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I don't compare cars I don't drive. Unlike other people that base their opinions on what they read in magazines, my opinions are based on my experience with the cars I'm talking about. So yes, I did drive the 328xi. I'll take the rear drive any day unless the I live in a place where it snows a lot.
It might be a personal preference but I find most of the 4 wheel drive cars made by the manufacturers that make usually rear wheel drive cars boring. I might shock some people by saying this but I thought even the Porsche 911 looses a lot of the excitement with the 4 wheel drive model.
-Loren
We get some snow and ice here, but it's only usually 5-10 days a year where it's a significant problem; this year there weren't any serious snow days. So to me, I don't think that's enough to justify four wheel drive if it sucks the life out of the car. Others around here seem to disagree, the dealers here have virtually all 328xi's with cold weather package and AT.
I'll see if I can find a 328i MT to test drive.
By the way, the 330xi is no more, so that's not an option.
Thanks all.
Or an RS4 would be fine, on the other hand.
Regards,
OW
Yeah, my car has died with the x-drive. RIP...Now it can really fly, Spirit in the Sky!
Regards,
OW
I hope your joking about this. As far as Honda and Toyota go, they are basically bullet proof and "run-forever" vehicles. The engines last forever. There is no reason your TYPICAL Japanese car can't last 15 years and 300K miles. That is just average for a Honda or Toyota. Your repair bills should be under $1,000 typically, for 300,000 miles on a Japanese car. On a German car... you'll pay thousands and thousands quite regularly even before you hit 100K. However... after 100K who knows.
Then why did my Wife's '05 Civic EX exhibit flawless build quality and zero warranty visits in the 24 months and 26K miles prior to being totalled by a 2004 Jetta?
The Jetta looked like it was close (if not completely) to being totalled as well, having rear ended the Honda. By the way, the Civic was safe enough to have kept my wife from being seriously injured (even though it was supposedly hit by such a superiorly built German Jetta). All she had was some bad bruising from the seat belt and seat sides.
I would venture to say that her Civic was built and assembled in Japan. I would probably bet the farm the Honda you bought was made in the USA Fasterthanyou?
That could have an impact, those Japanese guys have been building great cars a lot longer than any American.
It was running like new still at 50 months of age with 65,000 miles. It was not bulletproof, but it was extremely dependable mechanically.
I think one thing people overestimate is maintenance. An unreliable car will be undependable no matter how well you maintain it. A Toyota Corrolla will reach 300K miles no matter how poorly you maintain it (to a certain extent; nothing ludicrously bad).
The Honda has been bullet-proof.
The only expense we have had was the scheduled Timing Belt replacement and I had the Water Pump done at the same time since the mechanic was there anyway. (purely preventative)
Total bill was around $400-.
Other than that, NOTHING but oil changes and I did the brakes myself.
Less than $600 of repairs for 7 years/180,000 miles.
It's been a great car.
My Toyota Tacoma was just as bullet-proof.
My parents' 87 Jetta may have had its fair share of issues and problems, and yes it was quite expensive to repair most of them, but in general, they were minor issues that cost semi-major bucks to fix. Never until 101K miles did the car leave us stranded and in need of a tow truck.
With the '95 Dodge we had to call a tow truck 4 times before we hit 65K miles. We had far more MAJOR repairs which were MAJOR bucks. We also had more little knick knack issues and countless rattles galore. Literally, the car felt like it was going to fall apart and you'd be left with a seat and a wheel in your hands with the rest of the car behind you on the pavement if we would have kept it any longer.
So, in conclusion, Japanese #1 untouched and bulletproof (except for certain select models which are usually built in the USA; especially for Nissan). Germans #2 - solid, long lasting, well built in general, just mainly electrical issues, expensive to repair.
Americans #3 and way behind, simply for the NUMBER of problems and the catastrophic nature of the problems usually encountered. Show signs of "fall apart" engineering so that at 3 years and one day or 36,001 miles everything but the powertrain fails. Then the powertrain fails around 65,000 miles.
Maintenance.... nonsense. No reason an owner of a Corolla would take better care of their car than the owner of a Cobalt (typically). Furthermore, my friend raped and floored his Corolla all over town and state for years, and never had an issue. Heck, I even acidentally put it in reverse (Auto) at 50 MPH going forward and it kept on ticking (after the engine died and had to be restarted; which it did restart). Ran fine.
I get the feeling if I had done the same thing in a Domestic vehicle it would have self destructed in a cloud of dust instantly. :P :lemon:
Thanks
I get the feeling if I had done the same thing in a Domestic vehicle it would have self destructed in a cloud of dust instantly
I had a brand new Ford Escort GT 1999. I was on the freeway going 45mph, while I was getting the freeway, I accidently hit the shifter and it went into reverse. BOY that was it for the trans. I heard a loud pop, bang and oil all over the car. The trans blew out, the engine threw a rod and all went to hell. The car was a lease and was in the shop for one month. The cost to repair was $5,500.00 I didn't pay for it, since the car was under warranty with 7,000 miles on it. So I agree with you about Japanese cars, VS. Domestic cars.
Amen for a "J" car.
