$30-40k: Best New or Lightly Used Vehicles

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: gofast182
You're a bit early for this thread if the purchase won't be made for another 1-2 years.
It's a shame you ruled out Acura because a 2012+ TL SH-AWD 6MT hits pretty much every other criteria and it offers legit sport sedan performance with the reliability you might not enjoy with a German offering. Based on that you'd want to stay away from every Japanese brand because Lexus is flat (which is OK) and Infiniti is arguably in a more tenuous position than Acura is based on sales.
That said, other than CTS-V, it looks like your choices are German. More specifically, a 335i seems to be very close to what you described.


I'd agree if the TL wasn't so ugly (IMO). Actually the latest accord sport or civic si might be a good option. Pay cash, save the $10-20k delta, and put it towards a lightly used Porsche or something similar that really is top notch.

The front is hardly offensive anymore after the mid cycle refresh, with that taken care of it's a handsome car (if not too understated).

 

[adolan21]

B8 Audi S4?

 

[SatinSilver]

If the car is to wine and dine clients that may change what offerings are being suggested. A Lexus may seem too over the top. But an Acura would be upscale and nice. I like the TL idea. Or a certified used one. Carmax seems to have nice used cars also. Which would help if you trade in the Prius. Again, if this for clients then an Avalon would be very nice also.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: gofast182
Originally Posted By: JHZR2

I'd agree if the TL wasn't so ugly (IMO). Actually the latest accord sport or civic si might be a good option. Pay cash, save the $10-20k delta, and put it towards a lightly used Porsche or something similar that really is top notch.

The front is hardly offensive anymore after the mid cycle refresh, with that taken care of it's a handsome car (if not too understated).

Still rather obnoxious looking, but that's very subjective obviously. Anyway, the OP said he doesn't want Acura.

BTW, the front of the new IS is rather hideous, too. What were they thinking? Motor Trend guy called it f****** awful, and I have to agree. Still, looks aside, it beat out the new Infiniti Q50 in their head-2-head comparo.

 

[The Critic]

Thanks guys. Of the suggestions mentioned, the S4 was not one that I had even thought of.

Here are my thoughts on a few of the vehicles suggested:

IS350 - I've driven the 2014 and I am very much a fan of it. However, I find the "cockpit" to be a bit too small for me.

Q50 - I drove this last week. It delivers a lot for the money. But the deal killer is that you need to order the Deluxe Touring pkg (which comes with the spooky drive-by-wire steering) in order to get split-fold rear seats. Once I have equipped how I'd like, the price goes up to 48k...no thanks.

328d - I like the idea, but the past history with the 335d's motor is a bit concerning. As some may remember, they had some major carbon build-up issues with the 335d and X5 diesel that were sometimes quite expensive to correct. I would prefer to avoid powertrains that are not mainstream.

XC70 - co-worker has one, its nothing special to me. Also the brand issue - Volvo's dealer network is small.

Mazda 6 - I've never been too happy with their dealer network or how well these cars age. But the current 6 may have changed for the better.

satinsilver - no plans of using this car to wine/dine guests. Also, the Prius is not getting traded.

So far, the front-runners are the GS350 f-sport (used) or 2015 GTI.

 

[gofast182]

Again, the TL SH-AWD 6MT is exactly what you're describing apart from your brand reservation.

Of your two front runners I'd go for the GTI personally. You'll have more fun with it yet it's still classy.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
IS350 - I've driven the 2014 and I am very much a fan of it. However, I find the "cockpit" to be a bit too small for me.

If you had time to play around with its infotainment system, what were your thoughts? I've seen across the board complaints that it's not intuitive. The weird mouse-joystick gizmo requires a lot more hand/eye coordination than a traditional scroll wheel. And many actions require both the use of the touch screen as well as physical buttons.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I`d go with Infinity or Lexus. Sporty yet luxurious,RWD,Japanese reliability and durability,and killer looks!

 

[Jarlaxle]

Chrysler 300C.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: The Critic


Q50 - I drove this last week. It delivers a lot for the money. But the deal killer is that you need to order the Deluxe Touring pkg (which comes with the spooky drive-by-wire steering) in order to get split-fold rear seats. Once I have equipped how I'd like, the price goes up to 48k...no thanks.




Get a G37 instead. A one-year old G37 will be priced very reasonably.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: gofast182
Again, the TL SH-AWD 6MT is exactly what you're describing apart from your brand reservation.



A friend just picked up a 2012 TL SH-AWD 6mt/39k miles from Ford dealer for under $30k. Happy guy. Loves the car which made him get over the look. He went in for SHO and came out with that.

I personally don't think any better or worse looking than current BMW, Infinity, Audi offerings. MB are pretty to my eyes though.

 

[97tbird]

Mazda 6 (2014)

 

[jigen]

Mk7 GTI interest you at all?

 

[adolan21]

Originally Posted By: gofast182
Again, the TL SH-AWD 6MT is exactly what you're describing apart from your brand reservation.

Of your two front runners I'd go for the GTI personally. You'll have more fun with it yet it's still classy.


+1. I love my GTI so far, but I've only had it for 1000 miles. It has great low end torque for easy in town driving and handles great for a FWD car.

 

[fdcg27]

Your desires and price range take in a majority of the new or late model used cars on the market.
That may have been what you intended.
My personal preference would be a six speed V-6 Accord coupe.
YMMV

 

[Bladecutter]

Add another $20k, and get this instead:

Or wait a year, and pay ~$35k - $45k on the used market for a well appointed one.

BC.

 

[hattaresguy]

You can buy a used Maserati in the 40k range.

If you want a Porsche just buy a Porsche, I have seen GT3's in the $40k range.

Buy what you want, if I remember correctly you already have a newer car for a daily ride.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: Bladecutter
Add another $20k, and get this instead:

Or wait a year, and pay ~$35k - $45k on the used market for a well appointed one.

BC.


Is that a Ford Fusion?

Seriously,that looks EXACTLY like a Ford Fusion!

 

[thr_wedge]

My fiend traded in a loaded Mustang GT/CS on a nee loaded Fusion platinum. He has no regrets, the interior is fantastic, decent power, nice suspension, but not as sports car as the mustang obviously. He really likes it plus it gets better fuel econ than the 16 he got in the GT.

 

[hattaresguy]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: Bladecutter
Add another $20k, and get this instead:

Or wait a year, and pay ~$35k - $45k on the used market for a well appointed one.

BC.


Is that a Ford Fusion?

Seriously,that looks EXACTLY like a Ford Fusion!


If you can't tell the difference get the Ford.

I'll take the Italian though, because I can tell the difference.