What Entry Level Luxury Cars should I get, help me pick!

[carbonmotion]

My parents are going to buy me one present; their first one and their last one. Their gonna buy me a car in 10-2008. Which car should I get. I'm currently thinking about a BMW 3 series or a Lexus IS 250

I suppose low on my list are Audi, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes of the same class.

[siurpeeman]

of the two, i'd get a lexus is 250 with manual transmission. i just prefer the interior of the lexus to that of the bmw.

[MP4-22]

I would say an Audi A4 or S4.

[Turkish]

A down payment on a house or condo would be much more sensible.

[carbonmotion]

I would say an Audi A4 or S4.

can't afford an S4... obviously
A4s have ****** quality


---

im one of the few people that can drive a stick, but don't want to.

A down payment on a house or condo would be much more sensible.

nope, im probably going to go do a jd mba at columbia or some such school.... so i dont want to settle down just yet.

[Turkish]

nope, im probably going to go do a jd mba at columbia or some such school.... so i dont want to settle down just yet.

So get a cheap car and put the difference into savings - or buy a house and rent it.

Seems like a horrible waste of money to me.

[carbonmotion]

So get a cheap car and put the difference into savings - or buy a house and rent it.

Seems like a horrible waste of money to me.

You can't by a house for 30,000 dollars and I've never had a great car in my entire life. In fact in the last four years, I didn't have a car. while my friends had their BMWs and Mercedes and Audis

http://www.bmwusa.com/nr/rdonlyres/3ead0e57-ddc7-4838-aa25-df8f6c45bf59/0/335i_overview.jpg

I love lexus, but when I saw this car, it was so beatiful, I couldn't stop looking at it.

[ModestPenguin]

So get a cheap car and put the difference into savings - or buy a house and rent it.

Seems like a horrible waste of money to me.

WISE!

Get yourself a car of half the cost, ask for the rest in a savings account. You still get a car and you get money.

the entry level bimmer 3 series is 32,400

a Honda Civic Si is 23,635

that's almost 10 thou cash in a savings account.

That'll be nice.

and the civic will last you an eternity.

[Fini]

I suppose it would depend on what you wanted out of the car, but my two picks would be the Mini Cooper S or the ubiquitous 3-Series BMW.

[kixsand]

I work in the luxury car business...and am thus a professional uniquely qualified to offer direction on this question.

The best vehicle in the segment you're looking at is the BMW 3 series -- far superior to the IS250 in so many ways. It is also a much safer investment for re-sale value down the road. Lexus has had very few vehicles with any sort of significant staying power -- the IS250 is already showing signs of weakness in the marketplace. The 3 series is unequalled in this area...they always hold their value.

One thing you might want to consider...especially if you'll be paying for it is insurance costs -- insurance companies are wary of young men driving BMW's ... clearly up to no good!

Good luck.

darren

[Abstract]

If you're not going for the Audi because of quality or/and reliability issues, then why go for the Bimmer? You may as well consider an Audi A4.

I'd consider a Lexus since you're not going to be driving a manual. It'll be just as good as an BMW with automatic transmission, and I actually think it'll be better quality overall. It's a pretty sweet looking car as well. Out of the 2, I'd just get the one that test drives better. I'd probably take the one that corners better, but I'm guessing that a BMW 2 door coupe will corner better than the 4 door sedan. :o

[true777]

I would get the BMW, or an Audi A4. Also, by 2008 the brand new Mercedes C class should be out.

[Dont Hurt Me]

MiniCooper S will dust of all those guys,saves a ton in fuel costs and you can pocket 10 grand plus its just cool.:eek:

[Coded-Dude]

You can't by a house for 30,000 dollars

Yes you can.......but it really depends on where you want to live, and what kind of shape the house is in.

[kitki83]

Instead of using all that money just the car Why dont you make that money work for you as in How Can I make this cash make me more money?

