Best vehicle for $40,000

ontop · January 2006

A GS 300 is $50,000+. An Acura TL is $32,000. My brother has zero issues with drivetrain on his 05 TL, and no dash fading. He has no idea what anybody means by harmonic vibration with his car - he doesn't notice anything. The seat bottom side bolsters are a bit hard but I'd think they'll soften up over the years of getting in and out of the car. But they aren't cheap.

I'd love a GS but would take a 06 TL in a heartbeat.

ivan_99 · January 2006

You could get a Passat 3.6 for under 40K. This would be loaded with all the extra stuff and is rated at 28mpg for the highway (was it just highway or average that needed to be 28mpg?). You would even have the option of AWD if so desired.

Its only available in automatic so that may influence your decision; although it still achieves 0-60 in 5.9 and 1/4 mile in 14.3 @ 101.

blane · January 2006

The only problem is VW reliability, or lack of same recently.

ivan_99 · January 2006

Consumer Reports had a recommended for it in 03, so it probably was pretty goodor not bad at some point.

This model is totally new so who knows how it will compare.

bigdave2 · January 2006

I know you guys have more ideas

ivan_99 · January 2006

For 40K I would do a 330i on European Delivery. My ideal 330i comes in under 40K. 330i, leather seats, sport package, Sirius.

bigdave2 · January 2006

keep those ideas coming!!!

qbrozen · January 2006

A new fully loaded to the gills '06 Lincoln LS can be had for under $36k, according to carsdirect. At $11k off sticker, I'd say that's a heck of a deal. I'm not sure you can get any other luxo vehicle with a V8 and NAV for that kind of money.

bigdave2 · January 2006

yes, but will it give me 28 mpg?

does it meet the other "specs"?

blane · January 2006

qbrozen,

The recent Ford Motor Company announcements about 14 plant closings and of 30,00 layoffs, included the fact that the Lincoln LS will definitely be discontinued. It has been a poor seller.

qbrozen · January 2006

The recent Ford Motor Company announcements about 14 plant closings and of 30,00 layoffs, included the fact that the Lincoln LS will definitely be discontinued. It has been a poor seller.

Yes, I know. Doesn't change the deal, though.

qbrozen · January 2006

yes, but will it give me 28 mpg?

oops. sorry. Its been so long since I saw post #1 that I forgot the mileage requirement.

It does meet all the other requirements, though. And, depending on what you compare it to, and given the fact you get so much for such a good price, the cost savings could buy ALOT of gas.

blane · January 2006

qbrozen,

It surely will affect the LS' trade-in value a few years down the road if the line has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

qbrozen · February 2006

the trade-in value already stinks on the car, and has been horrible way before the announcement ... $10k off sticker helps that more than discontinuing it.

None of that makes it any less of a nice car for the $$.

celica8 · February 2006

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06033/648245.stm

blane · February 2006

Hmmmm, I wonder which one will have better reliability and trade-in value after a few years.

goodegg · February 2006

Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years. And I would bet you a martini the Lucerne will prove as reliable as the Avalon. Its as good a boat as the Avalon.

ivan_99 · February 2006

If you go by JP Powers the Buick brand is more reliable than Toyota

Are American cars really that bad

Its too new for Consumer Reports.

blane · February 2006

You wrote "Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years."

If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.

For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.

jchan2 · February 2006

I will take an Infiniti G35 with the Premium Package and Navigation if the car is to be a commuter.

For a family car I will take a Toyota Sienna Limited with Package 3.

blane · February 2006

leadfoot6,

You ought to read the Lucerne review in the March 2006 issue of Car & Driver magazine.

smp123 · February 2006

Volvo S60
Toyota Avalon XLS or Limited.
ES330 (29 hwy)
Volvo S80 (I think it gets >28 HWY)

If I had had a $40k budget, I would have definitely looked at the BMW 530 in a 'previously owned' version.

I drove the 4 above and each has their good and bad points.

05fordexplorer · February 2006

Check out the saab 9-3. This is by far the best buy. Just test drive it. AMAZING..

qbrozen · February 2006

personally, i've found Saab interiors to be pretty pitiful when compared to the competition in its price class. But I realize my opinion in this matter is not widely shared.

fred222 · February 2006

As someone stated in a later post go out 10 years and you may be correct. I purchased a 1999 Intrepid ES new for $23000. It is in very good condition with low (67,000 miles). It is worth about $5000. I would guess that an equivalent 1999 Honda Accord would be worth twice what my Intrepid is. $5000 is a lot of difference even at seven years.

blckislandguy · February 2006

This may not win much points with the political correctness crowd (or the mileage experts) but I have a candidate. It is nimble, handles extremely well, the brakes are world renowned, and comes from a first class manufacturer. The vehicle is a fantastic all weather vehicle with AWD and a low range, is good both on and off road, has a neat stick shift, a 248 HP V6, four doors, 0-60 in under 10 seconds, and is just fun to drive. As a bonus, the dealers are so low volume that they give fantastic customer service. All for roughly 43K new and just under 40K when a year old. Unlike most of the cars mentioned above, you'd be happy driving it for 10 years and 120K miles.

