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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

#11064 of 11073 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by alltorque Jul 06, 2009 (9:52 am)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 8:34 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 11073 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by pv2 Jul 06, 2009 (11:40 am)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 8:34 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 11073 Thanks by dash5 Jul 06, 2009 (3:49 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? Replies to this message: carnaught (Jul 06, 2009 4:24 pm)
#11067 of 11073 Re: Thanks [dash5] by carnaught Jul 06, 2009 (4:24 pm)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 3:49 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 11073 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by bobhoops Jul 06, 2009 (8:26 pm)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 8:34 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 11073 TL by dash5 Jul 07, 2009 (4:18 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. Replies to this message: darrinzramz (Jul 07, 2009 6:44 am)
#11070 of 11073 Re: TL [dash5] by darrinzramz Jul 07, 2009 (6:44 am)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 07, 2009 4:18 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 11073 Best made BMW 325i? by fobulous Jul 16, 2009 (11:54 am)
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!!
#11073 of 11073 Re: Need advice. [dash5] by markcincinnati Jul 16, 2009 (1:47 pm)
Replying to: dash5 (Jul 06, 2009 8:34 am) If you can get your choice of one of the cars on your list with the CPO designation -- from the factory -- I would urge you to consider doing so, as the cars on your list are breathtakingly expensive to repair without some kind of a warranty program.   I traded in my 2005 Audi A6 (fully loaded and with the V6) and it had 60k virtually trouble free miles on it. Having said that, I would ONLY acquire one (of any of these mfgr's kids) with the CPO designation.   PS don't think you will use snow tires on an RWD car and enjoy it as much as an AWD car with all seasons, in most places, that is.

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