help with higher end sedans buying decision

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You mentioned that you keep your cars for a long time. I do as well. Mercedes does a good job of keeping parts available for a long time. Plus, many of their parts are commonly shared across the model lines, and for many years. I don't know about other makes.
 
Originally Posted By: Burt
Okay, so my last child is graduating from college and I am thinkng of redirecting(some of)the money that used to go there into a nice sedan. I was going to buy a used BMW from a private party off craigslist, but the supply of late model used cars seems to have dried up. And new BMW's seem overpriced by the time you add options.

At first I thought a loaded Maxima was the ticket. With a list price of $39k, they are discounting the heck out of them to $31.5. Then I looked at the Acura TL, Infiniti G37 and H. Genesis and the Maxima looked a little cheap. They all list in the $39 range except the Infiniti is about $3 more. Not as bad as I would have thought, but I don't think they will discount as much. Genesis is a little too sedate. TL is crisp and spiffy, but only a 5 spd transmission and no cooled seat option. Seems like they were behind the ball on latest technology. G37 is well built but styling is just not that exciting. I like that the 7 sp transmission has upped the gas mileage above the others . Older models had poor MPG.

Any thoughts on what I should buy? Normally I keep a car until death do we part. And I like to work on them myself.


Looks like your budget is around $35k, you want a new car and you are interested in Japanese makes.

If you wanted something better, you could look at used German cars in that same price range.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It has given me somethings to think about. Since I only buy a car every 13 years or so, I tend to cogitate quite a bit. I used to be 'buy American' and frowned on the Japanese-is-bliss mentality, but since Ford gave me the boot, guess I have gotten more comfortable with Japanese (and alot are american made) but not quite warmed up to Europeans. But I will continue to cogitate.
 
What size do you need? I went though the same 2 years ago and end up getting an IS250 for my wife. She commutes long distance and want a comfortable interior and nice looking exterior, and I want something reliable, no run flat tire, and fuel efficient. Got the IS250 back then for about 33k before tax (has to order because wife wants an ext/int color combination that isn't available), but if we weren't picky about color, we could have gotten it for $33k out the door.

Average fuel economy for my wife: 32mpg 91 octane.

AC Cooling seat included, the leather quality is better than any other sub 50k car I've been in (BMW doesn't give you real leather until you get above 40k), no known reliability issue, 6 speed auto transmission, HID headlight, affordable tires (225 40 18 front and 245 40 18 rear, non runflat).

Unless you drive very aggressively, its handling is very much good enough. HP is on the low side due to the 2.5L engine, but hey, 200HP V6 is probably sufficient for most people.
 
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We really don't need a 'full size' car. What you describe on the IS250 may fit the bill perfectly. I did not think mpg was rated that high. Cooled seats are important in Houston and not available on alot of cars yet or until you get to the fully loaded version.

And let's face it, as you get in your fifties and beyond, your reflexes and testoserone levels aren't what they were. I had a lot fun back in the day with a mustang and eagle talon, but no longer need to see how quickly I can go around a turn.
 
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
what Toyota platform is the IS based on? or is it exclusive to the IS?


It is a shrunken Lexus GS platform, I think there might be a non US RWD Toyota (Avenis?) that uses this platform.
 
He wants "higher end" so if it's a Taurus, he should look at the SHO.
And most people would have a hard time going for a Taurus of any kind when the budget is around $30-35k; they don't/won't associate the name with "high end".
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I still say take a look at the new Taurus SEL with the 3.5L Duratec.


One ford dealer told me (repeatedly) in so many words that I would have to go to the slow line on service because they checked their computer records and found that I did not have my oil and air filter changes done by them. Another For dealer's service department twisted a spark plug on my car when I declined $1200 in repairs and opted to pay the inspection fee instead. As a result it now pains me toeven buy replacement parts there, could never buy a car there again.
 
Originally Posted By: Burt
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I still say take a look at the new Taurus SEL with the 3.5L Duratec.


One ford dealer told me (repeatedly) in so many words that I would have to go to the slow line on service because they checked their computer records and found that I did not have my oil and air filter changes done by them. Another For dealer's service department twisted a spark plug on my car when I declined $1200 in repairs and opted to pay the inspection fee instead. As a result it now pains me toeven buy replacement parts there, could never buy a car there again.


You get that with dealers for every automaker. I would suggest going to a different dealership. But yeah, the Taurus, the new Lacrosse are all worth at least looking at. Maybe even a Chrysler 300 if you like that kind of mobster styling.
 
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Originally Posted By: rudolphna
You get that with dealers for every automaker.


Not quite true. There are certain brands whose philosophy revolves around customer service.
 
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
You get that with dealers for every automaker.


Not quite true. There are certain brands whose philosophy revolves around customer service.


And which brand are you talking about? Because it certainly isn't any that I know of. Not Ford, not Honda, not GM, not Chrysler, certainly not Toyota.
 
IF you haven't checked them out yet, the latest E-class MB's are beautiful and feature-rich. I read/hear nothing but good about them.
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
You get that with dealers for every automaker.


Not quite true. There are certain brands whose philosophy revolves around customer service.


And which brand are you talking about? Because it certainly isn't any that I know of. Not Ford, not Honda, not GM, not Chrysler, certainly not Toyota.


BMW and Audi but I'm sure there are others as well.
 
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
You get that with dealers for every automaker.


Not quite true. There are certain brands whose philosophy revolves around customer service.


And which brand are you talking about? Because it certainly isn't any that I know of. Not Ford, not Honda, not GM, not Chrysler, certainly not Toyota.


Audi? If they are ANYTHING like VW dealerships...... As for BMW, cannot say, never heard anything about them, never been to one.
BMW and Audi but I'm sure there are others as well.
 
In general most luxury brand have good CS, most would do what you want them to as long as it is not ridiculous. Yeah, you have to pay for that even if you are not picky about little things.

Most of them will wash your car and vacuum it regardless of service or not, and there will be a survey every time you service there. They usually make sure if you are not filling out perfect in every category, they will make things right and ask you to contact them before filling out the form. I'd imagine the manufacture will provide bonus that makes fixing little things worthwhile.

I once know a guy that bring his ES300 to the dealer for a $110 oil change in 2000 (when oil change cost typically $40), and when I look at the cost, oil is $8 for 4 qt, not even synthetic. But the ladies in the department sure are HOT, and weren't even hesitant to show off their bodies.

Worth it or not, it's up to the owner. I'd say not if it is my own car, but to each of his/her own.
 
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