Theres CDs, Special Savings accounts with high interest. I bet you are going to get loans during college? I say invest on something that during your time in college will give you good interest. You said you want MBA think about just 10k(if you get a 20k car with 10k left over) would yield so much interest. I got 2k interest in my stock when i started college I got extra scholarship, didn't need it so I invested it and thats 4 years.

I mean getting MBA is $$$$, even buyin a house doesnt matter you living there just rent it out. The house will pay itself from that, and when you graduate it can be almost all payed out depending where you live.

ok enough of me acting old.


I like the BMW

[nbs2]

Just a thought from experience at one urban school and a friend at Columbia - see if your folks would be willing to wait until after you graduate. Having a car in an urban center, especially NYC, doesn't make much sense when you factor in parking and such.

I had a mediocre public transit system, but in NYC it's great. My buddy is married and has a kid - probably would have needed a car more than most, but one of the first things he did was sell his off. He'll be buying a new one this summer.

[Cybix]

buy a sports car, luxury cars are for old farts.

Subaru WRX :)

I just got one, puts a smile on my dial, every time hehe

[Counterfit]

buy a sports car, luxury cars are for old farts.

Subaru WRX :)

I just got one, puts a smile on my dial, every time hehe

Not that I want to steer anyone away from a Scooby (I've absolutely loved my 2.5i these last two days, even if I did spin yesterday morning ;)), but the 3 Series is a near-perfect blend of luxury and performance. Go for the 335i. :D Damn, every time I think of a twin-turbo I-6 that's probably under-rated at 300/300, I start getting tight in the pants.

[Baron58]

Audi A3

See:

http://oooo-a3.blogspot.com/2007/01/photo-on-i-95.html
http://oooo-a3.blogspot.com/2005_10_01_archive.html

Lots of photos:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2135205

[ErikCLDR]

Well I would stay away from the European cars. The price might not be too bad but the maintenance and general upkeep costs will kill you.

I would look at the Lexus IS, Acura TL, and Infiniti G35.

[phungy]

First, consider yourself lucky!

Second, of the two choices: Toyota. They've been number #1 for the past ten years.

Luxury cars are indeed nice but I'd go with something sporty. I barely afforded a Scion tC and I love it. It's only ~$16,500. Again, its a Toyota and built with recycled material so that in 10 years, it can be recycled again...

[Superdrive]

Why not get a real, car? Get a rear wheel drive, V8 powered, American luxury vehicle. It would put those imports to shame. It's a totally different class altogether.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/01images/01crownvic_sport.jpg

[Lord Blackadder]

If you want flash, get a 3-series (they are fugly though), or a similarly sized Mercedes/Audi/Jag X-Type.

If you want to go fast, get a Subaru WRX STi, Mitsu Lancer Evo, Golf R32 Mazda RX-8 or maybe an Infiniti G35 if you can swing that.

[ErikCLDR]

Why not get a real, car? Get a rear wheel drive, V8 powered, American luxury vehicle. IT would put those imports to shame. It's a totally different class altogether.

My friends uncle has one of those. His mom refers to it as a "OMPPC" (old man's pretend police car) ;)

American car luxury? Does that exist?

[Superdrive]

American car luxury? Does that exist? Not nearly as prevalent these days. See old and new, respectively:
http://images.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/autoreview/400x266/1993-96-cadillac-fleetwood-93122251990314.jpg

http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Lincoln/20092496-396x249.jpg

[wmmk]

get a volvo. safest cars on the road. (at least they were).

[ravenvii]

No hurrays for Porsches?

The Boxster is the best-looking car I've ever seen.

[tutubibi]

Why don't you test-drive all of them and decide based for yourself?

Anyway, I can tell you than no car handles like A4. Quattro rules, everything else (with the exception of Subaru) are just pale imitations. Unfortunately, the latest A4 looks ugly with that new front job.

In terms of general driving experience, BMW 3series is probably the best if you live in California but if you ever have to drive in the snow, good luck with RWD. BMW X-drive AWD system is just not up to par with Audi or Subaru.

