Sports Sedan Search

[ecotourist]

Tesla Model 3 is a non-starter due to the central PC-like display, instead of instruments behind the steering wheel.

Before we bought our Model 3 I hated that idea too, but after a few days it was no longer an issue. I don't even notice it. Many controls are managed using voice commands anyway.

I suspect a used Model 3 may be the best bet. With the last "update" Tesla eliminated the turn signal stalks (which also controlled the wipers), and I think I would really hate that. It also seems like Teslas are depreciating really fast so a used one might make for a very good deal. We have a '21 SR+ which has 18" wheels. In your situation that might be a better option than the sportier models with their larger diameter wheels. Our SR+ has lots of Zoom. The SR+ is supposed to be the best handling model too (because it's lighter). I like having rear wheel drive too.

I know of two older people who traded in their Model 3s after a short time for a model Y. Seems they were having trouble getting in and out (but I'm 77 and our SR+ works fine for me). One of their cream puff trade-ins would be a dream.

I'd suggest you test drive one. You might like it.

 

[Oliveoil2]

I’d look at an older M3/5 for a sporting sedan. Cheap but expensive to maintain. My 4 door 98M3 has 206k and runs great.

 

[MParr]

Sports sedans aren't going to be much of an improvement over your Mustang. Sports sedans generally are going to ride low to the ground, have a somewhat stiff suspension, and low profile tires.

 

[GR_CoB]

Jusssayin...

Jk

 

[MParr]

Jusssayin...
View attachment 303732View attachment 303734
Jk

That will solve the beat out roads and pothole problems.

 

[FatOrangeCat]

Hyundai Elantra N-Line or the better, Elantra N are surprisingly nice cars, especially for the price.

 

[mbres2000]

Hyundai Elantra N-Line or the better, Elantra N are surprisingly nice cars, especially for the price.

I could buy two! Rented the same size Kia (or maybe Sonata size) a few years back, and was very impressed. The car was tight and the shifts were BMW-like. Also rented an Elantra probably 15 years ago. It was a boxy little car but drove really well and got around 35mpg zipping around western Canada.

 

[Trav]

BMW, MB, Audi anyone of them will be a great car. An RS model even a low mile used is a nice high performance sedan.

 

[edyvw]

I’d look at an older M3/5 for a sporting sedan. Cheap but expensive to maintain. My 4 door 98M3 has 206k and runs great.

M3 is not expensive to maintain at all.
M5? Depends on years. Anything S63 prior to G platform runs in maintenance costs close to Boeing 777.

 

[bighead2586]

Any Bimmer with the B58. Easy power, a great transmission and reliable. Maybe the IS 500?

My pick would be the 540i I like big sedans.

 

[mbres2000]

Any Bimmer with the B58. Easy power, a great transmission and reliable. Maybe the IS 500?

My pick would be the 540i I like big sedans.

One of my son's X5s had that engine. It was simply fantastic, even in a heavier SUV.

I see where that's the M340i engine. I need a guide to determine what the car model number actually means these days. For example, a 330i actually has a 2.5 engine. Back in the day, 320, 328, 530, etc. actually meant something. Too easy!

 

[edyvw]

One of my son's X5s had that engine. It was simply fantastic, even in a heavier SUV.

I see where that's the M340i engine. I need a guide to determine what the car model number actually means these days. For example, a 330i actually has a 2.5 engine. Back in the day, 320, 328, 530, etc. actually meant something. Too easy!

330: B48 4cyl, 2.0ltr
M340: B58 6cyl 3.0ltr
M3: S58 6cyl 3.0ltr (actual M version of B58).

B38/48/58 are modular engines. They are essentially built on the same line, just by cutting off the cylinders.

 

[SC Maintenance]

If potholes and roads are the problem, that will not be resolved without bigger tires with a deeper sidewall. And some ground clearance won't hurt. I don't see any sedans fitting that description. X5, Cayenne or maybe GLC?

 

[Vil_Riker]

Low profile tires vs. potholes is always an issue. I used to commute on a road like that, blew 3 tires on my A6, and one tire on my GLS550 in 2 months. The sidewalls would get busted as they got caught between the edge of the pothole and the rim.

