Starting to shop for new car

[duccarlos]

First, you guys should know that I won't be actually buying until February of next year, but I really enjoy doing research and test driving as many cars as I can. Second, I'm looking at entry level luxury sedans. I was originally looking at pick-ups, but the wife poopooed the idea when she said that we needed something relatively fuel economic.

Right now I the Acura TL and Cadillac CTS are the frontrunners, mainly because we both like Honda and I really like the CTS. Both are relatively low in price for what they offer. The Beemers and Benzes will be out of range monetarily.

So to recap, I'm looking for luxury under $40K.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I assume from the title it must be new?

[duccarlos]

Not necessarily. I don't mind buying a 1 or 2 year old pre-loved car.

[Mulletbiker]

I would check out the Volvo S60 or S80... or if you could go a little higher ( @ 45k) the Audi A6. When my girlfriend was looking for a new car, we tried all the models you're talking about & I was surprisingly impressed with the Volvo, although she ended up getting an Audi A4 with the 2.0T which handles amazingly well , has a great interior & just enough zoom for her with the 2 litre turbo.
Smart move taking your time & finding just the right car though... Much better than rushing into it & buying something you regret later.
Good Luck !

[derby]

The Beemers and Benzes will be out of range monetarily.

So to recap, I'm looking for luxury under $40K.

Not necessarily. I don't mind buying a 1 or 2 year old pre-loved car.

not necessarily suggesting this, but a late model used/cpo bmw 335i can be found for less than that.

[duccarlos]

The problem from the 3 series is that the back seat is very very small. I have 3 kids to put in the back. For the money I would need to look for a used 5 series instead.

[lethe]

The problem from the 3 series is that the back seat is very very small. I have 3 kids to put in the back. For the money I would need to look for a used 5 series instead.

but you're small, unless they aren't yours, the kids should remain fairly midgety.

[cyrus buelton]

My brother and wife picked up a BMW twin-turbo (335i? I have no idea) courtesy car a few years ago with 8k on the clock.


they paid well under 40k and got that nice extended BMW warranty where you only have to pay for tires. Oil Changes, brake pads, rotors, god knows what else breaks..........all covered.


Not sure as your driving habits, but also look at diesel passat.



Your car really doesn't have to be family oriented, dude.

You have that minivan.

[duccarlos]

Yeah, but we need to make sure that all 3 will fit in the backseat just in case we need it. Right now they the Accord is fine. 3 adults should be able to sit somewhat comfortable. When I sat in the backseat of a 330, I had zero leg room, and I'm very short. This car will be mostly used for my wife's work commute and for around town driving, but I would rather keep the people sitting in the back somewhat comfortable.

[cyrus buelton]

Yeah, but we need to make sure that all 3 will fit in the backseat just in case we need it. Right now they the Accord is fine. 3 adults should be able to sit somewhat comfortable. When I sat in the backseat of a 330, I had zero leg room, and I'm very short. This car will be mostly used for my wife's work commute and for around town driving, but I would rather keep the people sitting in the back somewhat comfortable.

Look at the 335.

It has more legroom than my Jetta.


You are complaining about legroom?

Carlos.........you are five foot three. (don't worry, I am not much taller)

[lethe]

Look at the 335.

It has more legroom than my Jetta.


You are complaining about legroom?

Carlos.........you are five foot three. (don't worry, I am not much taller)

but when either of you drive the phonebook adds at least 3 inches.

[RAT900]

Honda-made...they still have a culture of authentic pride in product

I see fewer of them stuck on the side of the road dead-shorted

waiting for 24 hour roadside assistance than any other vehicle

[cyrus buelton]

Honda-made...they still have a culture of authentic pride in product

I see fewer of them stuck on the side of the road dead-shorted

waiting for 24 hour roadside assistance than any other vehicle

I think he mentioned an Acura TL above.

As I know acura is made by Honda..........are they as reliable as a Honda branded/stamped vehicle?

[duccarlos]

They're made based on the same chassis and I think the Acura engines are basically a tuned version of the same one used in the Accord, which is fantastic in terms of reliability. The reason the TL is a frontrunner is based solely on our experience with our Accord. In 10 years we've had no major issues except for the idle fan crapping out. That's it. The interior is showing its age. The only reason I'm selling it is because if we screw up the interior any more, we won't get what we want for it. Whomever buys it will be getting an extremely reliable car.

I'll be checking out the new TL this weekend. I will be checking the used options as we get closer to February.

[cyrus buelton]

TL's are made about 20 minutes from where I live.


Lots of them around. I like them a lot. Kind of reminds me of a Lincoln LS, but better looking and not a make the beast with two backsing ford POS (my dad had a LS........other than it being fast.........it was a POS)


You can even order them in a manual if you want (the Acura).