So, I would say the only real contenders are Audi or BMW. Every other car in that class/price range is just a pretender in terms of driving experience.

[smueboy]

can't afford an S4... obviously
A4s have ****** quality


Audis are known for their fantastic quality - my dad's A4 1.8T quattro is fantastic (quality and handling way above par).
BMW also a good choice.
Lexus... :( They're just glorified Toyota's afterall...... :)

[yg17]

Audis are known for their fantastic quality - my dad's A4 1.8T quattro is fantastic (quality and handling way above par).
BMW also a good choice.
Lexus... :( They're just glorified Toyota's afterall...... :)

Audis are glorified Volkswagens. Not saying that's a bad thing, because I absolutely LOVE Audis and do plan on buying an A4 sometime after I graduate college. But if that's your only reasoning against buying a Lexus, then it's a poor one.

[Abstract]

Not nearly as prevalent these days. See old and new, respectively:
http://images.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/autoreview/400x266/1993-96-cadillac-fleetwood-93122251990314.jpg

http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Lincoln/20092496-396x249.jpg

After your 1st post about American luxury cars, I thought you were joking. A Crown Victoria!!?

Now......I'm not so sure. :(

[zblaxberg]

A down payment on a house or condo would be much more sensible.

I agree...but I would have to go with the beemer if anything

[Lord Blackadder]

Audis are glorified Volkswagens. Not saying that's a bad thing, because I absolutely LOVE Audis and do plan on buying an A4 sometime after I graduate college. But if that's your only reasoning against buying a Lexus, then it's a poor one.

The current S4 is sensational...the A4 is OK but a bit heavy and uselessly small in the back - very nice transmission if you get the manual though.

[puckhead193]

lexus IS 350... thread closed :D
i was in a similar situation. I really wanted the 04 lexus IS but my parents didn't like it. They thought it was too small. So they upped the ante and got me an ES 330. Well it isn't a young persons car, i love it. Its roomy for all my friends. I love the mark levension audio and lexus has the BEST navi. The ride is smoother which i like for long trip (back and forth from school) In 2008/9 i want to trade it in when i graduate and get a GS hybrid :D

Also consider the the RX350 if u need an SVU, my bro's got one and he loves it as well as i do.

[carbonmotion]

I work in the luxury car business...and am thus a professional uniquely qualified to offer direction on this question.

The best vehicle in the segment you're looking at is the BMW 3 series -- far superior to the IS250 in so many ways. It is also a much safer investment for re-sale value down the road. Lexus has had very few vehicles with any sort of significant staying power -- the IS250 is already showing signs of weakness in the marketplace. The 3 series is unequalled in this area...they always hold their value.

One thing you might want to consider...especially if you'll be paying for it is insurance costs -- insurance companies are wary of young men driving BMW's ... clearly up to no good!

Good luck.

darren


what are you a bmw salesman???


lol, up to no good with the ladies..... =p

[carbonmotion]

My friend recommended the Acura, we went to a dealer today ( i know its early ) and the car looked absolutely beautiful with lost of corners like a stealth fighter. its like a is250 but more masculine and understated. the interior is pretty nice too with th brushed alum. what do you think? TSX tada!

http://www.sharpman.com/toys/SMToys122003/TSX.jpg


but i also heard they weren't sellign for some reason... my other friend said it was a really asian car... i am asian, so i don't wanna be caught driving a stereoypical car

[adk]

What about an Acura TL or TSX? Those have always seemed like great cars to me.

[Teh Don Ditty]

I just stumbled upon this thread like a drunk man at a bar....

Didn't the OP say he's not getting a car until 10/2008? That's almost 2 years away! Certainly (one would think) one's taste would change over that time or perhaps your priorities. Hell, I'm sure most of the cars here will be redesigned some way or another or there will be a different car that catches your eye.

In short, this question doesn't have any relevance until you are close to making the purchase (ie 2 months before hand). But thats just my $.04 (i'm no longer explaining this joke)

[yg17]

The current S4 is sensational...the A4 is OK but a bit heavy and uselessly small in the back - very nice transmission if you get the manual though.

