Looking at yachts... land yachts!

[gregulator]

So I now have a 5 hour round trip commute a few times a month and need something comfortable. I also have a family, and our Focus hatchback is getting to show its limitations in size. I am 6'2", 190lbs so I need something that fits me comfortably. We have an A4 wagon, and it is pretty comfortable (maybe slightly small), but being a manual makes it tough on the long commutes when I get stuck in traffic.

I want something that is:
-Under $20k
-Decent highway MPG (mid 20s+)
-Comfortable/Roomy
-Good for crappy New England weather
-Good brakes!
-Leather

My list to check out so far: A8, Avalon, Edge, Outback

Any suggestions?

 

[Sidekicknichola]

I just picked up a used Acura RL (not super huge car) but I am 6'1" 200 lbs. and fit great in the car and could sit behind myself (impossible coming in my last car - IS250). Seats are amazingly comfortable, nav system works well, and the fit/finish (leather) is great.

AWD system works great in the snow (I live in Minneapolis), 3.5 engine is quick and gets about 20mpg city (its a pretty heavy car) and pulls around 28 mpg at 65 mph.
Reliability is pretty darn good to (its basically a honda).

Might be worth a look.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The new Avalon is a really nice comfortable cruiser. I've driven it and I was really impressed by it. Plenty of power with the V6 engine, they also offer a hybrid version but I haven't driven that. Highway mpg with the V6 would be right in your range though.

Nevermind. The new Avalon is out of your price range.

 

[NutBucket]

But a used Avalon fits the bill perfectly

 

[nerp]

Awd 300.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Buick Park Ave Ultra if you want to stay under $10K

Mercury Montego Premier - another $8-12K choice

Hyundai Azera

Buick LaCrosse (current generation)

Screw the MPG and get a Cadillac DTS/DHS - comfy, roomy, soaks up the hwy miles. Northstar V8 will achieve 20's on the hwy and teens in the city. Its a $50K car for $20K after 3yrs of depreciation.

Pontiac G8 3.6L V6 -

The last generation Accord was a full-size car as it was a beheamoth. I'm sure you could get a 4cyl EX 2yrs old for $20K.

 

[LordMorpheus]

I have a Lincoln Town Car (1997), and you can't find a car that's more like a yacht.

I want something that is:
-Under $20k -- super cheap on the used market. 20k would get you almost new with lots of options.
-Decent highway MPG (mid 20s+) -- I get 26 or so in mine on the interstate
-Comfortable/Roomy -- Haven't been in a car that's more so (obviously some super luxury cars will be, but not in this price range)
-Good for crappy New England weather -- I like in Ithaca, NY. It's not great in the snow but with decent tires it's no worse than other RWD cars.
-Good brakes! -- brakes are fine on mine, never had any complaints.
-Leather -- well, as long as you're ok with "leather", this is a yes.

Also, the Town Car (properly taken care of) will be one of the most reliable things you ever own.

 

[desy]

yeah t0wn car or buick was my first thought

 

[satyajitmenon]

Lexus LS430

 

[manimal]

UCF 210 lexus ls400. 3-5k best luxo barge ever made

 

[KentState]

My advice, look at what old people drive and get one. Even better if you get it off an old person because they don't cheap out on maintenance and don't put many miles on the car.

 

[hans007]

i'd figure almost any midsize sedan would be fine for you. technically an A4 is a compact, interior space is about the size of a focus or a civic.

i was sitting in my friends 2013 fusion yesterday and that car is huge inside (i drive a 3 series and i think its plenty big but also about the size of a civic inside, but i'm 5'11 160 ish or so). so i figure you could easily fit in an altima, fusion, camry, accord, mazda6, sonata, optima, malibu type car i'd imagine. those types of cars you can probably fit 4 6' tall guys in relatively comfortable.

i think if you get a 1-2 year old one, it would easily be under 20k. you could check out a used subaru legacy.. same size or so, has awd too.

 

[boomhower]

Used Lexus LS would be my pick.

 

[Zap]

I want something that is:
-Under $20k
-Decent highway MPG (mid 20s+)
-Comfortable/Roomy
-Good for crappy New England weather
-Good brakes!
-Leather

Used VW Passat TDI?

 

[spaceman]

90s roadmaster?

 

[jupiter57]

My advice, look at what old people drive and get one. Even better if you get it off an old person because they don't cheap out on maintenance and don't put many miles on the car.

I'm an "Old People" and I wouldn't think of taking a road trip in anything other than my Sedan DeVille.
Not too big, but roomy, comfortable, leather & loaded.
And it gets average of 26 mpg on the highway.

 

[gregulator]

UPDATE: Bought a 2006 A8L. Loving every second of it. Looked for months for the right one, and finally found it. I do not recommend buying this car without a lot of research first.. but if you do, you can own one heck of a car for less than the price of most new econoboxes!

 

[Plugers]

UPDATE: Bought a 2006 A8L. Loving every second of it. Looked for months for the right one, and finally found it. I do not recommend buying this car without a lot of research first.. but if you do, you can own one heck of a car for less than the price of most new econoboxes!

Nice, I was going to say A8.i have the S and highway only mileage is about 22.5 on cruse, but I hear the A is a bit better. Great cars.