| cycler15 |
What do you guys think is the best sports sedan for around $35k? Reliability is top priority.
My fiance is looking to upgrade her car and I'm just looking to get some suggestions. |
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| cycler15 |
| Yeah, Acura TL and Infiniti G35 were the first 2 that came to my mind. I'll also check out the BMW 3 series and the Audi A4. How does quality/reliability for the BMW and Audi compare to Acura or Infiniti? |
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| mgmdx |
Both Acura TL and Infinity G35 would be on my short list. I would also throw in the 3-series BMW into the mix, just to get a better frame of reference. Would have to drive them all back-to-back to make the final determination.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edm...=3&tab=features
Here's a relevant comparison test of $35,000 Sports Sedans from Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article...article_id=7785
As far as quality/reliability issue, I think that both the Infinity and the Acura would be superior over the BMW and the Audi. |
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| pakman916 |
Best sports sedan...best luxury sports sedan...
There are a lot of cars in that range.
Luxury - G35, TL, TSX, BMW, A4, IS300, C230 or 240.
If you want a sports sedan but not as concerned about luxury you can go with Subaru STi, Subaru Legacy GT, Mitsubishi Evo, Maxima, Volvo S60, S40.
I used to be Honda\Acura biased but recently became Subaru biased because AWD and fast cars. Subaru is trying to break into the luxury market with the new Legacy. It's worth a look at.
If I had to pick, it would be between TSX, BMW 325, Subaru STi and the Subaru Legacy GT. Just my 2 cents.
I wouldn't mind having an Evo or a G35 coupe either... |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by pakman916
Best sports sedan...best luxury sports sedan...
There are a lot of cars in that range.
Luxury - G35, TL, TSX, BMW, A4, IS300, C230 or 240.
If you want a sports sedan but not as concerned about luxury you can go with Subaru STi, Subaru Legacy GT, Mitsubishi Evo, Maxima, Volvo S60, S40.
I used to be Honda\Acura biased but recently became Subaru biased because AWD and fast cars. Subaru is trying to break into the luxury market with the new Legacy. It's worth a look at.
If I had to pick, it would be between TSX, BMW 325, Subaru STi and the Subaru Legacy GT. Just my 2 cents.
I wouldn't mind having an Evo or a G35 coupe either...
Good points.... I'm looking for a luxury sports sedan. Smooth ride is also important. |
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| Fabvsix |
| Like I said, the TL is the BEST ride ! :1: |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by cycler15
Yeah, Acura TL and Infiniti G35 were the first 2 that came to my mind. I'll also check out the BMW 3 series and the Audi A4. How does quality/reliability for the BMW and Audi compare to Acura or Infiniti?
Fully loaded, the TL and the G35 will cost less than Beamer and the Audi. Here's the CR summary: |
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| SuperTech |
The '04-05 TL is much sportier than the '99-03 for sure. It rides much harsher though. Transmission, which was an absurdly bad design on the previous generation, seems to be holding up well. But there's man more squeaks and rattles than the previous generation.
Squeaks and rattles don't equate to what I think is luxury. Besides...the TL is still front wheel drive. That takes a lot of the sport out of sport sedan if you ask me.
Infiniti G35 is the best pick in this segment and price range. Period. A loaded A4 or 330 will cost a good $5k more. |
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| pakman916 |
The downside to the G35 Sedan is that it doesn't look as good as the Coupe. If I put them in order it would go like this:
1. G35 Coupe
2. TL
3. BMW 325
4. Benz 230 Kompressor
5. G35x Sedan
As much as I like the fact that the G35 is the Japanese Nissan Skyline, the Sedan is just not sporty. Given that you are looking for a "Sedan", I'd get the TL hands down. Like that other dude said.