Uselessly small? I have a Hyundai Tiburon right now....a sardine can would be more useful for storage than my car's backseat :D The A4, even with a small backseat, would be an upgrade ;)

But yeah, I'm planning on an A4 quattro with a 6 speed manual. Granted, that's a couple years away, once I get settled into a job and make a dent in my student loan debt. And in those 2 years, Audi could change something, so who knows what I'll really end up with, but if I had to make the decision now, definitely A4. I'd love an S4, but unless I get one hell of a job, I wouldn't be able to afford it.

The A5, from the few photos Audi has released, looks amazing. But I'm just not quite sure if I want another 2 door. I love coupes, but for practicality reasons and all.

[iGav]

Mid '90's Honda Civic. ;)

[devilot]

what do you think? TSX tada!

my other friend said it was a really asian car... i am asian, so i don't wanna be caught driving a stereoypical carWhen I read your OP, I was going to recommend the TSX instead. My BMW-obsessed uncle (has owned over four in the last decade, currently owns two) got the TSX when it was first released. It's a sweet ride (but his is manual). TSXs got fantastic reviews by car and business magazines. Did you test drive it??? Do it.

As for it being an 'Asian' car, I'm sorry, that's one of the lamest reasons I've heard for not wanting something that would otherwise fulfill every other criterion. If you honestly meant that, then you should reconsider buying any of these cars as you would inevitably come across someone who thinks poorly of your decision thereby causing you to experience buyer's remorse.

And a couple of people have mentioned Cooper Ss. Great car, still got kinks to iron out though. If I hadn't needed a car at that point, I would have waited to get mine. :o But they're not cheap at all. No way. Not even upfront. Not super expensive, but especially in CA w/ our sales tax? Easily blow past the $30K mark.

[MACDRIVE]

and the car looked absolutely beautiful with lost of corners like a stealth fighter.

It lost its corners? :eek:

[janey]

And a couple of people have mentioned Cooper Ss. Great car, still got kinks to iron out though. If I hadn't needed a car at that point, I would have waited to get mine. :o But they're not cheap at all. No way. Not even upfront. Not super expensive, but especially in CA w/ our sales tax? Easily blow past the $30K mark.
Ack yes. I ran into that problem while messing around on the mini site to see how much a mini cooper that i want would cost. Like the OP, I need a car. Unlike the OP, as much as I'd like to ask my mom to buy me the likes of a lotus exige or an aston martin v8 vantage roadster, it's not gonna happen. Oh wait, those aren't entry level cars..sheit.

The 2007 models seem to own the pants off of all previous models so :D
I would totally love a mini cooper (go for s or use the difference for accessories and features i want? i dont know im undecided :confused: ), and it would take one hell of a car (or well..maybe after a few more test drives i can make up my mind) to make me change my mind about it.

[devilot]

The 2007 models seem to own the pants off of all previous models so :DYes, I know. Thank you for twisting the knife... :( :o

[pengu]

Why not get a real, car? Get a rear wheel drive, V8 powered, American luxury vehicle. It would put those imports to shame. It's a totally different class altogether.

Screw the BMW salesman trying to act like hes unbiassed. you own shares in Mobil, dont you? americans cars, are for the most part, ****. its that simple. cant powder-coat that one ladies and gents, they're just plain ****. if you want a real car, go european. its that simple. and jesus christ. an american v8!? do you guys even know how to SPELL technology, much less make use of it??

Audis are glorified Volkswagens. Not saying that's a bad thing, because I absolutely LOVE Audis and do plan on buying an A4 sometime after I graduate college. But if that's your only reasoning against buying a Lexus, then it's a poor one.

yes audi's and volkswagens share components. volkswagen group owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche.

i own a 2003 Passat, which is the "equivelant" model to the A4. Yes i would like an Audi. Yes i will buy an audi, but if you dont have the cash for an audi, a volkswagen will get you something VERY simmilar for significantly less $$.

as for those of you suggesting manual. pfft. manual is 20 years ago. Tiptronic or it's not worth it.