Very expensive.

 

[mbres2000]

Low profile tires vs. potholes is always an issue. I used to commute on a road like that, blew 3 tires on my A6, and one tire on my GLS550 in 2 months. The sidewalls would get busted as they got caught between the edge of the pothole and the rim.

Very expensive.

My Mustang has 40-series tires. As bad as some of my roads are, I haven't had that problem. But you and others make a good point. Maybe I need a car with 50-series tires on 18" wheels.

Will let you all know what I end up buying. It will be late this year or early next year, depending on my fed tax situation with the new IRS tables and exemptions for seniors.

 

[MCompact]

I've owned 12 BMWs since 1983 and in 2022 -for the first time- I replaced a BMW with something other than another BMW. I drove several M340is as well as an M240i and to my surprise I preferred a W205 C43. Why? I found it to be more entertaining behind the wheel. In addition, I think that the C43 interior design is much more focused towards the driver- and I especially despised BMW's tacked-on digital display.

18" wheels are standard, but that saddles you with a ridiculous 131 mph top speed (the optional 19" wheels get you the 155 mph top that every C43 should get).

Three years in, my C43 has been totally reliable- and I always look forward to driving it. I plan to keep it for at least 2-3 more years. If/when I do replace it I think I will go with a CLE 53 Coupe.

Be aware that the W206 C43 replaces the M276 V6 with the M139 4 cylinder. Some people like it but others have reported that the engine and transmission don't play well together.

 

[WeyounDS9]

My 2016 Mustang GT is going on 10 years old. I’ve enjoyed driving it over the years, but many of the roads where I live now are in a perpetual state of crappy. Big trucks have beaten them to death, delivering everything imaginable to the subdivisions and warehouses being built all around us. As soon as the county fills in the potholes and rough spots, others spring up, so it’s an endless battle just trying to aim the car to a smooth(er) section of road. With the car’s stiff suspension and low ride height, it’s not a fun ride anymore. I’ve bottomed out a couple of times now, and even the driver’s seat is groaning in protest. OK, you’ve got the idea!

What I’m looking for now is a moderately quick, good-handling sedan with better manners on the roads where I drive. Back in the 70s and 80s I had a BMW 3-Series, an Audi GT Coupe, and later an Infiniti G35. Those were fun cars that rode a little higher and smoother than my Mustang.

Cars currently in production that I’ve been looking at (online) are the BMW 3-series, the Genesis G70, Audi A5, and Acura TLX. Am I missing anything? If Toyota, Mazda, or Honda, had a sports sedan, I’d look at those, too.

I’d appreciate your suggestions and comments, especially if you’ve owned any of these cars.

Infiniti Q50.

The 3 Liter twin turbo is quite nice and makes 300hp in "normal trim"
but is also available as a Red Sport version with 400 hp.

Lots of streetracers run these modified with more boost, on stock internals at 600 hp.

Same engine as in the new Z.

https://www.carmax.com/cars/infiniti/q50/red-sport-400

 

[Jetronic]

with the potholes he describes I see tire many tire buldges in his future with this car. personally I think something like a CX-5 would do him better. While not a sedan in the lower trims the tires aren't that low profile to cause issues and it is sporty. Sport sedans are a dying breed

You have a point. Sedans have become lower over the years as crossovers became more popular. If ground clearance and suspension travel is a concern, one should look at the lowest crossovers, that ride about as high as sedans used to in the 80s

 

[MParr]

You have a point. Sedans have become lower over the years as crossovers became more popular. If ground clearance and suspension travel is a concern, one should look at the lowest crossovers, that ride about as high as sedans used to in the 80s

Exactly! I was going to suggest the Cadillac XT4 or Lincoln Corsair.

 

[97prizm]

One of my son's X5s had that engine. It was simply fantastic, even in a heavier SUV.

I see where that's the M340i engine. I need a guide to determine what the car model number actually means these days. For example, a 330i actually has a 2.5 engine. Back in the day, 320, 328, 530, etc. actually meant something. Too easy!

What about a Lexus GS-F? I don't think Lexus sold that many but they do come up for sale time to time.