CARS! Yes, another car thread.

[IHateMyJob2004]

This is kinda opinoin based. I think least expensive is kinda loose to as I don't want $15,000 cars mentioned.

I was wondering what cars people consider "luxury" cars but cars that cost less than $40,000 new today.
THE RULES:

1. Verify pricing at: Cars Direct

1. Use the base price listed. Let's not get into options.

NOTE: Only verify a price if you are not sure. Clearly a BMW 325 doesn't need to be checked.

For example, I think BMW 325s are crap. But 525s have a nice price and I think they are good looking cars.

Why the post? I think I hate my wife's Pontiac Vibe and with baby on the way, we need something bigger. Formula:
Us + baby + cocker spaniel +japanese chin (9 pound dog) + frequent roadtrips(6 hour) + Pointiac Vibe = :thumbsdown:

So, my short list:
BMW 525 (love this vehicle)
Volvo XC90 (love this price )
Vovlo XC70 (mini sport ute at $35,000)
Vovlo V50 ($26,000!)
Vovlo V70 ($29,000)

updated via follow up posts:
COMPLETE LIST OF MENTIONED CARS:
[*]BMW 325Volvo XC90
[*]Vovlo XC70
[*]Vovlo V50
[*]Vovlo V70
[*]Chrysler 300
[*]Cadillac CTS
[*]Mazda6 (is this luxury?)
[*]Cadillac SRX

 

[Actaeon]

Uh, that Vibe would has plenty of space for what you mentioned. Unless you plan on going to an SUV or a hugenormous sedan, you won't find much more space.

Go for a Lexus, or an Acura TL. Those are pretty sweet. A 525 isn't a bad choice, but its been recently bangled, I don't hate it, but I certainly wouldn't pay that kind of money for the looks.

You can also look into a Cadillac, the CTS is nice, and they have that smaller SUV (I can't remember the model).

If you're interested in something a little cheaper, a Mazda6 hatchback (or even wagon) might not be a bad idea.

 

[ViperSSD]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
Uh, that Vibe would has plenty of space for what you mentioned. Unless you plan on going to an SUV or a hugenormous sedan, you won't find much more space.

Go for a Lexus, or an Acura TL. Those are pretty sweet. A 525 isn't a bad choice, but its been recently bangled, I don't hate it, but I certainly wouldn't pay that kind of money for the looks.

You can also look into a Cadillac, the CTS is nice, and they have that smaller SUV (I can't remember the model).

If you're interested in something a little cheaper, a Mazda6 hatchback (or even wagon) might not be a bad idea.

The smaller cadillac suv is the SRX, but it really looks more like a raised wagon than a SUV. I really like the Infiniti FX SUVs, but mainly from a performance standpoint.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
Uh, that Vibe would has plenty of space for what you mentioned. Unless you plan on going to an SUV or a hugenormous sedan, you won't find much more space.

Go for a Lexus, or an Acura TL. Those are pretty sweet. A 525 isn't a bad choice, but its been recently bangled, I don't hate it, but I certainly wouldn't pay that kind of money for the looks.

You can also look into a Cadillac, the CTS is nice, and they have that smaller SUV (I can't remember the model).

If you're interested in something a little cheaper, a Mazda6 hatchback (or even wagon) might not be a bad idea.

OK, I'll be honest a bit. The pontiac vibe has TONS of road noise. After 6 hours in it, you get out with ringing ears. The baby is my excuse. I just talked to the wife, and she said "we'll talk" She likes the Vibe, but I think it's an overhyped POS.

I'll add your suggestions. Thanks fo the tip on the 525

 

[nakedfrog]

Chrysler 300

 

[Tbirdkid]

fack dat... YUKON man. screw the gas mileage and the taxes. support your country fools. I LOVE MY YUK>>>>

 

[RKS]

Kid + large lab that slobbers waaaay too much (so does the kid for that matter) plus the wife as a primary driver = ARMADA you can bargain these below $40K with most options.

 

[Actaeon]

The Mazda6 is not a luxury car, but its a very solid and nice looking car. I believe the Hatchback/5 door is awesome looking, but if you need more space, look at the Wagon. I suggested it as an alternative if you wanted to get something cheaper, and maybe put the rest of that money into the new baby's college fund .

