Looking for new car suggestions.

sourceninja

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2005
8,805
65
91
I've decided it's time to trade in the my '09 Corolla for something newer and a bit more upscale (but not over 40k). I'm looking for input on new 2013 cars that are worth my consideration.

So far I'm enjoying the Toyota Avalon and Camry, as well as the Honda Accord, but I'm not sure what else I should check out. Is the Ford Fusion in this class? I wasn't too hot on the Passat as the interior just wasn't as comfortable to me.

So in any case, any suggestions on other cars to look at before I make a decision?
 

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
$40K can get you a hell of a lot of car.

The new (2014) Avalon is supposed to be nice. High trim levels on the Accord and Camry are nice too, but you can do better in the prices you're talking.

Some other ideas in the big, comfortable, near-luxury ($30K+) class:
Chrysler 300
Hyundai Azera/Kia Cadenza
Hyundai Genesis
Ford Taurus
Ford Fusion (Titanium trim level)
 
Last edited:

sourceninja

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2005
8,805
65
91
Mostly just looking for a mid to full size sedan with more creature comforts and modest power. So I really want a slick interior with lots of leather, solid bluetooth audio, backup camera, etc.

Outside I want nice large wheels and a modern look with leds.

I'm not a car buff so I'm not looking for a car that's high maintenance. I think the Avalon is a good example of the kind of car I'm looking at. I really don't want to go over $35,000, but I could go as high as $40,000.
 

sgrinavi

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2007
4,537
0
76
Go look at CPO Lexus and Acuras. You can get a low mileage car that's babied with full warranty. It's a huge step up.

Also, you can get a 2012 BMW 328 for under 40
 

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
Yeah, a CPO Lexus ES350 would be a decent option as well.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
I saw one of the refreshed Azera's in a parking lot the other day and I have to say that was a sharp looking car.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
I've decided it's time to trade in the my '09 Corolla for something newer and a bit more upscale (but not over 40k). I'm looking for input on new 2013 cars that are worth my consideration.

So far I'm enjoying the Toyota Avalon and Camry, as well as the Honda Accord, but I'm not sure what else I should check out. Is the Ford Fusion in this class? I wasn't too hot on the Passat as the interior just wasn't as comfortable to me.

So in any case, any suggestions on other cars to look at before I make a decision?

Yeah but only in the Ti trim or a nearly as expensive decked out SE. I have been pretty happy with the build quality and performance. It's really quite, the leathers nice, seems like 8 different ways to control just about every setting.

If I had any complaint and it really isn't a complaint so much as an observation is that it really wants to be 2 different cars and its mostly because of the engine. It can get great gas mileage if you nanny it, it drives really fun if you put your foot down, but to replicate the "feel of v6" they have the turbo spooling up pretty early.

So I think unless your keeping an eye on economy (which has about 8 screens to help you with it) or completely ignore it because your constantly tossing it around, you won't get the mileage you expect. But almost every midsize is moving towards a small I4 Turbo, so it's going to be same story. Just other manufacturers are going to probably have the turbo spool up under more throttle and not have it going so much during 2k-3k rpm cruising. But those will also be higher PSI with less fluid transitions and will eat more gas under excited driving.

Not big on Korean cars but the Sonata and Optima are getting good reviews.

Problem is if your looking upper class. The stocked Fusion is about as close to moving to the "upper class" without moving up a badge. A stocked Accord isn't to bad either. But for the most part a Acura/Audi/Lincoln/Caddy is the way to go. Just the little things they don't even give you as options. Like the Fusion, the Ti has a nice interface with tons of capacitive buttons and a clean and user friendly MFT screen. But if you get the same car in the MKZ you get a completely clean console with touch slider for audio and they even removed the stick for a touch interface. The Fusion is a great meld of style, features, comfort, and performance. But purposely Ford has held back the little nuances that would cause the car to cannibalize the 5k in markup they place on cars with the Lincoln nameplate regardless of features.

