I really don't want to get rid of Vicki but wife is pushing me so what do I get? I live just south of Boston so something with AWD would help (not necessary but for me I notice the difference). I really need something fun to drive and it has to be a sedan. I have a thing... Plus family. Reliability has to be high on the list. Budget will be around $8-10k, depending on how much I like it. I really enjoy the whole sport luxury segment which is one of the reasons I drive the cheaper X-Types, I just love the ride and attitude you get for the price. I was looking at a 2007 335xi sedan around the corner with 87k on the clock for $8450 but doing my research it looks like they aren't as reliable as I had hoped at that mileage mark. May be staying away from BMW's at this point due to various reviews. Never really been a fan of Mercedes - should I try? Are my only options a Lexus or another X-Type with lower miles (found a 38k dark blue 3L for $4750, wondering if I should jump on that)? What am I missing?
Thanks for your input!
EDIT: I do prefer the smaller sedans - I had a 2011 XF that was a beast but it was just too big. I find the smallerish sedans more to my liking, the X-Type would be about as small as I'd go.
In reply to chknhwk :
We might live near each other...
How about the Infiniti G35-37? Awd is an option.
I'm over in South Weymouth. I commute to Dorchester every day so it offers a great combination of more affordable houses vs. decent commute. It's not considered one of the better places to live (Hingham, Norwell, etc.) but the school is doing a FANTASTIC job with my son who's seven and on the autism spectrum. Finding a good school for him is super important.
I have actually thought about the Infinitis and while I haven't driven one they seem like they would be too big. Big fan of the VQ engines, however. Overall they don't excite me. I will go drive one to be sure.
In reply to chknhwk :
Ugh, don’t you HATE Route 18?!? (I’m in EB, so many people have moved from Weymouth to EB lately)
Ive seriously considered the awd and rwd G35 but it was the dealership that turned me off so badly I never test drove one.
On paper, they do seem to compete with similar BMW’s.
CAN'T STAND 18. I'm currently house shopping for something in N Weymouth just to get away from 18 (and to have a house rather than a condo...).
I'll look around for a G35/37 to test drive. I also like the MKZs, very similar to what the X-Types would be now if they continued making them, IMO. Would love to get into an Audi but maintenance costs seem like they would be prohibitive as well...
In reply to chknhwk :
Audi: the Juliet to my Romeo. A true love destined to end in death (mine).
What about a Cadillac ATS? AWD and the turbo 4...
I currently have a couple of cars that call for Premium fuel and I have become very "anti-Premium" in my future car shopping. Especially if the car is expected to be a commuter. In general, premium fuel carries a 40 cent to 80 cent cost increase over regular gas. At $2.50 a gallon for regular, a 50 cent increase for premium represents a 20% price increase (75 cent = 30%, $1 = 40%). Said another way, an easy way to save 20% or more on fuel is to buy a car that calls for regular.
In general, your car search is a good task for the Power Search function over at FuelEconomy.gov You can set a year range and then just set it for sedans...with awd...with regular fuel. The Fusion/Milan/Mkz come up high on that list
Naturally, lots of Subaru, Caddy ATS and Saab 9-3. Volvo S60 and S40. Caddy CTS. Opel based Buick Regal too.
chknhwk
HalfDork
2/10/19 10:47 a.m.
In reply to oldopelguy :
NOT a fan of GM products. Wouldn't that turbo 4 be a bit small for a car of that size?
In reply to John Welsh :
I have actually been eyeing the Fusion/MKZ product line for awhile now. I REALLY like your recommendation of looking at it from another angle - be back in a bit!!
Lots of hate out there for VAG products but by and large my B6 Passat has held up well. VR6 4Motion wagon. 8K should find you a good example.
docwyte
UltraDork
2/10/19 11:09 a.m.
I lived in Waltham for 5 years and Sandwich for another five.
hard to beat a Honda/Toyota for reliability. How about a Lexus GS or Toyota Avalon?
In reply to KyAllroad (Jeremy) :
Wife did some driving for VW's test division and swears by those cars, I'm on the fence.
In reply to docwyte :
I'm contemplating a Lexus...
