Looking for a New Car

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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Another option if you want something small and similar to power of the A4 would be an Acura TSX.
 

Yes13

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Oct 9, 2009
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Not a 4 door but what about a 2011 Mazada RX-8. runs around $30,000.

2003.jpg
These actually are 4 door.

I really like the new Buick Regal turbos
80778-2011-buick-regal-turbo.jpg
 
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HOTDON

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Mar 24, 2006
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Sounds like dm has you covered. I'd be looking at the G35/37, A4, VW CC and Mazda 6 in that order given your requirements.
 

dmclone

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If everything works out like I hope in the next couple of weeks, I may also be in the market. A G37 will be near the top of my list. I'd like a 3 series BMW but don't know if it's worth the risk.
 

Senolcyc

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Apr 20, 2010
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A new car is a better investment than a house; the new car doesn't lose its value as quickly, the transaction costs on purchasing a car are a lot lower, and the taxes are lower on the car.


Please return to Iowa State to repeat Econ 201 immediately.
 

Bobber

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Apr 12, 2006
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The thing that bothers me about the German cars is that repairs are so costly and tney don't tend to have the best reliability ratings.
 

Cy4Patriots

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Jan 10, 2011
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I hate the Acura TSX Grille. I like everything else about it though.

Dmclone - you going to get used or new?

The thing that bothers me about the German cars is that repairs are so costly and tney don't tend to have the best reliability ratings.

The Audi doesn't have good ratings?
 

StClone

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Dec 17, 2009
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Infiniti G37X used
Acura TL (if you can stand the front end look)
Used Hyundai Genesis sedan-Don't write it off

A BMW 328 used would be a good choice. A 335 would be great but major reliability issues with the fuel pump.


If you decide on an A4 I would go the used route. There will be a new 2012 A4 coming out redesigned which will could hurt resale even more. Of course you may also be able to get a huge discount on the Audi since they'll want to get the 2011's off the lot. If Audi does the same thing that they did to the new VW's this year, I'd rather have the older version. The new jetta is junk.

If you really want a loaded new car for $30K you will need to go down a segment and get something like a Honda Accord EX-L or the Hyundai Sonata.

Two Thumbs up: Hyundai Genesis (used)and Sonata (new 2011). A clued-in Engineering Student will tell you for the money these are under priced modern marvels.
 
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jdoggivjc

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Sep 27, 2006
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Two Thumbs up: Hyundai Genesis (used)and Sonata (new 2011). A clued-in Engineering Student will tell you for the money these are under prices modern marvels.

I drove a rental 2010 Hyundai Sonata while on travel for work last summer. That was an OUTSTANDING car. Part of me wishes we had test driven one of those when my wife and I were looking for cars last year (part of me isn't upset - we love our 2007 Nissan Altima) - we might have ended up buying it. What made me shy away from it was the summer before that my in-laws rented a 2009 Hyundai Elantra, and while it was a car I liked, especially in town, I didn't like it over long distances because the seat got uncomfortable after extended periods, and I assumed we were going to be purchasing a used car. Of course, now I know I probably would have paid the same price for a new Sonata that we paid for the 3 year old Altima, but no regrets - we absolutely love the Altima that we purchased as well.
 

Cy4Patriots

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Jan 10, 2011
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If everything works out like I hope in the next couple of weeks, I may also be in the market. A G37 will be near the top of my list. I'd like a 3 series BMW but don't know if it's worth the risk.

I'm looking at these 37's and the price is like 40,000 and used isn't much better. They look pretty sweet though.
 

TitanClone

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Dec 21, 2008
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I am in the business of looking for a new car and need suggestions.

My first choice would be an Audi (A4), but I can't find the color I want. I need other suggestions. I want a sedan with a fair amount of bells and whistles.

Looking to pay up to 30,000 used or new
Make a trip to Chicago.

Bentley Gold Coast - 834 North Rush St. Chicago, IL 60611 312-280-4848 - New and Used Luxury and Exotic Cars, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Audi, Mini, VW and more.
 
Oct 2, 2010
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Drove the G37 this weekend and then a Lexus ES350. My wife bought the Lexus for the superior ride, although the G37 seemed sportier. Prices are similar, so it was all about how functional it is at this point in our lives.
 

dmclone

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Dmclone - you going to get used or new?

Most likely used. I see quite a few G37X (AWD) sedan with less than 30K miles for right around $30K.

If I get crazy I may bump up my budget to $40K. I saw a couple of 3 year old Lexus LS460's with less than 30K miles. Driving the most reliable car ever made with less than 30K miles for half it's original price seems like a good plan. I've always wanted the LS since it first came out but I would have a hard time justifying spending that kind of money on a car.

If I was smart I would just buy a $15K Honda Fit and pocket the rest of the money.

But I'm not smart and I've been saving awhile just for this purpose.
 

dmclone

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Drove the G37 this weekend and then a Lexus ES350. My wife bought the Lexus for the superior ride, although the G37 seemed sportier. Prices are similar, so it was all about how functional it is at this point in our lives.

For 99% of the woman out there this is a no brainer, softer and quieter ride. The ES350 has boring as hell styling but it is a very good car. I had an ES300 about 10 years ago and it was a great highway cruiser. On top of this, it hard to beat Lexus dealerships in general. I was a 20 something, had their cheapest car at the time, and they treated me like a king.
 

twistedredbird

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Apr 26, 2008
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Love Audis. I had an TT Quattro Roadster.

Audi's are very popular in Illinois/Chicago area; you could take a trip up here, or I would suggest talking to your local Audi dealer, tell them what you want, and they can find it/have it delivered in the used Audi certified program.

Then, you can get the service/warranty program all set through the dealer.