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The pros about the Audi are that the HP is better than the volvo (220 vs 197), I can get Xenon lights and there's a little more room in the back seat. The cons about it are bad cup holder and concerns over quality.
The pros about the Volvo are a more distinctive look, better cup holder, great reputation for safety and some past personal history (my parents have had 3 of them). The cons are the lack of Xenon lights, the 197HP vs 220HP, the cramped back seat and the black door guard along the sides, front and rear.
The Audi looks like the better car, but I really like the way the Volvo looks. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Tony
Have you seen the Letter from the Town Hall Manager on the Town Hall Welcome page? If not, you might want to follow that link to have a look.
And hang on to your seats. Change is never easy - for any of us - but resolving the Search problems we've had will be worth the pain.
Pat
Sedans Host
Vor da money for a puny little kar, you kan get a veally BIG FORD F350 Crew Cab Dually 4x4 with a diesel or a V10 motor!
Seriously consider a truck; they're great!
Please direct all responses asap by end of day Tuesday, July 2, 2002, to jfallon@edmunds.com.
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Now, for my dad to say such a thing, the market must really have him concerned!!! >:(
I need some help. I'm 17 years old and I'm shopping for a car that I'll get in 5-6 months. My parents are buying the car for me. I'm different from my peers, I don't want some garbage Fast and Furious Car, I want Bavarian Autosport(We already have a Benz '99 Turbodiesel-torque, torque, torque!!!) Well anyways, my parents are giving me a range of $35k and under. Honestly I prefer to get used so I can get a better car. I want a lot of performance, but my parents won't let me get a stick, my mom can't drive stick(Bye bye M3...) I have a couple of options-540iA, I want that 282 hp engine, Porsche Boxster, Benz SLK, and anything else German(No Audi-not a big fan). I'm in between Benz, Bimmer, and Porsche, so please make some suggestions..Thanks a lot and good luck on those downshifts to pass...I wish I could!
German under $35K? Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series. New, of course.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
A number of years ago I drove a base model 525i automatic (slower than the 530i), and honestly it was a wonderful car in every sense of the word. It had more than enough power, delightful handling, and something else VERY important to any young driver, it didn't attract the attention of every cop looking to write tickets.
What you want in a first car is something with very predictable handling, responsive controls, and no nasty surprises. A good driving course, such as Bondurants, is also a VERY good idea.
I'm quite interested in the Infiniti G35... I'd like to see Audi and BMW answer "why should I get your product over that of Infiniti's?" ... !
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Lawman-525 seemed good-hmmm-if you had your choice what would you pick between these and don't worry i'm not going to, "fast and furiouize" these cars
RaysCar-I have(parents) 99 Turbodiesel(E300)..service, depends where you are, i would go with benz...only service though...its known that with new model years, benz has some problems(we drove the 2000 C-class as a loaner and it was kinda screwy) also remeber back in 96 when the E-classes were recalled(airbag warning)..but then again the new E looks great...the bimmer has a small rear seat...If i could spend in low 50k range, i would go with a Pre Owned Certified 740iL because of its timeless look, but if you want to keep up with the jones', go with a used S-class(to keep the german motif) and you'll look great for another 2-3 years..sorry this post was so long and thanks for your help!!!
porknbeans-CLK is an awesome car....but the new E is out and that means a new CLK which means a lower price for the CLK..so thanks for the idea
also theres one of two ways this plan is going to work
A:) My dad gets a 2000/01 740iL and uses that for somewhere around 45k...he thinks thats too good and reasonably understood..he keeps that and I get some car I want for under 35k
B:) I get something that he likes (which I probably will either way) and we can't find a 740il so I get an A6(oh yeah-what do you guys think thats better a twin turbo 2.7t or 2.8/2.7t has horrible mpg) or a 5 series...basically either way I win, but I don't want to make a stupid decision.
and I think I should change my name to:
Stuttgartfreak
Munichfreak
Inglostadfreak
Germanfreak..etc
Thanks!!!!
Also, the A6, to me, is not a 'young guy' car. I kinda think of it along with the E and the 5-series. My mom has a 300E (she's 53). A bit too big or something.
bavarian - ghulet gave a great suggestion on the A4. You would still be able to get the 3.0 liter with quattro for the price your looking at. Nice car, nice size for you and not real flashy for the police to track you (not that I condone such behavior).
BTW, do you need a brother? How about a really good friend of the family?
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
I don't think an A4 3.0Q can be had for under $35k. I think 'in theory' it can, but good luck finding one light on the options (fully loaded including automatic, they're around $39k).
Bavarianfreak, you may have an easier(?) time finding the 3.0 w/o the quattro which will save about $3k (according to Edmunds).
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
We have done some test fitting recently and the Passat was pretty good as well as the Avalon and Altima. She won't fit in a Maxima, I35, Q45, Pathfinder, Camry, and Highlander.
