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Best <$35k car

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Old 07-20-08, 11:31 AM
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UTGS400
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Default Best <$35k car

Well, it is about time for my 98 GS4 to go...especially now that is has 160k miles. I am in the market for a car that is under 35k. What would you recommend?

Here are a few of the things I am looking for:

Reliable
Quiet
Comfortable
Good gas milage
A decent amount of power (something that will be able to merge easily on the highway)
Navigation
Good sound system

I spend about 2 hours a day driving and need something that I will love driving. So far, I have been looking at the Lexus GS, ES, and IS (all used) and Acura TL's.

On the bargain hunt, I have found an 04 TL fully loaded with 21k for around $23k.

Is there anything else you would recommend looking at?
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Old 07-20-08, 11:40 AM
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A new G35 Sedan will be a little higher than $35K, but if you can find a used 07 or 08 it surely should be under $35K. That would be among my top picks.

Locally I've also seen 06 BMW 330i with sports and premium packages for under $35K. Very tempted to sell my E46 330i for one of the newer E90s.

Acura TL's are a good bet too. $23K for an 04 even with 23K miles seems like an average deal IMHO. Last year I helped my wife's friend buy an 06 fully loaded TL (No Nav though) with 12K miles on it for $26K from an Acura dealer.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:18 PM
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Actually i think my friend just purchased a brand new g35 sedan for around 35k. Of course it was the base model, no nav, no sports pkg.. etc.

If it has to be a brand new car, that'd probably be my choice.

If you don't mind getting a used car, maybe IS350?

Do you like bigger or smaller cars? If you are looking for used car < 35k you have much more choices.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:19 PM
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Legacy GT

0-60 in 5.7 seconds. Is that enough power?
Capable of 27 Hwy MPGs
Comfortable, many interior features
Reliable

Starts at $27k.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:21 PM
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Also to add there are a couple 05 Mercedes CLK 500's with 16Kmiles and 23K miles at a local dealer lot for low $30K range. I actually like the W209 CLK, but with gas prices I'm not ready to pull the trigger on the big V8. However, they could be a good option for you
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Old 07-20-08, 12:21 PM
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I don't mind used as long as I still have a warranty. I don't want a vehicle that is too small...I want something that can handle kids in the future. I love G35's, but I plan on keeping my next car for a good 7-8 years.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:22 PM
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You can get 03-04 MB S600 for under 35K, and a very fresh LS430/S500 for the same amount.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Och
You can get 03-04 MB S600 for under 35K, and a very fresh LS430/S500 for the same amount.
I don't think any of those get good gas mileage. I am tired of spending over 100 a week in gas driving to work.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by UTGS400
I don't think any of those get good gas mileage. I am tired of spending over 100 a week in gas driving to work.
Yeah, but its not like a 4-6 cylinder car doesn't burn gas. So lets say if you spend $100 driving to work in 8 cylinder, in a 6 cylinder you will spend lets say $80... so for a measly $20 a week you're willing to give up all that power and smoothness?
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Old 07-20-08, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by UTGS400
I don't mind used as long as I still have a warranty. I don't want a vehicle that is too small...I want something that can handle kids in the future. I love G35's, but I plan on keeping my next car for a good 7-8 years.
Honestly then, since gas mileage is a concern for you and ultra long term reliability, I would suggest a new Toyota Avalon. Get the full warranty, it will be new so no unknown issues from past owners, Toyota reliability, decent gas mileage. I personally think the Infiniti cars will last 10 years no problem, but that's just my opinion.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:32 PM
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The G35s have almost as much room as a TL and will be a good family car. If you want something bigger, the new Pontiac G8 will be big and fast...i think the mpg will be lower though (and don't know about reliability).

The new Accords are pretty nice too but its wrong wheel drive and everyone and their mothers will have one.

BTW, my G35 coupe in 4 years has been more reliable than any Toyota and Lexus i've ever had (had 3 toyotas and 1 Lexus). Absolutely bullet proof so far and I thrash her good. I LOVE that car.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Och
Yeah, but its not like a 4-6 cylinder car doesn't burn gas. So lets say if you spend $100 driving to work in 8 cylinder, in a 6 cylinder you will spend lets say $80... so for a measly $20 a week you're willing to give up all that power and smoothness?
$20 a week X 52 = $1040. And if you take a road trip that will certainly inflate the cost.

How bout an ES350. They are fuel efficient.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:32 PM
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2IS imo is a logical step from the 2GS, even though its smaller. More fun, faster and great looking. 3GS is bigger, less sporty.

New G35 is a great car, I don't care for the looks but you can get them dirt cheap BUt gas mileage is horrible. Used TL is another good buy, new TL debuts fall this year.

I would vote IS 350.
 
Old 07-20-08, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by SLegacy99
$20 a week X 52 = $1040. And if you take a road trip that will certainly inflate the cost.

How bout an ES350. They are fuel efficient.
Yes, and that $1,040 a year is well worth it if you're driving an S class or LS over a crapbucket.
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Old 07-20-08, 12:43 PM
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Here are a few of the things I am looking for:

Reliable
Quiet
Comfortable
Good gas milage
A decent amount of power (something that will be able to merge easily on the highway)
Navigation
Good sound system

I spend about 2 hours a day driving and need something that I will love driving. So far, I have been looking at the Lexus GS, ES, and IS (all used) and Acura TL's.

On the bargain hunt, I have found an 04 TL fully loaded with 21k for around $23k.

Is there anything else you would recommend looking at?
You can always select one of the perennial favorites Lexus IS, ES, GS etc.. or you can step out of the box and get yourself an InfinitI G35, 06/07 C6 Vette(18 city 30hwy), 06/07 BMW E90, E60 530, new 08 Caddy CTS (runs on regular gas)..
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