| socalJD |
I'm going to get rid of my wife's '98 Avalon, time for a fresh ride. Since she can't decide on her next car, she'll get the MDX and I will need a new daily commute/2nd car. I have 2 pre-k kids, so a 4 door sedan with a backseat that can accomodate 2 carseats is a must. Things I must have are Navi & Bluetooth. Things I would like to have is rwd, decent power, decent handling, and a more compact size than the X. Here's a short list (so far):
1. Lexus IS250
2. Bmw 325i
3. Audi A4
Already ruled out:
- MB C class
- Infiniti G35
- Saab 9-3
I think you can see the theme here, looking for something a lil' sporty, yet still practical and affordable. I've intentionally left the TL/Accord off the list since I'm looking for something a lil' different this time. Appreciate any thoughts and comments on the above . . . |
|
|
| Pierre |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I'm going to get rid of my wife's '98 Avalon, time for a fresh ride.
I think you can see the theme here, looking for something a lil' sporty, yet still practical and affordable. I've intentionally left the TL/Accord off the list since I'm looking for something a lil' different this time. Appreciate any thoughts and comments on the above . . .
We just got the BMW 330xi. Now, we don't have the kids issue, but there'd be no problem getting 2 car seats back there. BMW has made the '06 bigger.
What a ride! I've never owned a BMW before this one, but I know my next one, and the one after that, will be a BMW. Considering the 650i Convertible for next year. |
|
|
| SRSEN1999 |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I'm going to get rid of my wife's '98 Avalon, time for a fresh ride. Since she can't decide on her next car, she'll get the MDX and I will need a new daily commute/2nd car. I have 2 pre-k kids, so a 4 door sedan with a backseat that can accomodate 2 carseats is a must. Things I must have are Navi & Bluetooth. Things I would like to have is rwd, decent power, decent handling, and a more compact size than the X. Here's a short list (so far):
1. Lexus IS250
2. Bmw 325i
3. Audi A4
Already ruled out:
- MB C class
- Infiniti G35
- Saab 9-3
I think you can see the theme here, looking for something a lil' sporty, yet still practical and affordable. I've intentionally left the TL/Accord off the list since I'm looking for something a lil' different this time. Appreciate any thoughts and comments on the above . . .
Go with BMW or Lexus. |
|
|
| SuperTech |
| What about a Cadillac CTS? I've seen child seats in those things. The new 3.6L motor seems to be pretty potent. I've driven the older one and thought it was still pretty decent. I've also driven the V-series, and that's definitely quick. But it has navi with real time traffic just like the new RL has. And the programable buttons on the steering wheel are still something I've yet to see from someone else. Not sure if it has bluetooth though, although you could just add some kind of aftermarket module to any car if you want. But if you have verizon, can't you link your account up with the OnStar setup in there? |
|
|
| phins2rt |
| Some great deals to be had on the RL! There is a $3000 incentive going on now. But maybe it's bigger than what you had in mind... |
|
|
| SuperTech |
| Plus the RL really isn't all that sporty to be honest. Aluminium suspension, SH-AWD, and all...it still feels like a heavy car through a turn. It just won't push as much when driven at 8/10ths compared to most others. A 6-speed TL would be more fun. But a proper RWD smaller sedan like the 3-series Bimmer, Infinity G35 or Lexus IS, or Cadillac would be even more fun. |
|
|
| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I'm going to get rid of my wife's '98 Avalon, time for a fresh ride. Since she can't decide on her next car, she'll get the MDX and I will need a new daily commute/2nd car. I have 2 pre-k kids, so a 4 door sedan with a backseat that can accomodate 2 carseats is a must. Things I must have are Navi & Bluetooth. Things I would like to have is rwd, decent power, decent handling, and a more compact size than the X. Here's a short list (so far):
1. Lexus IS250
2. Bmw 325i
3. Audi A4
Already ruled out:
- MB C class
- Infiniti G35
- Saab 9-3
I think you can see the theme here, looking for something a lil' sporty, yet still practical and affordable. I've intentionally left the TL/Accord off the list since I'm looking for something a lil' different this time. Appreciate any thoughts and comments on the above . . .
Not on your list, but I am thrilled with my M35 :cool: :1: |
|
|
| Chef |
| how about the volvo s60? |
|
|
| SRSEN1999 |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I'm going to get rid of my wife's '98 Avalon, time for a fresh ride. Since she can't decide on her next car, she'll get the MDX and I will need a new daily commute/2nd car. I have 2 pre-k kids, so a 4 door sedan with a backseat that can accomodate 2 carseats is a must. Things I must have are Navi & Bluetooth. Things I would like to have is rwd, decent power, decent handling, and a more compact size than the X. Here's a short list (so far):
1. Lexus IS250
2. Bmw 325i
3. Audi A4
Already ruled out:
- MB C class
- Infiniti G35
- Saab 9-3
I think you can see the theme here, looking for something a lil' sporty, yet still practical and affordable. I've intentionally left the TL/Accord off the list since I'm looking for something a lil' different this time. Appreciate any thoughts and comments on the above . . .