Yep, its made in Stuggart and has a gold crest.

jchan2 · February 2006

I will guess it is a Cadillac SRX. Do they really make those in Stuggart?

laurasdada · February 2006

I'm sure he's referring to the Porsche Cayenne V6, which a couple of reviews I read thought it no bargain at $40k+ when compared to competition at that price point. But drive it yourself and decide...

booyahcramer · February 2006

0-60 in under 10 seconds

$43,000 for that kind of slow?

laurasdada · February 2006

While speed/quickness isn't everything, that was one of the points of the less than favorable review of the Cayenne V6. See Infiniti FX for comparison...

blckislandguy · February 2006

OK, which dimension did you wish to compare? Porsche customer service vs. Infiniti? (Sorry guys, Infiniti hasn't exactly built a Lexus-like reputation for dealership customer service, facilities or strength.) Resale? Brakes? Tasteful styling? Service intervals? Handling? Halo effect of more expensive siblings (the Cayenne has versions that sticker at over 100K)? Dealership parts and service availability? (In New England, believe it or not, there are far more Porsche stores than Infiniti stores.)

laurasdada · February 2006

I'm a life-long New Englander (originally Fairfield County although some don't consider that NE!, currently south of Boston) so I believe it

.

Yes to all. You can compare an FX and a Cayenne in any manner you choose. And only you can decide the winner. For me, the FX has style, the Cayenne does not. Halo effect does not affect me. I was treated quite well by the Infiniti dealer when shopping the G35. As very, very rarely is a car an investment, I don't put resale (no one can predict the future) high on my considerations list. I buy the car I want (heck, I bought a Chrylser 300M, no resale value, but I very much enjoyed my 5.5 years of ownership). I have no interest in buying an SUV, but if I did, the FX would most certainly be on my list. Maybe the Cayenne too, but I'm "frugal," and from reviews (only, haven't driven one) and inspecting both at the NEIAS, I don't see the value in the V6 Cayenne. But, that's just me which is why I say do your own DD, compare/contrast. My "right" could be your "wrong." Of course, you'd be wrong... :P

carrman · February 2006

You wrote "Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years."

If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.

For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.

Get real, trade in values stink no matter what you drive. In my mind if you buy a vehicle based on its trade in value that's a BIG mistake. The buying public needs to wake up and stop falling for the hype of the newest , latest, bestest (is that a word) vehicle. If there is a concern about $$ out lay on a vehicle, it's best to buy a cheaper vehicle to begin with and run the wheels off it.

ivan_99 · February 2006

But isnt depreciation usually calculated from MSRP. I mean the published depreciation figures from magazines and CR.

So for example a Lincoln LS would show a large depreciation from MSRPbut if it was calculated from the actual sale price it may be inline with the imports (Japanese). You just have to wait for the domestic blue light special.

fedlawman · February 2006

I just don't get cars (or whatever it is) like this.

I'd take a Jeep Wrangler AND a Mini Cooper S for the price of one behemoth from Stuttgart

goodegg · February 2006

If there is a concern about $$ out lay on a vehicle, it's best to buy a cheaper vehicle to begin with and run the wheels off it.

There's always a concern about the price of a car. But many many people have the money. You start a business, work your tail off to get it going, it flourishes, you expand a bit, save money, and watch your sales and bank accounts grow (even after taxes). I'd say take a little off the table and enjoy life. Buy a few things to keep you happy while taking the business to the next level. A new car is definitely in the picture (why are we all on this board poking around about vehicles anyway?) $40,000 is a lot for a vehicle - yes - but if you have it to spend.....you don't want the cheapest.

catman2050 · March 2006

Avalon (more comfort) or Infiniti M35 (more sport). I've seen a lot of stuff mentioned in this thread. I don't think I saw the M35 mentioned and I think you ought to at least test that one out.

nkeen · March 2006

Agreed, a Cayenne is neither car nor Porsche. Now the Cayman, that's a different matter, but also lots more than $40K.

My vote's for a BMW 325i. Mine's on order with sport package, sat radio, 6 spd manual and xenon headlights for around $33.5K. It replaces a 2004 Acura TL 6 spd, which is well built but just never drove right. One ride on a country road with the 3 series SP and I was sold. You can really toss it around. BMW isn't the fastest, doesn't have the best numbers. They just connect you to the machine and the driving experience like no other sedan. The BMW is fun. The Acura never really was, although it has a fine, powerful engine.

For a lot less money, look at the VW GTi. The new model is a delight to drive, if you're willing to gamble on the reliability.

jeff43 · April 2006

I really like this car, and it seems like the best value out of all the cars talked about here. It is huge, and it can return 26 MPG with a V-8(29 with a V-6). Forget all the GM predjudices made up by the media, Buick offers the best value for the money, hands down.

jchan2 · April 2006

And Buick now has a warranty that matches the premium brands- 4 years/50,000 miles.

