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they might not win over current German owners, but should sell their allotment to existing hyunkia owners that want to move upscale.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
This is going to be very hard for KIA. Its very hard to change perception of people. And they are making it hard of themselves by selling cars like Optima, Forte from the same dealership as K900. When people go to a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes or Audi dealership, they except to see only luxury. That's not the case with Kia. I don't think any amount of marketing can change that perception, when you can see cheap Kia cars at the dealership or on the roads.
I just checked their website and they are advertising - "KIA named best VALUE brand for 2014" - not sure that's the thing luxury car buyers are looking for.
No one should name a car with the sound "canine" in it
Again if you really need a nice dealership you have a lot of problems- the idea of owning a reliable car is to be away from dealership.
For some of the top companies in the world, their brand is basically the most important thing. For e.g., when a consumer buys an Apple product, they expect a certain level of quality and attention to detail, which you will not find in other company products. Take for e.g. Samsung, their main competitor in the cell phone area - even though a Samsung phone may have more features and may seem like a better value for money to lot of people, it just cannot compete with Apple in terms of quality and attention to detail. Samsung uses cheap plastic to make their phones. Apple will never do that. The engineers at Apple spend so much time on each small tine little thing, that when you hold their finished product, you can just feel how good it is.
Same holds true for cars, Lexus represents a certain brand, so does Audi and BMW. What brand does Hundai or Kia represent? Even though they may have more features than BMW or Lexus, they just feel cheap, because at their core they are a value brand. And there is no way a Sonata can match BMW in terms of handling or transmission or any of the stuff that makes a car fun to drive. If you care all about HP, then sure there are tons of other cars with that can beat a BMW with similar or lower price tags.
You can't avoid the dealership - you need to go their to buy the car and for regular maintenance. I lease my cars, so I am there at least once every 3 years, plus a few times in between. And you can feel the difference between a luxury car dealership vs. a value brand. I totally understand that I am ultimately paying for that experience and I am fine with it.
You basically get what you pay for!
Sweendog, you often ask why does one "need" a more expensive X over a less expensive Y? You "need" food and water and oxygen. You want/desire/find pleasure or satisfaction with material things. Why buy an S4 when you could buy an R32? Or have kept your G37? Oftentimes, the "badge" represents attributes real and perceived that add much value to the individual buyer and their power to choose.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
My circumstance different then most- bot it used - reason I got rid of the g was I started to worry after 7 years of issues- mind you all I did with the car was oil changes and tires - the s4 kind of fell in my lap. If you are an old dude like a lot of people on this forums - and can get 9/10s Lexus LS for less the 75% of the price I don't see why you wouldn't look at k900 or genesis.
First off, sweeny is just *****everybody, he doesn't care, his questions come off as he does, then he writes something childish. Nothing changes...
Sweeny your G35 according to you, had 35K miles on it and you had a belt issue. You stated many time that your G35 has been stone reliable, but now it had 7 years of Issues.. Now too sure what to believe, but a 7 yr old car with 35K miles, can't have many issues. BTW, for the price of a used S4, you could have bought a new Sonata Turbo and had a 100K mile warrenty. Instead you bought a German car.
Please confine your jabs to ideas, not to people, and also remember that we are a "G" rated website, so we don't encourage profanity. Thank you for making an effort to keep this forum a friendly place.
Btw this banter hurts at times- certainly if you want to get personal with no true statements behind.
And yes I could of also gotten a sonata turbo- but again like I stated I went used not new and was able to get a good deal.
sweendogy at 11:20 AM today...
"reason I got rid of the g was I started to worry after 7 years of issues"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Bingo....
And look what I wrote after- "all I did was oil changes and tires"
Read the posts please
B I n g O - and Bingo was his name O.
Please try harder -
The ELLPS Category is More Alive Now Than at Any Other Time in History (Part 1)
I’m going to take exception to the suggestion that “ELLPS” as a category is “dead” – indeed, I think it is a very much alive and healthy category/segment; it is almost certainly growing and definitely aspirational category. Both consumers and manufacturers aspire – and often ardently aspire – in their own way to this category in fact.