Cars that fit the upscale are probably the MKS, CTS, TL, ES an A4 (not a huge fan of it to much like the Passat), 328i, and C300. It all depends on what you mean buy upscale. A Camry might not seem like a very upscale car and I am not fully aware of all the features, but cars can be specced out to feel more upper-class. Maybe a compact less than a mid size and a mid size less than a full size. But I mean you look at a featureless daily beater like a Dart and compare it to a Dart Rallye or what an R/T will supposedly have (or an Fiat Abarath) and they seem pretty decent.

So are you looking for a larger more feature filled car. Or are you looking for something that exudes a more luxury feel?
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
Well ignore some of that I started writing that and got pulled away so you have answered some of the questions. I would give a Fusion Ti a test drive. I think at minimum even if you didn't like it would be a good control car for figuring out where you want to go with your choice.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,523
925
126
Best technology in the business although mildly frustrating is by Ford - My Ford Touch & SYNC.

I would look at the Lincoln MKZ or Ford Fusion Titanium. I would also look at the Buick Lacrosse, Lexus ES 350.

All new Chevrolet Impala might be worth a look too. Sat in one 2-weeks ago and the car is very nice!

Nissan Maxima might be worth a ride as well, huge discounts can be had and unsure how there technology is.

Drive a Chrylser 300S with the 3.6L V6 and 8spd trans too - there new technology package is very good.

Big rolling Sofas with big technology - I think I covered your list.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
I would look at Cadillac CTS if I wanted a "new" comfortable/nice car for 40K.

My only problem and I don't know if its still an issue is that a room mate of mine got a pretty decently priced CTS last year (invoice nearing 50k) on a lease. But 6 months later I get the Fusion Ti (33k) and the first thing right off the bat you notice when comparing them is that technology wise the caddy is really behind and part of that is that they last refresh had been awhile ago so they couldn't just throw in a 9 inch screen or change out the Odometer system with out a major change to the interior. He is also a bit taller and found the CTS a little more uncomfortable seating wise compared to my Fusion when driving.


Just looked into it looks like they did a slight fix for it for the 2013 on with a rising screen. But they have a true refresh coming out in fall. Up to the OP but I wouldn't recommend getting a car with its replacement 6 months away. The big change overs just usually bring so much to the table (3-5 years of technical changes) that you end up with buyers remorse.
 

JCH13

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2010
4,981
66
91
Check out a Volvo S60/S80 in addition to those cars already mentioned.
 

Midwayman

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
5,723
325
126
Mostly just looking for a mid to full size sedan with more creature comforts and modest power. So I really want a slick interior with lots of leather, solid bluetooth audio, backup camera, etc.

Outside I want nice large wheels and a modern look with leds.

I'm not a car buff so I'm not looking for a car that's high maintenance. I think the Avalon is a good example of the kind of car I'm looking at. I really don't want to go over $35,000, but I could go as high as $40,000.

Lexus ES 350, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS should all be on your list.

Are you more a comfy ride kinda guy or a handling kind of guy?
 

Mermaidman

Diamond Member
Sep 4, 2003
7,987
93
91
If you are considering the Avalon, then you should also look at the Buick LaCrosse. It's Buick doing Toyota doing Buick! :biggrin:
 

BurnItDwn

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
26,352
1,860
126
My only problem and I don't know if its still an issue is that a room mate of mine got a pretty decently priced CTS last year (invoice nearing 50k) on a lease. But 6 months later I get the Fusion Ti (33k) and the first thing right off the bat you notice when comparing them is that technology wise the caddy is really behind and part of that is that they last refresh had been awhile ago so they couldn't just throw in a 9 inch screen or change out the Odometer system with out a major change to the interior. He is also a bit taller and found the CTS a little more uncomfortable seating wise compared to my Fusion when driving.


Just looked into it looks like they did a slight fix for it for the 2013 on with a rising screen. But they have a true refresh coming out in fall. Up to the OP but I wouldn't recommend getting a car with its replacement 6 months away. The big change overs just usually bring so much to the table (3-5 years of technical changes) that you end up with buyers remorse.

