suggest a new vehicle!

[440Magnum]

I would look at the Chrysler 300C or Charger R/T (being a Mopar fan...). But even if I weren't a Mopar guy, they're still exactly what you're looking for mechanically (great handling, great power, solidly built, bulletproof drivetrains, available AWD). The downside is that the interiors were pretty spartan up until 2011. A HUGE upside is that the 2011 upgrades substantially de-valued the earlier years and they're good deals right now.

The CTS is also a superb machine.

 

[sciphi]

I like the looks of those new Chrysler 300's. From everything I've read they're a tuxedoed bruiser, with the 300C being a welterweight to the SRT8's heavyweight.

CTS-V? It might not be that roomy, but my gosh, that engine and that handling!

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: austinlunsford
Ford taurus SHO


Even the regular Taurus is a very nice vehicle.
It's very roomy with plenty of power...a far cry from the original.
I spoke to a lady with one this summer and she loves it.
You can probably get a good deal too.

 

[zyxelenator]

For 35k you can get 2011 Mercedes C300 AWD with around 15k miles on it. Looks very nice. If all wheel drive is not critical BMW M5. Take a look also at awd VW Passat.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Robertslowpoke


Comments:
I think I do not like SUV's, as BMW x3 or x5.
Although a super car, the Accord sedan is just a bit small for me. a great value
would consider Cadillac CTS all wheel drive
Acura RL all wheel drive
Acura TL all wheel drive. a bit small? never tried it.
BMW or Mercedes all wheel drive, would need to be used.

It'd probably help to go on some car comparison site and do some specs comparison first. None of the cars you mentioned are larger than Accord inside.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Robertslowpoke


Although a super car, the Accord sedan is just a bit small for me.


The EPA classes the Accord Sedan as a "large car" or "fullsize".

Certainly feels bigger inside than a CTS.

I'm still a fan of the current Taurus, but an SHO would put the price a bit above $35,000. Again the Accord "feels" bigger on the inside. Honda manages it's interior space well.

I also like the Mazda6S. Just a bit smaller than the Accord or at the large end of the midsize spectrum. Has a Ford Cyclone 3.7 V6 (although Mazda was the first to build the 3.7 variant of the Cyclone, so perhaps the F-150 has a Mazda MZI 3.7

) Really the only thing I don't like is that it doesn't come with a manual transmission....that and they won't give it AWD and the Ecoboost and call it a Mazdaspeed 6.

I like the way the 200 convertible looks but the last couple of Sebring convertibles I drove were real let-downs. Nothing like my old Mitsubishi 2.5 powered convertible. lazy steering and soft appliances.

 

[Gene K]

Hmmmm..... So many choices out their in preowned cars.

An example if not exactly a sedan:
A 5 year old Porsche Cayenne Turbo that cost $130,000 new can be had for under $30,000.

 

[Robertslowpoke]

WOW!! thanks guys!! food for thought!! i never realized a caddy CTS is SMALLER than the accord. they DO look larger than years ago. my wife's sister has one, and loves it.

i will now begin my homework, actual interior dimensions, etc. we rented an infiniti G37 this summer. four of us, drove from scottsdale to sedona arizona, 2 hours north and ???7500 foot elevation. that car LEAPED up those hills, and the backup camera really helped. a good invention.

keep the ideas coming!!!!!!

thank you so much

bob

 

[Robertslowpoke]

thanks 440 magnum! i NEVER would have thought of a 300 C. 292 and 368 horsepower!! super!! they look NICE on the web site. have never owned a chrysler. time for a test drive!!

 

[hattaresguy]

E350 4matic.

Or if you want some spice in your life buy an AMG, you should be able to get a blown E55 in that price range.

Just don't test drive one, because as soon as you put your foot into that super charged V8 you will own it. My friend has one that Brabus has breathed on, WOW is the best way to describe it.

The only downside is you will eat the PS2 tires off the rear and they are about $300 each, but they go to a good cause!

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog

I'm still a fan of the current Taurus, but an SHO would put the price a bit above $35,000.