2008 Cadillac CTS (with the big engine)
2007 BMW 335i
2008 Pontiac G8
2008 Mercedes C 350 (sport)
My wife already has the Lexus IS250. I'm a big guy (6'0 210 lbs) and interiors are very important to me. Please add anything else that you think I should consider. PLEASE HELP!
2008 Cadillac CTS (with the big engine)
2008 Mercedes C 350 (sport)
Both are awesome.
Between the Mercedes and the CTS which do you think I should pick and why?
This depends on you.
If I could waive my magic wand, the 335 would be in my driveway. It's the most fun and lively of the bunch.
IMO, non of the other current 2007/08 candidates changes my preference.
Regards,
OW
AWD is important due to long hill and steep driveway in a snowy part of the country.
I am 25, and just now starting to get into cars. I am currently driving a 2002 Ford Crown Vic, and absolutely hate it, because of it's size, and seemingly lack of get-up-an-go. The car seems to have no torque to it whatsoever, and it's a bit too smooth of a drive for my taste, so I have decided to get something else.
All things considered, I can justify doing up to $35,000 for a new mid sized sedan, which I thought, would give me plenty of options, but I have been doing some test driving, and here is the breakdown on my opinion of things.
Nissan Altima 3.5 SE with Premium Package
- So far one of my top picks. Has beautiful interior, and speed that I'm looking for. But I've been told by others that there is a lot of reliability issues involved with it, so I'm a bit concerned. For what I'm wanting in it, I've been quoted $28,300.
Nissan Altima 2.5
- Surprisingly not bad, considering it's a 4 Cylinder, though as soon as you hit 80, the car seems to hit it's ceiling, but I was impressed it did what it did as well as it did. It's not what I want personally, but shocked at how good it actually was.
Acura TSX
- Absolutely beautiful interior, but driving around felt like my old 95 Honda Civic 4 Door from when I was in college, just with a bit of a smoother ride. I am honestly shocked by how little I actually enjoyed this, considering that Acura is supposedly a higher end car.
Acura TL
- Once again, beautiful interior. The performance was a lot better, but the overall size, and performance didn't really impress me for the money. The luxury was really only skin deep, going as far as better plastics on the inside, but no real perceived luxury.
VW Passat 3.6L
- Surprisingly wonderful. This car was an absolute blast to drive. This is what I was expecting as far as the finer details of driving being nailed. There was immaculate attention paid to every little nuance of the car, and it showed. From the GPS, that showed you the next immediate instruction on the dash without having to take your eyes off the road. To the small umbrella holder that drains the water from it while it's being held. This car was a complete and utter treat, furthering my disappointment in the Pseudo luxury brands I have driven (Acura, Infiniti).
My general observation is this. The vast majority of these "Luxury" brands, is really nothing more then changing out small bits from the interior. In the case of the Infiniti, a stabalizer control that helps ensure that your tires won't stutter underneath you when you floor it is standard as opposed to optional. I have ridden in a lot of excellent cars in my lifetime, such as BMW M Roadster, M3, M5, Porsche 911 "95", Porche Carrera 4s, BMW Z8, and a few others that have seemed to have slipped my mind. I have been looking for something reasonably within my price range that would give me the same thrill of road that those have, without setting me too far out of my budget. Am I looking in the wrong places?
Any kind of advice would be wonderful
Both are "Asian", both offer AWD, and both right where you want to be with fit and finish.
So's the suggested 328
I am relocating to San Diego, CA and will be in need of a car. I have budgeted up to $19K for the car.
My thoughts/priorities are:
1) to buy used (1-3 yrs), ideally with some warranty left on the car
2) reasonable gas efficiency (not less than 30 mpg freeway)
3) something with 4 doors, no interest in coupes/convertibles
4) manual transmission (unless someone from SD has a strong reason to get an auto box)
5) safety (airbags, traction control, good crash scores)
6) reliability
Some initial ideas include Honda Accord, Lexus is300, BMW 325i but I could use some suggestions.
Thanks!
You won't find a 325i with warranty for under $20K.
For $20K, you could probably buy a brand-new Accord LX-SE with a manual transmission..
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Having owned a lot of Hondas, I just don't have the stomach for the possible repair bills..
Don't get me wrong... I love German cars... and, I've had a few.. It all depends on your tolerance for maintenance/repair bills. I think that buyers who have Honda budgets should shy away from getting older Euro models for the same price.. In the long run, they cost a lot more.
Now, if you had a $30K budget, then buying a $19K BMW out of warranty might be just fine.. IMO
A new stick-shift Jetta might be a good choice, if you want to go German.
regards,
kyfdx
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I really wanted the TL. It would have looked great in the garage next to my 06 MDX!
I drove the IS250 & IS350
IS250 lacked power
IS350 lacked AWD
Both were too small
I looked at the 328xi, didn't drive it
The price, being equipped like my G was WAY more
There's also questions on BMW reliability
Never gave the A4 a look
It's look is dated and my friend had a 02 1.8T and he seemed to have more than his share of issues
Liked the TL, but it just didn't do it for me personally.
Acura really gave me a chance with the car, supplying me with numerous cars to take to work and home, including the Type-S.