[Keebler]

whoa. must be nice to have such worries when the general population, i would assume, doesn't have a choice between 'entry level luxury cars'.

trust me, get a decent car and ask for the rest in a bond or something that will mature in a few years. sounds like your folks have some cash? save the money, use the decent car for a few years and when you're done school, it sounds like you'll have a job where you'll need a mid to high luxury car...ba boom! take out the bond...got the cash.

and i wouldn't worry about what your friends are driving. who cares? if they are making fun of you now, they're not good friends at all.

oh and in terms of the vehicles: we have a lexus 330 and it's a great car so i'm partial to lexus, but the beemers are 'driver's cars'.

and another poster was right, big time insurance costs either way.

best of luck,
keebler

[janey]

Yes, I know. Thank you for twisting the knife... :( :o
you mean the other way around, as i'm having quite a difficult time talking the parental unit into saying yes to the mini cooper. :( i'd love to have one right now, alas...

It doesn't seem like i'd be saving much money buying used or an older model mini cooper, sooooo...



edit: i guess i'm sort of in the same boat as the OP, except its "which car should i get". given everything about how my mom is willing to pay for my car and how she doesn't want to "pay" for anything like insurance, and she's just giving me essentially a lump sum to do all of this with, I'm trying to get a decent average car (or..the mini, which i've been wanting for a long time) and use up the rest of the money to pay insurance/maintenance/repair/miscellaneous related costs for the car for as long as i can. Anything else is out of the question as at the moment I don't have a job to pay for all that stuff if i were to dump the rest of the money into (something...savings, whatever). So it's either buy a good car and **** myself over in every other way, or buy a cheapass car and be unhappy with myself, or sit on the fence with the mini cooper :D

[devilot]

...i'm having quite a difficult time talking the parental unit into saying yes to the mini cooper.

It doesn't seem like i'd be saving much money buying used or an older model mini cooper, sooooo...;) My parents swore nothing but Japanese for my family and don't even get them started on manual transmissions. :p But I was able to get them to come 'round. You can lemme talk your parents into buying you my Cooper S. Then I'll gets me an '07. Or better yet, a SMART! :D

[janey]

;) My parents swore nothing but Japanese for my family and don't even get them started on manual transmissions. :p But I was able to get them to come 'round. You can lemme talk your parents into buying you my Cooper S. Then I'll gets me an '07. Or better yet, a SMART! :D

Haha my mom will NOOOOT buy used. I tried to get her to buy my friend's 2006 mini cooper s once a few months ago (cause he wanted manual and he was at that point willing to sell the current mini cooper at a loss to get it), she wouldn't have it.

the smart fortwo is adorable but too tiny :p i've seen a few around los angeles...not the car for me :p

[devilot]

the smart fortwo is adorable but too tiny :p i've seen a few around los angeles...not the car for me :pWTF?! I thought they weren't being sold 'til '08?! I wants me a SMART. *drool*

http://akasa.ca/smart/smart_car.png

[janey]

WTF?! I thought they weren't being sold 'til '08?! I wants me a SMART. *drool*
technically yes, but the ones around here are imports.

[bartelby]

WTF?! I thought they weren't being sold 'til '08?! I wants me a SMART. *drool*

http://akasa.ca/smart/smart_car.png



I really want a SMART Roadster!
Preferably the Brabus version...


http://www.smart-roadster-board.de/photos/presse_brabus_roadster-coupe_v6_biturbo/presse_brabus_roadster-coupe_v6_biturbo_04.jpg

[devilot]

B-b-but... roadsters aren't chubby and cute. ;)

[iGav]

I really want a SMART Roadster!
Preferably the Brabus version...

Wouldn't you rather have the Project Kimber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Kimber) version? ;)

[bartelby]

Wouldn't you rather have the Project Kimber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Kimber) version? ;)

I haven't read the link yet but isn't theat the one they're planning to have a manual gear box in?
Yes, I do want one!!!