Just a side note, The BMW would be first if the price were right. But it cost too much after adding on options. I don't think you can have a comparable BMW under $35k. |
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| vqdriver |
well, i'll take 'sports sedan' at face value and say that the 330 would be the 'funnest' to drive. but since reliability is a top consideration, like most of us, i'll stick to G35 for my suggestion. i've driven some iteration of the VG or VQ engines in some form or another for about ten years (in a J30, pathfinder, and now a maxima). flawless reliability.
my father's bimmer on the other hand drives great but burns oil at a spectacular rate. dealership says that it's a known issue with their I6 3.0s and that it's within spec. :confused: numerous electrical issues to boot.
as a sports sedan, i'd seriously consider the g35. with rear wheel drive and its manual tranny, it's a pretty clear choice for a sports sedan that's also a daily driver. TL gets beat hands down with its front wheel drive layout. it will never drive the same as RWD or AWD, no matter what differential they put in there. gets points for styling tho.
i agree with pakman916's opinion on subies. STi's a great choice, but don't know if your wife would appreciate the boy racer image. the new legacy gt limited may be viable, but for a couple grand more opt for the linear power of the infiniti's v6 and its better (IMO) styling.
whatever you choose, you'll likely be pleased since that segment at that price range seems to be so hotly contested these days. lots of good choices out there. just make sure to get the 'good' tranny :D |
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| wmquan |
For $35k one is looking more at a loaded 325i unless they want a 330i with much less equipment.
Reliability won't meet the criteria here but the 325i will probably have the most "sport" of the sport sedans. Probably challenged only by the A4. To some degree the G35. Less so with the C-class, though C230's and C280's with new engines are being introduced for the 2006 model year.
So if you want reliability and a true sports sedan, get a G35.
If you want a sporty sedan with high reliability and lots of equipment and value, a TL is an excellent choice. It won't drive with quite as much fun as a 325i (unless you're drag-racing with it), or a G35.
Or, wait for the new IS250/IS350. However, there is concern that Lexus has gone overboard with the electronic controls, just like they did with the new GS. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
a TL is an excellent choice. It won't drive with quite as much fun as a 325i (unless you're drag-racing with it), or a G35.
You can appreciate the benefits of rear drive in a turn too. If you're a pretty good driver, you can have more fun with rear drive in a turn than you could just accelerating in a straight line.
And the new TL has ridiculous torque steer. Even the 6 speed with the LSD. |
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| cycler15 |
Sounds like my top 3 is what most people are recommending.
1. G35 (not sure about coupe or sedan, can't do manual since my fiance doesn't drive stick, plus too much traffic in LA for manual)
2. TL
3. BMW 325
I haven't really looked at what Lexus offers in this category.. I'll have to browse their website a bit. |
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| tzeus |
quote:
Originally posted by cycler15
...can't do manual since my fiance doesn't drive stick...
:eek: this sounds like a serious problem!!! :2: Sorry....found it funny!! :cool: |
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| alphaforcex |
We test drove the 325, TL, Audi 1.8T, G35 and the C230/240 last year and my wife loves the C230. The car was for my wife primarily but ends up I'm driving to work everyday. Gas mileage is good (30mpg), look is great and not to mention the stagger tires setup and the big slot drill rotors. The braking power is awesome! Mind you though, it's all look but little go as the small 1.9 4 cycl supercharger is far away from powerful but is preppy enough for every day driving. We liked the power of G35 but we found it too loud for our taste. I'm sure you will be happy with either the G35, the 3 series or the MB C series. TL is great if you feel like revving it all the time and don't mind the noise.
And depends on your market, you could get a C320 sport for less than $35k
You should test drive them and see which one you like the best. Keep us update on your decision! |
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| Fabvsix |
| In my opinion a true sports sedan is a Manual transmission NOT a slush box automatic ! |
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| ScoobyT |
Subaru Legacy GT Limited(5spd).
No other car has better performance/value/quality ratio. |
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| vqdriver |
| for an m-b, wait for the 2k6 c350.... or the lexus is330. a few monthes and she'll be stylin. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
| Most will say it would be out of its league here but how about the poor man's RL - an Accord V6? It has a peppy 240 HP with most of the accoutrements of an Acura and I can't complain about its fuel economy, especially these days. But then again the potential luxury buyer probably doesn't care as much about stuff like that. |
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| inemer |
| Check out new Lexus IS350. Looks very promising |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Most will say it would be out of its league here but how about the poor man's RL - an Accord V6? It has a peppy 240 HP with most of the accoutrements of an Acura and I can't complain about its fuel economy, especially these days. But then again the potential luxury buyer probably doesn't care as much about stuff like that.
