[Matajic]

I am thinking to finally buy my first luxury car probably end of this year or next year, I have been torn between multiple car models, so I thought what you guys would think.

Not buying new, I am targeting 2008-2009 for the most part for best price, my max is probably $30K, but I really don't wanna pay more than $26K-28K

Important things I need in the vehicle

• -Luxury inside and comfort
• -Reliability
• -Looks sporty and luxury outside
• -I live in north east area (PA/NY), so good snow handling is important

Things probably I wouldn't care that much about:
-Top notch sporty handling, I drive long trips and just need comfort in handling.

I don't have feelings for either Benz C300 or BMW 3 series, (may be I would get a 2008 C300), but to be honest bots of them look bland and boring to me[yawn]

Here is my list

2008-2009 Cadillac CTS (possibly the AWD version)



2008-2009 Infiniti G35X/G37X AWD



2009 Acura TL



2008 Mercedes Benz C Class (May be?)


I really like the CTS (a lot may say it doesn't look sporty) but I find it very sleek looking and head turner every where, besides it is probably the best out of this list for refined luxury interior, the CTS is my first preferred choice, however few are saying reliability could be an issue in the long run.

I like the unique look of the Acura TL, very good engine and great reliability

Infiniti G is probably the choice of many, great handling and engine, just too many of them on the road, feels it is no longer in the luxury car league .

For the Benz, I feel that for the money, I am paying for the badge, you get better for your money with the others, als I think the worst looking out of all the list, but at least it is less boring the BMW 3 series
Thoughts?

EDIT: New option I am thinking about:
Wait about a year and not buy a car now, and then get 2010 MB E-350 for about $30-$32K

[Waymninelia]

What about a '07-'08 Audi RS6 / RS6 Avant? Should be in your price range. Otherwise go for the Merc.

[Theariwinna]

My thoughts, as a European, are that they all look grotesquely ugly, except the Merc. They look very American anyway. The CTS actually isn't too bad, but the Infinity is bland and the Acura's front end looks odd (I think it's the grill).

The Merc would be crap in any kind of snow and as you say, and probably looks like crap value in comparison.

What about an Audi A4 Quattro?



Edit: Or like QD says, if it needs to be quicker, an RS model.

[Matajic]

The Audi was on my list actually, forgot to add it, I am big fan of the front design, as for the Benz, I still feel it is not worth the price, besides the C class is the compact luxury not mid size, is it worth to pay the money for the Benz name?

[icyfreshy]

You might also want to consider the Lexus IS 350. Great car with some oomph.

[MormefWrarebe]

The Audi was on my list actually, forgot to add it, I am big fan of the front design, as for the Benz, I still feel it is not worth the price, besides the C class is the compact luxury not mid size, is it worth to pay the money for the Benz name?

I would say that depending on how much money you wanted to spend, your choice should be between an audi or the G37x sedan. Basically, the Audi is a better car, but for money money. With the G37x you'll get more things standard, and it's pretty reliable in terms of its electrics. If you can afford a well-equipped Audi RS series, they are something to behold.

I would stay away from the Mercedes C-class and god forbid the Cadillac. The Acura TL is a nice car (I own a TSX), but not in the same performance class as the G37x or the Audi... and if you're willing to have your car eat money at an alarming rate, you probably want it to be fast.

[MormefWrarebe]

You might also want to consider the Lexus IS 350. Great car with some oomph.

It's a very nice car, but with no AWD option it's not ideal for NY.

[h4z1XBI7]

I like the CTS and Acura.

You do live up where there is a lot of snow for some of the year, you really need to do some research on the AWD systems.

Each AWD system acts different then another, and you don't want to waste your money on a AWD vehicle that sucks. And make sure to include in your budget a set of snow tires for this winter.




Saab 9-3 Turbo X. Has XWD (Cross Wheel Drive) that is extremely advanced, like Acura's SH-AWD, and 300hp. Ebay seems to find them for $25k, and they are fairly rare. Only 2000 iirc imported to the United States for one model year.


Lincoln MKS is also another lovely car that is cheap.
Jaguar XJ is a nice ride too.

[sportbos]

I am a fan of the TL, but not that particular series. I hate the grill badly. I also really do like the CTS and beings that you live in the US it's probably going to be a hell of a lot cheaper to get fixed than the others down the road.

[Itrtuawh]

I wouldn't consider a CTS to be a Sports Sedan. The CTS-V qualifies there and is an excellent machine balancing great handling with good ride quality and doodads for the interior. But the normal CTS's are nice, but not fast or anything. Good daily drivers. Cheap to fix in the US too. Drivetrain parts are common between the platforms so its easy to fix yourself.

Infinity G35x/G37x. Its a great platform, but I hate the styling. The 4 doors are plain ugly to me. If I were to touch one it would be a 2 door. But some people do need 4 doors and it honestly is easier if you are taking more than 1 person along for a trip.

Same for the TL. Sure its a good car and all, but the styling is not to my taste. I like the older TL's styling much more.

The Merc i'm not too big of a fan of. Mainly because of $$$ to repair it down the road. They are expensive, the shops that service them are expensive too. But its a good car, and styling wise its understated. It won't look dated either because its so conservative.

Of them all I'd be on a used CTS-V. But I'm also a motorhead and will track anything with wheels. I said I wasn't going to track my G6 GTP. But I went ahead and got the GTP 6spd manual anyways. What did I do the first time I was at Road America for our Rental? Put some #'s on it and ran it till I boiled the break fluid, and warped the rotors. I've since learned my lesson. Need good brake fluid and race pads.

[Waymninelia]

I like the CTS and Acura.

You do live up where there is a lot of snow for some of the year, you really need to do some research on the AWD systems.