That's still no match for the Koreans, but at least it's better than the old 3/36 plan.

midnightcowboy · April 2006

"a 248 HP V6, four doors, 0-60 in under 10 seconds, and is just fun to drive. "

LOL that is a jumbled Oxy moron if there ever was one!

Not my cup of Tea, but to each his own

MidCow

pusterracing · April 2006

"$40,000 is a lot for a vehicle - yes - but if you have it to spend.....you don't want the cheapest."

The perfect quote as to why NOT to buy a V6 Cayenne. Why would you want to spend the MAX of your budget on the MINIMUM of a line?

If I were in the market for this kind of vehicle and this was the "front runner" offered me, I would much rather buy a

Toureg V8 which has almost identical outside measurements...

For the following reasons on STANDARD EQUIP, and only catergories where there is a difference (I.E. STD vs OPT, STD VS N/A.....no OPT VS OPT)..

_____________Cayenne Base_______Toureg V8_______NOD GOES TO
________________$42K_______________$44K____________Porsche
Engine__________V6 247HP/249TQ_____V8 310HP/302TQ__VW
EPA_____________15/20______________14/18___________Porsche
Cargo Vol_______19.10ft3___________31.00ft3________VW
Payload_________1731lbs____________1250lbs_________Porsche
Turning Dia_____38.40______________38.10___________Toss-Up
Tires___________235/65R17__________255/55R18_______VW
Brake Assist____N/A________________STD_____________VW
Subwoofer_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche
Day Run LTS_____N/A________________STD_____________VW
Airdam__________OPT________________STD_____________VW
Rear Spoiler____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche
Drv/Pas Climate_OPT________________STD_____________VW
Str. Wheel Cont_OPT________________STD_____________VW
Telescopic______N/A________________STD_____________VW
Wood Trim_______OPT________________STD_____________VW
1st Aid Kit_____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche
Heated Seats____OPT________________STD_____________VW
PWR Lumbar______OPT________________STD_____________VW
Memory SEAT_____OPT________________STD_____________VW
Cargo Net_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche
Power Moonroof__OPT________________STD_____________VW
Basic WARR______48/50K_____________48/50K__________Toss-Up
PowerTrain______48/50K_____________60/60K__________VW
Rust____________120/UNL____________144/UNL_________VW

IMHO, the VW is a better buy than the Porsche.......as I said, I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher in a model line, than to blow my entire budget on the bottom rung of a model.

Just my $0.02 about the whole Cayenne theory....

blckislandguy · April 2006

pusteracing, nice chart although with at least one inconsistency, e.g., the cargo volume should be identical between the two and there not be a 33% difference.

By your reasoning ("I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher of a model line, than....on the bottom rung of a model") I guess then that you don't agree with the location/location/location theory of real estate? I think that the V6 Cayenne is a good deal for the reasons I listed. Kind of like why I would rather pick up a small appartment on Park Avenue than a large five bedroom home on Staten Island. A home not on the water on Nantucket than a something on the water in, say, Fairhaven, Ma.

alp8 · May 2006

the location/location/location rule is to be used if you intend to make money with real estate

it has nothing to do with buying a car, unless the reason you are buying it is to retain its value

in which case you might as well just look at a chart of residual values and do the math - you don't need to even consdier how it drives, etc.

but this thread is about more than residual value

I think it's cool that we are comparing used and ew cars, all around a price point. I'd like to see the same approach, but broken down into "segments" - i.e. "best SUV that can go offraod but still drive decent onroad, for 20K"

"best luxo sedan, $30k"

there's a lot to be said for buying last year's best new thing, rather than next year's best new thing

autoboy16 · May 2006

My choice would be a 2005 Nissan Armada Se or Le. The v8 is maaaddddd powerful with 305hp and 390lb ft of torque at a low rpm and gets about 500 miles on a tank of gas highway :P . It may not be the most reliable and spacious nor fuel "efficient" it is a lotta bang for the (lotta) buck.

My other choice would be a 2006 lexus is350 with the 306 hp in a "V6" engine!! The car is fast, luxurious and reliable!

Can some1 buy me either of these $40k for the vehicles? In fact just give me the money so i can buy the exact car or a 1996 accord ex v6 and use the rest to pay off some bills...

poncho167 · May 2006

I agree, it is very nice. Media created perceptions are hard to overcome.

sorter · May 2006

Best car any money can buy, so far.

nkeen · May 2006

re "Best car any money can buy, so far."

Regarding hybrids, I think that if we see genuinely high gas prices in the US ($6-8/gal), and if the trucking lobby (which wants cheap, dirty fuel) could be placated, the direction would be towards low sulphur diesels.

If I had to choose between a fast, tossable BMW 320d (129 mph, 50 miles/imp gal) and a Prius with its rear drum brakes and tepid performance, I know which way I'd go.

fedlawman · May 2006

"Best car any money can buy, so far."

OK, I'll bite. What makes the Prius so great?

pat · May 2006

Actually, the Prius is sorta off-topic here ...

Best vehicle for $40,000

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