Tim1988

What do you think is the best looking car in the 34k-43k Segment?

Lexus IS
Acura TL/TLX
BMW 3 Series
Volvo S60
Cadillac ATS
Lexus ES
Infiniti Q 50
Infiniti G 37
Audi A4
Others(price range average 34k-43k)


For me it's:
New TLX
G 37
ATS
Q50

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

This is a VERY subjective question and there is NO right answer - so let's just get that out of the way and be respectiveful of each others opinions in this thread folks.

Also the vehicles listed are all Luxury or Premium cars, but more mainstream makes like Fusion, Accord etc.. can also be equipped to the $34-43K range

That said, my own vote would be:

ATS
Mazda6
S60
Fusion

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Unfortunately Tim the TLX we've seen in all the press pictures is currently a "Near Production" Prototype. A few things are subject to change

mmarshall

True, a very subjective question. Best-looking exterior on a 34-43k car:

Here's my overall vote: 2014 Ford Mustang GT premium

mmarshall

Among sedans, my choice would be the Ford Fusion Energi Titanium:

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Good choices. You'll note I have the Fusion listed in my picks too.

Out of curiousity I just built and loaded up a Verano @ $33,173. Close enough to $34K for me to ask you how you rank the looks of your Verano Mike?

Machog

My used 2011 39k Cayman;-)

Machog

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

OP didn't list new or used..

Touche..

IS350jet

Kia Optima, hands down, as far as sedans go.

mmarshall

Good call. I can't disagree there. Looks-wise, I'd rate it just behind the #1 Fusion....almost a tie.

It would have to be the top-line Optima Limited version, though. Like the Fusion Energi Titanium I picked, that is the only model in the Optima line that fits in the 34-43K (base) price range,

mmarshall

Yes, it's hard to discount the Fusion's classy exterior....and, as IS350jet noted, the Kia Optima.

To get a Verano up in that territory, you really have to load up a Turbo. The run-of-the-mill ones typically go in the mid-20s. When the first Veranos came out in 2012, they started at a bargain 23K.


Exterior......overall, about even with the Kia Optima....good but not quite as good as the Fusion. Remember that the American-market Verano is a German Opel Astra sedan with a Buick grille/front end, Buick Quiet-Tuning, and a GM Ecotec/6AT drivetrain. Mine has the optional Crystal Red Pearl paint, which rivals the Lexus Matador Red and Chrysler's (optional) Inferno Red in its brilliance. I stuck on aftermarket chrome body-side mouldings myself, as the Verano, like most cars these days, lacked them from the factory (I won't tolerate a car without them). In general, though, I like the way Buick liberally uses exterior chrome....but the dual chrome brows over the rear taillights are too wide, and the effect looks a little awkward. The bright blue rings around the headlight bulbs (a Buick hallmark today) are a little tacky. And, IMO, Buicks (except maybe for the sport-oriented Regal GS) should have the triple-shield hood ornaments....but today's Buicks all lack them.

Interior-wise, the Verano uses almost the exact same cabin as the Astra sedan.....same dash, door panels, door-pulls, instrumentation, steering wheel, console/buttons, controls, and general hardware. The only differences inside are the Buick soft light-blue instrument lights instead of Opel's orange, a Buick tri-shield emblem on the wheel instead of Opel's, WELL-padded Buick seats, glossy but well-attached fake-wood strips, and, of course, right-hand drive instead of the UK Vauxhall Astra's left-hand. Overall, a nice but not exceptional interior in looks, but the quality and solidness of the plastics and hardware is MUCH better than average....especially compared to big-brother LaCrosse, whose plastics feel light and cheap in comparion. In general, the Verano's Chocolate-brown/tan two-tone interior (the one usually shown in ads) is more eye-catching than those of other colors (my interior is two-tone dark/light gray).

SteVTEC

I totally love the Q50 looks and design. It definitely has my vote.

hlee12

easy answer for me.

mmarshall

I think the OP was refering to new cars in the 34-43K range (new Caymans, of course, run well above that). But, I agree that it is a good-looking sports-car.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Although implied, the OP never defined new or used.

Of course the OP's "favorite" exterior isn't even a real car yet as he choose the Acura TLX which is currently the Acura TLX Prototype shown at the Detroit Auto Show