Each AWD system acts different then another, and you don't want to waste your money on a AWD vehicle that sucks. And make sure to include in your budget a set of snow tires for this winter.




Saab 9-3 Turbo X. Has XWD (Cross Wheel Drive) that is extremely advanced, like Acura's SH-AWD, and 300hp. Ebay seems to find them for $25k, and they are fairly rare. Only 2000 iirc imported to the United States for one model year.




Lincoln MKS is also another lovely car that is cheap.
Jaguar XJ is a nice ride too.

The RS6 is AWD (Quattro) and it's got more power than the Ferrari F50. 5.0L Bi-Turbo V10 producing 572BHP, 0-60 in 4.5 sec. It crushes every car on that list. Hell it crushes pretty much most of the cars you'll ever see.

[Matajic]

I like the CTS and Acura.

You do live up where there is a lot of snow for some of the year, you really need to do some research on the AWD systems.

Each AWD system acts different then another, and you don't want to waste your money on a AWD vehicle that sucks. And make sure to include in your budget a set of snow tires for this winter.




Saab 9-3 Turbo X. Has XWD (Cross Wheel Drive) that is extremely advanced, like Acura's SH-AWD, and 300hp. Ebay seems to find them for $25k, and they are fairly rare. Only 2000 iirc imported to the United States for one model year.


Lincoln MKS is also another lovely car that is cheap.
Jaguar XJ is a nice ride too.

I like the MKS as an overall car, but styling is a bit dull, for the CTS AWD, I have only ready very good ratings about that and it is very very good in handling snow situations, not sure about the Infiniti AWD system

I am a fan of the TL, but not that particular series. I hate the grill badly. I also really do like the CTS and beings that you live in the US it's probably going to be a hell of a lot cheaper to get fixed than the others down the road.

I wouldn't consider a CTS to be a Sports Sedan. The CTS-V qualifies there and is an excellent machine balancing great handling with good ride quality and doodads for the interior. But the normal CTS's are nice, but not fast or anything. Good daily drivers. Cheap to fix in the US too. Drivetrain parts are common between the platforms so its easy to fix yourself.

Infinity G35x/G37x. Its a great platform, but I hate the styling. The 4 doors are plain ugly to me. If I were to touch one it would be a 2 door. But some people do need 4 doors and it honestly is easier if you are taking more than 1 person along for a trip.

Same for the TL. Sure its a good car and all, but the styling is not to my taste. I like the older TL's styling much more.

The Merc i'm not too big of a fan of. Mainly because of $$$ to repair it down the road. They are expensive, the shops that service them are expensive too. But its a good car, and styling wise its understated. It won't look dated either because its so conservative.

Of them all I'd be on a used CTS-V. But I'm also a motorhead and will track anything with wheels. I said I wasn't going to track my G6 GTP. But I went ahead and got the GTP 6spd manual anyways. What did I do the first time I was at Road America for our Rental? Put some #'s on it and ran it till I boiled the break fluid, and warped the rotors. I've since learned my lesson. Need good brake fluid and race pads.

I am really not looking for a fast car, this will be daily driver, and long trips, main concern is comfort, looks unique and sporty+luxury interior.

I have same thoughts about the Benz as well from future expensive repairs, which is why I leaning towards the CTS, I also prefer the styling of the CTS and the Acura over the Infiniti (I like sharp styling with fewer curves).

The styling of the Benz is just mehhhh...it is alright I guess

[Matajic]

The RS6 is AWD (Quattro) and it's got more power than the Ferrari F50. 5.0L Bi-Turbo V10 producing 572BHP, 0-60 in 4.5 sec. It crushes every car on that list. Hell it crushes pretty much most of the cars you'll ever see.

The S4 is out of my price range, even the cheapest 2008 is like $40K

[Matajic]

I would say that depending on how much money you wanted to spend, your choice should be between an audi or the G37x sedan. Basically, the Audi is a better car, but for money money. With the G37x you'll get more things standard, and it's pretty reliable in terms of its electrics. If you can afford a well-equipped Audi RS series, they are something to behold.

I would stay away from the Mercedes C-class and god forbid the Cadillac. The Acura TL is a nice car (I own a TSX), but not in the same performance class as the G37x or the Audi... and if you're willing to have your car eat money at an alarming rate, you probably want it to be fast.

Do you think the Cadillac would be that bad in terms of reliability in the long run? I checked the 2008 CTS reliability rating and they don't seem to be bad.

[Theariwinna]

The styling of the Benz is just mehhhh...it is alright I guess

Our tastes obviously differ quite a bit, but I think the Merc is far far better looking than any part of any of the other three. I don't think it'll suit your needs though. How much power does this sports sedan need to have?

[nretdjuend]

I think the Merc is the classiest looking out of the cars originally posted. The Caddy is probably one of the better cars from the US but its not that easy on the eye (it looks cheap and out of proportion), the Infiniti (especially from that front angle) looks plain and very bland (where are the lines and contours?) and the front bumper on that Acura is straight hideous.

I agree that if you want a combination of looks, classy interior, handling and performance to go for something like an Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, or even something like an 07 A6 Quattro:

[esenesesinas]

I like the CTS but the Acura and the Infiniti look horrible.


Oh, and by the way....30K for a luxury sedan ?

You wouldn't get a Ford Focus here !

[Doncarlito]

The Merc would be crap in any kind of snow and as you say, and probably looks like crap value in comparison.

.

Umm Merc is fine in snow. My father has a C200 CDI merc and it's more than fine in winter...

And yes we do have a lot of snow in Finland [rolleyes]

[AdSuiteAdobe]

All those cards are butt ugly IMO, except the Merc. I agree that an Audi will give you all you wanted and great looks as well.

[Crilosajsamq]

Have a look at the newer Jags! The XFR looks very nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovOh58UBWOs