“ELLPS's are like porn, I can’t define them, but I know them when I see them. . .”
We can’t go on unless some stipulations are made, and these stipulations are possibly made up of nearly equal parts of fact and opinion (I would agree if you said opinion is weighed more heavily should you be so inclined to make that argument). ELLPS autos are difficult to define – perhaps the [unintentionally ironic, I’m sure] quote above, a derivative of Justice Potter Stewart’s famous remark, “I know it [obscenity] when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that," captures the essence of the problem of figuring out what is and what is not an ELLPS.
I think I’ll just go with something like: An ELLPS is an automobile with more basic or “included” content or other “stuff”, one that is generally thought to be of higher quality (another “I know it when I see it” attribute, to be sure) with more “available” comfort/convenience/performance features and amenities, higher style/design attributes (ditto) and noticeably more precise fit and finish (tighter tolerances) than other vehicles that the ELLPS candidate can be measured up against. The dealership experience also bears noting too, as it is, or should be, a cut above, too.
The ELLPS is kind of an anomaly (or at least it was), since its creators want us to know it offers both luxury and performance, traits that used to be almost mutually exclusive. Perhaps an ELLPS candidate or incumbent is (or should be) like the tire type we call “Grand Touring”. But, then, even that metaphor falls short these days, as it certainly appears that one of the prices (pun intended) for entry into the 2014 ELLPS class is “higher performance numbers” than even a few short years ago in the 21st century. Maybe, today (for American consumers), the more correct tire metaphor for an ELLPS is “Ultra High-performance All-season”. Of course, we need be mindful of the “S” in ELLPS, which, of course stands for sedan (and I’ll put a stake in the ground that this means 4-doors, despite whatever model names some manufacturer comes up with – thinking of the name “4-door coupé” for instance).
Perhaps some attempt to say what is not an ELLPS would be helpful (as would a level setting question or two): A Bentley (any Bentley) is not an ELLPS (I would argue it is not an LPS either), nor is any Porsche (even a Panamera falls outside of even the most liberal definitions of both ELLPS and LPS, if you axe me) or a Hyundai. But does this exclude the somewhat stand-alone models named Genesis and Equus?
I think both the Genesis and Equus fall short on their “P” quotients, making them ineligible for either ELLPS or LPS inclusion, but maybe that’s just me and possibly this is a temporary situation – see the latest Car & Driver review of the Genesis sedan now with “suspension tuning by Lotus”).
Buicks don’t count either, right? But wait, what about the Regal GS with AWD and a few option boxes checked off – such as most all of the electronic safety nannies so popular with the presumptively bona fide ELLPS members from Germany, Japan (and Sweden)? Does said Regal GS merit an invitation into the hallowed ELLPS category or is it yet too soon to bestow this lofty ~yet perhaps increasingly dubious~ honor?
Watches and cars are not a good analogy. A car is for transportation, but has many facets (comfort, performance, features, etc.) that vary greatly from one to another. A watch has just one function, and all watches pretty much handle that function the same. Other that that it's all for show, literally just a piece of jewelry.
The ELLPS Category is More Alive Now Than at Any Other Time in History (Part 2)
Can any sedan, regardless of pedigree, be inducted (or indicted) into the ELLPS hall of fame if it cannot be had with either RWD or AWD (FWD only cars need not apply); likewise can any sedan that is primarily, obviously and overwhelmingly badge engineered apply for ELLPS or LPS club membership (thinking of the current Lincoln MKZ which screams badge engineered Ford Fusion here)?
Hopefully, too, we can stipulate that to be in the ELLPS, even with all of the MSRP bracket-creep we’ve seen these past few years, that there is a “size component” we should probably consider. For example, even though today’s BMW 3 is pretty darn close in size to yesterday’s 5, we will accept a 3 series (no matter how pricey) as a member of the ELLPS clan in good standing, but we won’t admit any 5 series (even if it is configured to be less expensive – with a 4-cylinder turbo, and option stripped – than a 3 series) because the 5 series is simply too big (at least at this instant in history; and, let’s agree this could change as the 2’s, 3’s and 5’s morph into god knows what next).
