opinions on used entry level Luxury

[wylie]

Looking for some opinions please.

I am looking to replace my 99 Chrysler sedan with something more upscale. Ideally I would like the new Infinti G35 or BMW 330I, but with second child on the way they are way out of my price range.

I am thinking in the 18K to 25K(max) price range

What do you guys think about a 2003 Audi A4 1.8 Quattro? Obviously reliability will not be up to the japanese competitors level, but that is okay.

Requirements: I want something that is upscale, 5 speed with all the creature comforts and fun to drive.

The TSX doesn't do it for me at all. The TL is nice but pricy used. Not thrilled with the BMW look unless it has the M-sport appearance package. 2003 G35 doesn't do it for me, the coupe would but 2 doors not practical with kids. C320 looks nice but I hear it is not fun to drive and most are automatics. Cadillac - not sure about the upscale feel of interiors and quality

[deep]

Why not a used G35 then? It sounds like you like the car....or do you actually prefer Audi?

Something like this fits just into your price range, and you can go all the way down to this which is at the bottom end of the range. Quite a few clicks on that second one, mind you.

[wylie]

I love the 2007 model but I am not a huge fan of the looks of the last generation 4 door G35 (exterior and especially the interior). My buddy has one and he likes it.
I have not ruled it out completely, but it is low on the list

[fast_typeR]

perhaps you can look into the Acura CSX... for $25k you can probably get it new.

I have driven it before, good revver, decent power (160hps), handling's decent and the sportsshifter was pretty fun. However, the interior's a bit controversial to me

[wylie]

I am sure the CSX is a nice car, but I do not like the looks of the interior or exterior of this rebadged Civic

[nerdonsite]

how about a saab 9-3? the interior's not the best of quality from what i hear but they can be had cheap and are fun to drive. Not to mention the excellent safety features.

[TenzoR]

Acura/BMW are nice if you buy their used certified series. It comes with 2 year additional warranty on top of the original warranty.

[stevethewheel]

If you are buying used luxury you need to focus on reliability (or the cost of repair).

It totally sucks as complicated systems age and parts fail that are hard to get at for replacement.

[B0000rt]

If you purchase a '04 or '05 Caddy, you're covered until 2008 or 2009 until it's no charge for anything, scheduled maintainence is up. (4 yrs 80,000kms covers such things as brakes, air filters, oil changes, you name it)

Similarly if you purchase an older Benz (I believe it's 2004 and older) you'll have a similar coverage for warranty.

I don't know what the situation with older BMWs or Audis are, but new BMWs come with a similar no charge scheduled maintainence.

These things save you enormous amounts of money!

[mlc2000]

Isn't the op looking for entry level lux? Where did you come up with the CSX ( formerly EL) ?

Get a 4 yr old low mileage TL or an Avalon.

Both are well equipped and won't leave you penniless like an old german car.
(Audi/BMW/MB)

perhaps you can look into the Acura CSX... for $25k you can probably get it new.

I have driven it before, good revver, decent power (160hps), handling's decent and the sportsshifter was pretty fun. However, the interior's a bit controversial to me

[fast_typeR]

purely because the CSX is considered an entry luxury level car?

[wylie]

A 4 year old TL would be the old design wouldn't it? It is not as nice as the latest generation.

Avalons are for grandpa's. No way that car is fun to drive and it is a Toyota not a Lexus.

Still hoping someone can shed some light on their experiance with the A4 1.8.

[PhoeniX Skye]

Wow, you seem to not like a lot of cars' styling. You should just go look up 2000-2005 luxury cars online, see which ones you actually like, then ask for opinions of them here.

[TrEvOrLiCioUs]

Older gen IS300s should be in your price range.
They come in 6speed also.

If not, how about a 2001+ 540i Sport? Also available in 6spd. I've always like these especially with the m-sport package.
They are really nice cars, and have a solid engine. But you sacrifice power for high fuel consumption.



http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...0602&noflash=Y

[PhoeniX Skye]

Here's a link to 2001 comparsions:

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...8/article.html

They also have 2002, and probably up to this year, on their site.