Are you only looking for mid-size car or a full-size car too? |
|
|
| keremoner |
| Lexus by all means. |
|
|
| deejay |
| I'd rule in Lexus. MY previous BMW's have been awfull |
|
|
| socalJD |
SuperTech: Somehow I knew you'd throw in the CTS. I'll give it a courtesy look, but I can't come to grips with owning a caddy at this point. Growing up I remember my uncles/grandpa's sedan/coupe devilles - can't seem to shake the image/perceptions . . .
Phins2rt: the RL just doesn't do 'it' for me. Like ST said, the TL would make more sense, but I want something a lil' different than the Honda/Acura offerings. I know I can get awesome deals way below invoice on a RL/TL, but not sure I will enjoy the driving experience as much . . .
MSU: The M35 is a li'l out of the budget range. That would take me into the BMW 5 series/Lexus GS class. The cars I'm looking at can be had nicely equipped for $35k. Again, looking for a practical daily driver.
Chef: Volvos get no love from Consumer Reports. Reliability, depreciation, overall driver satisfaction takes major hits compared to my short list. Also, remember that Volvo is now a division of Ford . . .
I'm getting the itch. Keep the thoughts and comments coming . . . |
|
|
| Pierre |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
And the programable buttons on the steering wheel are still something I've yet to see from someone else.
BMW has 'em. |
|
|
| Emerald01 |
Just wondering why you ruled out the G35? It would be comparable to the cars on your list and it gets/got good reviews. An updated version, 07, will be coming out later this year (November). So you could wait for that or get some good disconts on the 06s. Power on the 07 G35 will be over 300 bhp.
It's one the cars I'm considering. I too am kind of looking for a sport sedan. |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by Emerald01
Just wondering why you ruled out the G35? It would be comparable to the cars on your list and it gets/got good reviews. An updated version, 07, will be coming out later this year (November). So you could wait for that or get some good disconts on the 06s. Power on the 07 G35 will be over 300 bhp.
It's one the cars I'm considering. I too am kind of looking for a sport sedan.
I'm looking to replace in the next 30 days, so I can't wait for the '07 redesign - that and I don't want the 1st gen since it is already obsolete/dated and can't compete with the new IS/3 series. Altho the IS/3 series is in the 1st yr of a redesign, there's enough cars sold and on the road to gather facts from regarding problems, issues or design flaws - typically I don't like to buy a model in the 1st yr of a launch or redesign (ie '01 MDX). That said, simply bad timing for the next gen G35 (at least in my case) . . . |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by Pierre
BMW has 'em.
Ah Pierre, as a former E36 owner, believe me the 325 is definitely in the running . . . |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
Plus the RL really isn't all that sporty to be honest. Aluminium suspension, SH-AWD, and all...it still feels like a heavy car through a turn. It just won't push as much when driven at 8/10ths compared to most others. A 6-speed TL would be more fun. But a proper RWD smaller sedan like the 3-series Bimmer, Infinity G35 or Lexus IS, or Cadillac would be even more fun.
That Cadillac rear wheel drive Cadallic is a really fun car (and very comfortable) to drive. And not really too bad from a size point. I got my wife to drive one two times and still could not talk her into it. She wound up with the front wheel drive DHS.
G |
|
|
| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
SuperTech: Somehow I knew you'd throw in the CTS. I'll give it a courtesy look, but I can't come to grips with owning a caddy at this point. Growing up I remember my uncles/grandpa's sedan/coupe devilles - can't seem to shake the image/perceptions . . .
Do more than look. You gotta drive it. It feels way different than the rest of the Cadillac fleet. Although I haven't driven the new STS yet. The suspension is not the ultra cush "run over a pothole and not even make the golf clubs in the trunk clink together" kinda ride that you'd expect in the big Deville. It handles transitions (like a chicane) very well and doesn't wallow, dive, and roll through turns like the old Devilles, Fleetwods, and even Eldorados of the past.
This is why Cadillac has gone with the whole "science & technology" sharp angled bodies rencently. They want to shake the fuddy duddy image too. |
|
|
| rollnsf |
I just bought an IS250 for the wifey about 3 months ago, and just bought a used G35 6 speed for fun car.
IS 250 is great - quick enough, quiet. Lexus service is great. Only thing is the thing is tiny - I hurt my neck trying to get in the driver's seat every time and I'm not that tall (5'10") and I don't think an adult would find it comfortable sitting behind me. But since you're kids will be doing the sitting back there you're probably okay.
The G35 although dated (mine is used, but even the new ones will feel dated next to brand new products like the IS) but is an absolute hoot to drive, especially with the six speed. I got this car because I wanted a manual tranny with v6 and it was a better value than a BMW (which I've also owned in the past and wasn't happy with reliability issues).
I wouldn't recommend the BMW, especially since it's a fairly new model.
If space isn't an issue and you're okay with an auto tranny, go with the Lexus. |
|
|
| socalJD |
Since I started this thread, seems fitting that I should end it.
Here's the new daily 'commuter' car: :D :D :D |
|
|
| socalJD |
And here's an interior shot:
Gotta love that Lexus build quality & attention to detail . . . |
|
|
|
