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Given your list, I'd take the Volvo off as I don't think it fits with the character of the other cars. I'd also remove Saab do to the issues with the brand in general. I also don't think you are going to get a CPO car.
Probably your best overall bet is a 2006 E46 3-series. You'll be able to afford more car for your money and the last year of the E46 was very reliable vs. the early year E92's that you would be looking at in your budget from 2007/8.
The Audi A4's are going to be B7 models, you won't be able to swing the newer B8's and I would avoid the older B6's. On the A4 I would try and look for a 2007 as being the best compromise in value and reliability in that line.
The Infiniti's are actually rather pricey, mainly owing to the lower volume which makes them harder to find. You're pretty much going to be looking at G35 sedans. The 2007/8 is the same as the newer models, but sans the updated styling and still uses the 3.5L. These are probably the best choice, but you could also do well with a 2005/6 model, which was heavily updated from the earlier cars. They aren't as nice as the 2007/8, but are decent choices.
So, I would look for 2006 BMW 3-series, 2007+ Audi A4's and 2005-2008 Infiniti G35's. My wildcard recommendation is a Subaru Legacy GT. They are going to be hard to find without a ton of miles, but if you do find one, they are a steal. The regular 2.5i Legacy's from 2008-2009 should fit into your price range and they are solid choices you can pick up CPO. The older ones are a little smaller and lighter then the current 2010+ models and I feel are a little more sport whereas the 2010+ is a little more sedan.
Given your list, I'd take the Volvo off as I don't think it fits with the character of the other cars. I'd also remove Saab do to the issues with the brand in general. I also don't think you are going to get a CPO car.
Probably your best overall bet is a 2006 E46 3-series. You'll be able to afford more car for your money and the last year of the E46 was very reliable vs. the early year E92's that you would be looking at in your budget from 2007/8.
The Audi A4's are going to be B7 models, you won't be able to swing the newer B8's and I would avoid the older B6's. On the A4 I would try and look for a 2007 as being the best compromise in value and reliability in that line.
The Infiniti's are actually rather pricey, mainly owing to the lower volume which makes them harder to find. You're pretty much going to be looking at G35 sedans. The 2007/8 is the same as the newer models, but sans the updated styling and still uses the 3.5L. These are probably the best choice, but you could also do well with a 2005/6 model, which was heavily updated from the earlier cars. They aren't as nice as the 2007/8, but are decent choices.
So, I would look for 2006 BMW 3-series, 2007+ Audi A4's and 2005-2008 Infiniti G35's. My wildcard recommendation is a Subaru Legacy GT. They are going to be hard to find without a ton of miles, but if you do find one, they are a steal. The regular 2.5i Legacy's from 2008-2009 should fit into your price range and they are solid choices you can pick up CPO. The older ones are a little smaller and lighter then the current 2010+ models and I feel are a little more sport whereas the 2010+ is a little more sedan.
I have a 2005 Legacy GT and it is on its 3rd Turbo. $1900 repair. I don't think their turbos are the greatest so make sure that you are constantly check you oil. Low oil can kill the turbo. I agree that they are a great buy. I have heard that on trade mine is only worth about 5000-6000.
We are thinking about replacing the Subaru with a 2008 G35X.
If you get an 09 (or older) 9-3 Aero, GM is covering those warranties and parts will be available for 10 years. The v6 on the AEROs are sweet; I look once in a while for a AERO sportcombi as second vehicle. People I know that hve the cars love em and have had no worries with them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stp_fan
So my '03 325i is getting some miles on it and the maintenance costs is unfortunately starting to surpass a reasonable average monthly car payment. Time to upgrade!
Looking for a sport sedan or coupe around 20k, used.
So far I have:
3 series - another, I'd consider going BMW again, but I'm open to others. Audi A4/S4 - mileage and reliability is still important to me G35/G37 - probably the only japanese brand i'd go for Saab - i loved the 9-3 Aero, but I think I'll stay away considering BK Volvo s40 T5 - probably wont even compare to a 3 series, for old people?
I have a 2005 Legacy GT and it is on its 3rd Turbo. $1900 repair. I don't think their turbos are the greatest so make sure that you are constantly check you oil. Low oil can kill the turbo. I agree that they are a great buy. I have heard that on trade mine is only worth about 5000-6000.
We are thinking about replacing the Subaru with a 2008 G35X.
There were some issues on the older turbo's pre-2007/8 that made them very sensitive to abuse and improper maintenance. A buddy of mine had one, chipped, custom exhaust, etc. and he raced it on a semi-regular basis. He basically considered it an, I'll upgrade the turbo when this one blows kind of thing. Of course, he was religious on maintaining the car and his had well over 70k and still going strong on the original turbo.
Depending on how many miles yours has, you're probably right on the trade in. A 2005 Legacy GT with 100k is worth around $9k retail. Go with a 2008 Limited with like 60k and they are in the $17k-$19k range. The issue is of course finding one as most people really hold onto those cars.
The Volvo doesn't belong in that list. The only thing it has in common is Europe. It is a FWD sedan with some commonality to Ford/Mazda.
For something different, I'd add the V6 TSX. High quality, reliability, and the V6 gives the car the oomph it deserves. Also the Lexus IS250/IS350 depending on how much power you want.
This might be a crazy question, but... You don't happen to live in Dallas/Plano do you?
Nope, never been to Texas.
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