Any other cars of equivalent quality that we should be looking at?
Thanks for your help.
Bob
rwmiller-don't mind me asking, but what is your price range, because the first thing you're looking for is an accomidating front seat and reliability(its for your wife)-perhaps you could go for an Accord
I need you guys to check out this site called swapalease.com-people swap their leases and i thought it was cool...thanks a lot!!!
I am looking to go as high as the low $30's to get the car I want.
If I had to go with what you offered, I agree with coolguyky7 and go with the Avalon. Not as "sexy" as a Camry/Passat/Accord/Altima, but a nice car that does offer easier access with comfort.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
I will also be relooking at the 2003 Avalon.
Please keep the suggestions coming.
Thanks,
Bob
Please suggest how to go abt finding appropriate board for inputs on 'buying a used sedan'?
My budget is around $6000, no plans to re-sell, 4dr sedan, automatic transmission in CA??
(used a brand new 1999 Honda Accord, want to try different one now)
Thanks
srd1 (vs72@hotmail.com)
96-98 Mazda Protege (roomy, economical, fun to drive and cheap)
96-99 Geo Prism (same as Toyota Corolla but cheaper; also check Chevrolet Prism on some searches)
Honda Civics are nice, but expensive (for $6k, you're probably not going to get newer than '96)
Nissan Sentras are good cars, but terribly bland
Later model Ford Escort or Chevy Cavalier probably isn't a bad bet, though they're also bland. You can probably find a '98-99 for $6k easily.
Good luck.
I'm considering:
- Pre-owned BMW 525i
- Pre-owned Lexus GS300
- New Lexus ES300
- New MB C240
- New Volvo S60 2.4T
I realize these are all not in the same "class," but here's what I value: a car that will last reliably for 8 years (I'm buying), some fun to drive around curves and with some "oomph," and something that will eventually be good for family. I'm 31, married, no kids yet, but will in the next few years. The ES300 seems perfect on paper, but it may be a little too "old" for me right now. I didn't love the Infiniti G35 interior. I currently drive a Volvo S70. Thoughts?
Just my $.02 here. Good luck!
The Sandman :-)
BMW 525i - Great drivers car for interstate and twisties, classy, power, good family car, but probably not 8 years of trouble free reliability.
Lexus GS300 - Great drivers car for interstate and good for twisties (even with the I-6), classy and stylish (IMO), good power, good family car, great reliability.
Lexus ES300 - Great drivers car for interstate and adequate for twisties, ok styling (IMO), good power, good family car, great reliability.
MB C240 - Great drivers car for interstate and good for twisties, classy and stylish (IMO), adequate power, good family car but probably not 8 years of trouble free reliability.
Volvo S60 - I don't know all that much about this one but would think similar to the others with again questionable reliability for 8 years.
My opinion is to go with the GS300. A little more fun than the ES without the possible maintenance problems of the BMW.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com
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I think your answer was not on your list. You are considering a used BMW 5-Series or new M-B C-Class. The answer:a new BMW 3-Series. I know, you're thinking they are too small. I used to think that as well until I looked at one and compared the numbers. The 3-Series is larger than the C-Class. It has the same leg and head room as a 5-Series--the 5-Series has about an inch more hip room over the 3-Series, and that's about it. Make sure you order the Sport Package to get the good tires, better wheels and sport seats. It will meet your fun to drive requirement for sure (IMO).
I assume you want an automatic since you like the ES300. You should be able to get a 325i with auto, premium package and sport package in the $34k range--and an equally equipped 330i around $39k. Good luck in your search!
Like to play devils advocate every so often. For that amount of cash, please choose wisely!
The Sandman
Plus, the ES300 does not carry the Edmunds' "Editor's Most Wanted" or "Consumer's Most Wanted" logos as the 3er does. The BMW dealers here in Atlanta usuallu go about 5% above invoice, so see what they can do. I figure a 325i with auto, Premium Package, Sport Package, metallic paint, Xenon headlights and the Harmon/Kardon premium stereo should be abut $33,700 at 5% above invoice. Good luck!
For me the 3-series IS too small. I'm not all that tall (6'-2"), but I also have 2 kids and know that they can take up more room than I can sometimes imagine. The GS does give you more interior room with a larger trunk. It also gives you better hp/weight ratio than the 325. It may not be as glamorous, but go with your gut after you've driven them all.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
How much should i be concerned about potential problems with a new design? My second choice would be the 2003 BMW 540iA.
Any thoughts?
One other thing about the 540i; do you really need all that power--especially since you are not getting the manual transmission? I only bring it up because I believe the Inline-6 has more reliability, does it not? I do know that the 2002 BMW 530i was Consumer Reports' highest rated car ever.
I don't think you could go wrong either way, though. Drive them both and see what you think. If you go 540, give the 6-speed a test run before you settle for the slushbox!