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

[glock19]

Originally Posted By: Mykl
If the car was for my wife I'd probably get her a used Lexus ES350, or maybe a Toyota Avalon. An Accord EX-L V-6 might be worth consideration as well.

For me... I really like the Cadillac ATS and the Lexus IS, but optioned the way I'd like one it would exceed the $40k limit. So I'd probably go in a different direction and see what I could get in a Mustang GT, used Corvette, or maybe a used Porsche Boxster or Cayman. There are a lot of interesting options for fun to drive cars at that price point.

In reality, I'm unlikely to ever spend that much for a single car, at least not until my retirement is assured. There are too many good quality options at or below $20k.


The new Toyota Avalon looks like a nice, "almost luxury" cruiser now. I actually really like the refresh they gave it. Plus it has ridiculous leg room in the back.

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: glock19
The new Toyota Avalon looks like a nice, "almost luxury" cruiser now. I actually really like the refresh they gave it. Plus it has ridiculous leg room in the back.


Even the last gen models are impressive. My real estate agent drove us around in hers and I was impressed with how well the car was holding up to the miles. The interior was in excellent condition despite having in excess of 100k miles.

The rear seat leg room was as you described... ridiculous. If I had the $15k to spare I'd put my wife in one tomorrow. Great value with that car if you pick up a used one.

 

[Silverado12]

FWIW, my Dodge Challenger has been problem free and averages 24 mpg. Has the split folding rear seat and rides quiet and smooth.

 

[Vikas]

I will give anything to see TheCritic buying an Avalon!

 

[k24a4]

New A3? http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-a3

 

[FutureDoc]

IMO the Avalon is the best-built car. Period. Toyota at its best when not looking at a price-point. The Land Cruiser might be there as well.

Although I am partial to the 3.6 Outback... but I would not consider it the best in the 30-40K range. I do not think any of the Germans are reliable enough (in the 7+ year range) and the accountants are still running the show in the Domestic front.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: FutureDoc
IMO the Avalon is the best-built car. Period. Toyota at its best when not looking at a price-point. The Land Cruiser might be there as well.

Although I am partial to the 3.6 Outback... but I would not consider it the best in the 30-40K range. I do not think any of the Germans are reliable enough (in the 7+ year range) and the accountants are still running the show in the Domestic front.


I highly doubt he wants any of those cars.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
I highly doubt he wants any of those cars.

Agreed. Reliability wasn't anywhere on his requirements list.

Plus, he already has one boring commuter. I don't think he's itching to get another one.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
I highly doubt he wants any of those cars.

Agreed. Reliability wasn't anywhere on his requirements list.

Plus, he already has one boring commuter. I don't think he's itching to get another one.

Not to mention hades must have frozen over if an Avalon fits his criteria for sportiness

 

[FutureDoc]

The "best" might not be what he is looking for...

40K is itchingly close to a good used 911 with lower miles and a good service record. But no 911

Audi S5 if you don't care for long-term bullet-proof reliabilityas Japan isn't doing anything in the true "sporty" 30-40K range as of now.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: FutureDoc
The "best" might not be what he is looking for...

40K is itchingly close to a good used 911 with lower miles and a good service record. But no 911

Audi S5 if you don't care for long-term bullet-proof reliabilityas Japan isn't doing anything in the true "sporty" 30-40K range as of now.


Best might not be what he's looking for, but I don't think he's looking for a land barge either. If there is something that meets everything below and is $30-40k then it's probably a(n?) unicorn.

edit: I think that unicorn may be the 3 series wagon or x1

From post #1:

Quote:
- High quality interior. This is probably the most important item to me. If a brown interior is available, it would be a major plus.
- Sporty, but not raw (i.e. no 370z); I am most interested in refinement. For instance, if a 911 Turbo is a 10 and a Camry is a 4 (on a 1-10 scale), I would be content with something in the 6 to 7 range.
- Prefer for the vehicle to be from a major automaker that has a positive growth outlook (i.e. not an Acura).
- If the vehicle is not a hatch or wagon, it must have split-folding rear seats. Ideally, this vehicle should have the ability to serve as my only vehicle.
- Must have xenon, HID or LED headlights.
- Fuel economy needs to be 20 mpg + combined.
- I prefer a manual transmission, but a DCT is okay. But a traditional auto is also not a complete deal-breaker if the rest of the package is compelling.
- RWD is preferred, but all wheel drive is okay. FWD isn't a complete deal breaker but isn't my preference, either.
- If the vehicle is equipped with runflat tires, then a spare tire option must be available.

 

[Vikas]

Imagine him driving a station wagon!! Only way he will drive either the Avalon or the Wagon if it was gifted to him by somebody who loves him a lot and in turn he respects them a lot to turn it down.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Imagine him driving a station wagon!! Only way he will drive either the Avalon or the Wagon if it was gifted to him by somebody who loves him a lot and in turn he respects them a lot to turn it down.

IIRC, he was considering the 3-series wagon not that long ago. Alas, if he wants a stick, none of the 3-series wagons offer it in the US.

 

[hattaresguy]

Very few cars are cooler than a CTSV wagon with a stick.