What would you buy as a cheaper alternative to the GS 350?
11-08-16, 08:50 PM
#17
20k is a pretty tough price point for German cars, as most of them will be out of warranty. Maybe a BMW 3 series or 5 series with the Inline six, provided you can get a warranty. Maybe roll the dice without one, BMW's with the six cylinder engine are generally pretty reliable compared to their V8 counterparts, which should be avoided at all costs.
11-09-16, 06:32 AM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
G80...isn't that closer to $40k instead of $20k?
And Q70 for me is too firm of a ride especially as a DD, again purely my experiences/opinion.
A G37 wouldn't be too bad, you could get the new redesigned Impala LT/LTZ those are surprisingly nice. An older Avalon would also be a worthwhile choice in the $20k range. I'd do a 08-09 LS460 if it were me, those cars won't depreciate too much more at this point.
Had a new 14 accord...it is "meh". Was a lot more bland than I'd like.
And Q70 for me is too firm of a ride especially as a DD, again purely my experiences/opinion.
A G37 wouldn't be too bad, you could get the new redesigned Impala LT/LTZ those are surprisingly nice. An older Avalon would also be a worthwhile choice in the $20k range. I'd do a 08-09 LS460 if it were me, those cars won't depreciate too much more at this point.
Had a new 14 accord...it is "meh". Was a lot more bland than I'd like.
11-09-16, 07:21 AM
#19
Pole Position
Thread Starter
G80...isn't that closer to $40k instead of $20k?
And Q70 for me is too firm of a ride especially as a DD, again purely my experiences/opinion.
A G37 wouldn't be too bad, you could get the new redesigned Impala LT/LTZ those are surprisingly nice. An older Avalon would also be a worthwhile choice in the $20k range. I'd do a 08-09 LS460 if it were me, those cars won't depreciate too much more at this point.
Had a new 14 accord...it is "meh". Was a lot more bland than I'd like.
And Q70 for me is too firm of a ride especially as a DD, again purely my experiences/opinion.
A G37 wouldn't be too bad, you could get the new redesigned Impala LT/LTZ those are surprisingly nice. An older Avalon would also be a worthwhile choice in the $20k range. I'd do a 08-09 LS460 if it were me, those cars won't depreciate too much more at this point.
Had a new 14 accord...it is "meh". Was a lot more bland than I'd like.
11-09-16, 09:40 AM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
I hit 29-31mpg on the highway with my 2010 LS460, though this was over longer drive (200 mile roadtrip). For in town driving and short distances, expect premium fuel prices at 18mpg. A used Avalon/Impala LTZ would provide decent levels of comfort. You could also (purely my thoughts) pick up a cheap 2013-2014 Chrysler 300 with the touring suspension, they actually handle well. Optionally, add a lifetime Maxcare (bumper to bumper) Chrysler warranty and you have a car that Chrysler will fix for pretty much ever.
11-09-16, 05:27 PM
#22
Lexus Champion
20k is a pretty tough price point for German cars, as most of them will be out of warranty. Maybe a BMW 3 series or 5 series with the Inline six, provided you can get a warranty. Maybe roll the dice without one, BMW's with the six cylinder engine are generally pretty reliable compared to their V8 counterparts, which should be avoided at all costs.
11-09-16, 06:37 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
thanks for clarifying you added the 20k constraint after i posted the g80 
anyway, for 20k, if i had to drive 50mi. or 2hrs a day, i'd want something quiet. so for 20k and cheaper alternative to gs350, how about lexus es?
anyway, for 20k, if i had to drive 50mi. or 2hrs a day, i'd want something quiet. so for 20k and cheaper alternative to gs350, how about lexus es?
11-09-16, 07:50 PM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
ES I think is a great alternative (I was going to suggest a Camry then thought better of it), but ES would not be as engaging as a GS. And that (purely my 2 cents) leads me down the thought track of a LS again.
For "transportation", I'd do ES to blend comfort and affordability as you can get a decent car with decent miles for $20k.
How about a Maxima?
For "transportation", I'd do ES to blend comfort and affordability as you can get a decent car with decent miles for $20k.
How about a Maxima?
11-10-16, 07:41 AM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
either would be great for a long commute, imo. if you have stop and go traffic, the hybrid will do way better on fuel economy.
11-11-16, 11:07 PM
#28
11-12-16, 11:52 AM
#30
Lexus Test Driver
If this was a car you'd keep for 3-8 years, ES300h.
If longer, ES350.
There are tons of RX400h's with high mileage that sit on lots because the hybrid powertrain raises some questions on repair/service-ability. You can find an older RX400h around the same price as RX350.
Maxima's were named one of the top 10 most depreciated vehicles, so you'd be able to find a late-model preowned for that price range and have fun at it.
Mazda6 I would certainly attest to as well is a great fun car that'll last the test of time.
Accord Sport 6 speed is....for me, meh. Too many, to common.
I'm basing this on the fact you like the GS350 (sporty, luxury, not too prominent on today's roads). Mazda 6 was named one of the top cars that nobody buys. Maxima's are a little more common but not as common as Altima's. Accord would be one of the fastest depreciating vehicles Honda has due to the volume....UNLESS you do a 2-3 year old Accord you can get that for well under $20k
If longer, ES350.
There are tons of RX400h's with high mileage that sit on lots because the hybrid powertrain raises some questions on repair/service-ability. You can find an older RX400h around the same price as RX350.
Maxima's were named one of the top 10 most depreciated vehicles, so you'd be able to find a late-model preowned for that price range and have fun at it.
Mazda6 I would certainly attest to as well is a great fun car that'll last the test of time.
Accord Sport 6 speed is....for me, meh. Too many, to common.
I'm basing this on the fact you like the GS350 (sporty, luxury, not too prominent on today's roads). Mazda 6 was named one of the top cars that nobody buys. Maxima's are a little more common but not as common as Altima's. Accord would be one of the fastest depreciating vehicles Honda has due to the volume....UNLESS you do a 2-3 year old Accord you can get that for well under $20k