And for pity’s sake are we going to point to something like the new A3 – which is exactly the same size as an earlier gen A4 – and say, “Nope, you’re not ELLPS, you’re a Premium car.” Personally, I’d exclude the A3 from the club, perhaps calling it an Entry-level ELLPS instead. But, that would be just plain silly.
Yet, for discussion purposes, I’m not sure I want to be engaging in conversations with those who aren’t interested in, ahem, “The right kind, or our kind” [of car] – you know, allowing them in here just might make the conversations even messier and perhaps occasionally, er, "from time-to-time", even more pugnacious and xenophobic than they are already (if that’s even possible).
So we’re left with [my] belief [and maybe yours too] that the American automobile consumer is faced with a segmented market (one that is growing more so all the time). Perhaps there are divergent opinions on this that follows: Virtually every car manufacturer on the planet wants to have cars that are in the ELLPS and LPS class – and granted ELLPS can mean different things for folks in Beijing and Buffalo. The reason for this LPS-Lust is simple: Premium compacts (like the new A3), ELLPS’s (like the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport) and LPS’s like the Mercedes E-class, etc. are where the profit margins soar. No wonder Hyundai (and KIA) are, with each successive generation, pushing hard, harder, hardest to be members of the Acura (for now), Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes and possibly Volvo Club.
Why? So they can raise prices, natch.
Remember the Lexus playbook (bring in a car -- and give it a "number", not a name: LS400 -- that apparently has 100% of the Mercedes content down-pat and sell it at 75-80% of the price of the Merc)? The only thing that might be the “yes but” for the Korean’s is that they’re trying to become ELLPS and LPS club members without separate, purpose-built dealerships – this admittedly cost and time saving approach may ultimately not sit well with the ELLPS and LPS cognoscente or even the general car consuming hoi polloi; yet, the only person I know who has an Equus says the dealership experience has been superlative.
For now, we need not – here – concern ourselves with discussions or comparisons to the really high-end cars (like the Bentley mentioned above or other super-luxury brands from foreign lands). At this point in time, we’ve got some really interesting cars to discuss and an upcoming pipeline that is exemplified by Car & Driver’s recent article “25 Cars Worth Waiting For”.
The ELLPS category is more alive now than at any other time in history. At least that’s the way I see it.
Often wrong, never uncertain, I remain.
Mark, I disagree about the blanket exclusion of FWD.
And I guess it is clear you require brand snobbery as part of the criteria, as opposed to being based on purely function.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I think disagreement regarding FWD is a good thing. I have had many -- or at least "several" FWD cars from US and German mfgrs over the years and I found them worthy of many things, perhaps even inclusion into the ELLPS and LPS rank and file.
Funny, sort of, it used to be that 4-cylinder motivated cars need not apply. Well, my my my how things have changed. I'd be (I've been) proud and pleased to have a 4-cylinder BMW or Audi and probably I'd be fine with an ATS with a 4-cylinder motivator too.
Right now, today, at this instant, however, I believe FWD vehicles need not apply -- regardless of how you and I may feel and think about the subject. I think the bias, right now, against FWD is so strong it may be "stronger than dirt"! Evidence the Genesis "brand" -- Genesis eschewed anything but RWD for the first generation, now with the new ones, they're offering up both RWD and AWD in the 6-cylinder version and promised AWD in the 8 "soon". FWD, currently and based on much that I read here and by the pros is like an embarrassing tattoo you got one night when you were "not quite right" for some reason. You're working on getting rid of it ASAP, but these things take time.
On the other hand, who knows, the benefits (and there are many) of FWD may win out after all. Just remember that FWD was initially put in cars to make them cheaper (to make and buy). There is, for some, a stigma associated with "FWD" cars that aspire to be in the Premium, ELLPS, LPS, High-end luxury or Super luxury class. Same holds true for sports cars, super cars and exotics -- they are (or must be to not be posers) RWD or AWD. Mercedes did bring out the CLA as FWD, to be sure -- and there is some risk there (but it can be had with AWD); the A3 is also FWD (like most Audi models) and offers up AWD. At this point ALL incoming inventory for the A3's (here in Cincinnati) will be quattros. That may change.