Thanks for the suggestion, but to quote my fiance, she wants a "hot momma car". Lol. I don't think the Accord fits under the category of "hot momma car". |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by ScoobyT
Subaru Legacy GT Limited(5spd).
No other car has better performance/value/quality ratio.
Looks like a great value.. but just doesn't look as stylish and refined as the others... you know women... looks are probably a top priority. |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by inemer
Check out new Lexus IS350. Looks very promising
I checked the Lexus website, looks like they are still showing the 2005 model. I'll def have to check it out when they have the 2006 model. Is it completely redesigned? |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
In my opinion a true sports sedan is a Manual transmission NOT a slush box automatic !
And I'd insiste that a drivers car cannot be front wheel drive. I absolutely HATE it.
A |
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| Fabvsix |
I was going to add that too ! I agree.
2 doors
Manual
Rear wheel drive !
That is a true Sport sedan/coupe/car.....what ever....... |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
2 doors
Now you're going too far!
(I've got an M5)
:)
A |
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| pakman916 |
Lexus only has the IS in that price range. The ES is a dressed up Camry. Not sporty.
I agree with ScoobyT. The Legacy GT is a good value. As I mentioned before, it's their first attempt at trying to go upscale. It's got AWD, 250 horses, turbo charged 2.5 engine. It also can go into SUV territory if you opt for the Outback 2.5XT. I don't remember the performance stats, but I know it's up there with the TL, G35, IS, BMW 3 and Benz C Class. Maybe not in features, but definetly in performance. Also, 2006 is going to have a Spec B which should be hot. It might not have the refinement of the other cars people are talking about, but it's undeniably a "reliable sports sedan".
To add to your original post...Subaru owners rank in the highest for brand loyalty. I think that says something about it's reliablity. Once you own a Subaru, you'll want another.
If you haven't driven a Subaru yet, at least go and try it. It won't hurt. Then...if you don't like it, go buy the TL or TSX. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by cycler15
I checked the Lexus website, looks like they are still showing the 2005 model. I'll def have to check it out when they have the 2006 model. Is it completely redesigned?
Here's a bunch of pictures and some initial comments from Edmunds.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...rticleId=106455 |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by alphaforcex
We test drove the 325, TL, Audi 1.8T, G35 and the C230/240 last year and my wife loves the C230. The car was for my wife primarily but ends up I'm driving to work everyday. Gas mileage is good (30mpg), look is great and not to mention the stagger tires setup and the big slot drill rotors. The braking power is awesome! Mind you though, it's all look but little go as the small 1.9 4 cycl supercharger is far away from powerful but is preppy enough for every day driving.
I like the C230K and how you get the sport suspension and the AMG styling cues in it, even though it's not AMG.
For the 2006 model year, the supercharged-4 will be dropped, and the C230 (no "K") will have a direct-injection V6 that will push out slightly more than 200 horsepower. The C240 will be replaced by the C280, with a more powerful direct-injection V6. |
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| vincent |
My Choice is listed below.
Good Luck,
vincent |
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| vqdriver |
like i said, hang tight for a few monthes and she'll be happier with the newer offerings. namely, the c350 and the is350. both are gonna be stunners.
if she can't drive stick, that's fine. most women i know simply don't want to bother with it, even if they know how (excluding my wife :D). but at least insist on the rwd for those times when you take it for a spin.
that pretty much eliminates everything from acura's stable. |
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| anjan |
About four months ago, me and my friend tried out BMW 330xi, G35, M35, IS300, GS300 AWD, C240, TL, RL, WRX STi, A4. From our general consensus, he ended up with the TL and is very satisfied with it.