Mazda6

You can take a look at a new Maxima. The Maxima isn't a luxury car, but its nice, big, plenty of power, and looks pretty good.

Remember, just because these aren't luxury cars, it doesn't mean they don't have solid build quality and nice designs. The Maxima nor the Mazda6 carry the prestige and brand name like Lexus and BMW, but they're nice cars for the money.

Regarding the 5-series again, if you like the looks, then by all means go for it. I think it would be a nice car to have, but I'm not really a fan of the looks and would not spend my money that way. I personally like the 3-series better (even the new bangled version looks pretty good IMO), but you said you wern't interested in that.

If you don't mind waiting, the new Infiniti M45 would appear to be a solid car. The new M45 is due in 2006.

Here are some links to some cars that I believe "fit your requirements".

Cadillac CTS
Cadillac SRX - Just barely in your price range
Cadillac STS - Slightly over, but nice car.

Acura MDX
Acura TL
Acura TSX - TL is nicer, but not bad for the price!

Infiniti G35 Sedan - I like the coupe better, but you have a kid and a dog, so you're likely wanting the sedan.

Lexus RX
Lexus IS
Lexus ES

I'm also sure there are plenty of Mercedes Benz, and BMWs that fit your requirements as well. You can also take a look at Audi, but I'm a bit skeptical of their reliablity. Take a look at there webpage and see if you can get what you like for what you're willing to pay.

 

[Rallispec]

g35 sedan or a nissan maxima

 

[z0mb13]

525 is wayyy too slow

530 is very nice

 

[CtK]

for under 40K luxury sedan i would get the Acura TL it has everything you would want in a car except RWD but thats OK

Edit: with DVD navigation its just under $40K!!

 

[ajayjuneja]

I'd vote for the G35 sedan but I dunno if I'd want dogs on leather. They tend to eat that....

 

[CtK]

new M45 will be a closer to $45G

 

[kermalou]

i wouldn't get the % series, too many damn problems wait at least a year on that.

the 300 is sick and definatley worth it.

 

[Tremulant]

Dodge Magnum RT? Not pure luxury.. but I think it has enough room for crap in the back.

I'd go with the Nissan Pathfinder Armada or the normal Pathfinder. Armada is a monster though, I think 97.1 cubic feet of storage w/ the seats down. :shocked:

 

[ShowdOWN]

looks like the main cars on your list is from volvo. maybe its your destiny.

i would get the acura rl, but its a bit more then 40Gs. Got the TL right now.

 

[Aimster]

Lexus RX330 , I love it you don't. My opinion. Peace

Edit: I won't be a troll. Seriously this car is beautiful and I listed it only because you named the XC90. Both are nice and if it comes down to it I'd pick RX330 or XC90.

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

If I had to choose from luxury cars, BMW 330Ci or Infiniti G35. But then again, I don't care much for luxury cars.

Mazda6 isn't really a luxury car, more of a nice passenger car.

 

[spidey07]

Acura TL.

A whole lotta luxury (IMHO more than any sub 40K car) for not a lotta dough.

voice recognition and navigation
blue tooth phone integrated into car/stereo
5.1 dvd audio system, built in XM

and the pererenial favorite - BUTT WARMERS!!!!

 

[Wahsapa]

baby you say? then you have to get a volvo

there was a thread yesterday where some japanese cars(?) front end got totalled while the volve didnt have a scratch... so im voting volvo since you have a kid :thumbsup:

edit: which volvo you say? after checking out the site id say the V50 :thumbsup:

edit: also after surfing the site more i think the XC70 would be a good option too :thumbsup:

 

[OS]

Are you sure you need an expensive, powerful car if you're gonna be driving it a lot? You'll get nailed twice, once on mileage depreciation on an expensive vehicle and second on gas costs.

 

[psiu]

Well, I vote for the Escape Hybrid.




Mostly because I want someone on this forum to review one

 

[Fenixgoon]

audi A4... sooo sexy (my bro has one)

 

[mchammer187]

TL

or G35 sedan only if it is 2005 anything older looks like a dog

TSX nice as well

other than that I would check out the lexus GS300 as well though this may be a stretch (MSRP 39.6K)

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Infiniti M45
Lincoln LS
Saab 9-5
Lincoln Aviator