I don't think the Brabus V6 BiTurbo exists beyond a few prototypes.:(

Devilot - I'm not cubby and cute either so I'll match the car.


and before the **ws come for me I'm not suggesting Devilot is chubby, but she is cute!

[Abstract]

WTF?! I thought they weren't being sold 'til '08?! I wants me a SMART. *drool*

http://akasa.ca/smart/smart_car.png

You're lucky you don't have snow. Around 3-4 years ago, I was driving beside that car on Yonge Street in Toronto (the longest street in the world), near Lawrence Avenue. This means nothing to you, but it's a very very steep hill, so cars go quite slowly up that hill when driving.

That Smart car didn't make it and started sliding backwards. It was icy, but still very very funny watching that little box slide backwards on the icy slope. :p

[darkwing]

Screw the BMW salesman trying to act like hes unbiassed. you own shares in Mobil, dont you? americans cars, are for the most part, ****. its that simple. cant powder-coat that one ladies and gents, they're just plain ****. if you want a real car, go european. its that simple. and jesus christ. an american v8!? do you guys even know how to SPELL technology, much less make use of it??

I've seen a lot of BMWs that are rated for less gas mileage than a late model Camaro Z28 and yet don't even touch it in speed.

Let's compare a 2002 M3. Wow 16 city 22 highway. A Z28 was 18 city/28 highway. (I owned its sister car, a ram air trans am.) I used to smoke M3s all the time, and that car was stock. Real bad gas mileage for real slow speed. Some technology. No wonder the germans lost the wars. :)

[devilot]

A fun-to-drive car is more than just raw speed, at least for me. Going fast in a straight line? Doesn't make me smile.

[heehee]

A fun-to-drive car is more than just raw speed, at least for me. Going fast in a straight line? Doesn't make me smile.

What she said. I would pick a Lotus Elise over a Corvette.

My pick would be the Acura TSX.

[bartelby]

What he said. I would pick a Lotus Elise over a Corvette.

My pick would be the Acura TSX.

Devilot is of the female kind...;) :)

[heehee]

Devilot is of the female kind...;) :)

Oops, sorry. :p

[Swarmlord]

buy a sports car, luxury cars are for old farts.

Subaru WRX :)

I just got one, puts a smile on my dial, every time hehe

I love my WRX. For the price of the BMW or Lexus he could get an STi and still have change left.

[devilot]

What she said. I would pick a Lotus Elise over a Corvette.

My pick would be the Acura TSX.I'd still pick a ZO6 over the Elise. It's just so uncomfortable (haven't driven it, but have sat in one). And the ZO6 does handle surprisingly well.

I love my WRX.Hmph. I'd rather an Evo. :p

[Lord Blackadder]

TSX = Accord Euro R with a re-skin = good. :)

Although the TSX is (like most of the other cars we're talking about) front wheel drive and as much as I hate BMW's stereotypical image it is one of the few "proper" sports sedans out there with rear wheel drive. But god they're ugly...

[pengu]

I've seen a lot of BMWs that are rated for less gas mileage than a late model Camaro Z28 and yet don't even touch it in speed.

Let's compare a 2002 M3. Wow 16 city 22 highway. A Z28 was 18 city/28 highway. (I owned its sister car, a ram air trans am.) I used to smoke M3s all the time, and that car was stock. Real bad gas mileage for real slow speed. Some technology. No wonder the germans lost the wars. :)

ok um where did i say that an m3 has better fuel economy than a camaroi said, a) european cars are better in general, b) american v8's are over-rated and c) american cars in general are low-tech compared to euro models.

oh yeah, and the manufacturers figures dont mean ****, my friend. they are ALWAYS "best possible", not REALISTIC usage. havent we learn that benchmark numbers are nothing compared to real world use.

[smueboy]

Audis are glorified Volkswagens. Not saying that's a bad thing, because I absolutely LOVE Audis and do plan on buying an A4 sometime after I graduate college. But if that's your only reasoning against buying a Lexus, then it's a poor one.