330, and IS300 seemed to crawl compared to the TL. 330 was also noisy and uncomfortable for a luxury sports sedan. G35 felt like a dressed up Hyundai. Too "Plasticky". The interior was very uninspiring. M35 was better in overall product finesse but too big. GS300 was slow compared to the competition and bigger as well - not sporty enough. Merc C240 did not inspire or increase our adrenaline flow either. Audi has huuuge reliability issues that he didn't want to deal with. WRX STi is really a rally car and felt like it. Very fun to drive but after 7 minutes it was feeling crampy and ache-inducing. Very fast though :) RL seemed more like a small luxury sedan and a first year model.
TL had us going YEAH!! when test driving. Comfortable, very good value for money, rock solid reliability, and very fast. The only car faster than the TL in this group was the WRX and if it was comfortable and better finished, we'd have gone for that one. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
About four months ago, me and my friend tried out BMW 330xi, G35, M35, IS300, GS300 AWD, C240, TL, RL, WRX STi, A4. From our general consensus, he ended up with the TL and is very satisfied with it.
This shows how competitive this market segment is. If you test drove these vehicles four months ago, three or four of the models you drove have been, or are about to be replaced by either entirely new models, or have received significant improvements in power and other areas.
E.g. the C240 is being discontinued in favor of a C280 with much more power. I don't know if the 330 you drove was the old one or the new one that is also improved in all areas. Same for the A4, which has received the mid-cycle refresh with more powerful engines and general improvements. The IS300 is being replaced in a couple of months with a redesigned IS250/IS350 pair.
The TL is a good bet for someone who wants a sporty sedan with excellent value and reliability, and great straight-line performance. |
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| anjan |
I'd love to try out the C280. The BMW was the 2005 one but the 3 Series has always seemed ploretarian to me. If I could afford it, I'd loooove a 530 or 545i but never the 3 series - just never liked the feel of it (except if you're talking M3 but that't hardly "3 series")
The Audi was the new one. We have other friends that like Audis but warn us about things that inexplicably go wrong. The feel was good but the fact that one of the friends had to have his engine swapped twice within the warranty period spooked us.
The Lexus felt the most luxurious of the cars but I've always hated the sluggish feeling of their cars. I was flooring the IS300, ES330, LS430 and it would perceive it as a gentle request to accelerate a little faster :D Somehow they forgot how to make sporty cars after Supra.... |
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| vlam |
The Lexus felt the most luxurious of the cars but I've always hated the sluggish feeling of their cars. I was flooring the IS300, ES330, LS430 and it would perceive it as a gentle request to accelerate a little faster Somehow they forgot how to make sporty cars after Supra....
They didn't forget, just that they decided no more turbo charging. Remember the sc300 and NA Supra? They where sluggish until a twin turbo was strapped on. That added another extra 100hp and change. |
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| anjan |
| You're right about the turbo-charging with Toyota. But you don't have to turbo charge engines for zippy performance. Both BMW and Honda have high performance normally aspirated engines. Toyota, intentionally, aims for the middle of the road performance.... |
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| eurohazard |
quote:
Toyota, intentionally, aims for the middle of the road performance....
Not entirely accurate. Toyota never brought the 20 valve 2.0 4 cyl. engine here from Japan. But this engine was a B-series Honda/Acura VTEC killer!
My bro-in-law installed one of these babies in his 1993 Corolla. This car was FAST! I drove it once and proceeded to spank the hell out of a BMW 328.
Edit: this isn't his car, but the engine is the same. Note the 4 individual throttle bodies! |
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| JL889 |
| Subaru STI, Its the best for the money! I love mine-Joe |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Here's a bunch of pictures and some initial comments from Edmunds.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...rticleId=106455
The Lexus IS definitely looks nice. I also like the fact that I don't see too many of them on the road. I see a ton of G35s here in Los Angeles. I also like the fact that it has the touch button start. I wonder why most cars don't have that these days. Seems like inserting a key and having to crank it to start the engine is so prehistoric compared to all the other technology we have in cars these days. |
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| ScoobyT |
| How about Infiniti G35 Coupe? Looks great , has power to spare and built in Japan(quality). |
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