What do you buy for $50k?

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
Originally Posted By: Gebo
Starts with an “L” and ends with an “S”


How many Lincolns should he buy?


The Continental would be on my list of vehicles to test drive.

Although I'd probably end up with a Challenger R/T Scat Pack

.

 

[mcrn]

Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
Originally Posted By: Gebo
Starts with an “L” and ends with an “S”


How many Lincolns should he buy?



I thought he meant a Lotus?

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: MCompact
CPO 440i Gran Coupe? With the M Sport Package and the M Performance Power and Sound Kit- you get 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When I worked at BMW I drove one for a few days and it was a blast; yes, the steering could use more feel but it was still very impressive. The exhaust burble/popping on the overrun is worth the price of admission alone...

I was going to suggest a CPO 340i. The B58 engine (models with the '40 designation as opposed to '35) is utterly brilliant as is the ZF 8HP paired with it. It's silky smooth but can be incredibly fast (and yes the exhaust burble on up-shifts in sport mode always bring a grin to my face). Overall, the F30 platform has been around long enough you shouldn't have any real reliability issues, either.

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I think this is a seriously sweet car! Plus it's rare. I've never seen one.



That usually becomes a problem when trying to find one...

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Except they're not really rare. There are plenty around. Just not like a Camry, which is both annoying and unnecessary.

The world would be a better place if Holden was still making great cars like this, and if people were required to own at least one.

 

[Win]

I would suggest a G8 GXP, provided you can find one that is one owner adult / low miles. I wouldn't want a kid owned example.

Caveat, mine has mostly the same "premium" interior as the GXP - and I would not describe it as classy, the worst offender is the dash construction. It's a three piece to cheaply assemble the left / right hand driver's wheel thing. It's not really bad ( not garish like the Chevy SS ), but if you're used to $50K plus Euro interiors, it will bug you. But they drive out really well.

I've always liked my Jaguars, but I haven't looked at price tags on them since '04, and have no idea what $50K ish would get you these days. Back then it got you a base Xj8. Which was a bargain / steal.

When I see threads like buying a Corolla for $20K+, I've probably bought my last car. They no longer represent good value to me. I'd rather get something with wings.

 

[pandus13]

Saturn Sky?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: pandus13
Saturn Sky?

I suppose I can have my desired 4 doors and 8 cylinders if I buy two of them.

 

[Alfred_B]

10 of these!

 

[skyactiv]

Get an Infiniti Q50. Nice and you don't see them everyday.

 

[GMFan]

It is amazing how many $50k cars have 4cyl turbos. This narrows the field and eliminates a lot of great options - especially if you're not looking for a pure muscle car like a Mustang GT, Camaro, Charger, etc. Are you not happy with the performance of 4cyl turbos? Some of the performance spec on these cars is amazing. I've driven an Audi A4 with 2.0L turbo and it was an absolute rocket and a blast to drive.

Anyways - on to your question:

New:

2018 Audi S5 (which you already considered) but man is that car beautiful inside and out! That would be my #1 if I weren't looking for American V8 muscle.

2018 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L 335HP V6 ($54k)

Used:

2015(ish) Cadillac CTS-V - This may be the blend of luxury and performance you're looking for. These cars are beautiful..and who doesn't want a 6.2L Supercharged V8 in a luxury car?

2017 Genesis G80 3.8L V6 311HP - Hovers right around $35k with under 20k miles.

 

[Andrew1972]

This>>>>

 

[drtyler]

QP, have you driven the BMW F30 335i/340i or 440i Gran Coupe?

After having the E39, my guess is you probably aren't thrilled with them. Engines are super though.

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: pandus13
Saturn Sky?

I suppose I can have my desired 4 doors and 8 cylinders if I buy two of them.

Ooops, sorry, it was my idea of nice looking...
OK, back to you:
-good service/mechanic in your area?
-stock or lot of "goodies" available? reliability?
-used and/or some, .... added work?

I see you tend to go to Euro interior type.

I remember Mcompact mentioning a "worked on" Cadillac.

Also, maybe a BMW wagon "worked on"?

Ls1mike has a "Holden"?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: drtyler
QP, have you driven the BMW F30 335i/340i or 440i Gran Coupe?

Yes, I drove a 340i M-sport last year. Engine and trans setup were pretty nice. Interior was OK, but based on what I'm reading, they tend to develop annoying creaks pretty quickly. Also, around here the 3-series is super common. I'd prefer to get something a little more unique looking, if possible.

I'm kind of hard to please, as you may have noticed.

 

[donnyj08]

What about a Jaguar XE or XF? Not super common but also very nice. 380HP. V6 available. Both can be had for around your price range.

 

[mcrn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSWQTkbTYIQ&list=PLEFAC5D656286E89B&index=6

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: donnyj08
What about a Jaguar XE or XF? Not super common but also very nice. 380HP. V6 available. Both can be had for around your price range.

I drove the XE V6 on the same day I drove the 340i. I had high hopes for the XE, but despite its beautiful looks, I came away somewhat disappointed. Between the two, I think I would rather have the 340i. Here is an excerpt from one of my older posts:

Quote:
340i is responsive, quick, handles well, and sounds quite refined. I recently drove one back to back with the new Jag XE 3.0 supercharged. The Jag just did not impress me. It was not as engaging, not as communicative, and the engine had this metallic sound to it that I just did not care for. On top of that, interior materials and fit and finish were a mixed bag - some nice touches alongside some cheap plastics and poorly fitting elements. Then again, I'm not a huge fan of current 3-series interiors either.

The metallic sound I noted was most likely the supercharger whine, but it really made it sound like the engine was running dry. My wife's Q5 has a supercharged V6 and it does not sound like that at all.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm slowly going through them - seeing what's available.

Originally Posted By: GMFan
Are you not happy with the performance of 4cyl turbos? Some of the performance spec on these cars is amazing. I've driven an Audi A4 with 2.0L turbo and it was an absolute rocket and a blast to drive.

The smaller the displacement, the harder the engine is going to have to work, the more strung out it sounds, and the more noticeable turbo lag. I drove both a Q3 and a VW GTI with the 2.0 turbo and did not much care for it. I am shooting for more performance and more immediate throttle response.

Quote:
2018 Audi S5 (which you already considered) but man is that car beautiful inside and out! That would be my #1 if I weren't looking for American V8 muscle.
Yep, that's kind of what I was getting at - I need someone to build a car with Audi interior and stuff a 6.4 HEMI under the hood. No turbo and no SC. Just pure displacement. I think that will make me happy.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Turbos rely on much higher cylinder pressure. Anyone have any comments on the longevity of the rings and block surface.? I guess that should show up on the UOA’s if true.