It just fell short in terms of refinement.
But again, that's just me.... It's an awesome car and probably the best car in it's price range.
It just didn't give me the "warm and fuzzies"
The G35x was perfect for me.
The fit, the interior, the handling, the technology.
As for me, the wife had no say at all.
It was my decision alone, and she's not driving it. :P
(She does like it though)
My thoughts/priorities are:
1) to buy used (1-3 yrs), ideally with some warranty left on the car
2) reasonable gas efficiency (not less than 30 mpg freeway)
3) something with 4 doors, no interest in coupes/convertibles
4) manual transmission (unless someone from SD has a strong reason to get an auto box)
5) safety (airbags, traction control, good crash scores)
6) reliability
Some initial ideas include Honda Accord, Lexus is300, BMW 325i but I could use some suggestions.
Thanks!
Sounds like a brand new LX-SE Accord with manual transmission would suit you perfectly. Low price, 60k mile warranty, 5-star safety, standard 4-wheel discs, ABS and 6 airbags, lots of pep and an engine capable of delievering well above sticker estimates on the highway (I typically get between 36 and 38 MPG at 75 MPH - a little slower and I've gotten 40 MPG). Plus, with a new car, you get to break it in yourself correctly, and don't have to wonder how the previous owner treated it.
Used Accords are still priced fairly high compared to new ones (new ones are well under invoice now).
Check 'em out, and keep us posted!
The problem with the judgement call about reliability is all models are subject to issues. Read through the G35 and 3 series problem boards, after reading those I can't understand why a person would want either model. :confuse.
In my case I listened to heart, the b to b coverage didn't hurt either.
I also won't argue that BMW, while being the drive with the most "feel", suffers from reliabity issues.
But watching these boards and choosing a model based on which gets the least gripes is a moronic approach.
People post their gripes.
Only the true enthusiasts like ourselves come here just to chat about cars, what we like and dislike, etc.
Fact of the matter is the past G's had brake issues.
The newly redesigned G has corrected this, and in fact, the base G offers larger, more capable brakes than that on the Sport Model Acura TL Typs-S.
And, have you read the TL boards, or just the Infiniti/BMW boards?
There are just as many gripes there.
For me, my final choice came down to the G35x and the Acura TL Type-S.
I needed AWD and the G fit my needs perfectly.
The engine in the G is on the Ward's Top Ten list... 13 times now. 13 Times.
No matter how many times I read it, Honda/Acura is nowhere to be found.
Consumer Reports finds both the TL and the new 07 G to be a solid choices.
The bottom line is what makes you happier and more comfortable.
Reliability, in my eyes... both are solid choices.
Volvo s40
BMW 328xi
the entry mercedes (i dont know the numbers)
Audi a4
All of these base models are about 30k give or take 2k. While the features you may want might up the cost up to 40k, you have to ask yourself which features are most important to you. If what you want is prestige and beauty, I'd chose the BMW. If you want a fully loaded vehicle with luxurious touches, the Volvo might be your best bet.
I disagree it doesn't "suffer" any more than the G, just differently.
Wow! All I got was a CD player :-P. Out of curiousity, what do your parents do that they can afford this? Also, was this HS graduation or College?
Seriously, looks like Meadow is driving a 3 series this year, sapphire black, terra and alum trim.. pretty cool. I always love the cars on that show and how they fit the characters to a "T"..
anyway, I'll let you guys get back to your regular programming of helping car enthusiast choose. :shades:
Signed,
Madame X
Regards,
OW
I'm 38 and have twins who are 2-1/2 in large Britax car seats. I drive to work 40 miles round trip five times a week. I drive the kids around 40 miles total on the weekend. We only need four passenger seats. I'm willing to pay $20-$30K for a new sedan.
Death ratings of cars put smaller cars at a disadvantage, so Prius pretty much dropped off my list. I want safe and stable, but I'm not a luxury hound.
The rear mounted camera on the navigation system is really appealing. I do worry about the kids in the driveway and think that might be worth the investment. So, how important is the rear camera system, and what range of cars is that available on? Should I base my selection on that?
My mom has the Lexus ES350 and I admit I really like it - but I just got a similar haircut and don't know if my husband will want me to spend so much to "copy" her on that too. I'm not nuts about a minivan, but I started out considering that for the kids. The Sienna or Odyssey are over $30K so I may be able to justify spending more than $30K on a sedan, but not if it's just fluffy luxury.
Thanks so much,
Cindy
Not true - this is a statement made by those who didn't compare the Acura to the accord, and just want an easy excuse to dismiss the Acura. I guess if you can't tell the diff between the 2, then you really should go with the Accord.
The Acura interior is more luxurious, the handling is like night and day. They are definitely related - just like the Nissan-Infiniti, VW-Audi,* Toyota-Lexus. So there are significant similarities (probably more than with the Nissan-Infinitis), but the similarities are there.
*Before someone jumps on my about this, I'm not sure VW & Audi are related companies or just work together on projects, but if you look at the Audi A-line and the VW Passat, you'll easily spot the similarities, and my '01.5 Passat GLX was pretty-much an Audi A-6 with the Audi A-4s V6 engine in it.