I got an email today (in my junk folder) that said I have won a 7-series BMW and 1.5 million in cash, so I might be able to offer you a good deal on a Beemer. Or not.

I wanted a upscale rwd midsize 4 door sedan w/power, comfort and good handling. I wanted reliability and best value. As a purchasing dierctor, I reserched cars just like I would if I were buying for the fleet I purchased for. I compared specs side by side. I looked at Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, Chrsler 300 When I retired in 2012, I purchased a Genesis. It had more Hp, less cost and is a dream on long drives. The 6cylr has over 300 hp and the v8 has over400. It exceeded the competition specs and cost 10-15,000 less than cpmparably equiped cars. Gas milage with my 6 on the highway exceeds 29 mpg. Maint? I replaced the 3 yr battery at about 3.5 years. Changed air filters, oil etc.I would look at 2012 or later First models in 2009-2010 had some handling issues but after tweaking and later a new design by Lotus, the handling is great. Still love to drive it. The six with has plenty of hp at 333. I favor good acceleration and am quite satisfied with it (I also drive a Corvette) and am quite satisfied with what I consuder quite brisk for a sedan. I understand the v8 model is muscle car crazy and elegant at the same time. Genesis is Huyndai's entry into Lexus class. This year Hundai is opening Genesis dealerships separately under the Hyundai brand. Any Hundai or Genesis dealership can repair. 10 yr drivetrain warrenty.

Forgot to mention, Gennys don't have the name brand of a Lexus, BMW, Mecedes yet. Used resale value is a lot cheaper than the big names. Bet you can find a grat deal on a used one.

Look at the Lexus GS instead of the IS.

Has anyone mentioned a Chevrolet SS yet? Good time to get a deal on one!

Honestly the challenger would probably be the most reliable (new) and easiest to deal with in regards to repairs etc. and most comfortable.

quote:

Originally posted by JonDaddy82:
Has anyone mentioned a Chevrolet SS yet? Good time to get a deal on one!

Checked them out. VERY nice. Just not worth the money. There are so many better choices for $50K. Even low mileage late model Vettes are cheaper than that.

quote:

Originally posted by LBTRS:

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
forgot to add, my budget is 30K

Since when can you buy "high end" for $30k?

Both my vehicles cost well over $30k and neither are "high end".

That said, definitely a Lexus for reliability and ease of maintenance. The European cars are expensive to maintain.

----
my bad Chief, I have 30k to PUT DOWN can prob finance another 20, but would rather only fianance 10k

i am looking for a car w "name appeal" , i know that sounds vain, but , as I want a car that is "known" , not a chevy or toyota per se..

quote:

Originally posted by Xtbone97x:
I bought an '07 is250 for my wife brand new and it has been a dream to own. Maintenance costs have been next to nothing and we both enjoy driving it. It is her daily driver with our 4 yr old daughter in tow, so I trust it safety wise as well.

I have driven it on about 5-6 hour drives a few times for work and it is a bit cramped after a while, but I am used to driving a Yukon and an Escalade. I am 6'3" 265lbs and leg room is not an issue at all.

I realize I am going against the grain here a little, but it has been a great car to own.

I did just have it serviced recently for the 110k mile service and got a '17 es350 as a loaner. I am almost positive that will be our next vehicle.

-Jeff

I am curious , how was the ride on the IS 250??

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
i am looking for a car w "name appeal" , i know that sounds vain, but , as I want a car that is "known" , not a chevy or toyota per se..

If you are wanting to score chicks I think you need a Jaguar or a Porsche 911.

quote:

Originally posted by DonDraper:

If you are wanting to score chicks I think you need a Jaguar or a Porsche 911. [/QUOTE]

Shawn ain't never going on a date if he has to spend all his money on car repairs.

I'd go with Lexus. I've ownwed several and none have given me problems. My wife drive an IS300 sportwagon for a few years. Loved the inline 6 engine but the car was cramped. I kept a GS400 for about 10 years and it was a comfortable, fast road car. Stretch the budget and go with the Lexus LS is my advice.

Sewell Lexus was my source for assorted maintenance items and they were great to deal with.

Former Audi owner (S4) checking in...

I bought it new and had the car 10 yrs. After yr 6, you start buying it all over again. That's the way it is with all of the high-end German Marques.

I loved my S4, but, in your case (buying CPO), I would go with Lexus, no question. My brother bought a CPO LS430 and it is all that and a bag of chips. No issues.

A 2 year old E-class beats the snot out of the 3 series and an IS. It would be comparable to the 5 series, but I think has a bit better reliability record. Our E class was remarkably trouble free and both my parents and in-laws also have them and have had very little trouble. The 3 and IS are just flat out too small for road trips.

If you're really worried about reliability, I guess get the most Lexus you can afford. I personally think they are boring and soft, but they do ride good and have great reputations for reliability.

The LS doesn't have a V8 anymore, so I wonder about its power. The GS is a RWD car that might suit you better. I just don't like the look of any of them and think they're way behind all of the Germans in styling.

LMBO, well , i am going thru my divorce, so yes, a classy car is going to be required..currently my ONLY ride is a 1990 full size bronco that is nice, but cant travel in it LOL..im still holding out for the rich old woman who owns a gun shop and liquor store

quote:

Originally posted by PD:

quote:

Originally posted by DonDraper:

If you are wanting to score chicks I think you need a Jaguar or a Porsche 911.

Shawn ain't never going on a date if he has to spend all his money on car repairs.[/QUOTE]

i agree with the above on styling, the IS series is the only one that looks sexy to me in the lexus lineup, and as for the mercedes, i looked long and hard at a used CLS 550, but figured maint/repairs would eat me up

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
and as for the mercedes, i looked long and hard at a used CLS 550, but figured maint/repairs would eat me up

all depends on the car and the mileage. I would be comfortable taking one up to the 130k-140k range with fairly minor repair/maintenance. after that is when they start getting expensive, in my experience. we sold our E and got an ML for a growing family and absolutely love the SUV. its a 2013, bought earlier this year with 38k miles on it for $27k. it is not certified by MB, though. I buy from a local luxury car dealer and have had good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by Xtbone97x:
I bought an '07 is250 for my wife brand new and it has been a dream to own. Maintenance costs have been next to nothing and we both enjoy driving it. It is her daily driver with our 4 yr old daughter in tow, so I trust it safety wise as well.

I have driven it on about 5-6 hour drives a few times for work and it is a bit cramped after a while, but I am used to driving a Yukon and an Escalade. I am 6'3" 265lbs and leg room is not an issue at all.

I realize I am going against the grain here a little, but it has been a great car to own.

I did just have it serviced recently for the 110k mile service and got a '17 es350 as a loaner. I am almost positive that will be our next vehicle.

-Jeff

The es350 has always been a great looking car.

Lexus or Infiniti will be more reliable and easier to get fixed.