If you stay off the heavy options you can come close. Just went to Edmunds and priced a 2012 SHO. With the 402a package (moonroof, heated/cooled seats, Sony stereo) invoice is: $37,560 and there is $2k in rebates. So if you're a good negotiator you could come close.

Not sure you could really go wrong in the midsize or large segments though so buy what you like.

 

[bustednutz]

Audi A6

 

[jigen]

I want to say the new VW Passat is also bigger and roomier than the new Accords. You can get one completely loaded with the 280hp V6 for right around 30k. Not a bad buy, and initial reviews have been pretty positive.

 

[Hokiefyd]

The new Passat just won a Motor Trend comparison against the 2012 Camry and 2012 Sonata. Camry finished 2nd and Sonata 3rd. They didn't include the '12 Malibu/Fusion/Accord because new models of each are expected in '13.

 

[surfstar]

Originally Posted By: Gene K
An example if not exactly a sedan:
A 5 year old Porsche Cayenne Turbo that cost $130,000 new can be had for under $30,000.


I laughed my butt off when I heard this on The Car Show - $20k a year depreciation just seemed funny to me!

Acura's are reliable, luxurious, and come well-equipped.

Do lots of test driving and let your 'feel' decide...

 

[andrewg]

Ford Taurus....SHO or standard. Truly nice vehicle for the money. Very attractive, nicely appointed, comfortable, and good performance.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Robertslowpoke
G37 has 328!! much better! G37X seems to be around $38,000, in the ballpark!! thanks SLCraig! did you ever own one? did a friend? are they dependable?


I have a 2008 G37 coupe. I haven't had it long, but I'm happy with it. Plenty of power, acceptable gas mileage, no weird oil specifications. They're known for a few more interior squeaks and rattles than other premium brands, but nice fit and finish otherwise. Up here, at least, very cheap to insure compared to similar cars. The factory service manual is readily available online if you like to do much of your own work. It's a very clean oil change, which is a huge bonus to a messy changer like me.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: Robertslowpoke
thanks 440 magnum! i NEVER would have thought of a 300 C. 292 and 368 horsepower!! super!! they look NICE on the web site. have never owned a chrysler. time for a test drive!!


I'm *really* itching to drive the Pentastar v6 version with the new 8-speed automatic myself. I've driven the Pentastar in a minivan with the 6-speed automatic and found it quite impressive at moving that big breadbox around. With the 8-speed and in a car, it could really find its stride since the extra gear ratios can help compensate for its lack of low-end torque relative to the older V6 family. Personally I'd still prefer the 5.7 Hemi for myself, but the numbers the v6 puts up (both fuel economy and acceleration) are quite tempting. And I actually almost like the looks of the 2011 300- I was never a big fan of the exterior look of the previous version. If I were in the market for an LX, I'd opt for the 2011 Charger R/T. They also really nailed the updated styling on the Charger, at least for my taste.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Hahaha, you nailed exactly what I love best about the 300. It's got a face only a mother could love! Actually it took a lot of guts to release that car, and it looks like nothing else on the road today.

I agree on the Charger, it's a terrific redesign, but the new 300 is too much of a smoother slicker look for my tastes. Add to that the SRT8 version is over 300 pounds heavier than my car...that's the deal breaker here. Mine's too heavy already, and it's the lightest of the three LX bodies.

The 8 speed will soon be on the Hemi as well, it's actually rated for over 700 ft. lbs. of torque!

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Hahaha, you nailed exactly what I love best about the 300. It's got a face only a mother could love! Actually it took a lot of guts to release that car, and it looks like nothing else on the road today.


I don't exactly DISlike it- it really works in dark colors. And the exterior looks just fine from behind the wheel. ;-)

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I agree on the Charger, it's a terrific redesign,


Much closer to what they should have done the first time, and good integration of the '68-70 Charger cues without making them look tacked on. I am still left wondering why the '62 Chrysler 300 grille keeps popping up on Dodge cars and trucks, but oh well...

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
The 8 speed will soon be on the Hemi as well, it's actually rated for over 700 ft. lbs. of torque!


Schwing!!