The ATS and CTS were rendered from the get-go as RWD (with AWD available) because that is what is (NOW, today) expected.
Luxury may or may not = "Snobbery". We're talking, here, on this forum, about some variation of a type that contains the words: Luxury, Performance, Sedan -- entry level or not. Luxury is beyond (above? beside? below? -- pick one) being based on "pure function", I think is safe to say.
Luxury means to most of us, I assume, "stuff", features, amenities, capabilities, levels of refinement beyond what is "basic", beyond what is strictly necessary. If you think this equates to brand snobbery, even if I conceded (personally) your point, even if I 100% agreed with you, this is the place where "we" are going to discuss, debate, and perhaps even politely argue about luxury cars (that happen to also be capable of a decent amount of "high" performance).
So yes, brand snobbery is "a" criteria for this discussion, just not necessarily "my" criteria to be a member of "the club". However, I can somewhat sense saying "If the shoe fits" isn't an inappropriate thought.
I saw a very long and impressive video about the Chrysler 300C when it first came out -- and the Chrysler engineers involved in rendering this fine car kept comparing it to an Audi A8.
I love the 300C, especially the ones with the refreshed interiors and AWD, but Senator, "I've known A8's and you ain't no Audi A8."
The point is, we -- here -- are but PART of the market -- and we may disagree with the overall market's standards and definitions (and they keep changing all of the time) -- but we need to recognize, I think, the prevailing trends, ideas and standard-bearers. I'm operating under the assumption that this ELLPS forum is one of the places to be able to discuss certain brands and not have to apologize that they aren't in a more hoi polloi category in a manner of speaking.
Both items have a specific, basic function. But, then, as you note, many facets and variations on a theme. Yes, cars offer more variables both by necessity, design and for profit. But, as an analogy, I think it works as you can take the basic function of each and build upon it to meet whatever desires one may have.
Watch: Time, date, chronograph, moon phase, tachymeter, smart watch... Automatic, Quartz, mechanical wind, digital/analog/both, steel, gold, titanium, unobtanium, bracelet, leather, rubber, kevlar...round, square, hybrid...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
rbirns1 - I disagree with your observations and conclusions regarding watch/car metaphors.
On the other hand I violently agree with your right to your opinion and your right (unless someone here at Edmund's objects) to say it long and loud.
I believe the "data" and "professional opinion" supporting your conclusions about watches, however, would be difficult, perhaps nearly impossible to come by.
I do believe the same data-deprived statement could actually be made about cars, too -- please note I am NOT being serious here, just ironic or perhaps sarcastic (sometimes difficult to carry off in one of these postings without it inadvertently coming off as a personal criticism, which it is not meant to be):
"A car has just one function, and all cars pretty much handle that function the same."
I sincerely hope no one here thinks that would even remotely be true.
But I do believe there is plenty of data and opinion to support the notion that [luxury] watches and cars (and even pens, damnit) have many attributes, not just a single one.
The metaphor suggested -- or was meant to suggest -- attributes or characteristics that would help provide "color commentary" about luxury or premium products, the marketing of said products and the market for same.
Like I said, about myself, "I'm often wrong, just never (or seldom) uncertain."
Cheers.
As we get back to taking Ellps- car and driver recent on the newer breed of cheap
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-audi-a3-quattro-vs-2014-bmw-228i-2014-mercedes-benz-cla250-4matic-comparison-test
Quite an interesting article actually, not only in what it says but in what it doesn't.
I agree, however, they misprinted some facts. On the 228i, leather is a stand alone option $1450. Audi put a better tire on the A3 in sport package, but the 228i was quicker. Then add $375 for the aftermarket plug and play stage 1 and the other two cars will have to sit on the porch and watch, 0-60 in 4.9 second (stock), that is .7 second slower then the M235i, and I'm guessing with the stage 1 added, the difference between the two would be VERY close.. Add better (stickier) tires, then the 228i would be a great alternative to the M235i.
I think for most buyers, cars capable of 0-60 under 5 seconds is like when we talk about "light years" or "billions of stars"--it's just not a place that many buyers go to.
