Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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

You are in the Sedans Forum.

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

#13146 of 16087 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 16087 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 16087 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 16087 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 16087 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 16087 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 16087 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.

#13153 of 16087 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [flightnurse] by sweendogy

Feb 17, 2012 (9:18 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 17, 2012 8:29 am)
Leases allow you to get more far with the least amt of money- I was throwing the option of leasing to our new contributor. I own 2 cars but have leased in the past when I was less liquid so i think it's a good option. Please spare us with the leader add spew, over have the 3 series sold are leased.

#13154 of 16087 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [sweendogy] by dino001

Feb 17, 2012 (9:44 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Feb 17, 2012 9:18 am)
Leases allow you to get more far with the least amt of money- I was throwing the option of leasing to our new contributor
 
No, they don't. They allow you to think you are getting a better car for less money, just because you are paying less per month. Long term lease can be very, very expensive, if you don't know how to lease. "Low payment" lease is great to park the car and look at it - just not drive it. Yeah - then it is "cheaper". But when you actually need to get anywhere with your car, the "cheap" lease bites.
 
I'm with the nurse of this - leases are NOT for "beginners". You need to educate yourself before you go there, otherwise they'll skin you alive. You need to know exactly how many miles you need, what depreciation, residual, money factor are, how to calculate lease, what are traps, why big downpayment is a bad idea, etc. And boy, at less than 50 grand a year you have no business even coming to a new car lot at lux brand dealership. I know it's harsh, but that's the reality. Our country is in its current trouble exactly because people think they could get a half milion house on 50 grand. Same applies to cars. You get it when you can afford it, not sooner.

#13155 of 16087 Re: Entry level luxury car recommendations` [dino001] by sweendogy

Feb 17, 2012 (11:33 am)

Replying to: dino001 (Feb 17, 2012 9:44 am)
For 400 bux a month - you can get a Acura tsx-yea it's 10k miles a year - but again it's an option for some. A long term lease =what? 3 years are the avg lease deals. So for 14400 you can get a tsx for 3 years.
 
The point is this may be an option - you need to educate for sure before doing it - just like when you buy a car you should - or sailing a boat.
 
Pretty sure you and nurse - are one and the same when it comes to hateing leasing , which is fine but it is an option for some. No money or little down, smaller payment, works for some. Look at all those 3 series rolling around - you think most are paying cash, financing or leasing those puppies. I'm sure a good % of those people don't make this big bux like you and nurse.
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