Hey everyone,

I really appreciate all the suggestions. You guys rock!

The reason why I didn't include the GS430 and LS430 is that both models have recently undergone a makeover. Even though both are wonderful choices, I really would like to have something that also looks as new as possible.

The European competitors are great but again, the A4 is more similar to the 3 series and IS in comparison and is more of a young stud's car.

I have looked at the freshened 04' 545i and Infinity Ms but at $30k or so, they are a little bit out of my price range.

The Volvo may be something that I would want to look at, though. Correct me if I am wrong, but are the newer Volvo cars still FWD?

Jon

 

how about an infiniti q45? i know they stopped making them, but it was just recently, they are hella rare( because no1 bought one) and i would think it was pretty reliable. and it is quite powerful if i remeber correctly and i have seen a few withing your 25k range. If not how about a caddilac sts? just an idea

 

how about wait for genesis coupe?

 

RL.

 

If you mean the 2WD models, yes. Haldex AWD is optional on all except the C30 IIRC. I think the old 960/S90 are RWD?

 

I test drove the RL and fell in love with it, it has one of the nicest highest quality interiors I have ever experienced. It rides very nice and has plenty of power, just don't expect throw you back in the seat power. If you can find one for 25K it is a steal. It is a excellent car and very reliable and well built, I am hoping my parents end up getting one to replace their TL. I will heavily consider a used RL as my next vehicle. Also a used Infiniti M35 might be a consideration as you can get pretty good deals on those cars to but they get horrible gas mileage.

 

Volvo S60R

1. Rarity: check!
2. Reliability: dunno...but it's safe, i think, isn't it? it's a volvo?
3. Styling: love it or hate it. interior is beautiful, especially with the saddle leather and blue gauges.
4. Comfort: check
5. Power: check

do we have a winner?

 

I think I would go with M45 if you can find one at that price. I think they are pretty awesome.

 

Another vote for an RL

 

If you can live without a V8 (probably a very sensible choice with todays gas prices) then the RL is defenately the best choice. I find it superior to GS350awd and M35x, and you can get it for a better price.

However the SC430 is just too sexy to pass.

 

The R is AWD. It has a pretty neat suspension system too, which is explained in this video: http://orb.lv/video/watch.php?id=3166 .

 

The current-generation RL is one of my all-time favorites, though it is a little pricey brand-new. I would say look at that first...a used one, of course. Its low demand and sales level means fairly high depreciation, and a good value as a used car. It has classy looks without a sports-car or racing image. The SH-AWD system, which you may or may not need in CA depending on where in the state you live, is one of the most sophisticated available. It has Honda/Acura reliability, though not quite so much as some of their other products. The paint job, at least on brand-new ones, is mirrorlike. The doors and interior hardware are as solid as anything you will find today, and the low gloss, natural-color wood trim, IMO, is much preferable to the polished stuff that in many cases doesn't look or feel like wood at all.
The power level...a 290 HP V6 with 260 ft-lbs. of torque, is maybe not quite what you want, especially with the weight and drag of AWD. But, to my way of thinking (and driving) it is plenty for almost all normal needs.

Some people think it looks too much like an Accord. Maybe, maybe not......that, of course, is a subjective thing. I have no problems with the styling.





1SICKLEX and I both agree the car is not a piece of junk, but, in general (and to be fair), his opinion of the car is not quite as enthusiastic as mine. He feels it doesn't have enough engine for a top-line flagship, and that there should be a V8 RWD version. Anything else, I'll let him speak for himself.

 

Legacy GT.

 

RL and LS430 are great choices. Stock for stock, I'd rather drive the RL (and be driven in the LS) as the LS430 is rather floaty and soft, though that's nothing that can't be changed with aftermarket parts.

 

Maybe.....I thought of that, too, but Legacy GT may be too youth-oriented and not upmarket enough for his tastes.