Good points.

However, it's up to the OP what he values in a car.

~40K for a nice and comfortable RWD sporty semi-luxury car vs <40K for a higher tech, AWD (or FWD, yech!)

Maybe taurus SHO if more legroom and bigger size are important, though until I actually drive one myself, I will doubt the FWD's abillity to throw it around corners. (of course on the other hand, I've seen Top Gear take the Focus RS to the track, so I know Ford has done some very very very beautiful work with their FWD handle the power as well as corner well.)
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
For 40K, Lexus ES350. Only buy a Hyundai if you want your rear wheels to fall off after running a squirrel over.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
Good points.

However, it's up to the OP what he values in a car.

~40K for a nice and comfortable RWD sporty semi-luxury car vs <40K for a higher tech, AWD (or FWD, yech!)

Maybe taurus SHO if more legroom and bigger size are important, though until I actually drive one myself, I will doubt the FWD's abillity to throw it around corners. (of course on the other hand, I've seen Top Gear take the Focus RS to the track, so I know Ford has done some very very very beautiful work with their FWD handle the power as well as corner well.)

I agree with you and infact said as much in an earlier post. Though I have ridden in both a CTS and a new Fusion Ti (even though it's my room mates I have probably spent more time in the CTS since I have only had the Fusion for a 1.75 months). I would have to say the CTS isn't that great of a ride in comparison. It's good, fantastic even, but the Fusion fits on the same tier. Don't know if that says more about the Fusion or the CTS. But that is why I noted that the current CTS (this fall they are releasing a new CTS) is on its way out and hadn't changed much. Because of that the interior seems kind of spartan compared to cars that have been redone since 2010.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,523
925
126
A FWD sport-sedan can be pushed around a track while handling quite well. Its rare drivers push there cars to 7/10ths of there handling availability whether FWD/AWD or RWD.

All the 2013 large FWD platform cars handle exceptionally well and are fantastic daily drivers. Not everyone plans on pushing there car in the handling department but rather want a comfy daily commuter with luxury & style - knowing that if the situation arises like a emergency lane change at freeway speeds the car will handle it beautifully.

Comfy, luxury, tech, stylish, and holds 2 bags of golf clubs? Whats not to love.
 

sourceninja

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2005
8,805
65
91
I took the avalon for another spin as well as a maxima and a subaru legacy limited (with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder). I also looked at the Azera.

Overall I didn't really like the Azera in terms of the dash size and overall ability to see while driving and I just didn't like the style of the maxima.

I was a big fan of the body design and power in the legacy and the ride and interior of the Avalon XLE Touring. After taking a second look at the accord, I don't' really like the dash that much with it's weird split screen approach to the radio/console/fuel econ.

I still need to checkout Ford (the local dealer was closed by the time I was done) and a few others as suggested above.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
38
91
A few I would look at...

Lexus IS F sport or ES350

Infiniti G37 sedan

Maxima

Audi A4

Volvo S60 R-design

I have driven a new avalon as a loaner for a couple hundred miles. rides decent, fairly comfortable, worst stereo I have experienced in a car except for my brothers corolla. Didn't care for the controls of the HVAC. It had enough power and the looks were subjectively decent, in an old grandpa kind of way.

I liked the car overall (with the stereo shut off), but would not pay anything over 25k for it... it has no character. it doesn't give me a sense of anything special. It is just a ho-hum appliance. does everything comfortably, except play music. Yet does nothing to make you 'want' to drive it.
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
9,865
105
106
Test drive a Chrysler 300 with the v6-8speed combo as well as the Charger.
 

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
5,437
1,659
136
I still need to checkout Ford (the local dealer was closed by the time I was done) and a few others as suggested above.

Check out the Taurus while you are at it, its a bit large, but exudes style and comfort and you probably don't have to pimp it up to the SHO to get what you are looking for. A Limited might suit you well.