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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16252 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 4:39 PM

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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 1316 of 1626

#13143 of 16252 4cyl ELLPS by nyccarguy

Feb 15, 2012 (7:43 pm)

I'll be curious too as to how well received the new 4cyl is by the non-enthusiast crowd. My dentist is picking up a 2012 Audi Q5 3.2 next week. He drove it back to back with the 2.0T and really preferred the way the 3.2 behaved. He's not an enthusiast, just likes European cars.
 
There used to be a "4 cylinder stigma" that I don't know exists anymore in certain circles. Fuel economy is on everyone's mind these days (and has been for quite some time now). I always enjoy a good car conversation outside of my enthusiast friends. People used to talk about acceleration & horsepower. Now the first question you hear someone ask when someone else gets a new car is: "How is it on gas?"
 
I wonder what kind of crazy incentives BMW will offer on the E90 335 & 328 xi before the new F30 Xi models come out. Cash? Low financing?

#13144 of 16252 Entry level luxury car recommendations` by btc33

Feb 16, 2012 (12:55 pm)

I make around $46,000 a year and am looking to buy a entry level luxury car for around $18,000. I am not a fan of Camrys, Accords, etc. I am just wanting to make sure I get a car I can afford the maintenance costs and and one that is not going to have issues a lot. I know I can afford to buy one but I just want to make sure I can afford to own one.

#13145 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [btc33] by dino001

Feb 16, 2012 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: btc33 (Feb 16, 2012 12:55 pm)
I assume you want a used car - and it has to be quite used (4+ years old). I own BMW myself, but bought it new with maintenance. I love, but would not get one for 18 grand, especially if did not have more money to spend after the purchase.
 
If maintenance costs are real issue for you, start with Acura TSX or TL. TL is definitely more luxurious, but more expensive and larger; you'd get newer TSX. TSX is smaller, but also more agile and better on gas. TL is basically luxury version on Accord. TSX is a top line of European/JDM car also called Honda Accord, but it's a different vehicle altogether.
 
My second choice for low maintenance entry level/semi luxury would be 2005-2010 Subaru Legacy GT or 3.6R (the last letters are important - it's a turbo version or 6-cylinder of Legacy, respectively). GT is very fast and has 6-speed manual transmission (if that's important to you), not so great on gas and may be hard to find. Legacy 3.6R Limited has a smooth 6-cylinder engine and AT and also decent level of equipment.
 
Third choice - Infiniti G35. For 18 grand, it may already be too old to be "problem free".

#13146 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [dino001] by sweendogy

Feb 16, 2012 (7:52 pm)

Replying to: dino001 (Feb 16, 2012 2:55 pm)
I will be less rude "I bought a BMW new but would never get one for 18k",
 
Ok well how about a lease. _ Acura, Infiniti, BMW and others offer competitive leases that for that same 18k over 3 years you can get into a Elpps car.
 
On his Infiniti comment I have a 07 g35x with 30k miles - it can be had for 20k but in this economy would consider 18k- no problems, new stopers but does need tires. so In conclusion I think you can find a car - not cerified for 18k, year 2007 or better that will satisfy your needs. -

#13147 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [btc33] by ivan_99

Feb 16, 2012 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: btc33 (Feb 16, 2012 12:55 pm)
You could get an 06 IS350 if you don't mind an automatic. It is basically the same as the new 2012.
 
You'd have HP that was tops in 06 and is still competitive today and you'd have the "Lexus" reliability...if you subscribe to that sort of thing...

#13148 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [btc33] by graphicguy

Feb 17, 2012 (6:06 am)

Replying to: btc33 (Feb 16, 2012 12:55 pm)
btc....I don't know your personal finance situation (married? house payment? credit card bills?, etc), but would be willing to state that if an unexpected car repair comes up, you would be hard pressed to cover it.
 
With that in mind, I think I would probably stay away from the lux brands. Even though Acuras, Lexus, etc are known for their reliability, they do break. And, they do cost more than their more plebeian Honda and Toyota counter parts.
 
Don't discount Ford or GM either. You would be able to pick up a new Focus or Cruze for that amount with warranty, and probably better performance than older lux cars.
 
You could probably pick up a nice, 2-3 year old Camry or Accord for that money, and be relatively assured you'd get a lot of trouble free miles out of them.
 
Audi, BMW, etc, while good cars, are not economical to maintain, even if nothing major does go wrong with them. Unless you can do it yourself, even routine maintenance items will be expensive.
 
In short, set your sights lower, until you get more established into a higher tax bracket.
 
Good luck!

#13149 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [sweendogy] by dino001

Feb 17, 2012 (6:25 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Feb 16, 2012 7:52 pm)
Well, didn't mean to. All I was saying, if 18 grand was all I had and I had no apetite for above-average repair/maintenance, I would not buy a car I currently own, even though I absolutely love it. Trying to be a realist. It is actually very easy to buy something, but to own it is a different story.

#13150 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [btc33] by qbrozen

Feb 17, 2012 (7:31 am)

Replying to: btc33 (Feb 16, 2012 12:55 pm)
S60 2.5T FWD. ONLY that model. Do NOT get AWD in this car! And it has to be '07 or newer for better transmission reliability (unless you are getting a stick, in which case it doesn't matter).
 
I also endorse the G35. Or you could get a Maxima.

#13151 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [sweendogy] by flightnurse

Feb 17, 2012 (8:29 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Feb 16, 2012 7:52 pm)
Sweeny you and leases.... Leases are not for everybody and most of the time cost more in the long run then buying a car. To get those ultra low payments come mileage restriction which is you are not careful can add up to thousands of dollars at the end of your lease. Most ultra low leases have a cap of 30K for 3 yrs.

#13152 of 16252 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [btc33] by flightnurse

Feb 17, 2012 (8:29 am)

Replying to: btc33 (Feb 16, 2012 12:55 pm)
18K can get you some nice cars, however they will not be new, and I would avoid a lease at all cost. What cars appeal to you? also do not forget to add the cost of insurance, once you step up to the lux brands, Infiniti, Audi, BMW, Acrua, lexus, insurance goes up too. One thing you need to remember is, just because it comes from Japan doesn't mean the cost of maintenance will be less then those from Germany. The same can be said for cars from the US. Most of us can give you some advice or tell you the pros and cons of certain brands over others most of is can very objective too.

Messages Page 1316 of 1626

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