I know a few people with Lexus', and to me they are just boring. True they are solid and quiet and reliable, but not inspiring (to each his own). Plus all the gadgets, like self-parking are not all they're cracked up to be:
http://www.fquick.com/videos/viewvideo.php?id=520 :p


The current S4 is sensational...the A4 is OK but a bit heavy and uselessly small in the back - very nice transmission if you get the manual though.

I prefer the A4 Avant - A4 size without the wasted space of a sedan.


I would also consider a Subaru..

[bartelby]

ok um where did i say that an m3 has better fuel economy than a camaroi said, a) european cars are better in general, b) american v8's are over-rated and c) american cars in general are low-tech compared to euro models.

oh yeah, and the manufacturers figures dont mean ****, my friend. they are ALWAYS "best possible", not REALISTIC usage. havent we learn that benchmark numbers are nothing compared to real world use.

Isn't the newest Corvette meant to be pretty cutting edge for a US car?

Leaf springs and a live rear axle!!:D

[darkwing]

ok um where did i say that an m3 has better fuel economy than a camaroi said, a) european cars are better in general, b) american v8's are over-rated and c) american cars in general are low-tech compared to euro models.

oh yeah, and the manufacturers figures dont mean ****, my friend. they are ALWAYS "best possible", not REALISTIC usage. havent we learn that benchmark numbers are nothing compared to real world use.

My point is that a low-tech American v8 beats a high tech euro v6 and gets better gas mileage. I guess the Euro is really the "low tech" one here.

[ryan]

Yes, I know. Thank you for twisting the knife... :( :o

I actually wasn't as impressed with the '07 MCS as I had hoped to be. It's a little bigger, a little heavier and has lost a little edge, at least compared to my '03 MCS which has the super charger pulley reduction, ECU upgrade, cold-air intake, exhaust updgrade and stiffer rear swaybar. But, maybe I'm just fooling myself. :)

[devilot]

DOHC? Turbo instead of supercharger? Pretty sure it's a whole new block, now, too. Shrug. I find that to be mighty interesting compared to my '04 MCS. And I'm sure there are other benefits, but I've purposely avoided reading up more. No need to get unnecessarily bummed. :o

[swiftaw]

I actually wasn't as impressed with the '07 MCS as I had hoped to be. It's a little bigger, a little heavier and has lost a little edge, at least compared to my '03 MCS which has the super charger pulley reduction, ECU upgrade, cold-air intake, exhaust updgrade and stiffer rear swaybar. But, maybe I'm just fooling myself. :)

Yeah, replacing the supercharger with a turbocharger means it loses some of it's low end acceleration. I love my 06 MCS.

[carbonmotion]

think im going with the three series coupe, its such a proper car. might as well start the journy to yuppism now.

[Abstract]

Good!

[ErikCLDR]

I like the 3, don't get me wrong, but maintenance costs will suck. I'm just going to put that out there. I suspect BMW has better reliability than Audi, but i bet BMW's cost more to fix.

Good Luck!

[Phat Elvis]

I like the 3, don't get me wrong, but maintenance costs will suck. I'm just going to put that out there. I suspect BMW has better reliability than Audi, but i bet BMW's cost more to fix.


It depends on how long you keep it.

The new A4 with the 2.0 Turbo is pretty quick. I've driven it compared to the BMW 325x and they are pretty even. They drive very different from each other and it really depends on what you like. There probably wont be any major changes in the next 2 years between the two.

The new C class Sport looks sweet - but be prepared to pay a lot more.

One last thing: Audi owned the safety ratings this year.

[pianoman]

get the car you want - don't worry about cost (especially if your parents are paying) and enjoy it. this'll probably the only vehicle where you won't have to pay for it. keep in mind, though, that you'll be paying for insurance and maintenance/upkeep.

my vote is for the BMW. i would never say no to a BMW.

