Car shopping, what else should I look at?

[thirdeye]

My wife and I are looking to get a new sedan and I'm kinda drawing a blank as to where else to look. I don't need anything really sporty as I already have a 09 STI but something somewhat fun would be nice. We currently have an 07 Acura RDX that we're thinking of downsizing in this purchase so something with decent fuel economy would be a plus as well. No FWD and AWD is preferred.

Last night we test drove a 2010 Legacy but I think we both we left a little underwhelmed in the driving category for that car. It was great otherwise, but it lacked any sportiness at all.

Other cars we're looking into are the Lexus IS and the 3-series.

Our budget is ~$30k new or slightly used.

 

[ulukay]

mazda 6 mps awd? (well not really awd, more like VW's 4motion crap)
jaguar x-type

 

[thirdeye]

We've owned an older Mazda 6 and after having Mazda buy it back from us due to problems, neither of us are too thrilled to consider Mazda again.

Didn't think of Jaguar. How would the reliability be on a slightly used model?

 

[Vette73]

Suv: Buick Enclave or new chevy equinox

Car: Buick Lacrosse (comes in awd), used CTS (rwd)

 

[thirdeye]

The Lacrosse looks pretty promising, I'll have to check that out.

 

[PricklyPete]

2009/2010 a4

 

[njmodi]

G35x/G37x ...

 

[ichy]

Does Ford make an AWD Fusion? I think they do. Should be very economical.

 

[thirdeye]

G35x/G37x ...

I test drove a g35x before getting my 09 STI and can't say I was thrilled. It's a nice car, but it had next to no room in the back. I was underwhelmed for myself, but my wife hated the car for some reason.

Does Ford make an AWD Fusion? I think they do. Should be very economical.

I believe so but I'm not a huge fan of the Fusion.

 

[njmodi]

Volvo S60 .. do they still make the - R - versions?

 

[thirdeye]

Volvo S60 .. do they still make the - R - versions?

Looks like the S60 as a whole is no longer made. I'll have to see what used ones are going for I always did like those.

 

[ViviTheMage]

A4

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Pontiac G8 GT

 

[BoberFett]

Cts?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Ford Fusion Sport AWD (3.5L 265HP V6)

Brand spanking new for $30K.

When considering rear space occupants + trunk space the Fusion wins out over the BMW 3, Audi A4, and Lexus IS by a mile! IS is only available with the 206HP motor in AWD configuration.

I would recommend the Taurus SHO but it is priced at $38K.

I would also recommend a 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD. 285HP Turbo 2.8L V6. Good warranty and massive depreciation. The Haldex system is very good.

 

[ussfletcher]

Buick LaCrosse.

Epic car.

 

[Doggiedog]

G35x/G37x ...

My previous gen G35 got horrible mileage (17MPG). I can't imagine how bad the x version's mileage must be.

 

[StageLeft]

My previous gen G35 got horrible mileage (17MPG). I can't imagine how bad the x version's mileage must be.

Current version is 17 GPM

 

[kornphlake]

Crown vic or grand marquis, fun being a non quantifiable requirement, I believe driving a car that is most often seen painted black and white or yellow is fun. By the same token a Monte Carlo is like driving a nascar without the pit crew and you can make right turns. I've never actually sat behind the wheel of either of these vehicles so I can't comment on handling characteristics, I do know that highway mpg for either car is exceptional for it's class.

 

[R1P5AW]

It really depends what you are looking for!

Sport? Touring? Wagon? Luxury? Functional?

I really recommend buying used. Its astonishing how much cars depreciate within a person owning them for 5 minutes off the lot

 

[thirdeye]

It really depends what you are looking for!

Sport? Touring? Wagon? Luxury? Functional?

I really recommend buying used. Its astonishing how much cars depreciate within a person owning them for 5 minutes off the lot

Yeah there's a good chance whatever we get will be used from the depreciation standpoint alone.

I'd like something that's a cross between sport and touring with a little luxury. I'm gonna look at some 3-series this weekend. I've never been a fan of them honestly, but I drove my co-workers 335i sedan and was pleasantly surprised. The 335 is more than I'd want to spend but if the driving mechanics are similar in the lower cars I'd be pretty happy with that.

The wife wants an Evo X but I'm not sure having an STI and an Evo as our only vehicles would be a good idea.

 

[PricklyPete]

Current version is 17 GPM

LOL. The gas mileage was one of the reason's that scared us away from the G37X. With mixed driving in our A4 Quattro...some even spirited last weekend...we're averaging 29 MPG. Got up to 33.6 on a long highway drive. Not the same level of power as the G37X we test drove, but plenty to have fun with.

 

[thirdeye]

^^That's actually good info. MPG is not a primary concern, but something that gets that kind of mileage is certainly an added bonus for sure.

 

[StageLeft]

When my Maxima is replaced the G line will be on the short list but the mileage will need definite consideration. Putting premium fuel into a car that gets in the teens in the city = not very fun.

 

[thirdeye]

^^Agreed. Both the STI and RDX we have now require premium and rarely see 20+ unless on the highway.