is a very impressive vehicle, with exceptional handling and plenty of power any time you need it! The 3.7L V6 only has a 272hp rating, but it has 269lb-ft of torque (matching the torque figures for the 330hp M37 and exceeding all the other cars discussed above, despite their 280-328hp ratings). It also hits that torque peak at 4250rpm, compared to 5200rpm in both Infinitis.
 
The only two options on the 2010 MZ6 s Grand Touring are Voice-Activated Navigation and the Technology Package. The Tech Package adds Advanced Keyeless Entry & Start with push-button starting, SIRIUS sat radio, LED tail lights, Fully automatic Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, power passenger seat and rain-sensing wipers. With those two options, it is a very close match for the G37S, feature-for-feature but for $6-7k less! The 2011 model is getting a 'refresh' that willl only make the car more attractive and upscale in look and feel. It's worth a visit to the Mazda dealer one day, just to experience the car for yourself. My best friend and I took one for a test drive two weekends ago and he wasn't even in the market for a new car....but he traded his 2008 IS 250 on the spot for it! =)

Messages Page 1169 of 1609

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