[carbonmotion]

I had a supercharged RX7 in high school which I payed for by working. While I loved that car and it got me in to alot of fun (read trouble with the cops), I think I've moved on from that phase of life... you know all the varsity jacket wearing, abercrombie and fitch, insecure/ hypermasculine overcompensation that seems to be prevelent among high-school boys. I'm much calmer now.
I think before I speak, I'm a much more reserved person, I enjoy spending the night at the art gallery or reading war and peace just as much as, if not more than bar hopping/ clubbing with friends. I suppose this thing called education had more of an effect on me than I realized. Anyways, a car that's a bit calmer, a bit more understated than a super-charged '95 RX7 with a candy apple red paint, gun metal rims, and a huge body kit would be nice.... lol
I think the BMW or the lexus would be a good call.

I think that's one reason why I don't like the mini-cooper, it's very loud in a artsy fartsy kind of way

[ErikCLDR]

Their gonna buy me a car in 10-2008.

You do realize thats almost 2 years away... Isn't it a little soon to be thinking about this???? :confused:

[pseudobrit]

An "entry level luxury car" is a contradiction in terms.

In two years, buy a real luxury model used from 2005-2006 for the same price you would for one of these pretenders.

A8, S500, 750i, etc, etc. That's a luxury car.

[quagmire]

There is the '08 Cadillac CTS coming this fall. But, you can't go wrong with a BMW. You know when you buy German cars you're going to pay a lot to keep it maintained so that shouldn't come into play against another German car. Anyway, as I said you can't go wrong with a BMW. Especially for the driving experience. My dad had a 2002 BMW 330xi. It was really fun to drive. Although the I6 had 225 HP, it felt like it had 260 HP+. My dad is looking into buying the 335 and hoping that BMW adds xDrive to it because AWD is a must in the snow. There are reports that the Twin Turbo'd I6 is underrated. Saying it could produce somewhere around 350 HP. If sadly BMW doesn't add xDrive to the 335, I guess there is the 230 HP 328xi. We're also going to check out the new CTS as well as that has AWD available on both the 258 HP and 300 HP model. Although I think we would take a hit on the driving experience with the CTS. But, who knows until we test drive it.

PS: IMHO, luxury and FWD don't mix. The power is going to the wrong wheels and having anything near 300 HP is generally bad for FWD with the torque steer. It will be RWD and AWD for me when it is time for me to shop for a luxury vehicle.

PSS: I would take a Corvette over an Elise anytime now that the 'Vettes handling is being tuned at Nurburgring.

[TheMonarch]

I agree with the person suggesting you buy a higher end used luxury car. By 2008, 30k can but you plenty more of '04-'05 luxury goodness.

[jason999]

With fuel prices souring out of control, I think a Toyota Hybrid is a more sensible solution. I own one. Gives me roughly 1000km to the tank.

Oh for the day we have electric cars that charge in minutes and can do 1000km to the charge too.

Bring on Nuclear Power and save the planet in the process.

[11800506]

I didn't really have time to read the whole thread, so I don't know if what I have said has been mentioned... But have you considered the Cadillac CTS? I know it's a Cadillac, but GM's newer cars are actually very good and compare quite well to the competition.

If not American, I would look at the Audi A4, another nice car, although if you can, you probably would want to wait for the new one to become available. Then again, the Lexus IS250 is a nice car as well... :/

They're all good choices...

...although you might want to save that money for later too...

Sorry for not being very helpful...

[ryannel2003]

Wait, wait, wait, this thread is a year old? Why it was brought up again, I have no idea.

[bbbensen]

Wait, wait, wait, this thread is a year old? Why it was brought up again, I have no idea.


Im perplexed by this matter too.

I wanna know what car he is going to get soon! (And why he started this thread when he had so much time....)

[PMB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

I would go for an audi TT, or a mini s....

[leekohler]

MiniCooper S will dust of all those guys,saves a ton in fuel costs and you can pocket 10 grand plus its just cool.:eek:

Agreed! I support this advice.