This is true, but says a lot about a car that only makes 240hp.
In the RB universe, a car isn't truly fast unless in can do 0-60 in under 5 seconds and 0-100 in 13 or less.
But that's just me...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yes flight the article did talk of the audi advantage due to tires- and yes the leather option as a stand alone for 1450 was incorrect- also cool the bmw can be still had with a manual. One thing that stood out that's now seemingly baked into every BMW is the "stingy features at this price" stigma. I also can't see a reason (besides warrantee and potential engine failure) to not opt for the cheaper bmw and go plug and play- then it's BInGO
Let's face it--for a lotta guys it's NEVER fast enough--so we all have to draw the line somewhere. I'm good with anything 6.5 seconds or under. For a comfy sedan that is quite respectable I think.
I think my RDX does 60 in about 6.3-6.5, and I may have never used 2/3 of what it can really do.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yes, there are always two in every crowd. It's funny, most of the rental cars I have gotten lately Nissan Altima's are comfortable cars, but that CVT transmission sure sucks the fun out driving. Then when I get home my anemic 220hp BMW feels like it's a M3. Kind of nice to have that feeling, knowing people purchase a car slower then mine.
Well, I have one almost fast car and a few slow ones. Each one is a blast to drive in its own way. The Club Sport taught me all about conservation of momentum while the MS3 is teaching me patience- "wait, wait, W A I T until you unwind the wheel, no, a bit more... now nail it!!!"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
LOL, when I was road racing, my daily bike I rode was a Honda V45 sabre, it was a sport tourer, comfortable but wasn't really a bike you rode fast on mountain roads. With a little help the bike did well, not as well as my GSXR or RGV I raced, but that bike taught me how to hold a line and allow the bike to settle around a curve. Sometime the best teacher isn't the best machine....
So the price has been released for the new Alfa 4C, $55K, weights in at 2465 lbs, 237hp..
blog.caranddriver.com/u-s-spec-2015-alfa-romeo-4c-pricing-availability-released/
I bet that will be a tough get. Probably going to sell quick.
I suspect I would have trouble fitting in it anyway. I know I would have more trouble paying for it, but looks like a lot of fun!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That's a pretty lofty "entry".
I've been on Edmunds for a number of years, but I think this is my first post on this blog. I'm probably going to buy a new car in the next few months. The acura TLX is one that I've been waiting for, but have recently had some concerns. Although not a scientific sample, I've spoken to 8 people who own the TL (2007 - 2012), TSX (2010 - 2014) and MDX (2014). I had read a lot of people complaining about one issue with their acuras and it seems they have the same problem as the accord - wind noise (that is one of the reasons I bought a Toyota in 2010 instead of another accord - wind noise). Every one of the people I spoke to said they had wind noise from the windows. Is this a fluke or is this representative of what I can expect if I buy an acura?
Welcome Wayne to mostly ELlPs, the TLX could be a good choice and looks better and should perform well in the class- I would be a little weary around buying a first year car but with a honda you should be ok. The older TL as most would agree was a major disappointment in styling and one would hope acura fixed this issue as they "advance." On the window issue best to go here
Thank you, sweendogy. I had seen those sights before when googling wind noise and acura. My wife doesn't want another Toyota (we have a 6 cyl venza) or Honda (had an accord). I had a 2000 accord and it had tons of wind noise. In 2005, I looked at an accord (knowing about wind noise) and the wind noise was very obvious to me on each one we test drove so we bought a ford. In 2010, I test drove a couple accords and could hear wind noise on the test drives (ez to do when you actively listen for it) so we bought a Toyota. I have test driven and ridden in a few new accords (close friend has a 2014) and can hear the wind noise (my friend hears nothing). Wife doesn't want another "car that everyone else has" so I thought we'd step up. I know a number of people with acuras and when I ask them about wind noise they all say yes it is noticeable, but tolerable. I'm not interested in hearing wind noise. I'd think Honda could figure out how to build cars without wind noise.
Cars I'm considering - Acura TLX (agree on the first year model thing, but thought it to be a worth a look - just the wind noise issue associated with acuras/hondas), Infinit Q50 (don't care for the option packages I have to buy to get what I want), and the pending 2015 maxima (a significant update that I don't know much about, but my wife likes the looks of the car). I might even consider a Hyundai genesis sedan. The venza runs great and we're not in a hurry, but if the right "upscale" car comes along I'd buy it. (Car buying is a "two vote" for us - with no pressure to sway a vote
so I think I'll wait to at least look at a maxima before buying, but I'm not sure when they're coming out - I think Sept.
well, only way to tell for sure is drive one and see.
I think this is something that is very subjective though. I have a new style RDX, and notice no wind noise. I also never noticed any on my 2005 Odyssey, 2005 Accord, or 2000 TL (still have that one).
about the only noise is tire noise on certain surfaces, but I never considered that objectionable even on bad pavement.
maybe not quite as tomblike as a Camry or Lexus, but far from driving an old Wrangler with a loose top!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I agree with @stickguy. My wife's 2011 Pilot is very quiet and I don't notice wind noise. Nor did I in my former 2010 Acura TSX. I hear a lot of noise coming from my 2001 Prelude. Mostly intake & exhaust. If there was wind noise I wouldn't notice it in that car:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I will say my wife's 11 crv does have a lot of wind sounds- I don't mind driving it in yhe city with sunroof open but hate it on long halls- I find it better on highway with a thule cargo rack then without it, maybe just me.
Audi and bmw good with wind from my dealings, Infiniti was good when new but after a few years I noticed the wind and had the dealer replace the moldings ( @flightnurse) for no charge and sound was fine. Acura wind could be from pronounced grill ? Kidding
caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-bmw-m4-manual-first-drive-review
Interesting mini review.
The Genesis is a very quiet car and the 2015 Genesis is probably quieter still. But you have to know what you want. The TLX is likely to be sportier than a Genesis. The new Genesis is a full on luxury car with a premium interior and wonderful seats. It handles well but I will bet the TLX will be tidier, if for no other reason than it is will smaller and Honda has a good rep for tidy handling cars. The Genesis It is going to weigh probably 400+ lbs. more than a TLX is you compare the 3.5 TLX to a 3.8 Genesis. It is probably almost a foot longer. I will bet the TLX will handle better, be faster, be pretty quiet and get much better fuel economy (and front wheel drive will be better in bad weather as compared to the RWD Genesis unless you purchase the AWD model which will cost more and have even worse mileage).
It really depends on what you want and what you are willing to spend. Also, as great a car as the new Genesis is, its resale will probably be lower than the TLX because of the perception of Hyundais and the price (probably comparable to the TLX when comparably equipped). This will affect the overall cost of the vehicle whether you buy and hold or lease and dump.
So drive a lot of cars and try to ignore preconceived notions, as hard as that is. I think Acura/Honda is coming back from its worst years and probably still makes excellent cars. Hyundai also makes fine cars today (remember the 1986 Excel?). There is an amazing array of great cars in the TLX/Genesis price range that meet a wide variety of needs.
Good luck with your purchase.
Thanx roblaw. I think we're going to wait until the TLX and the new maxima are available before we make a decision. We're in our 50s and retired and I'm not really concerned about the cost or resale. I am more concerned with getting what we want and I think that after looking at these cars we'll have a better idea for what we want. It is good to get honest feedback from people who have driven these cars though.
@wayne21 - enjoy retirement - good for you not worried about resale- I will say I recently saw a v6 genesis, the 2015 version on the road and was impressed by its looks and stance. If you are looking for something comfy this could be something to consider.
Update. 17k miles now on my used S4 (took me 3 years to get to that number with the g). Mpg on weekend trip of 500 miles- 2 kids 2 adults and packed trunk I got 28.8- very impressed on mostly highway miles and some pretty bad rain and traffic. Car explodes even in comfort setting when pushed- highway travel speed was 75- with a couple of bursts to 85 but in safe conditions - transmission very good, radio excellent, trunk space huge, navigation stinks. Car is a 13 and no USB port, but does have an apple 30
Pin.....?